Three-phase Enriched Environment Improves Post-stroke Gait Dysfunction via Facilitating Neuronal Plasticity in the Bilateral Sensorimotor Cortex: A Multimodal MRI/PET Analysis in Rats

The three-phase Enriched Environment (EE) paradigm has been shown to promote post-stroke functional improvement, but the neuronal mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we applied a multimodal neuroimaging protocol combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to examine the effects of post-ischemic EE treatment on structural and functional neuroplasticity in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. Rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. The motor function of the rats was examined using the DigiGait test. MRI was applied to investigate the EE-induced structural modifications of the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET was used to detect glucose metabolism. Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD)-functional MRI (fMRI) was used to identify the regional brain activity and functional connectivity (FC). In addition, the expression of neuroplasticity-related signaling pathways including neurotrophic factors (BDNF/CREB), axonal guidance proteins (Robo1/Slit2), and axonal growth-inhibitory proteins (NogoA/NgR) as well as downstream proteins (RhoA/ROCK) in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex were measured by Western blots. Our results showed the three-phase EE improved the walking ability. Structural T2 mapping imaging and diffusion tensor imaging demonstrated that EE benefited structure integrity in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. PET-MRI fused images showed improved glucose metabolism in the corresponding regions after EE intervention. Specifically, the BOLD-based amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations showed that EE increased spontaneous activity in the bilateral motor cortex and ipsilateral sensory cortex. In addition, FC results showed increased sensorimotor connectivity in the ipsilateral hemisphere and increased interhemispheric motor cortical connectivity and motor cortical-thalamic connectivity following EE intervention. In addition, a strong correlation was found between increased functional connectivity and improved motor performance of limbs. Specifically, EE regulated the expression of neuroplasticity-related signaling, involving BDNF/CREB, Slit2/Robo1, as well as the axonal growth-inhibitory pathways Nogo-A/Nogo receptor and RhoA/ROCK in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. Our results indicated that the three-phase enriched environment paradigm enhances neuronal plasticity of the bilateral sensorimotor cortex and consequently ameliorates post-stroke gait deficits. These findings might provide some new clues for the development of EE and thus facilitate the clinical translation of EE.

The efficacy of exoskeleton robotic training on ambulation recovery in patients with spinal cord injury: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the efficacy of exoskeleton robotic training on ambulation recovery in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched systematically from their inception to April 2022 for studies on exoskeleton robotic training in patients with SCI. The language was restricted to English. The retrieved studies were screened to select eligible clinical trials. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.

RESULTS

Eleven randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving 456 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis showed that exoskeleton robotic training was more effective in improving FIM [SMD = 0.58, 95%CI = (0.07, 1.10), P = 0.03], LEMS [MD = 4.64, 95%CI = (3.58, 5.70), P<0.05], MAS [MD = 0.76, 95%CI = (0.48, 1.03), P<0.05] and BBS [MD = -3.11, 95%CI =  (-12.59, 6.36), P<0.05] in patients with SCI, compared to conventional gait training(CGT). Subgroup analysis showed that the exoskeleton robotic could significantly improve the walking endurance and walking speed of patients with a duration of injury within 6 months. The sensitivity of inverted funnel plot analysis is low, suggesting that the analysis results of this study are relatively stable.

CONCLUSION

Exoskeleton robotic training improves ambulation in patients with SCI, especially for patients with a course of injury within six months.

Gait quality and function after fampridine treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis - A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Fampridine has shown to improve walking speed, motor control, and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, potential fampridine-induced changes in gait quality and underlying mechanisms, evaluated by three-dimensional gait analysis, are poorly examined. The aim was to examine if two weeks of fampridine treatment would improve gait quality (using Gait Profile Score and Gait Variable Scores from three-dimensional gait analysis) and gait function (using performance-based tests, spatiotemporal parameters, and self-perceived gait function).

METHODS

14 participants with multiple sclerosis were included (9 women and 5 men, age 53.6 ± 12.8 years, disease duration 21 ± 9.1 years) in this cohort study. Tests were completed prior to fampridine and after 14 (± 1) days of treatment. Three-dimensional gait analyses were completed, and kinematic measures were calculated for overall gait quality using Gait Profile Score, and for joint-specific variables, Gait Variable Scores. Gait function was assessed using spatiotemporal parameters, performance-based tests, and a patient-reported outcome measure. Student's paired t-test/Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare baseline and follow-up variables. Sample size calculation for Gait Profile Score required at least 9 participants.

FINDINGS

No fampridine-induced improvements in gait quality were demonstrated. For gait function, improvements were found in performance-based tests (Timed 25-Foot Walk: -11.5%; Six Spot Step Test: -13.9%; 2-Minute Walk Test: 18.2%) and self-perceived gait function (12-itemMS Walking Scale: -35.2%).

INTERPRETATION

Although two weeks of fampridine treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis improved gait function, there was no change in overall kinematic quality of gait.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This work was collected as a part of a registered clinical trial (MUST): ClinicalTrials.govNCT03847545.

Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation versus standard care after acute onset vertigo: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Dizziness and vertigo affect around 15% of adults annually and represent common reasons for contacting health services, accounting for around 3% of all emergency department visits worldwide. Vertigo is also associated with excessive use of diagnostic imaging and emergency care and decreased productivity, primarily because of work absenteeism. Vestibular rehabilitation is an evidence-based treatment for chronic dizziness and supervised group exercise therapy has recently been shown to be effective after vestibular neuritis, a common cause of acute onset vertigo. However, such interventions are not readily available and there is a need for more easily accessible tools. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects on vestibular symptoms of a 6-week online vestibular rehabilitation tool after acute onset vertigo, with the aim of aiding vestibular rehabilitation by presenting a more accessible tool that can help to reduce recovery time.

Methods

Three hundred twenty individuals diagnosed with acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) will be recruited from multiple hospitals in Sweden and the effects of an online vestibular rehabilitation tool, YrselTräning, on vestibular symptoms after acute onset vertigo will be compared to standard care (written instructions leaflet) in a two-armed, evaluator-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome will be the Vertigo Symptom Scale Short Form (VSS-SF) score at 6 weeks after symptom onset. Secondary outcomes include effects of the intervention on activities of daily living, mood and anxiety, vestibular function recovery, mobility measures, health economic effects, and the reliability of the Swedish VSS-SF translation.

Discussion

Participants using the online vestibular rehabilitation tool are expected to recover earlier and to a greater extent from their symptoms as compared to standard care. Since up to 50% of people with AVS without treatment develop persistent symptoms, effective treatment of AVS will likely lead to a higher quality of life and help reduce the societal costs associated with dizziness and vertigo.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05056324. Registered on September 24, 2021.

The impact of diabetic foot ulcers and unilateral offloading footwear on gait in people with diabetes

BACKGROUND

Unilateral offloading footwear prescribed to patients with diabetic foot ulcers elevates one limb relative to the other, which may lead to limp and abnormal gait. This study investigated whether the unilateral foot ulcer and offloading combination negatively impacts gait function beyond diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

Eighty-six participants were recruited in 3 groups: 12 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and unilateral foot ulcers wearing offloading footwear (offloading group, age = 55.6 ± 9.5 years, BMI = 30.9 ± 4.5 kg/m²), 27 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (neuropathy group, age = 64.3 ± 7.7 years, BMI = 30.9 ± 5.4 kg/m²), and 47 non-diabetic controls (non-diabetic group, age = 62.9 ± 16.1 years, BMI = 29.0 ± 6.0 kg/m²). Gait function was quantified during a habitual speed walking test using a validated wearable platform.

FINDINGS

The offloading group exhibited deteriorated gait function compared to the non-diabetic group (p < 0.005, Cohen's effect size d = 0.90-2.61). They also had decreased gait speed (p < 0.001, d = 1.79) and stride length (p < 0.001, d = 1.76), as well as increased gait cycle time (p < 0.001, d = 1.67) and limp (p < 0.050, d = 0.72-1.49) compared to the neuropathy group. The offloading group showed increased gait unsteadiness compared to the neuropathy group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance in our samples.

INTERPRETATION

This study demonstrated that while diabetic peripheral neuropathy deteriorates gait function, including increasing gait unsteadiness and limp, the diabetic foot ulcer and offloading combination magnifies the deterioration beyond diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These findings promote caution of the current standards of care for treating diabetic foot ulcers with offloading footwear. However, it is possible that a contralateral shoe lift may remedy deteriorated gait function and improve quality of life for unilateral offloading users.

Effectiveness of treadmill training on gait function in children with cerebral palsy: meta-analysis

The purpose of this review was to analysis the effects of treadmill training on gait function in children with cerebral palsy. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PubMed and Web of Science were searched. Investigating the effects of treadmill training on gait endurance, gait speed, limb support time, cadence, and step length in children with cerebral palsy. Similar outcomes were pooled by calculating the standardized mean difference. Of the eight studies, 179 participants were included. The average PEDro score was 6.25/10. The results of the sensitivity test for bias evaluation using the duval and tweedie's trim and fill method showed low publication bias. The test regarding the effect of treadmill training on overall gait function yielded a moderate effect size of 0.53, which was a statistically significant effect as its confidence interval did not include. The overall effect size of gait endurance was 0.85. The overall effect size of gait speed and limb support time were 0.52 and 0.73. The overall effect size of cadence and step length were 0.14 and 0.21, indicating a nonsignificant improvement. These findings suggested that treadmill training on cerebral palsy was effective for gait endurance, gait speed and limb support time than cadence and step length.

Effect of preoperative sedentary behavior on clinical recovery after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Prolonged sedentary behavior (SB) may affect clinical improvements following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aim to assess preoperative SB effect on improvements in clinical outcomes after TKA. We hypothesized that patients with high proportion of preoperative SB have small improvements in clinical outcomes after TKA.

METHODS

We recruited 115 adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA), planning to undergo TKA. Knee-specific functional outcomes were assessed using the new knee society score (KSS), including total score, symptoms, patient satisfaction, patient expectations, and functional activities. Gait function was assessed using the timed up and go (TUG) test. SB was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate preoperative SB effect on improvements in clinical outcomes 6 months postoperatively by adjusting for several factors as potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of 115 patients, 82 were included. High proportion of preoperative SB had a significant negative effect on recovery at 6 months in the new KSS total score [β, -0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.53 to -0.12; p = 0.02], symptoms (-0.15, -0.28 to -0.02; p = 0.03), patient satisfaction (-0.22, -0.42 to -0.02; p = 0.03), and functional activities (-0.40, -0.76 to -0.04; p = 0.03) after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of preoperative SB was a risk factor for reduced improvements in knee-specific functional outcomes after TKA. To prevent poor functional recovery after TKA, it is essential to understand the preoperative lifestyle factors and intervene proactively during acute postoperative phase in patients with high SB proportion.Key Points• Preoperative high proportion of SB had a negative effect on improvement in new KSS total scores, symptoms, patient satisfaction, and functional activities.• When considering clinical outcomes after TKA, clinicians should closely monitor patients with high proportions of preoperative SB to prevent poor functional recovery.

An explorative randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The lateral and the posterior approach are the most commonly used procedures for total hip arthroplasty. Due to the detachment of the hip abductors, lateral approach is claimed to cause reduced hip muscle strength and altered gait pattern. However, this has not been investigated in a randomised controlled trial. The aim was to compare the efficacy of total hip arthroplasty performed by lateral or posterior approach on gait function and hip muscle strength up to 12months post-operatively. We hypothesised that posterior approach would be superior to lateral approach.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients with primary hip osteoarthritis were randomised to total hip arthroplasty with either posterior or lateral approach and evaluated pre-operatively, 3 and 12months post-operatively using 3-dimensional gait analyses as objective measures of gait function, including Gait Deviation Index, temporo-spatial parameters and range of motion. Isometric maximal hip muscle strength in abduction, flexion and extension was also tested.

FINDINGS

Post-operatively, no between-group difference in gait function was observed. However, both hip abductor and flexor muscle strength improved more in the posterior approach group: -0.20(Nm/kg)[95%CI:-0.4 to 0.0] and -0.20(Nm/kg)[95%CI:-0.4 to 0.0], respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Contrary to our first hypothesis, the overall gait function in the posterior approach group did not improve more than in the lateral approach group. However, in agreement with our second hypothesis, patients in the posterior approach group improved more in hip abductor and flexor muscle strength at 12months. Further investigation of the effect of reduced maximal hip muscle strength on functional capacity is needed. ClinicalTrials.gov. No.: NCT01616667.

Effect of Mulligan's mobilization with movement technique on gait function in stroke patients

[Purpose] We examined the effectiveness of Mulligan's mobilization with movement (MWM) technique on spatiotemporal variables of gait in individuals who had a stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: Mulligan's mobilization with movement group (n=12) and "weight-bearing with placebo" mobilization with movement group (n=12). The subjects in the mobilization with movement group performed 5 sets of 10 glides a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The mobilization with movement technique comprised grade III movements that involved gliding and resting. The control group subjects performed lunges in the same conditions as those of the experimental group. Gait function was measured in terms of spatiotemporal parameters to determine the effect of mobilization with movement. [Results] The mobilization with movement group showed significant improvements in velocity, cadence, stride length, single-support time, and step length of the affected side, and step length and stride length of the non-affected side. Overall, the mobilization with movement group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in terms of velocity, cadence, and single-support time of the affected side. [Conclusion] Mobilization with movement can be used to improve the gait function of patients recovering from stroke.

The effects of eye movement training on gait function in patients with stroke

[Purpose] The present study examined the effects of eye movement training on gait function in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen patients with stroke were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group underwent eye movement training while the control group underwent general gait training five times per week for six weeks. [Results] Patient walking speed, cadence, and step length were measured by ink-footprint. The experimental group exhibited significant changes in walking speed, cadence, and step length following training, while the control group exhibited no differences. [Conclusion] Findings indicate that eye movement training should be considered as part of a functional gait training program for patients with stroke.

Clinical usefulness of Adeli suit therapy for improving gait function in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a case study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Adeli suit therapy (AST) on gross motor function and gait function in children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Two participants with spastic cerebral palsy were recruited to undergo AST. AST was applied in 60-minute sessions, five times per week, with 20 sessions total over 4 weeks. Assessments of gross motor function, spatiotemporal parameters, and functional ambulation performance for gait were conducted. [Results] Gross motor function, cadence, and functional ambulation performance improved after the intervention in both cases. [Conclusion] Although additional follow-up studies are required, the results demonstrated improved gross motor function and functional ambulation performance in the children with cerebral palsy. These findings suggest a variety of applications for conservative therapeutic methods that require future clinical trials in children with cerebral palsy.

Aerobic and resistance exercise training program intervention for enhancing gait function in elderly and chronically ill Taiwanese patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop an effective exercise training program for enhancing the postural stability and gait function of chronically ill patients to avoid falls.

STUDY DESIGN

Pre training-post-training. Analyses were limited to those randomized to the exercise intervention.

METHODS

The participants were chronically ill patients over 45 years old (47-89 years), of whom 25 completed the 12-week training regimen and assessment in the exercise group, whereas 29 completed the assessment in the control group, suffering from cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or osteoporosis. The average age of the participants was 67.56 ± 10.70 years in the intervention group. All patients in this study signed institutional review board (IRB) agreements before participating (IRB approval no: FEMH-IRB-101029-E, v. 02, date: 20120429).

RESULTS

The results revealed the beneficial effects of regular aerobic and resistance training, which improved in elderly, chronically ill patients. According to our data, most of the gait function measurements exhibited significant differences between the exercise group and control group. The duration of the 'timed up-and-go' test decreased from 7.67 s to 6.76 s (P = 0.00013), and the 'the base of support area' increased from 392.0 cm(2) to 433.2 cm(2) (P = 0.0088). Women attained more significant differences than men in the exercise and control groups (P = 0.0008), and the participants aged 45-65 years had a more satisfactory outcome than those aged > 65 years (P = 0.0109).

CONCLUSION

Regular exercise regimens, such as aerobic, resistance or combination exercise training, enhance the gait function and sense of postural stability in elderly, chronically ill patients. Younger patients attained more positive results than older patients, and women attained more positive results than men. Regular exercise is a means of preventing falls; thus, the government and hospitals should increase promotional measures in aging communities to encourage regular exercise among elderly, chronically ill outpatients.

Effect of a muscle strengthening exercise program for pelvic control on gait function of stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of strengthening exercises for the hip extensors on the gait performance and stability of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were fifteen stroke patients (ten males, five females). The experimental subjects performed a hip extensor strengthening exercise (HESE) program for a total of four weeks. [Results] The experimental subjects showed significant improvements after the HESE program. Especially, walking speed and the affected side stance phase time significantly increased after the HESE program. Furthermore, the affected side stride length and symmetry index in the stance phase significantly increased after HESE program. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the HESE program may, in part, help to improve gait performance ability and stabilize physical disability after stroke.

Changes in gait patterns and muscle activity following total hip arthroplasty: a six-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

Appropriate gait function is an important determinant of the outcome of total hip arthroplasty and relies on appropriate joint motion and muscle activity. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that 6-month postoperative dynamic joint range of motion, time-distance measures and muscle activity in the operated limb in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty differ from preoperative levels and are more similar to those observed postoperatively in the contralateral limb and in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Basic time-distance gait measurements, knee and hip kinematics and electromyographic activity from eight hip muscles were obtained preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in 52 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and in 24 age-matched healthy subjects during treadmill walking.

FINDINGS

Postoperative dynamic hip range of motion for the operated limb (confidence interval differences [-3.9°; -2.3°]) and postoperative knee range of motion for both limbs (operated: [-8.4°; -5.6°]; contralateral: [-8.1°; -5.3°]) in patients with total hip arthroplasty were significantly lower than values for the control subjects (P<0.001). Postoperative gait in patients with total hip arthroplasty was more symmetric than preoperative gait. Preoperative and postoperative electromyographic intensities were higher in patients with total hip arthroplasty than values for the control subjects (P<0.001), and patients had different EMG patterns compared to the control group.

INTERPRETATION

Pre- and postoperative differences not only in hip but also in knee kinematics emphasize the importance of evaluating the dynamic outcome of total hip arthroplasty by assessing joint motion of all lower extremity joints in both legs.