A DEDICATED AMPUTEE SPORTS PROGRAMME IMPROVES PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING AND SPORTS PARTICIPATION

Objective

People with a lower-limb amputation often have a sedentary lifestyle and increasing physical activity is important to optimize their health and quality of life. To achieve this the Amputee Parateam programme was developed. Amputee Parateam is a sports programme that addresses important physical, environmental, and social barriers for sports participation. This programme was evaluated in terms of various aspects of physical functioning and health.

Design

Repeated measures design.

Patients

Thirteen participants with a lower-limb amputation, with a median age of 51 (interquartile range (IQR) 40-63).

Methods

Measurements were performed at T0 (baseline), T1 (after 6 weeks) and T2 (follow-up after 12 months). Outcome measures were walking ability, functional mobility, daily activity, health-related quality of life, and adherence to sports at follow-up.

Results

Walking ability and functional ability significantly improved between T0 and T1. Adherence to sports at follow-up was high, with 11/13 participants still practicing sports weekly. There were no significant changes in daily activity or health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

The Amputee Parateam programme successfully improved walking ability and functional mobility and resulted in a high adherence to sports among the participants. However, these improvements in physical capacity did not lead to less sedentary behaviour in daily life.

The effect of walking with reduced trunk motion on dynamic stability in healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Most people with Parkinson's disease (PD) walk with a smaller mediolateral base of support (BoS) compared to healthy people, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Reduced trunk motion in people with PD might be related to this narrow-based gait. Here, we study the relationship between trunk motion and narrow-based gait in healthy adults. According to the extrapolated center of mass (XCoM) concept, a decrease in mediolateral XCoM excursion would require a smaller mediolateral BoS to maintain a constant margin of stability (MoS) and remain stable.

RESEARCH QUESTION

As proof of principle, we assessed whether walking with reduced trunk motion results in a smaller step width in healthy adults, without altering the mediolateral MoS.

METHODS

Fifteen healthy adults walked on a treadmill at preferred comfortable walking speed in two conditions. First, the 'regular walking' condition without any instructions, and second, the 'reduced trunk motion' condition with the instruction: 'Keep your trunk as still as possible'. Treadmill speed was kept the same in the two conditions. Trunk kinematics, step width, mediolateral XCoM excursion and mediolateral MoS were calculated and compared between the two conditions.

RESULTS

Walking with the instruction to keep the trunk still significantly reduced trunk kinematics. Walking with reduced trunk motion resulted in significant decreases in step width and mediolateral XCoM excursion, but not in the mediolateral MoS. Furthermore, step width and mediolateral XCoM excursion were strongly correlated during both conditions (r = 0.887 and r = 0.934).

SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows that walking with reduced trunk motion leads to a gait pattern with a smaller BoS in healthy adults, without altering the mediolateral MoS. Our findings indicate a strong coupling between CoM motion state and the mediolateral BoS. We expect that people with PD who walk narrow-based, have a similar mediolateral MoS as healthy people, which will be further investigated.

Comparison of ground reaction force and marker-based methods to estimate mediolateral center of mass displacement and margins of stability during walking

Dynamic balance control during human walking can be described by the distance between the mediolateral (ML) extrapolated center of mass (XCoM) position and the base of support, the margin of stability (MoS). The ML center of mass (CoM) position during treadmill walking can be estimated based on kinematic data (marker-based method) and a combination of ground reaction forces and center of pressure positions (GRF-based method). Here, we compare a GRF-based method with a full-body marker-based method for estimating the ML CoM, ML XCoM and ML MoS. Fifteen healthy adults walked on a dual-belt treadmill at comfortable walking speed for three minutes. Kinetic and kinematic data were collected and analyzed using a GRF-based and marker-based method to compare the ML CoM, ML XCoM and ML MoS. High correlation coefficients (r > 0.98) and small differences (Root Mean Square Difference < 0.0072 m) in ML CoM and ML XCoM were found between the GRF-based and marker-based methods. The GRF-based method resulted in larger ML XCoM excursion (0.0118 ± 0.0074 m) and smaller ML MoS values (0.0062 ± 0.0028 m) than the marker-based method, but these differences were consistent across participants. In conclusion, the GRF-based method is a valid method to determine the ML CoM, XCoM and MoS. One should be aware of higher ML XCoM and smaller ML MoS values in the GRF-based method when comparing absolute values between studies. The GRF-based method strongly reduces measurement times and can be used to provide real-time CoM-CoP feedback during treadmill gait training.

Evaluation of Compensation Strategies for Gait Impairment in Patients With Parkinson Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Compensation strategies are essential in Parkinson disease (PD) gait rehabilitation. However, besides external cueing, these strategies have rarely been investigated systematically. We aimed to perform the following: (1) establish the patients' perspective on the efficacy and usability of 5 different compensation strategies; (2) quantify the efficacy of these strategies on spatiotemporal gait parameters; and (3) explore associations between the effects of specific strategies and patient characteristics.

METHODS

We recruited persons with PD and self-reported disabling gait impairments for this laboratory-based, within-subject study. Clinimetrics included the following: questionnaires (New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire, Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index), cognitive assessments (Attentional Network Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA], Brixton), and physical examinations (Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS III], Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, tandem gait, and rapid turns test). Gait assessment consisted of six 3-minute trials of continuous walking around a 6-m walkway. Trials comprised the following: (1) baseline gait; (2) external cueing; (3) internal cueing; (4) action observation; (5) motor imagery; and (6) adopting a new walking pattern. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were acquired using 3-dimensional motion capture analysis. Strategy efficacy was determined by the change in gait variability compared with baseline gait. Associated patient characteristics were explored using regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 101 participants (50 men; median [range] age: 66 [47-91] years) were included. The effects of the different strategies varied greatly among participants. While participants with higher baseline variability showed larger improvements using compensation strategies, participants without freezing of gait, with lower MDS-UPDRS III scores, higher balance capacity, and better performance in orienting attention also showed greater improvements in gait variability. Higher MoCA scores were associated with greater efficacy of external cueing.

DISCUSSION

Our findings support the use of compensation strategies in gait rehabilitation for PD but highlight the importance of a personalized approach. Even patients with high gait variability are able to improve through the application of compensation strategies, but certain levels of cognitive and functional reserve seem necessary to optimally benefit from them.

Objective monitoring of functional recovery after total knee and hip arthroplasty using sensor-derived gait measures

Background

Inertial sensors hold the promise to objectively measure functional recovery after total knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA), but their value in addition to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has yet to be demonstrated. This study investigated recovery of gait after TKA and THA using inertial sensors, and compared results to recovery of self-reported scores of pain and function.

Methods

PROMs and gait parameters were assessed before and at two and fifteen months after TKA (n = 24) and THA (n = 24). Gait parameters were compared with healthy individuals (n = 27) of similar age. Gait data were collected using inertial sensors on the feet, lower back, and trunk. Participants walked for two minutes back and forth over a 6m walkway with 180° turns. PROMs were obtained using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Results

Gait parameters recovered to the level of healthy controls after both TKA and THA. Early improvements were found in gait-related trunk kinematics, while spatiotemporal gait parameters mainly improved between two and fifteen months after TKA and THA. Compared to the large and early improvements found in of PROMs, these gait parameters showed a different trajectory, with a marked discordance between the outcome of both methods at two months post-operatively.

Conclusion

Sensor-derived gait parameters were responsive to TKA and THA, showing different recovery trajectories for spatiotemporal gait parameters and gait-related trunk kinematics. Fifteen months after TKA and THA, there were no remaining gait differences with respect to healthy controls. Given the discordance in recovery trajectories between gait parameters and PROMs, sensor-derived gait parameters seem to carry relevant information for evaluation of physical function that is not captured by self-reported scores.

Management of gait impairments in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A treatment algorithm

ABSTRACT

Gait impairments in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are the combined result of ankle-foot deformities, muscle weakness, and somatosensory impairments. People with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease often experience pain and difficulties when walking, especially barefoot. They also trip and fall frequently and have a lower than normal gait speed and distance. Because these gait impairments and related complaints are disabling, clinical management aimed at improving gait is important. Management involves both conservative and surgical treatment options, each with limited scientific evidence. However, a treatment algorithm that describes both conservative and surgical treatment options is currently lacking. This study sets out a step-wise treatment algorithm, based on evidence, if available, and otherwise reflecting practice-based experience. The treatment algorithm will be of value in daily clinical practice, and will serve as a template for future research.

LAY ABSTRACT

Treatment of gait impairments in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is crucial, because it is a source of great disability. However, many clinicians find it difficult to treat these gait impairments in their daily clinical practice. This challenge is compounded by a lack of clear treatment protocols that take the whole spectrum of treatment options into account. As a result, there is wide variation in clinical practice. To address the widely felt need for a treatment algorithm, we present here a stepwise approach to the management of gait impairments in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Improved Gait Capacity after Bilateral Achilles Tendon Lengthening for Irreducible Pes Equinus Due to Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: a Case Report

Objective

Toe walking due to progressive shortening of the calf muscles is common in people with hereditary spastic paraplegia. Achilles tendon lengthening is a treatment option, but clinicians are often hesitant to use this procedure, as it may result in weakening of the calf muscles and, subsequently, in reduced ankle power and knee instability during the stance phase of gait. We report here a case report supporting that these negative side-effects can be avoided in well-selected people with hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Method

Bilateral Achilles tendon lengthening, combined with bilateral tenotomy of the tibialis posterior and toe flexors, was performed in a 29-year-old woman with uncomplicated hereditary spastic paraplegia who experienced progressive gait instability due to shortening of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles (resulting in irreducible pes equinus).

Results

Bilateral Achilles tendon lengthening resulted in improvement in both subjective and objective outcomes. Self-selected gait speed improved from 0.75 m/s before surgery to 1.07 m/s after surgery (p < 0.001). Knee instability during the stance phase did not occur post-surgery. The ankle moment trajectories normalized after surgery, while peak ankle powers increased.

Conclusion

Correction of bilateral irreducible pes equinus by Achilles tendon lengthening may improve gait capacity in well-selected subjects with hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Tarsal fusion for pes equinovarus deformity improves gait capacity in chronic stroke patients

Background

Gait impairments are common and disabling in chronic stroke patients. Pes equinovarus deformity is one of the primary motor deficits underlying reduced gait capacity after stroke. It predisposes to stance-phase instability and subsequent ankle sprain or falls. This instability is most pronounced when walking barefoot. Tarsal fusion is a recommended treatment option for varus deformity, but scientific evidence is sparse. We therefore evaluated whether a tarsal fusion improved barefoot walking capacity in chronic stroke patients with pes equinovarus deformity.

Methods

Ten patients with a pes equinovarus deformity secondary to supratentorial stroke underwent surgical correction involving a tarsal fusion of one or more joints. Instrumented gait analysis was performed pre- and postoperatively using a repeated-measures design. Primary outcome measure was gait speed.

Results

Walking speed significantly improved by 32% after surgery (0.38 m/s ± 0.20 to 0.50 m/s ± 0.17, p = 0.007). Significant improvement was also observed when looking at cadence (p = 0.028), stride length (p = 0.016), and paretic step length (p = 0.005). Step length on the nonparetic side did not change. Peak ankle moment increased significantly on the nonparetic side (p = 0.021), but not on the paretic side (p = 0.580). In addition, functional ambulation scores increased significantly (p = 0.008), as did satisfaction with gait performance (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Tarsal fusion for equinovarus deformity in chronic stroke patients improves gait capacity, and the degree of improvement is of clinical relevance. Our results suggest that the improved gait capacity may be related to better prepositioning and loading of the paretic foot, leading to larger paretic step length and nonparetic ankle kinetics.

Questionnaire results of user experiences with wearable exoskeletons and their preferences for sensory feedback

BACKGROUND

Wearable exoskeletons can be a powerful tool for the facilitation of ambulation of complete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) subjects, which has several psychological and physical advantages. However, exoskeleton control is difficult for this group of users and requires a long period of training. People with SCI not only lack the motor control, but also miss the sensory information from below the level of the lesion, which is for example very important in their perception of body posture and makes balancing with an exoskeleton difficult. It is hypothesized that through sensory substitution part of the missing sensory information can be provided and might thereby improve the control of an exoskeleton. However, it is not known which information would be most important to receive while using an exoskeleton and how this feedback should be provided.

METHODS

To investigate the preferences of users of an exoskeleton, a questionnaire was filled out by 10 SCI subjects who underwent a training program with a commercial exoskeleton (ReWalk). The questionnaire consisted of questions about the use of the exoskeleton to identify which information is missing and which instructions from the therapists were needed to be able to control the exoskeleton. The second part of the questionnaire focused on the possibilities of sensory feedback and preferences for stimulation methods (auditory, vibrotactile or visual) and feedback timing (discrete or continuous) were investigated. Furthermore, six options for feedback parameters (step initiation, continuous and discrete gait phases, foot position and mediolateral and anteroposterior weight shift) were proposed and the respondents were asked to indicate their preferences.

RESULTS

Three feedback parameters (feedback about mediolateral and anteroposterior weight shift and feedback about step initiation) were considered as possibly helpful by the respondents. Furthermore, there were slight preferences for the use of vibrotactile (over auditory and visual) and discrete (over continuous) feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

The answers of the respondents on the optimal feedback parameters were rather variable and therefore it is recommended to let the users choose their preferred feedback system during a training session with several feedback options. However, there are slight preferences for the use of vibrotactile stimulation provided in a discrete way.

Posterior cruciate ligament recruitment affects antero-posterior translation during flexion gap distraction in total knee replacement. An intraoperative study involving 50 patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Because of the oblique orientation of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), flexion gap distraction could lead to anterior movement of the tibia, which would influence the tibiofemoral contact point. This would affect the kinematics of the TKR. We assessed the flexion gap parameters when the knee is distracted during implantation of a PCL-retaining TKR. Furthermore, the effects of PCL elevation (steep or flat) and collateral ligament releases on the flexion gap parameters were determined.

METHODS

During a ligament-guided TKR procedure in 50 knees, the flexion gap was distracted with a double-spring tensor with 200N after the tibia had been cut. The flexion gap height, anterior tibial translation, and femoral rotation were measured intraoperatively using a CT-free navigation system.

RESULTS

During flexion gap distraction, the greatest displacement was seen in anterior-posterior direction. Mean ratio between increase in gap height and tibial translation was 1 to 1.9, and was highest for knees with a steep PCL (1 to 2.3). Knees with a flat PCL and knees with a ligament release had a larger increase in PCL elevation when the gap was distracted.

INTERPRETATION

When the PCL is tensioned, every extra mm that the flexion gap is distracted can be expected to move the tibia anteriorly by at least 1.7 mm (flat PCL), or more if there is a steep PCL. This changes the tibiofemoral contact point, which may have consequences for polyethylene wear.