scholarly journals Virtual Reality and Physiotherapy in Post-Stroke Functional Re-Education of the Lower Extremity: A Controlled Clinical Trial on a New Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1210
Author(s):  
Carlos Luque-Moreno ◽  
Pawel Kiper ◽  
Ignacio Solís-Marcos ◽  
Michela Agostini ◽  
Andrea Polli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Functional Independence Measure ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Trunk Control ◽  
Post Stroke

Numerous Virtual Reality (VR) systems address post-stroke functional recovery of the lower extremity (LE), most of them with low early applicability due to the gait autonomy they require. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a specific VR treatment and its clinical effect on LE functionality, gait, balance, and trunk control post-stroke. A controlled, prospective, clinical trial was carried out with 20 stroke patients, who were divided into two groups: the first group (VR + CP; n = 10) received combined therapy of 1 h VR and 1 h of conventional physiotherapy (CP) and the second group (CP; n = 10) received 2 h of CP (5 days/week, for 3 weeks). The following pre-post-intervention measuring scales were used: Functional Ambulatory Scale (FAC), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FM), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Trunk Control Test (TCT). Only VR + CP showed a significant improvement in FAC. In FIM, CP presented a tendency to significance, whereas VR + CP showed significance. Both groups improved significantly in FM (especially in amplitude/pain in VR + CP and in sensitivity in CP) and in BBS. In TCT, there was a non-significant improvement in both groups. The results indicate that the intervention with VR is a feasible treatment in the post-stroke functional re-education of the LE, with the potential to be an optimal complement of CP.

Upper limbs cycle ergometer increases muscle strength, trunk control and independence of acute stroke subjects: A randomized clinical trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Douglas Rafael da Rosa Pinheiro ◽  
Maria Eduarda Parcianello Cabeleira ◽  
Luigi Antonio da Campo ◽  
Laís Andrielli Ferreira Gattino ◽  
Kellen Sábio de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Upper Limbs ◽  
Trunk Control ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Conventional Physiotherapy

BACKGROUND: Studies demonstrate the benefits of upper limbs cycle ergometer (ULCE) in subacute and chronic stroke subjects, but the literature still needs to explore the acute phase of the disease. OBJECTIVE: Verify the effects of ULCE on muscular strength, trunk control and independence of post-stroke subjects in hospital acute phase. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial participants were allocated into two groups. The control group (CG) performed two daily sessions of conventional physiotherapy, while the intervention group (IG) had one daily session of conventional physiotherapy and one of ULCE. The interventions were carried out for 20 minutes for five days. Both groups were assessed before and after the treatment for upper limbs strength by manual dynamometer, trunk control by Trunk Impairment Scale and level of independence by the Modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Twenty subjects with mean ages of 63.5±4.5 were enrolled. There was a significant intra-group difference of palmar grip, shoulder abductors, elbow flexor and wrist extensor strength, trunk control and functional independence only in IG. Inter-group difference for all variables showed superiority in IG. CONCLUSIONS: ULCE is an effective device for increasing muscle strength, trunk control and consequently improving the independence of post-stroke subjects in the acute hospital phase.

scholarly journals Balance rehabilitation with a virtual reality protocol for patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia: Protocol for a clinical trial

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249095
Author(s):  
Bianca Simone Zeigelboim ◽  
Maria Renata José ◽  
Geslaine Janaina Bueno dos Santos ◽  
Maria Izabel Rodrigues Severiano ◽  
Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia ◽  
Vestibular Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Spastic Paraplegia ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Group I ◽  
Alternative Treatment Option

Background Neurodegenerative diseases are sporadic hereditary conditions characterized by progressive dysfunction of the nervous system. Among the symptoms, vestibulopathy is one of the causes of discomfort and a decrease in quality of life. Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a heterogeneous group of hereditary degenerative diseases involving the disorder of a single gene and is characterized by the progressive retrograde degeneration of fibers in the spinal cord. Objective To determine the benefits of vestibular rehabilitation involving virtual reality by comparing pre intervention and post intervention assessments in individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegia. Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial from the Rebec platform RBR-3jmx67 in which allocation concealment was performed and the evaluators be blinded will be included. The participants will include 40 patients diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia. The interventions will include vestibular rehabilitation with virtual reality using the Wii® console, Wii-Remote and Wii Balance Board (Nintendo), and the studies will include pre- and post intervention assessments. Group I will include twenty volunteers who performed balance games. Group II will include twenty volunteers who performed balance games and muscle strength games. The games lasted from 30 minutes to an hour, and the sessions were performed twice a week for 10 weeks (total: 20 sessions). Results This study provides a definitive assessment of the effectiveness of a virtual reality vestibular rehabilitation program in halting the progression of hereditary spastic paraplegia, and this treatment can be personalized and affordable. Conclusion The study will determine whether a vestibular rehabilitation program with the Nintendo Wii® involving virtual reality can reduce the progressive effect of hereditary spastic paraplegia and serve as an alternative treatment option that is accessible and inexpensive. Rebec platform trial: RBR-3JMX67.

scholarly journals Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients in Acute, Subacute and Chronic Stage: A Construct Validity Study

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 365
Author(s):  
Cecilia Estrada-Barranco ◽  
Roberto Cano-de-la-Cuerda ◽  
Vanesa Abuín-Porras ◽  
Francisco Molina-Rueda
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Functional Independence Measure ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Assessment Scale ◽  
Validity Study ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
Postural Assessment

(1) Background: Observational scales are the most common methodology used to assess postural control and balance in people with stroke. The aim of this paper was to analyse the construct validity of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) scale in post-stroke patients in the acute, subacute, and chronic stroke phases. (2) Methods: Sixty-one post-stroke participants were enrolled. To analyze the construct validity of the PASS, the following scales were used: the Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC), the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), the Barthel Index (BI) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). (3) Results: The construct validity of the PASS scale in patients with stroke at acute phase was moderate with the FAC (r = −0.791), WGS (r = −0.646) and FIM (r = −0.678) and excellent with the BI (r = 0.801). At subacute stage, the construct validity of the PASS scale was excellent with the FAC (r = 0.897), WGS (r = −0.847), FIM (r = −0.810) and BI (r = −0.888). At 6 and 12 months, the construct validity of the PASS with the FAC, WGS, FIM and BI was also excellent. (4) Conclusions: The PASS scale is a valid instrument to assess balance in post-stroke individuals especially, in the subacute and chronic phases (at 6 and 12 months).

scholarly journals Impact of structured physical therapy intervention on functional recovery in a patient with CAPOS syndrome: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shailesh Gardas ◽  
Aishwarya Mahajan
Keyword(s):  
Functional Performance ◽  
Functional Independence Measure ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Manual Muscle Testing ◽  
Trunk Control ◽  
Control Measurement ◽  
Muscle Testing ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Capos Syndrome

Abstract Background CAPOS syndrome (cerebellar ataxia, areflexia, pescavus, optic atrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss) is a rare congenital autosomal dominant disorder. The resulting neurological sequelae of impairments are progressive in nature and may interfere with functional independence, performing activities of daily living (ADL’s), and subsequently, affecting the quality of life (QOL). Since it is an extremely rare disorder, there is a severe dearth in the literature about how specific physiotherapy interventions may affect their functional status. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and Frenkel’s coordination exercises on functional recovery in a patient with CAPOS syndrome. Case presentation We herein present a case of a 25-year-old Indian male with complaints of generalized body weakness, difficulty visualizing distant objects, nystagmus, progressive sensorineural deafness, and ataxia. He was rehabilitated with a structured/customized physiotherapy protocol consisting of PNF approach and coordination exercises for 4 weeks, 6 days/week, 60 min daily. An improvement in overall functional performance of patient as per post-intervention scores of manual muscle testing, trunk control measurement scale, functional independence measure (components of self-care, transfers, and locomotion), and decline in severity of ataxia on scale for assessment and rating of ataxia scale was observed. Conclusion PNF and Frenkel’s exercises resulted in an improvement in overall functional performance of the patient. Improvement was observed in post-test scores of Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for the components of self-care, transfers, and locomotion. Additionally, results also showed a decline in severity of ataxia on post-test scores of scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) scale (i.e., from severe to moderate).

Adjunctive Therapy to Manage Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Moderate and Severe Dementia: Randomized Clinical Trial Using an Outpatient Version of Tailored Activity Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Alexandra Martini Oliveira ◽  
Marcia Radanovic ◽  
Patricia Cotting Homem de Mello ◽  
Patricia Cardoso Buchain ◽  
Adriana Dias Barbosa Vizzotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Caregiver Training ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) such as aggression, apathy, agitation, and wandering may occur in up to 90%of dementia cases. International guidelines have suggested that non-pharmacological interventions are as effective as pharmacological treatments, however without the side effects and risks of medications. An occupational therapy method, called Tailored Activity Program (TAP), was developed with the objective to treat NPS in the elderly with dementia and has been shown to be effective. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the TAP method (outpatient version) in the treatment of NPS in individuals with dementia and in the burden reduction of their caregivers. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial for the treatment of NPS in dementia. Outcome measures consisted of assessing the NPS of individuals with dementia, through the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Clinician rating scale (NPI-C), and assessing the burden on their caregivers, using the Zarit Scale. All the participants were evaluated pre-and post-intervention. Results: 54 individuals with dementia and caregivers were allocated to the experimental (n = 28) and control (n = 26) groups. There was improvement of the following NPS in the experimental group: delusions, agitation, aggressiveness, depression, anxiety, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, motor disturbance, and aberrant vocalization. No improvement was observed in hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and appetite disorders. The TAP method for outpatient settings was also clinically effective in reducing burden between caregivers of the experimental group. Conclusion: The use of personalized prescribed activities, coupled with the caregiver training, may be a clinically effective approach to reduce NPS and caregiver burden of individuals with dementia.

Combined therapy in advanced stages (III and IV) of follicular lymphoma increases the possibility of cure: results of a large controlled clinical trial

2002 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustin Aviles ◽  
Serafin Delgado ◽  
Raul Fernandez ◽  
Alejandra Talavera ◽  
Natividad Neri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Advanced Stages

The Relationship between Knee Extension Strength and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Dementia

2011 ◽  
pp. 244-256
Author(s):  
Makoto Suzuki ◽  
Hikari Kirimoto ◽  
Atsushi Inamura ◽  
Yoshitsugu Omori ◽  
Sumio Yamada
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Functional Independence Measure ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Knee Extensor Strength

The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of hand-held dynamometer measurements in patients with dementia and determine if predictions about a patient’s ability to perform daily activities can be made from knee extension strength measurements. This study was composed of two rounds of data collection. Sixty patients with dementia were enrolled in the first round to assess the reliability of hand-held dynamometer measurements, and 54 patients with dementia were enrolled in the second round for predicting their ability to perform daily activities. Knee extensor strength was measured twice, separated by a three minute interval, with hand-held dynamometer. The authors also assessed daily activities related to the patient’s lower extremities, including dressing the lower body, using the toile, transferring to the bed/toilet/shower, and walking. Lower extremity activities of the Functional Independence Measure were assessed by the nursing home caregiver that had the most regular contact with each subject. When the Functional Independence Measure score of each lower extremity function was =6 points, the subject was considered to be independent. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97. Bland-Altman plots showed the 95% difference value to be within 2 SDs of the mean. The curves of negative and positive predictive values revealed the following threshold levels: 0.8 Nm/kg was the best predictor for dressing the lower body and using the toilet; 1.2 Nm/kg was the best predictor for transferring to the bed/toilet/shower; and 0.6 Nm/kg was the best predictor for gait performance. Strength measurements taken with a hand-held dynamometer were reliable in patients with dementia, and normalized knee extensor strength was found to be a predictor of the ability to perform activities of daily living.

scholarly journals Influence of New Technologies on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Comparison of Armeo Spring to the Kinect System

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adomavičienė ◽  
Daunoravičienė ◽  
Kubilius ◽  
Varžaitytė ◽  
Raistenskis
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Functional Recovery ◽  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Upper Limbs ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Visuospatial Abilities ◽  
Attention Memory

Background: New technologies to improve post-stroke rehabilitation outcomes are of great interest and have a positive impact on functional, motor, and cognitive recovery. Identifying the most effective rehabilitation intervention is a recognized priority for stroke research and provides an opportunity to achieve a more desirable effect. Objective: The objective is to verify the effect of new technologies on motor outcomes of the upper limbs, functional state, and cognitive functions in post-stroke rehabilitation. Methods: Forty two post-stroke patients (8.69 ± 4.27 weeks after stroke onset) were involved in the experimental study during inpatient rehabilitation. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: conventional programs were combined with the Armeo Spring robot-assisted trainer (Armeo group; n = 17) and the Kinect-based system (Kinect group; n = 25). The duration of sessions with the new technological devices was 45 min/day (10 sessions in total). Functional recovery was compared among groups using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and upper limbs’ motor function recovery was compared using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Hand grip strength (dynamometry), Hand Tapping test (HTT), Box and Block Test (BBT), and kinematic measures (active Range Of Motion (ROM)), while cognitive functions were assessed by the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), ACE-R (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised), and HAD (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scores. Results: Functional independence did not show meaningful differences in scores between technologies (p > 0.05), though abilities of self-care were significantly higher after Kinect-based training (p < 0.05). The upper limbs’ kinematics demonstrated higher functional recovery after robot training: decreased muscle tone, improved shoulder and elbow ROMs, hand dexterity, and grip strength (p < 0.05). Besides, virtual reality games involve more arm rotation and performing wider movements. Both new technologies caused an increase in overall global cognitive changes, but visual constructive abilities (attention, memory, visuospatial abilities, and complex commands) were statistically higher after robotic therapy. Furthermore, decreased anxiety level was observed after virtual reality therapy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study displays that even a short-term, two-week training program with new technologies had a positive effect and significantly recovered post-strokes functional level in self-care, upper limb motor ability (dexterity and movements, grip strength, kinematic data), visual constructive abilities (attention, memory, visuospatial abilities, and complex commands) and decreased anxiety level.

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