Posted by Kostas Pantremenos in Rehabilitation robotics on February 28, 2017
Abstract
Robotic exoskeletons and bionic prostheses have moved from science fiction to science reality in the last decade. These robotic devices for assisting human movement are now technically feasible given recent advancements in robotic actuators, sensors, and computer processors. However, despite the ability to build robotic hardware that is wearable by humans, we still do not have optimal controllers to allow humans to move with coordination and grace in synergy with the robotic devices. We consider the history of robotic exoskeletons and bionic limb prostheses to provide a better assessment of the roadblocks that have been overcome and to gauge the roadblocks that still remain. There is a strong need for kinesiologists to work with engineers to better assess the performance of robotic movement assistance devices. In addition, the identification of new performance metrics that can objectively assess multiple dimensions of human performance with robotic exoskeletons and bionic prostheses would aid in moving the field forward. We discuss potential control approaches for these robotic devices, with a preference for incorporating feedforward neural signals from human users to provide a wider repertoire of discrete and adaptive rhythmic movements.
Source: Robotic Devices to Enhance Human Movement Performance: Kinesiology Review: Vol 6, No 1
Posted by Kostas Pantremenos in Gait Rehabilitation - Foot Drop on October 15, 2016
To assess the influence of dosing parameters and patient characteristics on the efficacy of aerobic exercise (AEX) post-stroke.
A systematic review was conducted using Pubmed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro and Academic Search Complete.
Studies were selected that compared AEX to a non-aerobic control group among ambulatory persons with stroke.
Extracted outcome data included: peak oxygen consumption during exercise testing (VO2peak), walking speed and walking endurance (6-minute walk test). Independent variables of interest were: AEX mode (seated or walking), AEX intensity (moderate or vigorous), AEX volume (total hours), stroke chronicity and baseline outcome scores.
Significant between-study heterogeneity was confirmed for all outcomes. Pooled AEX effect size estimates (AEX change – control change) from random effects models were: VO2peak, 2.2 mL/kg/min [95% CI: 1.3, 3.1]; walking speed, 0.06 m/s [95% CI: 0.01, 0.11]; and 6-minute walk test distance, 29 m [95% CI: 15, 42]. From meta-regression, greater VO2peak effect sizes were significantly associated with higher AEX intensity and higher baseline VO2peak. Greater effect sizes for walking speed and the 6-minute walk test were significantly associated with a walking AEX mode. In contrast, seated AEX did not have a significant effect on walking outcomes.
AEX significantly improves aerobic capacity post-stroke, but may need to be task specific to impact walking speed and endurance. Higher AEX intensity is associated with better outcomes. Future randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.
Posted by Kostas Pantremenos in REHABILITATION on March 16, 2016
•A task-specific neural interlimb coupling mechanism underlies functional movements in humans.
•After a stroke, the neural coupling mechanism is preserved from the unaffected side but defective from the affected limb(s).
•Based on the knowledge of neural coupling, training of cooperative limb movements should be integrated into neuro-rehabilitation.
In recent years it has become evident that, in a number of functional movements, synergistically acting limbs become task-specifically linked by a soft-wired ‘neural coupling’ mechanism (e.g. the legs during balancing, the arms and legs during gait and both arms during cooperative hand movements). Experimentally this mechanism became evident by the analysis of reflex responses as a marker for a neural coupling. It is reflected by the task-specific appearance of reflex EMG responses to non-noxious nerve stimulation, not only in muscles of the stimulated limb, but also, with same long latency, in muscles of meaningful coupled (contralateral) limb(s).
After a stroke, nerve stimulation of the unaffected limb during such cooperative tasks is followed by EMG responses in muscles of the (contralateral) coupled affected limb, i.e. unaffected motor centres influence synergistically acting movements of the paretic limb. In contrast, following stimulation of the affected limb, no contralateral responses appear due to defective processing of afferent input. As a consequence, it may be therapeutically possible to strengthen the influence of unaffected motor centres on the performance of affected limb movements through training of cooperative limb movements required during activities of daily living.
Posted by Kostas Pantremenos in Gait Rehabilitation - Foot Drop on July 24, 2015
The aim of this review is to evaluate studies about gait training and exercise interventions applied to patients following chronic stroke on gait and balance.
The studies included in this review were random clinical trials, including only chronic post-stroke individuals that evaluated gait and balance outcomes and with a PEDro scale score ≥ 7.0. Eight studies were selected.
The results suggest gait and balance will only be affected in chronic post-stroke patients if training sessions last at least 30 minutes, are repeated three times a week, and maintained for at least five weeks. Gait training affects how chronic post-stroke individuals walk. They will probably walk faster and with a lower risk of falling; however, it is unclear whether the consequences of these procedures affect the quality of life.
Posted by Kostas Pantremenos in Recovery Plateau on August 21, 2014
…Conclusions— Intensive LT results in improved daily stepping in individuals poststroke who have been discharged from PT because of a perceived plateau in motor function. These improvements may be related to the amount and intensity of stepping practice…
TBI Rehabilitation 