scholarly journals HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN): preliminary evidence of long term effects of telerehabilitation using an unactuated training device on upper limb function after stroke

Author(s):  
Samantha G. Rozevink ◽  
Corry K. van der Sluis ◽  
Juha M. Hijmans

Abstract Background While short term effects on upper limb function of stroke patients after training with robotic devices have been studied extensively, long term effects are often not addressed. HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN) is a combination of an unactuated training device using serious games and a telerehabilitation platform in the patient’s home situation. Short term effects showed that upper limb function improved after training with MERLIN. The aim was to determine long term effects on upper limb function and quality of life. Methods Six months after cessation of the 6 week MERLIN training program, the upper limb function and quality of life of 11 chronic stroke patients were assessed. Upper limb function was measured using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) was used to measure quality of life. Results The WMFT, ARAT and EQ-5D did not show significant differences 6 months after the training period compared to directly after training. At 6 months follow-up, FMA-UE results were significantly better than at baseline. Time plots showed a decreasing trend in all tests. Conclusion Training effects were still present at 6 months follow-up, since arm function seemed similar to directly after training and FMA-UE results were better than at baseline. However, because of the decreasing trend shown in all tests, it is questionable if improvements will be maintained longer than 6 months. Due to the sample size and study design, results should be interpreted with caution. Trial registration This study is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL7535). Registered 18-02-2019, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7535

Author(s):  
Samantha G. Rozevink ◽  
Corry K. van der Sluis ◽  
Ainara Garzo ◽  
Thierry Keller ◽  
Juha M. Hijmans

Abstract Background HoMEcare aRm rehabiLItatioN (MERLIN) is an unactuated version of the robotic device ArmAssist combined with a telecare platform. Stroke patients are able to train the upper limb function using serious games at home. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of MERLIN training on the upper limb function of patients with unilateral upper limb paresis in the chronic phase of stroke (> 6 months post stroke). Methods Patients trained task specific serious games for three hours per week during six weeks using an unactuated version of a robotic device. Progress was monitored and game settings were tailored through telerehabilitation. Measurements were performed six weeks pre-intervention (T0), at the start (T1), end (T2) and six weeks post-intervention (T3). Primary outcome was the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Secondary outcomes were other arm function tests, quality of life, user satisfaction and motivation. Results Twelve patients were included, ten completed the training. From start of the intervention to six weeks follow up, WMFT improved significantly with 3.8 points (p = .006), which is also clinically relevant. No significant changes in quality of life were observed. Patients were overall satisfied with the usability of the device. Comfort and the robustness of the system need further improvements. Conclusion Patients in the chronic phase of stroke significantly improved their upper limb function with the MERLIN training at home. Trial registration This study is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL7535). Registered 18–02-2019, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7535.


2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (10) ◽  
pp. 654-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maicon Gabriel Gonçalves ◽  
Mariana Floriano Luiza Piva ◽  
Carlos Leonardo Sacomani Marques ◽  
Rafael Dalle Molle da Costa ◽  
Rodrigo Bazan ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: Virtual reality therapy (VRT) is an interactive intervention that induces neuroplasticity. The aim was to evaluate the effects of VRT associated with conventional rehabilitation for an upper limb after stroke, and the neuroimaging predictors of a better response to VRT. Methods: Patients with stroke were selected, and clinical neurological, upper limb function, and quality of life were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear model comparing pre- and post-VRT. Lesions were segmented in the post-stroke computed tomography. A voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping approach was used to investigate the relationship between the lesion and upper limb function. Results: Eighteen patients were studied (55.5 ± 13.9 years of age). Quality of life, functional independence, and dexterity of the upper limb showed improvement after VRT (p < 0.001). Neuroimaging analysis showed negative correlations between the internal capsule lesion and functional recovery. Conclusion: VRT showed benefits for patients with stroke, but when there was an internal capsule lesion, a worse response was observed.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 686
Author(s):  
Anna Degtyareva ◽  
Alexander Razumovskiy ◽  
Nadezhda Kulikova ◽  
Sergey Ratnikov ◽  
Elena Filippova ◽  
...  

This prospective study enrolled 144 patients after surgical treatment of biliary atresia in early infancy. We analyzed the immediate effectiveness of the surgery and the age-related structure of complications in the up to 16-year follow-up. The immediate 2-year survival rate after the surgery constituted 49.5%. At the time of this writing, 17 of the patients had celebrated their 10th birthdays with good quality of life and no indications for transplantation of the liver. The obtained results underscore the critical importance of surgical correction of biliary atresia by Kasai surgery in the first 60 days of life and subsequent dynamic follow-up of patients for the purpose of the early detection and timely correction of possible complications.


2017 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 402-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Kamali ◽  
A Sharpe ◽  
A Musbahi ◽  
A Reddy

INTRODUCTION There is increasing and conflicting research debating the oncological benefits of extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) compared with standard abdominoperineal excision (SAPE). However, there is very little in the literature on the long-term effects on patients’ wellbeing following the two procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the oncological outcomes and long-term quality of life (QoL) of patients at two hospitals having undergone ELAPE or SAPE. METHODS Consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent either ELAPE or SAPE between January 2009 and June 2015 at a single centre were analysed. Oncological outcomes were determined by histology and follow-up imaging. QoL data were obtained prospectively using the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 questionnaires. RESULTS A total of 48 patients (36 male, 12 female; 27 ELAPE, 21 SAPE) were reviewed. The mean age was 67.4 years and the median follow-up duration was 44 months (range: 6–79 months). Four patients (2 ELAPE, 2 SAPE) developed local recurrence. Rates of distant metastasis were similar (ELAPE: 11%, SAPE: 14%). There was no significant difference in mean global health status score (ELAPE: 77.3, SAPE: 65.3). Impotence was the most frequently reported problem (mean symptom scores of 89.7 and 78.8 for ELAPE and SAPE respectively). CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study with the longest follow-up period that compares QoL after ELAPE with that after SAPE. Although more radical in nature, ELAPE did not demonstrate any significant impact on QoL compared with SAPE. There was no significant difference in long-term oncological outcome between the groups. Impotence remains a significant problem for all patients and they should be well informed of this risk prior to surgery.


2014 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. e304
Author(s):  
A. Benoît ◽  
A. Blanchard ◽  
V. Tiffreau ◽  
A. Thévenon ◽  
P. Vermersch ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document