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Nepomuceno P, Souza WH, Pakosh M, Musselman KE, Craven BC. Exoskeleton-based exercises for overground gait and balance rehabilitation in spinal cord injury: a systematic review of dose and dosage parameters. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:73. [PMID: 38705999 PMCID: PMC11070073 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exoskeletons are increasingly applied during overground gait and balance rehabilitation following neurological impairment, although optimal parameters for specific indications are yet to be established. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to identify dose and dosage of exoskeleton-based therapy protocols for overground locomotor training in spinal cord injury/disease. METHODS A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search was performed using the CINAHL Complete, Embase, Emcare Nursing, Medline ALL, and Web of Science databases. Studies in adults with subacute and/or chronic spinal cord injury/disease were included if they reported (1) dose (e.g., single session duration and total number of sessions) and dosage (e.g., frequency of sessions/week and total duration of intervention) parameters, and (2) at least one gait and/or balance outcome measure. RESULTS Of 2,108 studies identified, after removing duplicates and filtering for inclusion, 19 were selected and dose, dosage and efficacy were abstracted. Data revealed a great heterogeneity in dose, dosage, and indications, with overall recommendation of 60-min sessions delivered 3 times a week, for 9 weeks in 27 sessions. Specific protocols were also identified for functional restoration (60-min, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks/24 sessions) and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation (60-min, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks/36 sessions). CONCLUSION This review provides evidence-based best practice recommendations for overground exoskeleton training among individuals with spinal cord injury/disease based on individual therapeutic goals - functional restoration or cardiorespiratory rehabilitation. There is a need for structured exoskeleton clinical translation studies based on standardized methods and common therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Nepomuceno
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Graduate Program in Health Promotion, Department of Health Sciences, University of Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wagner H Souza
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maureen Pakosh
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kristin E Musselman
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - B Catharine Craven
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Wang X, Fu Y, Yang X, Chen Y, Zeng N, Hu S, Ouyang S, Pan X, Wu S. Treadmill training improves lung function and inhibits alveolar cell apoptosis in spinal cord injured rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9723. [PMID: 38678068 PMCID: PMC11055912 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Secondary lung injury after SCI is a major cause of patient mortality, with apoptosis playing a key role. This study aimed to explore the impact of treadmill training and miR145-5p on the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway and apoptosis in rats with complete SCI. SD rats were used to establish T10 segmental complete SCI models and underwent treadmill training 3, 7, or 14 days postinjury. Various techniques including arterial blood gas analysis, lung wet/dry weight ratio, HE staining, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were employed to assess alterations in lung function and the expression levels of crucial apoptosis-related factors. In order to elucidate the specific mechanism, the impact of miR145-5p on the MAPK/Erk pathway and its role in apoptosis in lung cells were confirmed through miR145-5p overexpression and knockdown experiments. Following spinal cord injury (SCI), an increase in apoptosis, activation of the MAPK/Erk pathway, and impairment of lung function were observed in SCI rats. Conversely, treadmill training resulted in a reduction in alveolar cell apoptosis, suppression of the MAPK/Erk pathway, and enhancement of lung function. The gene MAP3K3 was identified as a target of miR145-5p. The influence of miR145-5p on the MAPK/Erk pathway and its impact on apoptosis in alveolar cells were confirmed through the manipulation of miR145-5p expression levels. The upregulation of miR145-5p in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats led to a reduction in MAP3K3 protein expression within lung tissues, thereby inhibiting the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway and decreasing apoptosis. Contrarily, rats with miR145-5p knockdown undergoing treadmill training exhibited an increase in miR145-5p expression levels, resulting in the inhibition of MAP3K3 protein expression in lung tissues, suppression of the MAPK/Erk pathway, and mitigation of lung cell apoptosis. Ultimately, the findings suggest that treadmill training may attenuate apoptosis in lung cells post-spinal cord injury by modulating the MAP3K3 protein through miR145-5p to regulate the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbin Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yingxue Fu
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xianglian Yang
- Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ni Zeng
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shouxing Hu
- Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shuai Ouyang
- Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao Pan
- Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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Hu X, Lu J, Wang Y, Pang R, Liu J, Gou X, Bai X, Zhang A, Cheng H, Wang Q, Chang Y, Yin J, Chang C, Xiao H, Wang W. Effects of a lower limb walking exoskeleton on quality of life and activities of daily living in patients with complete spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial. Technol Health Care 2024; 32:243-253. [PMID: 37483030 DOI: 10.3233/thc-220871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, lower limb walking exoskeletons have been widely used in the study of spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of a lower limb walking exoskeleton on quality of life and functional independence in patients with motor complete SCI. METHODS This was a multi-center, single blind, randomized controlled trial. A total of 16 SCI patients were randomly assigned to either the exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) group (n= 8) or the conventional group (n= 8). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training, including aerobic exercise and strength training. The EAW group additionally conducted the exoskeleton-assisted walking training using an AIDER powered robotic exoskeleton for 40-50 minutes, 5 times/week for 8 weeks. World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM-III) were used for assessment before and after training. RESULTS There was an increasing tendency of scores in the psychological health, physical health, and social relationships domain of WHOQOL-BREF in the EAW group after the intervention compared with the pre-intervention period, but there was no significant difference (P> 0.05). SCIM-III scores increased in both groups compared to pre-training, with only the conventional group showing a significant difference after 8 weeks of training (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION A lower limb walking exoskeleton may have potential benefits for quality of life and activities of daily living in patients with motor complete SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiachun Lu
- The Eighth People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunyun Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Rizhao Pang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiancheng Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Gou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingang Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Anren Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Chengdu Gulian Jinchen Rehabilitation Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Youjun Chang
- Sichuan Rehabilitation Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cong Chang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Xiao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenchun Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Western Theater General Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Wan C, Huang S, Wang X, Ge P, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Li Y, Su B. Effects of robot-assisted gait training on cardiopulmonary function and lower extremity strength in individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Spinal Cord Med 2024; 47:6-14. [PMID: 36972206 PMCID: PMC10795646 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2188392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has been increasingly adopted in many rehabilitation facilities for walking function and activity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the effectiveness of RAGT on lower extremity strength and cardiopulmonary function, especially static pulmonary function, have not been clearly outlined. OBJECTIVE Determine the effect of RAGT on cardiopulmonary function and lower extremity strength in SCI survivors. METHODS Eight databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials comparing RAGT with conventional physical therapy or other non-robotic therapies for survivors with SCI. Study selection required lower extremity strength decline after SCI at baseline. The overall effects of RAGT were calculated using a meta-analytic method. Begg's test was used to assess the risk of publication bias. RESULTS The pooled analysis demonstrated that RAGT may have a positive effect for individuals with SCI on lower extremity strength enhancing (n = 408; standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.14-1.48) and cardiopulmonary endurance(n = 104; standardized mean difference [SMD] = 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28-4.19). However, no significant effect was established on static pulmonary function. No publication bias was observed according to the Begg's test. CONCLUSIONS RAGT may be a useful technique for improving lower limb strength and cardiovascular endurance in SCI survivors. The usefulness of RAGT in enhancing static pulmonary function was not demonstrated by the study. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, given the low number of selected studies and subjects. Clinical studies with large sample sizes will be necessary in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Wan
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Sisi Huang
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Panli Ge
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Zhixiang Wang
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yongqiang Li
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Bin Su
- Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital/Wuxi Mental Health Center, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214151, China
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Araneda OF, Rosales-Antequera C, Contreras-Briceño F, Tuesta M, Rossi-Serrano R, Magalhães J, Viscor G. Systemic and Pulmonary Inflammation/Oxidative Damage: Implications of General and Respiratory Muscle Training in Chronic Spinal-Cord-Injured Patients. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:828. [PMID: 37372113 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Chronic spinal cord injury affects several respiratory-function-related parameters, such as a decrease in respiratory volumes associated with weakness and a tendency to fibrosis of the perithoracic muscles, a predominance of vagal over sympathetic action inducing airway obstructions, and a difficulty in mobilizing secretions. Altogether, these changes result in both restrictive and obstructive patterns. Moreover, low pulmonary ventilation and reduced cardiovascular system functionality (low venous return and right stroke volume) will hinder adequate alveolar recruitment and low O2 diffusion, leading to a drop in peak physical performance. In addition to the functional effects described above, systemic and localized effects on this organ chronically increase oxidative damage and tissue inflammation. This narrative review describes both the deleterious effects of chronic spinal cord injury on the functional effects of the respiratory system as well as the role of oxidative damage/inflammation in this clinical context. In addition, the evidence for the effect of general and respiratory muscular training on the skeletal muscle as a possible preventive and treatment strategy for both functional effects and underlying tissue mechanisms is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar F Araneda
- Integrative Laboratory of Biomechanics and Physiology of Effort (LIBFE), Kinesiology School, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Monseñor Álvaro del Portillo, Las Condes, Santiago 12455, Chile
| | - Cristián Rosales-Antequera
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Clínica Universidad de los Andes, Santiago 8320000, Chile
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felipe Contreras-Briceño
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna #4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Intelligent Healthcare Engineering, Av. Vicuña Mackenna #4860, Santiago 7820436, Chile
| | - Marcelo Tuesta
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile
| | - Rafael Rossi-Serrano
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Clínica Universidad de los Andes, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - José Magalhães
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Exercise (LaMetEx), Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ginés Viscor
- Physiology Section, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Bao Y, Xie Q, Sun XP, Shi JJ, Zhang J, Pan HJ, Li DY, Liang Y. Safety and effectiveness of electromyography-induced rehabilitation treatment after epidural electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury: study protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:819-824. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Putrino D, Krakauer JW. Neurotechnology’s Prospects for Bringing About Meaningful Reductions in Neurological Impairment. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2022:15459683221137341. [DOI: 10.1177/15459683221137341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Here we report and comment on the magnitudes of post-stroke impairment reduction currently observed using new neurotechnologies. We argue that neurotechnology’s best use case is impairment reduction as this is neither the primary strength nor main goal of conventional rehabilitation, which is better at targeting the activity and participation levels of the ICF. The neurotechnologies discussed here can be divided into those that seek to be adjuncts for enhancing conventional rehabilitation, and those that seek to introduce a novel behavioral intervention altogether. Examples of the former include invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation. Examples of the latter include robotics and some forms of serious gaming. We argue that motor learning and training-related recovery are conceptually and mechanistically distinct. Based on our survey of recent results, we conclude that large reductions in impairment will need to begin with novel forms of high dose and high intensity behavioral intervention that are qualitatively different to conventional rehabilitation. Adjunct forms of neurotechnology, if they are going to be effective, will need to piggyback on these new behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Putrino
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John W. Krakauer
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Yang FA, Chen SC, Chiu JF, Shih YC, Liou TH, Escorpizo R, Chen HC. Body weight-supported gait training for patients with spinal cord injury: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19262. [PMID: 36357483 PMCID: PMC9649733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23873-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different body weight-supported gait-training strategies are available for improving ambulation in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). These include body weight-supported overground training (BWSOGT), body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT), and robot-assisted gait training (RAGT). We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effect and priority of each training protocol. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase databases from inception to 6 August 2022. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) being RCTs, (2) recruiting participants with SCI diagnosis and requiring gait training, (3) comparing different body weight-supported gait training strategies, and (4) involving ambulatory assessments. We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare different training strategies using the standard mean difference and its 95% credible interval. To rank the efficacy of training strategies, we used the P score as an indicator. Inconsistency in network meta-analysis was evaluated using loop-specific heterogeneity. We included 15 RCTs in this analysis. RAGT was had significantly more favourable performance than had the control intervention. The ranking probabilities indicated that the most effective approach was RAGT, followed by BWSOGT, BWSTT, and the control intervention. No significant inconsistency was noted between the results of the direct and indirect comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-An Yang
- grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ching Chen
- Taiwan Society of Neurorehabilitation, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.412897.10000 0004 0639 0994Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Fang Chiu
- grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, No. 291 Zhongjheng Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, 235 Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chu Shih
- grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsan-Hon Liou
- grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, No. 291 Zhongjheng Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, 235 Taiwan
| | - Reuben Escorpizo
- grid.59062.380000 0004 1936 7689Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Burlington, VT USA ,grid.419770.cSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Hung-Chou Chen
- Taiwan Society of Neurorehabilitation, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan ,grid.412896.00000 0000 9337 0481Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, No. 291 Zhongjheng Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, 235 Taiwan
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Rehabilitation Program for Gait Training Using UAN.GO, a Powered Exoskeleton: A Case Report. Neurol Int 2022; 14:536-546. [PMID: 35736624 PMCID: PMC9227123 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury is characterized by the interruption of neural pathways of the spinal cord, with alteration of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Robotic-assisted gait training offers many possibilities, including the capability to reach a physiological gait pattern. Methods: A training protocol with UAN.GO®, an active lower limb exoskeleton, was developed. A participant having D10 complete SCI was recruited for this study. The training protocol was composed by 13 sessions, lasting 1.5 h each. The effectiveness of the protocol was evaluated through the mobility performance during the 6 MWT, the level of exertion perceived administrating Borg RPE at the end of each 6 MWT. Furthermore, time and effort required by the participant to earn a higher level of skills were considered. Results: A significant improvement was registered in the six MWT (t0 = 45.64 m t1 = 84.87 m). Data referring to the mean level of exertion remained stable. The patient successfully achieved a higher level of independence and functional mobility with the exoskeleton. Discussion: The findings from this preliminary study suggest that UAN.GO can be a valid tool for walking rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients, allowing the achievement of greater mobility performances.
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Yip CCH, Lam CY, Cheung KMC, Wong YW, Koljonen PA. Knowledge Gaps in Biophysical Changes After Powered Robotic Exoskeleton Walking by Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury—A Scoping Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:792295. [PMID: 35359657 PMCID: PMC8960715 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.792295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to helping individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) regain the ability to ambulate, the rapidly evolving capabilities of robotic exoskeletons provide an array of secondary biophysical benefits which can reduce the complications resulting from prolonged immobilization. The proposed benefits of increased life-long over-ground walking capacity include improved upper body muscular fitness, improved circulatory response, improved bowel movement regularity, and reduced pain and spasticity. Beyond the positive changes related to physical and biological function, exoskeletons have been suggested to improve SCI individuals' quality of life (QOL) by allowing increased participation in day-to-day activities. Most of the currently available studies that have reported on the impact of exoskeletons on the QOL and prevention of secondary health complications on individuals with SCI, are of small scale and are heterogeneous in nature. Moreover, few meta-analyses and reviews have attempted to consolidate the dispersed data to reach more definitive conclusions of the effects of exoskeleton use. This scoping review seeks to provide an overview on the known effects of overground exoskeleton use, on the prevention of secondary health complications, changes to the QOL, and their effect on the independence of SCI individuals in the community settings. Moreover, the intent of the review is to identify gaps in the literature currently available, and to make recommendations on focus study areas and methods for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C. H. Yip
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chor-Yin Lam
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kenneth M. C. Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yat Wa Wong
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Maclehose Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Hong Kong West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul A. Koljonen
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Maclehose Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Hong Kong West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Paul A. Koljonen
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11
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Koyama S, Tanabe S, Gotoh T, Taguchi Y, Katoh M, Saitoh E, Otaka Y, Hirano S. Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor for Gait Reconstruction in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective Study. Front Neurorobot 2022; 16:775724. [PMID: 35250528 PMCID: PMC8894852 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2022.775724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wearable robotic exoskeletons (WREs) have been developed from orthoses as assistive devices for gait reconstruction in patients with spinal cord injury. They can solve some problems encountered with orthoses, such as difficulty in independent walking and standing up and high energy consumption during walking. The Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor (WPAL), a WRE, was developed based on a knee–ankle–foot orthosis with a single medial hip joint. The WPAL has been updated seven times during the period from the beginning of its development, in 2005, to 2020. The latest version, launched as a commercialized model in 2016, is available for medical facilities. In this retrospective study, which included updated results from previous reports, all data were extracted from development research records from July 2007 to December 2020. The records were as follows: patient characteristics [the number of participants, injury level, and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) score], the total number of WPAL trials when aggregating the cases with all the versions or only the latest version of the WPAL, and maximum walking performance (functional ambulation category [FAC], distance, and time of continuous walking). Thirty-one patients participated in the development research. The levels of spinal cord injury were cervical (C5–C8), upper thoracic (T3–T6), lower thoracic (T7–T12), and lumbar (L1) in 10, 5, 15, and 1 of the patients, respectively. The numbers of patients with AIS scores of A, B, C, and D were 20, 7, 4, and 0, respectively. The total number of WPAL trials was 1,785, of which 1,009 were used the latest version of the WPAL. Twenty of the patients achieved an FAC score of 4 after an average of 9 (median 8, range 2–22) WPAL trials. The continuous walking distance and time improved with the WPAL were compared to the orthosis. We confirmed that the WPAL improves walking independence in people with a wide range of spinal cord injuries, such as cervical spinal cord injuries. Further refinement of the WPAL will enable its long-term use at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Koyama
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Shigeo Tanabe
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Takeshi Gotoh
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yuta Taguchi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Masaki Katoh
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Eiichi Saitoh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine I, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yohei Otaka
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine I, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hirano
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine I, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
- *Correspondence: Satoshi Hirano
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Hook MA, Falck A, Dundumulla R, Terminel M, Cunningham R, Sefiani A, Callaway K, Gaddy D, Geoffroy CG. Osteopenia in a Mouse Model of Spinal Cord Injury: Effects of Age, Sex and Motor Function. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020189. [PMID: 35205056 PMCID: PMC8869334 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In the first two years following spinal cord injury, people lose up to 50% of bone below the injury. This injury-induced bone loss significantly affects rehabilitation and leaves people vulnerable to fractures and post-fracture complications, including lung and urinary tract infections, blood clots in the veins, and depression. Unfortunately, little is known about the factors driving this bone loss. In fact, even though we know that injury, age, and sex independently increase bone loss, there have been no studies looking at the cumulative effects of these variables. People with spinal injury are aging, and the age at which injuries occur is increasing. It is essential to know whether these factors together will further compromise bone. To examine this, we assessed bone loss in young and old, male and female mice after spinal injury. As expected, we found that aging alone decreased motor activity and bone volume. Spinal injury also reduced bone volume, but it did not worsen the effects of age. Instead, injury effects appeared related to reduced rearing activity. The data suggest that although partial weight-bearing does not reduce bone loss after spinal cord injury, therapies that put full weight on the legs may be clinically effective. Abstract After spinal cord injury (SCI), 80% of individuals are diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The dramatic loss of bone after SCI increases the potential for fractures 100-fold, with post-fracture complications occurring in 54% of cases. With the age of new SCI injuries increasing, we hypothesized that a SCI-induced reduction in weight bearing could further exacerbate age-induced bone loss. To test this, young (2–3 months) and old (20–30 months) male and female mice were given a moderate spinal contusion injury (T9–T10), and recovery was assessed for 28 days (BMS, rearing counts, distance traveled). Tibial trabecular bone volume was measured after 28 days with ex vivo microCT. While BMS scores did not differ across groups, older subjects travelled less in the open field and there was a decrease in rearing with age and SCI. As expected, aging decreased trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness in both old male and female mice. SCI alone also reduced trabecular bone volume in young mice, but did not have an additional effect beyond the age-dependent decrease in trabecular and cortical bone volume seen in both sexes. Interestingly, both rearing and total activity correlated with decreased bone volume. These data underscore the importance of load and use on bone mass. While partial weight-bearing does not stabilize/reverse bone loss in humans, our data suggest that therapies that simulate complete loading may be effective after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (R.D.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (A.S.); (K.C.); (C.G.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-979-436-0568
| | - Alyssa Falck
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (A.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Ravali Dundumulla
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (R.D.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (A.S.); (K.C.); (C.G.G.)
| | - Mabel Terminel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (R.D.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (A.S.); (K.C.); (C.G.G.)
| | - Rachel Cunningham
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (R.D.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (A.S.); (K.C.); (C.G.G.)
| | - Arthur Sefiani
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (R.D.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (A.S.); (K.C.); (C.G.G.)
| | - Kayla Callaway
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (R.D.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (A.S.); (K.C.); (C.G.G.)
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (A.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Cédric G. Geoffroy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; (R.D.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (A.S.); (K.C.); (C.G.G.)
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Liu J, He Y, Li F, Cao W, Wu X. Kinematics study of a 10 degrees-of-freedom lower extremity exoskeleton for crutch-less walking rehabilitation. Technol Health Care 2021; 30:747-755. [PMID: 34486995 DOI: 10.3233/thc-213144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wearable lower extremity exoskeletons can provide walking assistance for the physical rehabilitation of paralyzed individuals. However, most of the existing exoskeletons require crutches to maintain balance, thus a self-balancing type is needed to improve applicability. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work is to study the kinematic characteristics of a novel lower extremity exoskeleton for crutch-less walking rehabilitation, and evaluate the movement performance through practical experiments. METHODS Based on the human lower limb structure and movement characteristics, a fully actuated 10 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) lower extremity exoskeleton was proposed. The kinematic characteristics of the exoskeleton were analyzed by the D-H method and geometric method, and the model validity was verified through simulations and experiments. RESULTS The closed-form solutions for both forward and inverse kinematics models were obtained. The consistent results of theoretical calculation and numerical simulation have shown the accuracy of the established models. The practical experiments regarding six trials have demonstrated the movement performance of the proposed exoskeleton, including sit, stance, leg extension/flexion, and left/right swing. CONCLUSIONS The kinematic characteristics of the proposed 10-DoF lower extremity exoskeleton are similar to the human lower limb, and it could meet the motion demands of crutch-less walking rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshuai Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,SIAT Branch, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Shenzhen College of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,SIAT Branch, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,SIAT Branch, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wujing Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,SIAT Branch, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,SIAT Branch, Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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