scholarly journals Utilization of Robotic Exoskeleton for Overground Walking in Acute and Chronic Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen J. Nolan ◽  
Kiran K. Karunakaran ◽  
Pamela Roberts ◽  
Candy Tefertiller ◽  
Amber M. Walter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Walking Speed ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Overground Walking ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Spatial Symmetry

Stroke commonly results in gait deficits which impacts functional ambulation and quality of life. Robotic exoskeletons (RE) for overground walking are devices that are programmable to provide high dose and movement-impairment specific assistance thus offering new rehabilitation possibilities for recovery progression in individuals post stroke. The purpose of this investigation is to present preliminary utilization data in individuals with acute and chronic stroke after walking overground with an RE. Secondary analysis on a subset of individuals is presented to understand the mechanistic changes due to RE overground walking. Thirty-eight participants with hemiplegia secondary to stroke were enrolled in a clinical trial conducted at eight rehabilitation centers. Data is presented for four sessions of overground walking in the RE over the course of 2 weeks. Participants continued their standard of care if they had any ongoing therapy at the time of study enrollment. Gait speed during the 10 Meter Walk Test, Gait deviations and the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) data were collected before (baseline) and after (follow-up) the RE walking sessions. Walking speed significantly increased between baseline and follow-up for participants in the chronic (p <0.01) and acute (p < 0.05) stage of stroke recovery. FAC level significantly improved (p < 0.05) and there were significantly fewer (p < 0.05) gait deviations observed for participants in the acute stages of stroke recovery between baseline and follow-up. Secondary analysis on a subset of eight participants indicated that after four sessions of overground walking with the RE, the participants significantly improved their spatial symmetry. The walk time, step count and ratio of walk time to up time increased from first session to the last session for participants in the chronic and acute stages of stroke. The RE was effectively utilized for overground walking for individuals with acute and chronic stroke with varying severity levels. The results demonstrated an increase in walking speed, improvement in FAC and a decrease in gait deviations (from baseline to follow-up) after four sessions of overground walking in the RE for participants. In addition, preliminary data indicated that spatial symmetry and step length also improved after utilization of an RE for overground walking.

scholarly journals Changes in Walking Speed After High-Intensity Treadmill Training Are Independent of Changes in Spatiotemporal Symmetry After Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brice Cleland ◽  
Sangeetha Madhavan
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Treadmill Training ◽  
Swing Time ◽  
Walking Speeds ◽  
Post Assessment ◽  
Temporal Symmetry

Objectives: Decreased walking speeds and spatiotemporal asymmetry both occur after stroke, but it is unclear whether and how they are related. It is also unclear whether rehabilitation-induced improvements in walking speed are associated with improvements in symmetry or greater asymmetry. High-intensity speed-based treadmill training (HISTT) is a recent rehabilitative strategy whose effects on symmetry are unclear. The purpose of this study was to: (1) assess whether walking speed is cross-sectionally associated with spatiotemporal symmetry in chronic stroke, (2) determine whether HISTT leads to changes in the spatiotemporal symmetry of walking, and (3) evaluate whether HISTT-induced changes in walking speed are associated with changes in spatiotemporal symmetry.Methods: Eighty-one participants with chronic stroke performed 4 weeks of HISTT. At pre, post, and 3-month follow-up assessments, comfortable and maximal walking speed were measured with the 10-meter walk test, and spatiotemporal characteristics of walking were measured with the GAITRite mat. Step length and swing time were expressed as symmetry ratios (paretic/non-paretic). Changes in walking speed and symmetry were calculated and the association was determined.Results: At pre-assessment, step length and swing time asymmetries were present (p < 0.001). Greater temporal symmetry was associated with faster walking speeds (p ≤ 0.001). After HISTT, walking speeds increased from pre-assessment to post-assessment and follow-up (p ≤ 0.002). There were no changes in spatiotemporal symmetry (p ≥ 0.10). Change in walking speed was not associated with change in spatial or temporal symmetry from pre- to post-assessment or from post-assessment to follow-up (R2 ≤ 0.01, p ≥ 0.37).Conclusions: HISTT improves walking speed but does not systematically improve or worsen spatiotemporal symmetry. Clinicians may need to pair walking interventions like HISTT with another intervention designed to improve walking symmetry simultaneously. The cross-sectional relation between temporal symmetry and walking speed may be mediated by other factors, and not be causative.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Treadmill and Overground Walking Effects on Step Cycle Asymmetry in Young and Older Individuals

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanatsu Nagano ◽  
Rezaul K. Begg ◽  
William A. Sparrow ◽  
Simon Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Treadmill Walking ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Overground Walking ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Step Cycle ◽  
Step Velocity

Although lower limb strength becomes asymmetrical with age, past studies of aging effects on gait biomechanics have usually analyzed only one limb. This experiment measured how aging and treadmill surface influenced both dominant and nondominant step parameters in older (mean 74.0 y) and young participants (mean 21.9 y). Step-cycle parameters were obtained from 3-dimensional position/time data during preferred-speed walking for 40 trials along a 10 m walkway and for 10 minutes of treadmill walking. Walking speed (young 1.23 m/s, older 1.24 m/s) and step velocity for the two age groups were similar in overground walking but older adults showed significantly slower walking speed (young 1.26 m/s, older 1.05 m/s) and step velocity on the treadmill due to reduced step length and prolonged step time. Older adults had shorter step length than young adults and both groups reduced step length on the treadmill. Step velocity and length of older adults’ dominant limb was asymmetrically larger. Older adults increased the proportion of double support in step time when treadmill walking. This adaptation combined with reduced step velocity and length may preserve balance. The results suggest that bilateral analyses should be employed to accurately describe asymmetric features of gait especially for older adults.

Using a cane for one month does not improve walking or social participation in chronic stroke: An attention-controlled randomized trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110208
Author(s):  
Patrick Roberto Avelino ◽  
Lucas Rodrigues Nascimento ◽  
Louise Ada ◽  
Kênia Kiefer Parreiras de Menezes ◽  
Luci Fuscaldi Teixeira-Salmela
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Walking Capacity ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Experimental Group

Objective: To examine the effects of the provision of a cane, delivered to ambulatory people with chronic stroke, for improving walking and social participation. Design: Two-arm, randomized trial. Setting: Community-based. Participants: Ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke. Interventions: The experimental intervention was the provision of a single-point cane during one month. The control group received a placebo intervention. Outcome measures: Walking speed, step length, cadence, walking capacity, and walking confidence were measured without the cane to examine its rehabilitative effect. Walking speed was also measured with the cane for inclusiveness, and social participation was measured for examining carry over effects. Outcomes were measured at baseline, and after one and two months. Results: Fifty individuals were included. In the experimental group, mean age was 69 years (SD 14), and walking speed was 0.58 m/s (SD 0.17). In the control group, mean age was 68 years (SD 13), and walking speed was 0.63 m/s (SD 0.15). When walking without the cane, after one and after two months, there were no between-group differences in any measures. When walking with the cane, after one month, the experimental group walked 0.14 m/s (95% CI 0.05–0.23) faster than the control group and after two months, they were still walking 0.18 m/s (95% CI 0.06–0.30) faster. Conclusion: Use of a cane improved walking speed, only when participants walked with the cane. Use of cane for one month did not improve walking outcomes, when walking without the cane. People with stroke would need to continue to use the cane to maintain any benefits in walking speed.

scholarly journals Rapid and Long-term Adaptations in Gait Symmetry Following Unilateral Step Training in People With Hemiparesis

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 474-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer H Kahn ◽  
T George Hornby
Keyword(s):  
Step Length ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Overground Walking ◽  
Gait Symmetry ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Impaired Limb ◽  
Repeated Training ◽  
Minute Session

Background and Objective Evidence for specific physical interventions that improve walking symmetry in individuals with hemiparesis poststroke is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the rapid and prolonged effects of unilateral step training (UST) on step length asymmetry (SLA) in people with hemiparesis. Subjects and Design Eighteen individuals with chronic hemiparesis and substantial SLA during overground walking participated in a single-group, pretest-posttest study. The study consisted of 2 phases, with 10 subjects participating in each phase; 2 subjects participated in both phases. Interventions and Measurements To investigate rapid effects of UST, the participants completed a 20-minute session of UST on a treadmill with their unimpaired limb, with the impaired limb held stationary off the treadmill. Data for spatiotemporal gait parameters during overground walking at self-selected and fastest speeds were collected prior to and following UST, with follow-up measurements at 1 day and 1 week. To investigate the prolonged effects, the participants completed ten 20-minute sessions of UST. Data for spatiotemporal gait parameters were collected prior to training as well as after every third session, with follow-up measurements at 1 and 2 weeks. Results Immediately following UST, SLA tested during fast-paced overground walking improved by up to 13% (49% reduced to a 36% SLA), with changes retained for up to 24 hours. Following 10 sessions of UST, SLA improved significantly, with changes retained for up to 2 weeks. Limitations Despite repeated baseline measurements, the absence of a control group was a limitation. Furthermore, stepping characteristics during UST were not quantified. Conclusion Unilateral step training may improve spatiotemporal patterns in people with substantial gait asymmetry poststroke. Repeated training may be necessary for maintenance of adaptations.

scholarly journals Long Term Functional Outcomes after Total Ankle Arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0014
Author(s):  
James W. Brodsky ◽  
Daniel J. Scott ◽  
Samuel E. Ford ◽  
Scott Coleman ◽  
Yahya Daoud
Keyword(s):  
Gait Analysis ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Total Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Ankle Arthroplasty ◽  
Objective Functional

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: In vivo gait analysis is the objective functional measurement compared to subjective patient-reported outcomes. Intermediate-term gait studies showed positive results of Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA). To date, there are no published Long-Term functional outcomes of TAA. Methods: Three-dimensional gait analysis with twelve-camera digital-motion capture system and double force plates recorded temporal-spatial (TS), kinematic (KM), and kinetic (KN) measures, in 33 patients who had STAR (28) or Salto Talaris (5) TAA, done pre-operatively and at intervals post-operatively, with last testing at a mean of 7.6 years. Almost half the patients had 8-13 year follow up. Results: Improvements were found in multiple gait parameters, with TS increases in cadence, (+9.5 steps/min; P <0.001), step length (+4.4 cm; P = 0.001) and walking speed (+0.2 m/s; P<0.001), KM increases in total ROM (+2.0 deg; P = 0.026), plantarflexion at initial contact (+2.7 deg; P=0.004), and maximum plantarflexion (+2.0 deg; P=0.049), and KN analysis showed no loss of ankle power, despite patients’ aging. When examining 15 patients with 8 to 13 year follow-up (mean 10.3 years), there were gains in cadence (+9.8 steps/min, p=0.003), step length (3.6 cm, p=0.024), and walking speed (0.17 m/s, p=0.003), and preservation of the increased sagittal ROM of 2.0 deg. The only difference between prostheses was increased dorsiflexion at initial contact in the STARs vs SALTOs (5.9 degrees, p=0.014). Conclusion: This is the first study to report long-term, objective, functional outcomes of TAA, as measured by 3-D digital gait analysis. Even at a decade or more after TAA, patients had sustained improvement in multiple, objective parameters of gait compared to their preoperative function.

scholarly journals Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Motor Learning in People with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 982
Author(s):  
Nitika Kumari ◽  
Denise Taylor ◽  
Sharon Olsen ◽  
Usman Rashid ◽  
Nada Signal
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Motor Learning ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Over Ground Walking

Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that alters neural plasticity through weak, continuous, direct currents delivered to the cerebellum. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) delivering three consecutive days of ctDCS during split-belt treadmill training (SBTT) in people with chronic stroke. Using a double-blinded, parallel-group RCT design, eligible participants were randomly allocated to receive either active anodal ctDCS or sham ctDCS combined with SBTT on three consecutive days. Outcomes were assessed at one-week follow-up, using step length symmetry as a measure of motor learning and comfortable over-ground walking speed as a measure of walking capacity. The feasibility of the RCT protocol was evaluated based on recruitment, retention, protocol deviations and data completeness. The feasibility of the intervention was assessed based on safety, adherence and intervention fidelity. Of the 26 potential participants identified over four months, only four were enrolled in the study (active anodal ctDCS n = 1, sham ctDCS n = 3). Both the inclusion criteria and the fidelity of the SBTT relied upon the accurate estimation of step length asymmetry. The method used to determine the side of the step length asymmetry was unreliable and led to deviations in the protocol. The ctDCS intervention was well adhered to, safe, and delivered as per the planned protocol. Motor learning outcomes for individual participants revealed that treadmill step length symmetry remained unchanged for three participants but improved for one participant (sham ctDCS). Comfortable over-ground walking speed improved for two participants (sham ctDCS). The feasibility of the planned protocol and intervention was limited by intra-individual variability in the magnitude and side of the step length asymmetry. This limited the sample and compromised the fidelity of the SBTT intervention. To feasibly conduct a full RCT investigating the effect of ctDCS on locomotor adaptation, a reliable method of identifying and defining step length asymmetry in people with stroke is required. Future ctDCS research should either optimize the methods for SBTT delivery or utilize an alternative motor adaptation task.

The impact of increasing interbody fusion levels at the fractional curve on lordosis, curve correction, and complications in adult patients with scoliosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Dominic Amara ◽  
Praveen V. Mummaneni ◽  
Shane Burch ◽  
Vedat Deviren ◽  
Christopher P. Ames ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Lumbar Lordosis ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Pelvic Incidence ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Curve Correction ◽  
Surgery Rates

OBJECTIVERadiculopathy from the fractional curve, usually from L3 to S1, can create severe disability. However, treatment methods of the curve vary. The authors evaluated the effect of adding more levels of interbody fusion during treatment of the fractional curve.METHODSA single-institution retrospective review of adult patients treated for scoliosis between 2006 and 2016 was performed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: fractional curves from L3 to S1 > 10°, ipsilateral radicular symptoms concordant on the fractional curve concavity side, patients who underwent at least 1 interbody fusion at the level of the fractional curve, and a minimum 1-year follow-up. Primary outcomes included changes in fractional curve correction, lumbar lordosis change, pelvic incidence − lumbar lordosis mismatch change, scoliosis major curve correction, and rates of revision surgery and postoperative complications. Secondary analysis compared the same outcomes among patients undergoing posterior, anterior, and lateral approaches for their interbody fusion.RESULTSA total of 78 patients were included. There were no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, prior surgery, fractional curve degree, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, pelvic incidence − lumbar lordosis mismatch, sagittal vertical axis, coronal balance, scoliotic curve magnitude, proportion of patients undergoing an osteotomy, or average number of levels fused among the groups. The mean follow-up was 35.8 months (range 12–150 months). Patients undergoing more levels of interbody fusion had more fractional curve correction (7.4° vs 12.3° vs 12.1° for 1, 2, and 3 levels; p = 0.009); greater increase in lumbar lordosis (−1.8° vs 6.2° vs 13.7°, p = 0.003); and more scoliosis major curve correction (13.0° vs 13.7° vs 24.4°, p = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups with regard to postoperative complications (overall rate 47.4%, p = 0.85) or need for revision surgery (overall rate 30.7%, p = 0.25). In the secondary analysis, patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) had a greater increase in lumbar lordosis (9.1° vs −0.87° for ALIF vs transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion [TLIF], p = 0.028), but also higher revision surgery rates unrelated to adjacent-segment pathology (25% vs 4.3%, p = 0.046). Higher ALIF revision surgery rates were driven by rod fracture in the majority (55%) of cases.CONCLUSIONSMore levels of interbody fusion resulted in increased lordosis, scoliosis curve correction, and fractional curve correction. However, additional levels of interbody fusion up to 3 levels did not result in more postoperative complications or morbidity. ALIF resulted in a greater lumbar lordosis increase than TLIF, but ALIF had higher revision surgery rates.

scholarly journals Safety of High-Dose Dabigatran in Elderly and Younger Patients with a Low Bleeding Risk: A Prospective Observational Study

Cardiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Aharon Erez ◽  
Gregory Golovchiner ◽  
Robert Klempfner ◽  
Ehud Kadmon ◽  
Gustavo Ruben Goldenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
High Dose ◽  
World Population ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
End Point

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk for stroke, dabigatran 150 mg twice a day (DE150) is superior to warfarin for stroke prevention. However, there is paucity of data with respect to bleeding risk at this dose in elderly patients (≥75 years). We aimed to evaluate the safety of DE150 in comparison to warfarin in a real-world population with AF and low bleeding risk (HAS-BLED score ≤2). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this prospective observational study, 754 consecutive patients with AF and HAS-BLED score ≤2 were included. We compared outcome of elderly patients (age ≥75 tears) to younger patients (age &#x3c;75 years). The primary end point was the combined incidence of all-cause mortality, stroke, systemic emboli, and major bleeding event during a mean follow-up of 1 year. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There were 230 (30%) elderly patients, 151 patients were treated with warfarin, and 79 were treated with DE150. Fifty-two patients experienced the primary endpoint during the 1-year follow-up. Among the elderly, at 1-year of follow-up, the cumulative event rate of the combined endpoint in the DE150 and warfarin was 8.9 and 15.9% respectively (<i>p</i> = 0.14). After adjustment for age and gender, patients who were treated with DE150 had a nonsignificant difference in the risk for the combined end point as patients treated with warfarin both among the elderly and among the younger population (HR 0.58, 95% C.I = 0.25–1.39 and HR = 1.12, 95% C.I 0.62–2.00, respectively [<i>p</i> for age-group-by-treatment interaction = 0.83). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our results suggest that Dabigatran 150 mg twice a day can be safely used among elderly AF patients with low bleeding risk.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFLAMMATORY DIETARY PATTERN AND INCIDENCE OF PERIODONTITIS

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-36
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Alhassani ◽  
Frank B. Hu ◽  
Bernard A. Rosner ◽  
Fred K. Tabung ◽  
Walter C. Willett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Reduced Rank Regression ◽  
Rank Regression ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazard Models ◽  
Study Population

ABSTRACT The long-term inflammatory impact of diet could potentially elevate the risk of periodontal disease through modification of systemic inflammation. The aim of the present study was to prospectively investigate the associations between a food based, reduced rank regression (RRR) derived, empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) and incidence of periodontitis. The study population was composed of 34,940 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, who were free of periodontal disease and major illnesses at baseline (1986). Participants provided medical and dental history through mailed questionnaires every 2 years, and dietary data through validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine the associations between EDIP scores and validated self-reported incidence of periodontal disease over a 24-year follow-up period. No overall association between EDIP and the risk of periodontitis was observed; the hazard ratio comparing the highest EDIP quintile (most proinflammatory diet) to the lowest quintile was 0.99 (95% confidence interval: 0.89 -1.10, p-value for trend = 0.97). A secondary analysis showed that among obese non-smokers (i.e. never and former smokers at baseline), the hazard ratio for periodontitis comparing the highest EDIP quintile to the lowest was 1.39 (95% confidence interval: 0.98 -1.96, p-value for trend = 0.03). In conclusion, no overall association was detected between EDIP and incidence of self-reported periodontitis in the study population. From the subgroups evaluated EDIP was significantly associated with increased risk of periodontitis only among nonsmokers who were obese. Hence, this association must be interpreted with caution.

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