scholarly journals Using Surface Electromyography to Evaluate the Efficacy of Governor Vessel Electroacupuncture in Poststroke Lower Limb Spasticity: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Parallel Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jingwen Li ◽  
Kaiqi Su ◽  
Jinjin Mei ◽  
Yiying Wang ◽  
Shuai Yin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rehabilitation Treatment ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Spasticity ◽  
Lower Limb Spasticity

Background. Lower limb spasticity is a common complication after stroke, which seriously affects the quality of life and rehabilitation of patients. There are different treatment methods for poststroke spasticity. It has been found in clinical practice that governor vessel electroacupuncture (GV-EA) can effectively relieve poststroke upper extremity spasticity, but the efficacy of treatment of lower extremity spasticity needs to be further verified. This study aims to design a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of GV-EA in the treatment of poststroke lower limb spasticity. Methods/Design. This is a randomized, controlled trial. Patients (N = 177) will be randomized to receive routine therapeutic drug and rehabilitation treatment plus GV-EA (experimental group) or routine therapeutic drug and rehabilitation treatment plus EA (control group 1) or routine therapeutic drug and rehabilitation treatment (control group 2). All patients will receive 20 sessions of treatment for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes are the RMS value and the Modified Ashworth Scale. Secondary outcomes include the Fugl–Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) and the Modified Barthel Index score. All outcome measures will be evaluated at the beginning and after the intervention (4 weeks). Discussion. This trial will observe the clinical effect of GV-EA on lower extremity spasticity after stroke, especially its influence on surface electromyography characteristics, and provide high-quality experimental evidence for the clinical application of GV-EA based on surface electromyography in the treatment of poststroke lower limb spasticity. Trial Registration. China Clinical Trials Registry No. ChiCTR1900027969. Registered on 7 December 2019.

scholarly journals Combined Effects of Isokinetic Training and Botulinum Toxin Type A on Spastic Equinus Foot in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot, Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoletta Cinone ◽  
Sara Letizia ◽  
Luigi Santoro ◽  
Salvatore Facciorusso ◽  
Raffaella Armiento ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Stretch Reflex ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Isokinetic Dynamometer ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Spasticity ◽  
Lower Limb Spasticity ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Single Blind

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has been shown effective for poststroke lower limb spasticity. Following injections, a wide range of multidisciplinary approach has been previously provided. The purpose of this pilot, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was to determine whether BoNT-A combined with a regime of a four-week ankle isokinetic treatment has a positive effect on function and spasticity, compared with BoNT-A alone. Secondly, the validity of the use of an isokinetic dynamometer to measure the stretch reflex at the ankle joint and residual strength has been investigated. Twenty-five chronic stroke patients were randomized to receive combined treatment (n = 12; experimental group) or BoNT-A alone (n = 13; control group). Outcome measures were based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. An isokinetic dynamometer was also used for stretch reflex and strength assessment. Patients were evaluated at baseline (t0), after five (t1) and eight weeks after the injection (t2). The experimental group reported significantly greater improvements on lower limb spasticity, especially after eight weeks from baseline. Gait speed (10-m walk test) and walking capacity (6-min walking test) revealed statistically significantly better improvement in the experimental than in control group. Peak resistive ankle torque during growing angular velocities showed a significant reduction at the higher velocities after BoNT-A injections in the experimental group. Peak dorsiflexor torque was significantly increased in the experimental group and peak plantarflexor torque was significantly decreased in control group. Alternative rehabilitation strategies that combine BoNT-A and an intense ankle isokinetic treatment are effective in reducing tone and improving residual strength and motor function in patients with chronic hemiparesis.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of additional core stability exercises in improving dynamic sitting balance, standing balance, lower-limb spasticity, falls and gait in subacute stroke patients (CORE-trial). Study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Cabanas-Valdés ◽  
Lidia Boix-Sala ◽  
Montserrat Grau-Pellicer ◽  
Juan Antonio Guzmán-Bernal ◽  
Fernanda Maria Caballero-Gómez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Core Stability ◽  
Standing Balance ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Spasticity ◽  
Lower Limb Spasticity ◽  
Dynamic Sitting

Abstract BackgroundTrunk impairment produces disorders of motor control, balance, and gait that are correlated with increased risk of falls and reduced mobility in stroke survivors. This creates disability and dependency to perform their activities of daily living. Alterations in body alignment occur, requiring treatment strategies focused on improving the postural control. bearing. Core stability exercises (CSE) are a good strategy to improve local strength of trunk, dynamic sitting, standing balance, and gait. There is some evidence about its effectiveness but it is still necessary to run a large multicenter trial to ratify that existing evidence.MethodsThis is a single-blind multicenter randomized controlled trial. Two parallel groups are compared and both perform the same type of therapy. A control group (CG) (n=110) performs conventional physiotherapy (CP) (1 hour per session) focused on improving balance. An experimental group (EG) (n=110) performs CSE (30 minutes) in addition to CP (30 minutes) (1 hour/session in total). EG is divided in two subgroups, in which only half of patients (n=55) perform CSE plus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Primary outcome measures are dynamic sitting, assessed by Spanish-version of Trunk Impairment Scale and stepping, assessed by Brunel Balance Assessment. Secondary outcomes are postural control, assessed by Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients; standing balance and risk of fall assessed by Berg Balance Scale; gait speed by BTS G-Walk (accelerometer); rate of falls, lower-limb spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale; activities of daily living by Barthel Index; and quality of life by EQ-5D-5L. These are evaluated at baseline (T0), at 3 weeks (T1), at 5 weeks -at the end of the intervention (T2), at 17 weeks (T3) and at 29 weeks (T4). Study duration per patient is 29 weeks (a 5-week intervention, followed by a 24-week post-intervention). DiscussionThe study will provide useful information on the short and long term effects of a physiotherapy rehabilitation program based on core stability exercises performed in subacute phase.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03975985. Data registration June 5th, 2019. Retrospectively registered. Date of registration in primary registry: June 5, 2019. Protocol version 1

scholarly journals A Meta-Analysis: Whether Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improves Dysfunction Caused by Stroke with Lower Limb Spasticity

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Qing-qing Zhao ◽  
Hao-nan Mei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Limb Spasticity ◽  
Lower Limb Spasticity

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in improving lower limb spasticity after stroke. Methods. The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM) disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang databases were searched online from their inception to May 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for lower extremity spasticity after stroke. Valid data were extracted from the included literature, and the quality evaluation was conducted with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions along with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PE-Dro scale). The data that met the quality requirements were systematically analysed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results. A total of 554 patients from seven articles (nine studies) were quantitatively analysed. Outcomes included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Timed Up and Go (TUG), measured as the effect of rTMS compared with controls conditions after treatment. The systematic review showed that rTMS reduced MAS and increased MBI scores, respectively (SMD = −0.24, 95% CI [−0.45, −0.03], P  = 0.02; MD = 6.14, 95% CI [−3.93,8.35], P  ＜ 0.00001), compared with control conditions. Low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS) significantly improved FMA-LE scores (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.13, 0.51], P  = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in FMA-LE scores when using high-frequency rTMS (HF-rTMS) ( P  > 0.1) and in TUG times ( P  > 0.1) between the treatment and control groups. Conclusions. rTMS was effective in improving spasticity and activities of daily living. LF-rTMS has positive clinical effects on enhancing motor function in patients who experience lower extremity spasticity after stroke. To better validate the above conclusions, more multicentre, high-quality, and double-blind randomized controlled trials are needed.

Effects of robot-(Morning Walk®) assisted gait training for patients after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 516-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
JaYoung Kim ◽  
Dae Yul Kim ◽  
Min Ho Chun ◽  
Seong Woo Kim ◽  
Ha Ra Jeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Gait Training ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Conventional Physiotherapy

Objective: To investigate the effects of Morning Walk®–assisted gait training for patients with stroke. Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting: Three hospital rehabilitation departments (two tertiary and one secondary). Patients: We enrolled 58 patients with hemiparesis following a first-time stroke within the preceding year and with Functional Ambulation Category scores ⩾2. Intervention: The patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 30 minutes of training with Morning Walk®, a lower limb rehabilitation robot, plus 1 hour of conventional physiotherapy (Morning Walk® group; n = 28); or 1.5 hour of conventional physiotherapy (control group; n = 30). All received treatment five times per week for three weeks. Main outcome measurements: The primary outcomes were walking ability, assessed using the Functional Ambulation Category scale, and lower limb function, assessed using the Motricity Index-Lower. Secondary outcomes included the 10 Meter Walk Test, Modified Barthel Index, Rivermead Mobility Index, and Berg Balance Scale scores. Results: A total of 10 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving a cohort of 48 for the final analyses. After training, all outcome measures significantly improved in both groups. In Motricity Index-Lower of the affected limb, the Morning Walk® group (∆mean ± SD; 19.68 ± 14.06) showed greater improvement ( p = .034) than the control group (∆mean ± SD; 11.70 ± 10.65). And Berg Balance Scale scores improved more ( p = .047) in the Morning Walk® group (∆mean ± SD; 14.36 ± 9.01) than the control group (∆mean ± SD; 9.65 ± 8.14). Conclusion: Compared with conventional physiotherapy alone, our results suggest that voluntary strength and balance of stroke patients with hemiparesis might be improved with Morning Walk®–assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy.

scholarly journals The effect of combined transcranial pulsed current stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on lower limb spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy classified on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III–V: a randomized and controlled clinical study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Huan Liu ◽  
Shangsheng Dong ◽  
Chuntao Zhang ◽  
Yuan Zhou ◽  
Fang Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Spastic Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pulsed Current ◽  
Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Limb Spasticity ◽  
Lower Limb Spasticity ◽  
Novel Strategy ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract BackgroundIn the current study, we applied a combination of non-invasive neuromodulation modalities concurrently with multiple stimulating electrodes. Specifically, we used transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a novel strategy for improving lower limb spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) categorized on levels III–V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) with minimal side effects.Methods63 SCP children aged 2–12 years who were classified on levels III–V of the GMFCS were randomly assigned to one of two groups, resulting in 32 children in the experimental group and 31 children in the control group. The experimental group underwent a combination therapy of tPCS (400 Hz, 1 mA cerebello-cerebral stimulation) and TENS (400 Hz TENS, max 10 mA) for 30 min, followed by 30 min of physiotherapy daily for 12 weeks. The control group underwent physiotherapy only 30 mins per day for 12 weeks. In total, all groups underwent 60 treatment sessions. The primary outcome measures were the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Evaluations were performed three days before and after treatment.ResultsWe found a significant improvement in MAS and MTS scores of the lower limbs in the experimental group compared to the control group in the hip adductors (Left: p = 0.002; Right: p = 0.002), hamstrings (Left: p = 0.001; Right: p < 0.001, and gastrocnemius (Left: p = 0.001; Right: p = 0.000). Moreover, MTS scores of R1, R2 and R2-R1 in left and right hip adduction, knee joint, and ankle joint all showed significant improvements (p £ 0.05). Analysis of MAS and MTS scores compared to baseline scores showed significant improvements in the experimental group but declines in the control group.ConclusionThese results are among the first to demonstrate that a combination of tPCS and TENS can significantly improve lower limb spasticity in SCP children classified on GMFCS levels III–V with minimal side effects, presenting a novel strategy for addressing spasticity challenges in children with severe SCP.Trial registration: ChiCTR.org, ChiCTR1800020283, Registration22 December 2018, (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=33953&htm=4).

Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Lower Limb Spasticity in Patients Following Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 5-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Qiao Wang ◽  
Mei Hou ◽  
Chun-Ling Bao ◽  
Liang Min ◽  
He Li
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Conventional Treatment ◽  
Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Motor Evoked Potential ◽  
Intracortical Inhibition ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antagonist Muscles ◽  
Limb Spasticity ◽  
Lower Limb Spasticity

Background and Purpose: Lower limb spasticity is often a significant problem in stoke rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture treatment on lower limb spasticity in patients following hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: Fifty-nine patients following hemorrhagic stroke were randomized to receive acupuncture treatment combined with conventional treatment (treatment group [TG]) or conventional treatment only (control group [CG]). Acupuncture treatments were given in 24 sessions over 4 weeks. Blinded evaluation was based on Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), short intracortical inhibition (SICI), and Hmax/Mmax ratio as the primary outcomes. In addition, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Barthel Index (BI), motor evoked potential (MEP) and surface integrated electromyogram (IEMG) were employed as the secondary outcomes. All the evaluations were performed at 14 and 28 days after the start of the treatment. Results: Compared with the CG, the TG showed a significantly greater over-time decrease in MAS for knee (p = 0.022) and ankle (p = 0.017), SICI (p = 0.000) and Hmax/Mmax ratio (p = 0.000). In all patients of TG, we found a greater improvement in lower-limb FMA and MEP but not in BI. IEMG show that TG obtained a greater reduction in spastic agonist muscles and a greater enhancement in spastic antagonist muscles. A significant correlation between a greater decrease in ankle MAS and a greater increase in SICI for spastic muscles was found (r = 0.390, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Acupuncture could improve the lower limb spasticity and motor function, thus providing a safe and economical approach for treating stroke patients. The potential mechanism underpinning the greater improvement may be attributed to a reshape of corticospinal plasticity induced by acupuncture.

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