scholarly journals Spinal Cord Lesion: Effects of and Perspectives for Treatment

2001 ◽  
Vol 8 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 83-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Dietz
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Tone ◽  
The Body ◽  
Treadmill Training ◽  
Spinal Reflexes ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Locomotor Training ◽  
Stretch Reflexes ◽  
Tension Development ◽  
Polysynaptic Reflexes

Following central motor lesions, two forms of adaptation can be observed which lead to improved mobility: (1) the development of spastic muscle tone, and (2) the activation of spinal locomotor centers induced by specific treadmill training. Tension development during spastic gait is different from that during normal gait and appears to be independent of exaggerated monosynaptic stretch reflexes. Exaggerated stretch reflexes are associated with an absence or reduction of functionally essential polysynaptic reflexes. When supraspinal control of spinal reflexes is impaired, the inhibition of monosynaptic reflexes is missing in addition to a reduced facilitation of polysynaptic reflexes. Therefore, overall leg muscle activity becomes reduced and less well modulated in patients with spasticity. Electrophysiologicai and histological studies have shown that a transformation of motor units takes place following central motor lesions with the consequence that regulation of muscle tone is achieved at a lower level of neuronal organization which in turn enables the patient to walk. Based on observations of the locomotor capacity of the spinal cat, recent studies have indicated that spinal locomotor centers can be activated and trained in patients with complete or incomplete paraplegia when the body is partially unloaded. However, the level of electromyographic activity in the gastrocnemius (the main antigravity muscle during gait) is considerably lower in the patients compared to healthy subjects. During the course of a daily locomotor training program, the amplitude of gastrocnemius, electromyographic activity increases significantly during the stance phase, while inappropriate tibialis anterior activation decreases. Patients with incomplete paraplegia benefit from such training programs such that their walking ability on a stationary surface improves. The pathophysiology and functional significance of spastic muscle tone and the effects of treadmill training on the locomotor pattern underlying new attempts to improve the mobility of patients with paraplegia are reviewed.

Osteopathic support of sportsmen during the annual training process

2020 ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Yakupov ◽  
G. I. Safiullina ◽  
A. A. Safiullina ◽  
E. R. Burganov
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
The Body ◽  
Training Process ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Osteopathic Treatment ◽  
Leading Position ◽  
Myofascial Syndrome ◽  
Sports Activities ◽  
Timely Treatment

Introduction. Modern sports places high demands on the functional systems of the body at all stages of the training and competitive processes. High loads create signifi cant background for the occurrence of musculoskeletal diseases, among which the myofascial syndrome (MFS) holds the leading position. MFS negatively affects the functional readiness of the sportsman′s body and is a risk factor for injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In this regard, timely treatment of MFS is important. It creates the conditions for the improvement of sports achievements, for health maintenance and sports longevity. Treatment of patients with MFS should include methods that normalize trophism and muscle tone. Given the problem of doping, the use of non-drug methods, including osteopathy, is preferable. The goal of research — to develop a system of monitoring and osteopathic correction of myofascial disorders (MFD) and to introduce it into the practice of medical and biological support for sportsmen of different categories and levels during the annual training process.Materials and methods. 93 sportsmen (45 women and 48 men), mean age 22,1±1,1 years, representing diffe rent sports were examined. The essence of the proposed system is regular clinical and electroneurophysiological monitoring of the body condition and preventive correction of myofascial disorders in order to exclude their infl uence on the success of sports activities.Results. It was established that the proposed system of monitoring and osteopathic correction led to a signifi cant reduction in clinical and electroneurophysiological manifestations both in local and in extensive forms of myofascial disorders, which allowed to maintain the optimal functional readiness of sportsmen throughout the entire annual training cycle.Conclusion. The system of monitoring and correction of MFS with the use of osteopathic treatment can be one of the elements of medical and biological support for sportsmen during the annual training process.

Design and operation of a tripod walking robot via dynamics simulation

Robotica ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 733-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conghui Liang ◽  
Hao Gu ◽  
Marco Ceccarelli ◽  
Giuseppe Carbone
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Walking Robot ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Software Environment ◽  
Leg Mechanisms

SUMMARYA mechanical design and dynamics walking simulation of a novel tripod walking robot are presented in this paper. The tripod walking robot consists of three 1-degree-of-freedom (DOF) Chebyshev–Pantograph leg mechanisms with linkage architecture. A balancing mechanism is mounted on the body of the tripod walking robot to adjust its center of gravity (COG) during walking for balancing purpose. A statically stable tripod walking gait is performed by synchronizing the motions of the three leg mechanisms and the balancing mechanism. A three-dimensional model has been elaborated in SolidWorks® engineering software environment for a characterization of a feasible mechanical design. Dynamics simulation has been carried out in the MSC.ADAMS® environment with the aim to characterize and to evaluate the dynamic walking performances of the proposed design with low-cost easy-operation features. Simulation results show that the proposed tripod walking robot with proper input torques, gives limited reaction forces at the linkage joints, and a practical feasible walking ability on a flatten ground.

Retention of Hindlimb Stepping Ability in Adult Spinal Cats After the Cessation of Step Training

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. De Leon ◽  
J. A. Hodgson ◽  
R. R. Roy ◽  
V. R. Edgerton
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Full Weight Bearing ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Locomotor Training ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Step Cycle ◽  
Rapid Learning ◽  
Hindlimb Muscle

de Leon, R. D., J. A. Hodgson, R. R. Roy, and V. R. Edgerton. Retention of hindlimb stepping ability in adult spinal cats after the cessation of step training. J. Neurophysiol. 81: 85–94, 1999. Adult spinal cats were trained to perform bipedal hindlimb locomotion on a treadmill for 6–12 wk. After each animal acquired the ability to step, locomotor training was withheld, and stepping was reexamined 6 and 12 wk after training ended. The performance characteristics, hindlimb muscle electromyographic activity patterns, and kinematic characteristics of the step cycle that were acquired with training were largely maintained when training was withheld for 6 wk. However, after 12 wk without training, locomotor performance declined, i.e., stumbling was more frequent, and the ability to consistently execute full weight-bearing steps at any treadmill speed decreased. In addition, the height that the paw was lifted during the swing phase decreased, and a smaller range of extension in the hindlimbs occurred during the E3 phase of stance. When three of the spinal cats underwent 1 wk of retraining, stepping ability was regained more rapidly than when trained initially. The finding that stepping ability in trained adult spinal cats can persist for 6 wk without training provides further evidence that training-induced enhancement of stepping is learned in the spinal cats and that a memory of the enhanced stepping is stored in the spinal networks. However, it appears that the spinal cord can forget how to consistently execute stepping if that task is not practiced for 12 wk. The more rapid learning that occurred with retraining is also consistent with a learning phenomenon. These results in conjunction with our earlier findings suggest that the efficacy of the neural pathways that execute a motor task is highly dependent on the periodic activation of those pathways in a sequence compatible with that motor task.

Stretch of Quadriceps Inhibits the Soleus H Reflex During Locomotion in Decerebrate Cats

1997 ◽  
Vol 78 (6) ◽  
pp. 2975-2984 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Misiaszek ◽  
Keir G. Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Stretch Reflex ◽  
Stance Phase ◽  
Background Level ◽  
Afferent Input ◽  
H Reflex ◽  
The Body ◽  
Afferent Feedback ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Locomotor Rhythm ◽  
Decerebrate Cats

Misiaszek, John E. and Keir G. Pearson. Stretch of quadriceps inhibits the soleus H reflex during locomotion in decerebrate cats. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 2975–2984, 1997. Previously, it has been demonstrated that afferent signals from the quadriceps muscles can suppress H reflexes in humans during passive movements of the leg. To establish whether afferent input from quadriceps contributes to the modulation of the soleus H reflex during locomotion, the soleus H reflex was conditioned with stretches of the quadriceps muscle during bouts of spontaneous treadmill locomotion in decerebrate cats. We hypothesized that 1) in the absence of locomotion such conditioning would lead to suppression of the soleus H reflex and 2) this would be retained during periods of locomotor activity. In the absence of locomotion, slow sinusoidal stretches (0.2 Hz, 8 mm) of quadriceps cyclically modulated the amplitude of the soleus H reflex. The H reflex amplitude was least during the lengthening of the quadriceps and greatest as quadriceps shortened. Further, low-amplitude vibrations (48–78 μm) applied to the patellar tendon suppressed the reflex, indicating that the muscle spindle primaries were the receptor eliciting the effect. During bouts of locomotion, ramp stretches of quadriceps were applied during the extensor phase of the locomotor rhythm. Soleus H reflexes sampled at two points during the stance phase were reduced compared with phase-matched controls. The background level of the soleus electromyographic activity was not influenced by the applied stretches to quadriceps, either during locomotion or in the absence of locomotion. This indicates that the excitability of the soleus motoneuron pool was not influenced by the stretching of quadriceps, and that the inhibition of the soleus H reflex is due to presynaptic inhibition. We conclude that group Ia afferent feedback from quadriceps contributes to the regulation of the soleus H reflex during the stance phase of locomotion in decerebrate cats. This afferent mediated source of regulation of the H reflex, or monosynaptic stretch reflex, would allow for rapid alterations in reflex gain according to the dynamic needs of the animal. During early stance, this source of regulation might suppress the soleus stretch reflex to allow adequate yielding at the ankle and facilitate the movement of the body over the foot.

scholarly journals Treino Locomotor com Suporte de Peso Corporal na Lesão Medular Incompleta

2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 702-710
Author(s):  
Renata Teles Vieira ◽  
Rafaela Machado de Gusmão Oliveira ◽  
Camila Alves Nogueira Barros ◽  
Leonardo Caixeta
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Treadmill Training ◽  
Body Weight Support ◽  
Locomotor Training ◽  
Weight Support ◽  
Cord Injury

Objetivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre o uso do treino locomotor em pacientes portadores de lesão medular incompleta, a fim de verificar os seus efeitos para a marcha destes pacientes. Método. Foi realizada uma busca utilizando os bancos de dados medline, scielo e bvs a partir dos descritores: body weight-support treadmill training (suporte parcial de peso com treinamento em esteira), locomotor training (treino locomotor), spinal cord injury (lesão medular), gait (marcha). Todos os artigos coletados nos últimos 18 anos foram analisados. Discussão. A lesão medular é uma grave síndrome neurológica que causa diversos comprometimentos, inclusive da marcha. Para aperfeiçoar este processo, deu-se início à prática de reabilitação na esteira com suporte de peso corporal. A ampla utilização desta técnica de reabilitação deve-se a maior facilidade para o treino da marcha, a satisfação dos pacientes durante o tratamento e, principalmente, aos bons resultados gerados. Conclusão. Um número significante de estudos mostrou que o treino de marcha com suporte de peso corporal é um meio seguro e confiável, e que surgiu para inovar a reabilitação funcional da marcha. Não há evidência científica para afirmar que o treino locomotor com suporte de peso seja um método superior a outras terapias.

scholarly journals Gait Assistive Exoskeleton Device For Semi Paralyzed Stroke Survivors

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5C) ◽  
pp. 1562-1566
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
The Body ◽  
Human Gait ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Software System ◽  
Measuring Device ◽  
True Time ◽  
Exoskeleton Device

dominant human gait could be a dynamic and time crucial activity and so it needs a true time management surroundings. the most objective is to regain the walking ability for semi-paralyzed stroke affected patients and to assist them walk severally with none support. MEMS measuring device device senses the walking movements of the patient’s healthy leg. By victimisation these values as reference, microcontroller is programmed and interfaced to the motor fastened within the body covering device. Microcontroller is employed to manage the motor in line with the input given by the measuring device. Microcontroller is programmed victimisation PIC CCS Compiler software system. Associate in Nursing body covering device for semi paralytic patients is developed to exercise their muscles and to revive the sensation of walking in their legs at a way lower value than that is offered on the market nowadays

scholarly journals Exoskeleton use in post-stroke gait rehabilitation: a qualitative study of the perspectives of persons post-stroke and physiotherapists

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Vaughan-Graham ◽  
Dina Brooks ◽  
Lowell Rose ◽  
Goldie Nejat ◽  
Jose Pons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
End Users ◽  
Gait Rehabilitation ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Locomotor Training ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Single Use

Abstract Background Wearable powered exoskeletons are a new and emerging technology developed to provide sensory-guided motorized lower limb assistance enabling intensive task specific locomotor training utilizing typical lower limb movement patterns for persons with gait impairments. To ensure that devices meet end-user needs it is important to understand and incorporate end-users perspectives, however research in this area is extremely limited in the post-stroke population. The purpose of this study was to explore in-depth, end-users perspectives, persons with stroke and physiotherapists, following a single-use session with a H2 exoskeleton. Methods We used a qualitative interpretive description approach utilizing semi-structured face to face interviews, with persons post-stroke and physiotherapists, following a 1.5 h session with a H2 exoskeleton. Results Five persons post-stroke and 6 physiotherapists volunteered to participate in the study. Both participant groups provided insightful comments on their experience with the exoskeleton. Four themes were developed from the persons with stroke participant data: (1) Adopting technology; (2) Device concerns; (3) Developing walking ability; and, (4) Integrating exoskeleton use. Five themes were developed from the physiotherapist participant data: (1) Developer-user collaboration; (2) Device specific concerns; (3) Device programming; (4) Patient characteristics requiring consideration; and, (5) Indications for use. Conclusions This study provides an interpretive understanding of end-users perspectives, persons with stroke and neurological physiotherapists, following a single-use experience with a H2 exoskeleton. The findings from both stakeholder groups overlap such that four over-arching concepts were identified including: (i) Stakeholder participation; (ii) Augmentation vs. autonomous robot; (iii) Exoskeleton usability; and (iv) Device specific concerns. The end users provided valuable perspectives on the use and design of the H2 exoskeleton, identifying needs specific to post-stroke gait rehabilitation, the need for a robust evidence base, whilst also highlighting that there is significant interest in this technology throughout the continuum of stroke rehabilitation.

scholarly journals Pain Induced during Both the Acquisition and Retention Phases of Locomotor Adaptation Does Not Interfere with Improvements in Motor Performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Bouffard ◽  
Laurent J. Bouyer ◽  
Jean-Sébastien Roy ◽  
Catherine Mercier
Keyword(s):  
Motor Performance ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Locomotor Training ◽  
Locomotor Adaptation ◽  
Movement Error ◽  
Motor Strategy ◽  
Motor Strategies ◽  
Healthy Participants

Cutaneous pain experienced during locomotor training was previously reported to interfere with retention assessed in pain-free conditions. To determine whether this interference reflects consolidation deficits or a difficulty to transfer motor skills acquired in the presence of pain to a pain-free context, this study evaluated the effect of pain induced during both the acquisition and retention phases of locomotor learning. Healthy participants performed a locomotor adaptation task (robotized orthosis perturbing ankle movements during swing) on two consecutive days. Capsaicin cream was applied around participants’ ankle on both days for the Pain group, while the Control group was always pain-free. Changes in movement errors caused by the perturbation were measured to assess global motor performance; temporal distribution of errors and electromyographic activity were used to characterize motor strategies. Pain did not interfere with global performance during the acquisition or the retention phases but was associated with a shift in movement error center of gravity to later in the swing phase, suggesting a reduction in anticipatory strategy. Therefore, previously reported retention deficits could be explained by contextual changes between acquisition and retention tests. This difficulty in transferring skills from one context to another could be due to pain-related changes in motor strategy.

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