[VIDEO] I had a black dog, his name was depression

 

[ARTICLE] The use of Virtual Reality for upper limb rehabilitation of hemiparetic Stroke patients – Full Text PDF

Abstract

Introduction: The Stroke is a neurologic disturbs that leads to a serious impact to the functionality and the quality of life of the survivors. It is necessary to develop new tools with rehabilitation objectives, where the Virtual Reality (VR) is introduced as a useful therapeutic resource to the motor recovery, in an attractive and efficient way, restoring functions through adapted games.

Objective: Analyzing the therapeutic effects of the Virtual Reality (Serious Game) in the recovery of the upper limb in hemiparetic Stroke patients.

Methods: Quasi-experimental research type time series, there are three pre and three post-tests already accomplished around 20 VR sessions. In the assessments the following measurement instruments were used: Fugl-Meyer Scale – session of the upper limb (FMS – UL); Range of Motion (ROM) for flexion and abduction shoulder; Box and Block Test (BBT); Nine Holes and Peg Test (9HPT); the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP); and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).

Results: Significant gains were observed in the FMS-UL tests, with Fisioter Mov. 2014 jul/set;27(3):309-17 Soares AV, Woellner SS, Andrade CS, Mesadri TJ, Bruckheimer AD, Hounsell MS. 310 increase of 25.6%; increase ROM of shoulder with 34.0% for abduction and 19% for flexion; BBT 25.0%; also reported improvement in quality of life by NHP; it did not occurred significant alterations for 9HPT nor in MAS.

Conclusion: Although the results found in this research are preliminary, they are indicative that the VR can contribute for the recovery of the upper limb in hemiparetic Stroke patients…

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[ARTICLE] Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Upper-Extremity Function in Patients with Brain Tumor: Controlled Trial.

…Virtual reality-based rehabilitation combined with conventional occupational therapy may be more effective than conventional occupational therapy, especially for proximal upper-extremity function in patients with brain tumor. Further studies considering hand function, such as use of virtual reality programs that targeting hand use, are required…

more–> Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Upper-Extr… : American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

WEB SITE: More Than the Blues

To understand depression, think of standing in a pool with the water level up to your lower lip. Moving through the pool is difficult because of the resistance from the water. It’s tiring, like the fatigue often associated with depression. Further, any little wave threatens to overwhelm you so you seek to avoid small ripples and get terrified about even the thought of a big splash coming your way…

via More Than the Blues.

[WEB SITE] Rehabilitation glove uses artificial muscles

 

The Rehabilitation Glove will help limit time spent in hospitals and in outpatient based therapy by decreasing the problems associated with immobility and the consequent swelling of the hand. Quadriplegics or stroke victims who have no neural connection to their hand muscles will be able to grasp objects, feed themselves, brush their teeth, pick up the telephone and shake hands without the need for surgical implants of stimulation chips.

via Rehabilitation glove uses artificial muscles.

[ARTICLE] Eliciting Upper Extremity Purposeful Movements Using Video Games

Abstract

Background. Video games have become popular in stroke rehabilitation; however, the nature of this intervention is not fully understood.

Objectives. To compare the number of (a) purposeful and nonpurposeful repetitions of the weaker upper extremity (UE) and (b) movement accelerations as assessed by accelerometer activity counts of the weaker and stronger UEs of individuals with chronic stroke while playing video games or participating in traditional therapy.

Methods. Twenty-nine individuals (mean age 59 years, 1-7 years poststroke) took part in a group intervention of video -games (n = 15) or traditional therapy (n = 14) as part of a randomized controlled trial. During 1 – 2 sessions, participants were video-taped while wearing wrist accelerometers. Assessors counted the number of repetitions and classified movements as purposeful or nonpurposeful using videotapes. The weaker UE motor impairments were correlated to movement accelerations, to determine if participants were using their potential during the sessions.

Results. Participants in the video game group performed a median of 271 purposeful movements and 37 970 activity counts compared to 48 purposeful movements and 14 872 activity counts in the traditional group (z = −3.0, P = .001 and z= −1.9, P = .05, respectively). Participants in the traditional group performed a median of 26 nonpurposeful (exercises) compared with 0 in the video game group (z = −4.2, P= .000). Strong significant correlations were found between the motor ability of the weak UE to repetitions of participants in both groups (r = .86, P < .01). Participants with higher motor ability performed more repetitions.

Conclusions. Video games elicited more UE purposeful repetitions and higher acceleration of movement compared with traditional therapy in individuals with chronic stroke.

via Eliciting Upper Extremity Purposeful Movements Using Video Games.

[WEB SITE] Computer game helps stroke survivors

Kiwi scientists have developed a computer game which will launch mid year, making a massive difference to the lives of stroke survivors.

One participant is for the first time regaining movement in his fingers and arm.

via Computer game helps stroke survivors – National News | TVNZ.

[WEB SITE] How Microsoft Kinect is revolutionizing the future of rehab

…”The Microsoft researchers remain excited about the possibilities of using Kinect to improve the healthcare field. “These patients have suffered paralyzing effects of strokes and we can see the potential of a gesture technology, like Kinect, providing an easy and cost-effective way to help get these people back on their feet. The opportunities for this prototype are exciting and we look forward to seeing where this research takes us.”…

more–> Gaming healthcare: How Microsoft Kinect is revolutionizing the future of rehab – TechRepublic.

[ARTICLE] The Role of Task-Specific Training in Rehabilitation Therapies

…Task-oriented therapy is important. It makes intuitive sense that the best way to relearn a given task is to train specifically for that task. In animals, functional reorganization is greater for tasks that are meaningful to the animal. Repetition alone, without usefulness or meaning in terms of function, is not enough to produce increased motor cortical representations. In humans, less intense but task-specific training regimens with the more affected limb can produce cortical reorganization and associated, meaningful functional improvements…

via Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation – online access – Volume 12 – Number 3/Summer 2005 – Animal and Clinical Research in Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation – The Role of Task-Specific Training in Rehabilitation Therapies.

[WIKIPEDIA] Constraint-induced movement therapy

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CI or CIMT) is a form of rehabilitation therapy that improves upper extremity function in stroke and other central nervous system damage victims by increasing the use of their affected upper limb.[1]

via Constraint-induced movement therapy – WikiWand.