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Berger DJ, d’Avella A. Myoelectric control and virtual reality to enhance motor rehabilitation after stroke. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1376000. [PMID: 38665814 PMCID: PMC11043476 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1376000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective upper-limb rehabilitation for severely impaired stroke survivors is still missing. Recent studies endorse novel motor rehabilitation approaches such as robotic exoskeletons and virtual reality systems to restore the function of the paretic limb of stroke survivors. However, the optimal way to promote the functional reorganization of the central nervous system after a stroke has yet to be uncovered. Electromyographic (EMG) signals have been employed for prosthetic control, but their application to rehabilitation has been limited. Here we propose a novel approach to promote the reorganization of pathological muscle activation patterns and enhance upper-limb motor recovery in stroke survivors by using an EMG-controlled interface to provide personalized assistance while performing movements in virtual reality (VR). We suggest that altering the visual feedback to improve motor performance in VR, thereby reducing the effect of deviations of the actual, dysfunctional muscle patterns from the functional ones, will actively engage patients in motor learning and facilitate the restoration of functional muscle patterns. An EMG-controlled VR interface may facilitate effective rehabilitation by targeting specific changes in the structure of muscle synergies and in their activations that emerged after a stroke-offering the possibility to provide rehabilitation therapies addressing specific individual impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Jennifer Berger
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Centre of Space Bio-medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea d’Avella
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Hersh AM, Weber-Levine C, Jiang K, Theodore N. Spinal Cord Injury: Emerging Technologies. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2024; 35:243-251. [PMID: 38423740 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The mainstay of treatment for spinal cord injury includes decompressive laminectomy and elevation of mean arterial pressure. However, outcomes often remain poor. Extensive research and ongoing clinical trials seek to design new treatment options for spinal cord injury, including stem cell therapy, scaffolds, brain-spine interfaces, exoskeletons, epidural electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Some of these treatments are targeted at the initial acute window of injury, during which secondary damage occurs; others are designed to help patients living with chronic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. https://twitter.com/AndrewMHersh
| | - Carly Weber-Levine
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kelly Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. https://twitter.com/kellyjjiang
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 7-113, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Orthopaedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Celian C, Redd H, Smaller K, Ryali P, Patton JL, Reinkensmeyer DJ, Rafferty MR. Uncovering clinical rehabilitation technology trends: field observations, mixed methods analysis, and data visualization. medRxiv 2024:2024.03.05.24303809. [PMID: 38496469 PMCID: PMC10942504 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.24303809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective To analyze real-world rehabilitation technology (RT) use, with a view toward enhancing RT development and adoption. Design A convergent, mixed-methods study using direct field observations, semi-structured templates, and summative content analysis. Setting Ten neurorehabilitation units in a single health system. Participants 3 research clinicians (1OT, 2PTs) observed ∼60 OTs and 70 PTs in inpatient; ∼18 OTs and 30 PTs in outpatient. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Characteristics of RT, time spent setting up and using RT, and clinician behaviors. Results 90 distinct devices across 15 different focus areas were inventoried. 329 RT-uses were documented over 44 hours with 42% of inventoried devices used. RT was used more during interventions (72%) than measurement (28%). Intervention devices used frequently were balance/gait (39%), strength/endurance (30%), and transfer/mobility training (16%). Measurement devices were frequently used to measure vitals (83%), followed by grip strength (7%), and upper extremity function (5%). Device characteristics were predominately AC-powered (56%), actuated (57%), monitor-less (53%), multi-use (68%), and required little familiarization (57%). Set-up times were brief (mean ± SD = 3.8±4.21 and 0.8±1.3 for intervention and measurement, respectively); more time was spent with intervention RT (25.6±15) than measurement RT (7.3±11.2). RT nearly always involved verbal instructions (72%) with clinicians providing more feedback on performance (59.7%) than on results (30%). Therapists' attention was split evenly between direct attention towards the patient during clinician treatment (49.7%) and completing other tasks such as documentation (50%). Conclusions Even in a tech-friendly hospital, majority of available RT were observed un-used, but identifying these usage patterns is crucial to predict eventual adoption of new designs from earlier stages of RT development. An interactive data visualization page supplement is provided to facilitate this study.
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Khan MN, Altalbe A, Naseer F, Awais Q. Telehealth-Enabled In-Home Elbow Rehabilitation for Brachial Plexus Injuries Using Deep-Reinforcement-Learning-Assisted Telepresence Robots. Sensors (Basel) 2024; 24:1273. [PMID: 38400431 PMCID: PMC10892919 DOI: 10.3390/s24041273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Due to damage to the network of nerves that regulate the muscles and feeling in the shoulder, arm, and forearm, brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) are known to significantly reduce the function and quality of life of affected persons. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a considerable share of global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) is attributable to upper limb injuries, including BPIs. Telehealth can improve access concerns for patients with BPIs, particularly in lower-middle-income nations. This study used deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-assisted telepresence robots, specifically the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm, to provide in-home elbow rehabilitation with elbow flexion exercises for BPI patients. The telepresence robots were used for a six-month deployment period, and DDPG drove the DRL architecture to maximize patient-centric exercises with its robotic arm. Compared to conventional rehabilitation techniques, patients demonstrated an average increase of 4.7% in force exertion and a 5.2% improvement in range of motion (ROM) with the assistance of the telepresence robot arm. According to the findings of this study, telepresence robots are a valuable and practical method for BPI patients' at-home rehabilitation. This technology paves the way for further research and development in telerehabilitation and can be crucial in addressing broader physical rehabilitation challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nasir Khan
- Electrical Engineering Department, Government College University Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ali Altalbe
- Department of Computer Engineering, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80210, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawad Naseer
- Computer Science and Software Engineering Department, Beaconhouse International College, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Qasim Awais
- Electrical Engineering Department, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan;
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Aliman N, Ramli R, Amiri MS. Actuators and transmission mechanisms in rehabilitation lower limb exoskeletons: a review. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2024; 0:bmt-2022-0262. [PMID: 38295350 DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2022-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Research has shown that rehabilitation lower limb exoskeletons (RLLEs) are effective tools for improving recovery or regaining lower limb function. This device interacts with the limbs of patients. Thus, actuators and power transmission mechanisms are the key factors in determining smooth human‒machine interaction and comfort in physical therapy activities. A multitude of distinct technologies have been proposed. However, we questioned which consideration point in actuator selection and power transmission mechanisms are used for RLLE. A review of the technical characteristics and status of advanced RLLE designs is discussed. We review actuator selection for RLLE devices. Furthermore, the power transmission mechanisms over the years within each of the RLLE devices are presented. The development issues and possible research directions related to actuators and power transmission mechanisms are provided. Most RLLEs are still in the research phase, and only a few have been commercialized. The aim of this paper is to provide researchers with useful information for investigating technological progress and highlight the latest technological choices in RLLE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norazam Aliman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah, Behrang, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Rizauddin Ramli
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Soleimani Amiri
- Department of Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Faculty of Industrial and Manufacturing Technology and Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
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Wan KR, Ng ZYV, Wee SK, Fatimah M, Lui W, Phua MW, So QYR, Maszczyk TK, Premchand B, Saffari SE, Ker RXJ, Ng WH. Recovery of Volitional Motor Control and Overground Walking in Participants With Chronic Clinically Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Restoration of Rehabilitative Function With Epidural Spinal Stimulation (RESTORES) Trial-A Preliminary Study. J Neurotrauma 2024. [PMID: 38115642 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to any part of the spinal cord resulting in paralysis, bowel and/or bladder incontinence, and loss of sensation and other bodily functions. Current treatments for chronic SCI are focused on managing symptoms and preventing further damage to the spinal cord with limited neuro-restorative interventions. Recent research and independent clinical trials of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or intensive neuro-rehabilitation including neuro-robotics in participants with SCI have suggested potential malleability of the neuronal networks for neurological recovery. We hypothesize that epidural electrical stimulation (EES) delivered via SCS in conjunction with mental imagery practice and robotic neuro-rehabilitation can synergistically improve volitional motor function below the level of injury in participants with chronic clinically motor-complete SCI. In our pilot clinical RESTORES trial (RESToration Of Rehabilitative function with Epidural spinal Stimulation), we investigate the feasibility of this combined multi-modal approach in restoring volitional motor control and achieving independent overground locomotion in participants with chronic motor complete thoracic SCI. Secondary aims are to assess the safety of this combination therapy including the off-label SCS usage as well as improving functional outcome measures. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial that investigates the combined impact of this multi-modal EES and rehabilitation strategy in participants with chronic motor complete SCI. Two participants with chronic motor-complete thoracic SCI were recruited for this pilot trial. Both participants have successfully regained volitional motor control below their level of SCI injury and achieved independent overground walking within a month of post-operative stimulation and rehabilitation. There were no adverse events noted in our trial and there was an improvement in post-operative truncal stability score. Results from this pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of combining EES, mental imagery practice and robotic rehabilitation in improving volitional motor control below level of SCI injury and restoring independent overground walking for participants with chronic motor-complete SCI. Our team believes that this provides very exciting promise in a field currently devoid of disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Rui Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Zhi Yan Valerie Ng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Seng Kwee Wee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
| | - Misbaah Fatimah
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wenli Lui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Min Wee Phua
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Qi Yue Rosa So
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Tomasz Karol Maszczyk
- Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Brian Premchand
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Seyed Ehsan Saffari
- Center for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rui Xin Justin Ker
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wai Hoe Ng
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
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Gillespie J, Arnold D, Trammell M, Bennett M, Ochoa C, Driver S, Callender L, Sikka S, Dubiel R, Swank C. Utilization of overground exoskeleton gait training during inpatient rehabilitation: a descriptive analysis. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:102. [PMID: 37542322 PMCID: PMC10401799 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01220-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) after neurological injury is safe, feasible, and may yield positive outcomes. However, no recommendations exist for initiation, progression, or termination of OEGT. This retrospective study highlights the clinical use and decision-making of OEGT within the physical therapy plan of care for patients after neurological injury during inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS The records of patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury who participated in at least one OEGT session were retrospectively reviewed. Session details were analyzed to illustrate progress and included: "up" time, "walk" time, step count, device assistance required for limb swing, and therapist-determined settings. Surveys were completed by therapists responsible for OEGT sessions to illuminate clinical decision-making. RESULTS On average, patients demonstrated progressive tolerance for OEGT over successive sessions as shown by increasing time upright and walking, step count, and decreased assistance required by the exoskeleton. Therapists place preference on using OEGT with patients with more functional dependency and assess feedback from the patient and device to determine when to change settings. OEGT is terminated when other gait methods yield higher step repetitions or intensities, or to prepare for discharge. CONCLUSION Our descriptive retrospective data suggests that patients after neurological injury may benefit from OEGT during inpatient rehabilitation. As no guidelines exist, therapists' clinical decisions are currently based on a combination of knowledge of motor recovery and experience. Future efforts should aim to develop evidence-based recommendations to facilitate functional recovery after neurological injury by leveraging OEGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Gillespie
- Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA.
| | - Dannae Arnold
- Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Molly Trammell
- Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Monica Bennett
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX, 75204, USA
| | - Christa Ochoa
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Simon Driver
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, 3434 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX, 75204, USA
| | - Librada Callender
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Seema Sikka
- Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Rosemary Dubiel
- Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
| | - Chad Swank
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute and Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation, 909 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX, 75246, USA
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Shahid J, Kashif A, Shahid MK. A Comprehensive Review of Physical Therapy Interventions for Stroke Rehabilitation: Impairment-Based Approaches and Functional Goals. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050717. [PMID: 37239189 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of mortality and is estimated to be one of the major reasons for long-lasting disability worldwide. There are limited studies that describe the application of physical therapy interventions to prevent disabilities in stroke survivors and promote recovery after a stroke. In this review, we have described a wide range of interventions based on impairments, activity limitations, and goals in recovery during different stages of a stroke. This article mainly focuses on stroke rehabilitation tactics, including those for sensory function impairments, motor learning programs, hemianopia and unilateral neglect, flexibility and joint integrity, strength training, hypertonicity, postural control, and gait training. We conclude that, aside from medicine, stroke rehabilitation must address specific functional limitations to allow for group activities and superior use of a hemiparetic extremity. Medical doctors are often surprised by the variety of physiotherapeutic techniques available; they are unfamiliar with the approaches of researchers such as Bobath, Coulter, and Brunnstrom, among others, as well as the scientific reasoning behind these techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaria Shahid
- Department of Physical Therapy, Ikram Hospital, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan
- Center of Physical Therapy, Rayan Medical Center, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Kashif
- Department of Senior Health Care, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Kashif Shahid
- Research Institute of Environment & Biosystem, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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