Improvement In Functional Independence Research Articles

Comorbidity burden and nutritional status are associated with short-term improvement in functional independence and pain intensity after hip fracture surgery in older adults with in-hospital rehabilitation

PurposeHip fracture is a common condition among older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of nutritional status and comorbidity burden on changes in functionality, fall risk, and pain intensity one month after hip surgery in older adults with in-hospital rehabilitation. MethodsThirty-six hip fracture patients (55.6% female) aged 65 years or older with indication for surgical resolution were recruited. The main outcomes were functional independence (Barthel Index), risk of falls (Downton Falls Risk Index) and pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), assessed preoperatively and one month after discharge. Covariates included age, sex, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment). For the inferential analysis, a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied. ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in functional independence (11.0 points, 95% CI: 1.7 to 20.3), risk of falls (-2.8 points, 95% CI: -4.0 to -1.7) and pain intensity (-2.6 points, 95% CI: -3.4 to -1.9). Among the covariates, a significant interaction was found between the CCI and improvements in functional independence (F=7.03, p=0.010, η2p=0.093), while nutritional status showed a significant interaction with pain reduction (F=5.65, p=0.020, η2p=0.075). ConclusionA lower comorbidity burden was associated with greater postoperative functional independence, while better nutritional status was associated with a greater reduction in postoperative pain intensity.

Patterns and predictors of ten-year mortality after discharge from community-based post-acute care for acquired brain injury: A retrospective cohort study (ABI-RESTaRT), Western Australia, 1991–2017

BackgroundSurvivors of acquired brain injury (ABI) are left with long-term disability and an increased risk of mortality years post-injury. ObjectiveTo examine 10-year mortality in adults with ABI after discharge from post-acute care and identify modifiable risk factors to reduce long-term mortality risk. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 586 adults with traumatic (TBI) or non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI), or neurologic condition, consecutively discharged from a post-acute rehabilitation service in Western Australia from 1-Mar-1991 to 31-Dec-2017. Data sources included rehabilitation records, and linked mortality, hospital, and emergency department data. Survival status at 10 years post-discharge was determined. All-cause and cause-specific age- and sex-adjusted standardised mortality ratios (SMR) by ABI diagnosis were calculated using Australian population reference data. Risk factors were examined using multilevel cox proportional hazards regression. ResultsCompared with the Australian population, 10-year all-cause mortality was significantly elevated for all diagnosis cohorts, with the first 12 months the highest risk period. Accidents or intentional self-harm deaths were elevated in TBI (13.2, 95%CI 5.4; 12.1). Neurodegenerative disease deaths were elevated in Neurologic (21.9, 95%CI 13.0; 30.9) and Stroke (19.8; 95%CI 2.4; 27.2) cohorts. Stroke (20.8; 95%CI 7.9; 33.8) and circulatory disease deaths (6.2; 95%CI 2.3; 9.9) were also elevated in Stroke. Psychiatric comorbidity was the strongest risk factor followed by older age, geographical remoteness, and cardiac, vascular, genitourinary and renal comorbidity. Clinically significant improvement in functional independence and psychosocial functioning significantly reduced mortality risk. ConclusionsIndividuals with ABI have an elevated risk of mortality years post-injury. Comorbidity management, continuity of care, and rehabilitation are important to reduce long-term mortality risk.

Management of acute cervical spinal cord injury in the non-specialist intensive care unit: a narrative review of current evidence.

Each year approximately one million people suffer spinal cord injury, which has significant physical, psychosocial and economic impacts on patients and their families. Spinal cord rehabilitation centres are a well-established part of the care pathway for patients with spinal cord injury and facilitate improvements in functional independence and reductions in healthcare costs. Within the UK, however, there are a limited number of spinal cord injury centres, which delays admission. Patients and their families often perceive that they are not receiving specialist care while being treated in non-specialist units. This review aimed to provide clinicians who work in non-specialist spinal injury centres with a summary of contemporary studies relevant to the critical care management of patients with cervical spinal cord injury. We undertook a targeted literature review including guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials and randomised controlled trials published in English between 1 June 2017 and 1 June 2023. Studies involving key clinical management strategies published before this time, but which have not been updated or repeated, were also included. We then summarised the key management themes: acute critical care management approaches (including ventilation strategies, blood pressure management and tracheostomy insertion); respiratory weaning techniques; management of pain and autonomic dysreflexia; and rehabilitation.

Effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with Down syndrome: randomized controlled trial.

Impaired muscle strength, proprioceptive and vestibular deficits, and orthopedic dysfunction are common disorders associated with Down syndrome (DS). Hippotherapy uses the horses' multidimensional movement to improve posture, balance, and overall function, both motor and sensory. Research evidence supports hippotherapy as an effective, medically recognized intervention for the rehabilitation of gross motor skills. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hippotherapy on balance, functional mobility, and functional independence in children with DS. Thirty-four children with DS were randomly assigned to the experimental (hippotherapy) and control groups after the initial assessment. Both groups received physiotherapy including balance exercises, and the experimental group also received hippotherapy as an integrative therapy. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used before and after the intervention. Baseline outcome measures (PBS, TUG, WeeFIM) were statistically similar between groups (p> 0.05). After the intervention, PBS and TUG scores improved in both groups (p < 0.05). On the other hand, WeeFIM scores improved just in the hippotherapy group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Therefore, providing hippotherapy as an integrative therapy to physiotherapy will be more effective in improving the functional independence of children with DS. Trial registration: NCT05297149 (March 2022, retrospectively registered). What is Known: • Hippotherapy has an improvement effect on balanceand functional independencein different diseases and age groups, but the evidence is limited in DS. • There is limited evidence about the effect of hippotherapy on functional mobility in different diseases and age groups, but there is no evidence in DS. What is New: • Hippotherapy is a safe and effective approach to support improvement in functional independence in children with DS.

282 SELF-REPORTED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS COMPLETING A GERIATRIC REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Abstract Background Geriatric Rehabilitation (GR) delivers person-centered care focused on achieving self-determined goals. While there is evidence for significant physical gain during GR, there is a paucity of articles describing its effect on self-reported Quality-of-Life (QoL). This study aims to ascertain the effect of GR on QoL and to assess whether positive effects persist even if patients do not achieve functional independence. Methods A retrospective review was conducted using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet data that is routinely collected for service evaluation purposes. All patients with complete data sets in 2021 were included. Barthel Index (BI) which quantifies functional independence and EQ5D which measures QoL were collected on admission and discharge. Both measures are scored out of one hundred, with higher scores indicating more positive results. Patients were divided into two groups based on BI at discharge (BI&amp;gt;90 and BI&amp;lt;90) and outcomes were analysed using t-tests. Results Among 122 patients, the mean age was 80 (range 64-96) and 50 (41%) were male. 68 patients (56%) had a BI&amp;gt;90 at discharge and 54 (44%) had a BI&amp;lt;90. Those with a BI&amp;lt;90 reported an overall improvement in QoL after GR (45 vs 68, p&amp;lt;0.0001), similar to those who achieved a BI&amp;gt;90 (55 vs 80, p&amp;lt;0.0001). However, those with BI&amp;gt;90 rated their QOL higher than those with a BI&amp;lt;90 (80 vs 68, p=0.008). Higher pre-morbid frailty level, fear of falling, and having delirium during GR were all significantly associated with worse outcomes (BI&amp;lt;90) at discharge. Conclusion This study demonstrates that GR improves self-reported QOL regardless of improvement in functional independence. Positive effects of GR have potential to extend beyond physical function, addressing other issues such as sarcopenia and fear of falling which improve QOL. Individually tailored GR programs should be considered for all older persons experiencing functional decline after hospitalisation or in the community.

Neurorehabilitation Through Synergistic Man-Machine Interfaces Promoting Dormant Neuroplasticity in Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) constitutes a major sociomedical problem, impacting approximately 0.32-0.64 million people each year worldwide; particularly, it impacts young individuals, causing long-term, often irreversible disability. While effective rehabilitation of patients with SCI remains a significant challenge, novel neural engineering technologies have emerged to target and promote dormant neuroplasticity in the central nervous system.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop, pilot test, and optimize a platform based on multiple immersive man-machine interfaces offering rich feedback, including (1) visual motor imagery training under high-density electroencephalographic recording, (2) mountable robotic arms controlled with a wireless brain-computer interface (BCI), (3) a body-machine interface (BMI) consisting of wearable robotics jacket and gloves in combination with a serious game (SG) application, and (4) an augmented reality module. The platform will be used to validate a self-paced neurorehabilitation intervention and to study cortical activity in chronic complete and incomplete SCI at the cervical spine.MethodsA 3-phase pilot study (clinical trial) was designed to evaluate the NeuroSuitUp platform, including patients with chronic cervical SCI with complete and incomplete injury aged over 14 years and age-/sex-matched healthy participants. Outcome measures include BCI control and performance in the BMI-SG module, as well as improvement of functional independence, while also monitoring neuropsychological parameters such as kinesthetic imagery, motivation, self-esteem, depression and anxiety, mental effort, discomfort, and perception of robotics. Participant enrollment into the main clinical trial is estimated to begin in January 2023 and end by December 2023.ResultsA preliminary analysis of collected data during pilot testing of BMI-SG by healthy participants showed that the platform was easy to use, caused no discomfort, and the robotics were perceived positively by the participants. Analysis of results from the main clinical trial will begin as recruitment progresses and findings from the complete analysis of results are expected in early 2024.ConclusionsChronic SCI is characterized by irreversible disability impacting functional independence. NeuroSuitUp could provide a valuable complementary platform for training in immersive rehabilitation methods to promote dormant neural plasticity.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05465486; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05465486International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/41152

EFFICIENT RESULTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION IN HYDRO PNEUMOTHORAX

Hydro pneumothorax is a rare variant type of pneumothorax. It occurs when both free fluid and air are within the pleural space. The goal of treating a hydropneumothorax is to relieve the pressure on your lung, allowing it to re-expand. Treatment options may include observation, needle aspiration, chest tube insertion, non-surgical repair or surgery along with a very important role of physiotherapy. A 54-year male patient came to the hospital with complaints of breathlessness (MMRC grade II), dry cough, and high-grade fever for one month. The patient had a history of alcohol consumption and tobacco chewing for 10 years. Laboratory investigations showed a WBC count 18,600/ml. Complete blood count gave normal results. The arterial blood gases revealed PO2 as 69. Chest X-ray which showed fairly large opacities with the fluid level in right side. The costophrenic angle on the right side is obliterated. Multiple, small patchy opacities are also seen in the left lower zones. Along with these findings, there was a contralateral mediastinal shift. Physiotherapy intervention included patient education, breathing retraining, airway clearance techniques, positioning, walking program with supplemented oxygen and psychological support. Outcome measures have shown improvement in functional independence and performance of activities of daily living. Physiotherapy management showed efficient results in improving lung function, quality of life, inducing relaxation, and early return to pre-disease life in patient with hydro pneumothorax.

Effects of early rehabilitation on functional outcomes in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of early rehabilitation for patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.MethodsIn a three-arm randomized controlled trial, patients who underwent CABG from January 2018 to June 2018 were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (i) usual care (UC group); (ii) UC + single general ward rehabilitation (SGR group); and (iii) UC + general ward rehabilitation and intensive care unit (ICU) rehabilitation (IGR group). The primary outcome was the Barthel Index scores.ResultsThe Barthel Index score for UC (75.3 ± 12.1) was significantly lower than that of both SGR (86.2 ± 14.1) and IGR (89.1 ± 15.5). There was no significant difference in the Barthel Index scores between the SGR and IGR groups. Statistically significant differences were found in the length of ICU stay and post-operative hospital stay but not in post-operative pulmonary complications (PPC) or atrial fibrillation between the three groups.ConclusionEarly rehabilitation implemented during ICU stay and on the general ward resulted in significant improvements in functional independence and could be a safe part of routine care post-CABG.

Abstract WMP1: Results From A Phase 2a Study Of TMS-007, An SMTP Family Anti-inflammatory Prothrombolytic, On Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Up To 12 Hours After Onset

Approved thrombolytic agents are limited in their use for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to their benefit-risk profile beyond 4.5 h since last known normal (LKN). TMS-007 is a small molecule, SMTP family member with a novel mode of action: promotion of plasminogen-fibrin binding to enhance physiological thrombolysis while inhibiting inflammation at the site of thrombosis. TMS-007 may extend the treatment time window based on nonclinical pharmacological evidence. We evaluated TMS-007 in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-escalation phase 2a study. TMS-007 or placebo was administered as a single intravenous infusion at a dose of 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg to AIS patients who were ineligible for t-PA or thrombectomy within 12 h of LKN. The number of patients allocated to placebo and TMS-007 at doses 1, 3, and 6 mg/kg were 38, 6, 18, and 28, respectively. The combined TMS-007 dosing group (Group T; n = 52) was compared with placebo group (Group P; n = 38). The average age was ~72 years old and time since LKN to treatment was ~9 h in both groups (not significantly different). The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with worsening NIHSS score of &lt;=4 points per site physician (primary endpoint) was 0% in Group T compared to 3% (n = 1) in Group P. The number of ICH event within 24 h, including symptomatic and asymptomatic, was 6 in Group T and 5 in Group P. Total number of AE was 207 in Group T and 162 in Group P, with gastrointestinal diseases as the most common events in both groups (n = 40 and 32, respectively). TMS-007 was associated with a significant improvement in functional independence at 90 days (secondary endpoint): 40% of patients in Group T achieved a score of 0 or 1 on the mRS, compared to 18% in Group P (p &lt; 0.05). Recanalization, defined by any improvement in arterial occlusive lesion score on magnetic resonance angiography in those with visible occlusion at baseline per central neuroradiologist, occurred in 58.3% (14/24) of Group T compared to 26.7% (4/15) of Group P (odds-ratio, 4.23; 95% CI, 0.99 to 18.07). TMS-007 was generally safe and well tolerated up to 6 mg/kg. TMS-007 may expand the treatment time window for the treatment of AIS. Due to the small study size, more data on efficacy is warranted in patients with visible occlusion.

TEleRehabilitation Nepal (TERN) for People With Spinal Cord Injury and Acquired Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND:Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) or Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) leads to disability, unemployment, loss of income, decreased quality of life and increased mortality. The impact is worse in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) due to a lack of efficient long-term rehabilitative care. This study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a telerehabilitation programme in Nepal.METHODS:Prospective cohort feasibility study in a community setting following discharge from a specialist rehabilitation centre in Nepal. Patients with SCI or ABI who had previously accessed specialist rehabilitation were connected to a specialist Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) in the centre through a video conference system for comprehensive remote assessments and virtual individualised interventions. Data were captured on recruitment, non-participation rates, retention, acceptability (via end-of-study in-depth interviews with a subset of participants) and outcome measures including the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), completed pre- and post-programme.RESULTS:97 participants with SCI (n = 82) or ABI (n = 15) discharged from the centre during an 18-month period were approached and enrolled on the study. The telerehabilitation programme facilitated the delivery of support around multiple aspects of rehabilitation care, such as spasticity treatments and pain management. Outcome measures indicated a significant improvement in functional independence (P < .001), depression, anxiety and stress (P < .001) and quality of life (P < .001). Qualitative interviews (n = 18) revealed participants found the programme acceptable, valuing regular contact and input from MDT professionals and avoiding expensive and lengthy travel.CONCLUSION:This is the first study in Nepal to identify telerehabilitation as a feasible and acceptable approach to augment the provision of specialist rehabilitation. Future research is needed to assess the suitability of the programme for other conditions requiring specialist rehabilitation and determine the mechanisms underpinning improved outcomes for people with SCI or ABI.TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04914650

Recovery of social and everyday skills after a complex of functional spatially oriented rehabilitation in elderly patients with cerebral stroke

To analyze the effectiveness of social recovery (trip to the store by bus and making purchases) in elderly patients with stroke in the right middle cerebral artery undergoing a course of specialized trainings in a complex of functional spatially oriented rehabilitation. The study involved 44 patients with previous stroke (mean age 70.8±3.1 years) randomized into 2 equal groups: main group - basic standard of rehabilitation (exercises with instructor, mechanotherapeutic technique with cyclic simulators, massage of paretic limbs) and training of social adaptation in a complex of functional spatially oriented rehabilitation; control group - basic standard of rehabilitation alone. Duration of rehabilitation course was 14 days. To determine mean norm of timing of complex training of socially significant skill, we asked 23 volunteers without severe comorbidities to perform tasks of functional spatially oriented rehabilitation. After complex rehabilitation program, we found significant dynamics of time necessary for the following actions: "take a bag and hang it over shoulder", "open the pockets of the bag with a zipper (2 pockets)", "take the jacket off the hanger and put it on", "take the products from the basket and put in the pocket". Moreover, the main group was characterized by significantly lower impairment of daily activity (Barthel score 66.3±4.5 vs. baseline 45.7±4.9, p<0.05), improvement of functional independence (FIM score 76.7±1.5 vs. baseline 65.2±3.1, p>0.05). These values turned out to be significantly better than in the control group. These results indicate the effectiveness of functional spatially oriented rehabilitation in elderly patients with cerebral stroke. This approach increases personal independence in daily life and improves overall quality of life.

Impact of Short-term Exercise Program on Functional Independence in Patient with Hydropneumothorax: A Case Study

Background: Hydro-pneumothorax is a rare variant of pneumothorax. It occurs when both free fluid and air is present within the pleural space. The goal of the treatment is to relieve the pressure on the lung, allowing it to re-expand. Treatment options may involve solely observation or needle aspiration or intercostal tube drainage (ICD), along with antibiotic cover, all of this anchored with physiotherapeutic management.&#x0D; Case presentation: A 54 years old male visited hospital with complaints of dyspnea (MMRC grade II), dry cough and high-grade fever since one month along with a history of chronic alcohol consumption and tobacco chewing since more than 10 years.&#x0D; Investigations: Laboratory investigations include Chest X-ray which showed fairly large opacities with fluid level in right side. The costo-phrenic angle on the right side was obliterated, multiple small patchy opacities are also seen in right lower zones. Along with these findings, there was contralateral mediastinal shift.&#x0D; Treatment: Physiotherapy intervention included patient education, breathing retraining, airway clearance techniques, positioning, walking program with supplemented oxygen and psychological support. Outcome measures have shown improvement in functional independence and performance of activities of daily living.&#x0D; Conclusion: Physiotherapy management showed efficient results in improving the lung function, quality of life, inducing relaxation and early return to pre-disease life in patient with hydro pneumothorax.

Clinical Evaluation of Different Treatment Strategies for Motor Recovery in Poststroke Rehabilitation during the First 90 Days.

Background: Motor recovery after stroke is based on neuronal plasticity and the structural reorganization of the brain. Questions are debated about the proper moment to start rehabilitation in the acute period of stroke, the significance of rehabilitation interventions during the so-called “plastic window”, and the advantages of modern and traditional programs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the role of different rehabilitation strategies and their combinations for motor recovery and the impact on functional disability by way of neurological and functional outcomes 3 months after ischemic stroke. Methods: We used three rehabilitation approaches: early rehabilitation from the first day of stroke (Phase I), traditional exercise programs (Phase II), and an author’s new method of biofeedback rehabilitation using motion sensors and augmented reality (AR) rehabilitation (Phase III). Clinical and functional outcomes were measured on the 90th day after stroke. We developed algorithms for quantifying the quality of movements during the execution of tasks in the motor domains of the AR rehabilitation program. Results: Phase I of rehabilitation led to an improvement in functional independence, and the recovery of motor functions of the extremities with an absence of mortality and clinical deterioration. AR rehabilitation led to significant improvement both with respect to clinical and functional scores on scales and to variables reflecting the quality of movements. Patients who were actively treated during Phases II and III achieved the same final level of motor recovery and functional outcomes as that of participants who had only received AR rehabilitation during Phase III. Patients who underwent outpatient observation after Phase I showed a deficit of spontaneous motor recovery on the 90th day after stroke. Conclusions: Early rehabilitation was successful but was not enough; rehabilitation programs should be carried out throughout the entire “sensitive period” of poststroke plasticity. The newly developed AR biofeedback motion training is effective and safe as a separate rehabilitation method in the early recovery period of moderately severe, hemiparalytic, and ischemic stroke. These two rehabilitation approaches must be applied together or after each other, not instead of each other, as shown in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Functional Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy

AbstractThis study was aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on motor functions, spasticity status, balance, and functionality in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 26 patients who were diagnosed with CP (diplegic, with gross motor function classification system [GMFCS] levels of 2–5) and who regularly participated in a rehabilitation program were recruited in the study after obtaining approval from their parents. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n = 13) received conventional physical therapy (65 minutes, 2 days/week × 8) and group 2 (n = 13) received 25 minutes of RAGT (RoboGait) in addition to conventional therapy (CT; 40 minutes, 2 days/week × 8). GMFCS was used to evaluate motor functions and the Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity. The pediatric Berg balance scale, pediatric functional independence measure, and timed up and go tests were employed to assess balance and functional status. The evaluations were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy. Both rehabilitation methods led to a statistically significant decrease in spasticity (p &lt; 0.05); however, there was no difference in this improvement of spasticity between the groups (p &gt; 0.05). Both groups exhibited significant improvements in functional independence, balance, and performance at the end of therapy (p &lt; 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (p &gt; 0.05). The results of this study show that addition of RAGT to CT for 8 weeks is not superior to CT alone in children with CP.

Upper limb motor and functional recovery in patients with tetraplegia

To study the recovery of the upper limb motor function and functional independence in patients with cervical spinal cord injury. The study included 49 patients with subacute tetraplegia, mean age 33±14.8 years, 42 men and 7 women, admitted to the Preodolenie Rehabilitation Center. The follow-up was up to 2 years. The clinical and functional states were assessed after 3, 6, 12 and more than 12 months after spinal injury, using the ASIA neurological standard scale, the motor subscale of Functional Independence Scale (FIM) and short form of Van Lieshout Test (VLT). All patients received continuous rehabilitation courses that included physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social support, psychological rehabilitation. Upper limb motor recovery occurred in the first 6 months after spinal cord injury at 5±3.9 points (ASIA), while in 49% patients motor level decreased by one segment of the spinal cord, in 8% patients completeness of spinal cord injury improved. The improvement of functional independence was found during the first 12 months: according to FIM, in the period of 3-6 months by 18±11.1 points, in the period of 6-12 months by 8±8.1 points; according to VLT in the period of 3-6 months by 19±14.4 points, in the period of 6-12 months by 5.6±6.02 points. Upper limb motor recovery mostly occurs in the first 6 months while the functional independence improvement lasts during the first 12 months after a spinal cord injury.

Recovery of Sensorimotor Functional Outcomes at Discharge from In-Patient Rehabilitation in Three Stroke Units in the Province of Quebec.

Purpose: This study aimed to portray the characteristics, process variables, and sensorimotor outcomes of patients who had received their usual post-stroke in-patient rehabilitation in three stroke rehabilitation units in Quebec in 2013-2014. Method: We assessed patients (n=264) at admission and discharge with a subset of a standardized assessment toolkit consisting of observational and performance-based assessment tools. Results: The patients, with a mean age of 60.3 (SD 15.4) years, were admitted 27.7 (SD 8.4) days post-stroke onset. They had a mean admission FIM score of 83.0 (SD 24.0), a mean length of stay of 48.4 (SD 31.1) days, a mean FIM discharge score of 104.0 (SD 17.0), and a mean FIM efficiency score of 0.44 (SD 0.29). All patient outcomes were significantly improved (p<0.001) and clinically meaningful at discharge (moderate to large Glass's Δ effect sizes) with the improvementsgreater than or equal tothe minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level in 34%-75% of the patients. Improvements were larger on five of seven outcomes in a sub-group of patients with more severe stroke. Conclusions: The use of a combination of observational and performance assessment tools was essential to capture the full range of disabilities. We have documented significant and clinically meaningful improvements in functional independence, disability, and upper and lower extremity functions after usual post-stroke in-patient rehabilitation in the province of Quebec and provided baseline data for future studies.

Development of 3D-printed myoelectric hand orthosis for patients with spinal cord injury

BackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe medical condition affecting the hand and locomotor function. New medical technologies, including various wearable devices, as well as rehabilitation treatments are being developed to enhance hand function in patients with SCI. As three-dimensional (3D) printing has the advantage of being able to produce low-cost personalized devices, there is a growing appeal to apply this technology to rehabilitation equipment in conjunction with scientific advances. In this study, we proposed a novel 3D-printed hand orthosis that is controlled by electromyography (EMG) signals. The orthosis was designed to aid the grasping function for patients with cervical SCI. We applied this hand exoskeleton system to individuals with tetraplegia due to SCI and validated its effectiveness.MethodsThe 3D architecture of the device was designed using computer-aided design software and printed with a polylactic acid filament. The dynamic hand orthosis enhanced the tenodesis grip to provide sufficient grasping function. The root mean square of the EMG signal was used as the input for controlling the device. Ten subjects with hand weakness due to chronic cervical SCI were enrolled in this study, and their hand function was assessed before and after wearing the orthosis. The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Hand Function Test (TRI-HFT) was used as the primary outcome measure. Furthermore, improvements in functional independence in daily living and device usability were evaluated.ResultsThe newly developed orthosis improved hand function of subjects, as determined using the TRI-HFT (p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants obtained immediate functionality on eating after wearing the orthosis. Moreover, most participants were satisfied with the device as determined by the usability test. There were no side effects associated with the experiment.ConclusionsThe 3D-printed myoelectric hand orthosis was intuitive, easy to use, and showed positive effects in its ability to handle objects encountered in daily life. This study proved that combining simple EMG-based control strategies and 3D printing techniques was feasible and promising in rehabilitation engineering.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea. KCT0003995. Registered 2 May 2019 - Retrospectively registered.

Factors Associated With Gains in Performance During Rehabilitation After Pediatric Brain Injury: Growth Curve Analysis.

Predicting recovery of functional performance within pediatric rehabilitation after brain injury is important for health professionals and families, but information regarding factors associated with change in functional skills ("what the child can do") and functional independence ("what the child does") is limited. The aim of the study was to examine change in functional skills and independence over time in children with moderate-severe brain injury during prolonged inpatient rehabilitation. This study used a retrospective cohort design. Longitudinal data from 139 children (age 1.6-20.6 yrs), hospitalized for 115.4 ± 72 days, were examined. Growth curve analysis was used to examine factors associated with change in the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (functional skills and caregiver assistance, ie, functional independence) in mobility and self-care. Typical estimates for change per hospitalization day were obtained. Traumatic brain injury and older age at injury, but not sex, were associated with faster recovery. Length of stay was associated with rate of change in functional skills but not in functional independence, suggesting that improvement in functional independence during rehabilitation may be associated with other factors. Identifying the factors associated with individual profiles of functional improvement can provide valuable information for clinicians and decision-makers to optimize performance after prolonged inpatient rehabilitation.

Combined upper limb and breathing exercise programme for pain management in ambulatory and non-ambulatory multiple sclerosis individuals: part II analyses from feasibility study.

The present small semi-controlled feasibility study investigated a possible efficacy of a combined upper limb and breathing exercise programme in managing pain in ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with EDSS from 0.0-8.0. People with MS (N = 19) were enrolled in this single-blind randomized controlled study and divided into 2 groups: exercise group (5 ambulatory, 5 non-ambulatory; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 1.0-8.0) and related control group that performed no exercise (4 ambulatory, 5 non-ambulatory; EDSS, 1.0-7.5). The exercise group performed combined upper limb and breathing exercises in a group led by a physiotherapist (2days/week, 60min/session) accompanied by independent home exercises (3days/week, ≥ 20min/session). Participants underwent measures of pain level (visual analogue scale) for physical pain, functional independence of daily activities (Barthel index) and handgrip strength (HGS) for dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) hand evaluated by a dynamometer before and after the 4-week period by the blinded assessor. The VAS for pain showed statistically significant group-by-time interaction only in non-ambulatory (p = .049) individuals, but with large intervention effects on both subgroups (ambulatory, p = .159; non-ambulatory, d = 0.97). Functional independence in daily activities (Barthel index) showed statistically non-significant group-by-time interaction in ambulatory (p = .195, d = 0.89) and non-ambulatory (p = .102, d = 1.64) individuals, but despite the absence of statistical significance, there were large intervention effects. Handgrip strength was significantly improved for both hands in ambulatory (D, p = .012; d = 2.07; ND, p = .025, d = 1.77) and only non-dominant hand in non-ambulatory individuals (D, p = .288, d = 0.83; ND, p = .012, d = 2.21). This small pilot study provides preliminary proof-of-concept data supporting low-intensity upper limb and breathing exercise programme for potential reduction of pain and improvement of functional independence in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals with MS in a larger sample and that strengthening the upper limbs might be an additional pain relief mechanism. NTC03222596.

Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitor Tirofiban in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Tirofiban is a non-peptide selective glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor that reversibly inhibits fibrinogen-dependent platelet aggregation and subsequent formation of thrombi, which contribute to the major atherosclerotic complications in the development, progression, and resolution of ischemic stroke. The adjunctive use of tirofiban has been extensively evaluated in progressive stroke, combined intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), and endovascular treatment (EVT) in both preclinical and clinical studies. A body of evidence has been accumulated on the risks and benefits associated with tirofiban in terms of prevention of stroke progression, stent thrombosis, improvement in functional independence, and mortality, especially among high-risk ischemic stroke patients as a further strategy alongside conventional treatment. In general, tirofiban has a favorable tolerability and efficacy profile in the improvement of vascular recanalization and long-term functional outcome, although the optimum dosage, application setting, and precise target patients are not yet well-established. However, its specific inhibition of ongoing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation rather than absolute thrombolysis suggests that tirofiban, one of the most widely used GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, with high affinity and a short plasma/biologic half-life, may have great potential in the acute treatment of ischemic stroke. Substantial practical progress is likely as our understanding of the mechanism of action and pharmacological actions of tirofiban in atherosclerotic ischemic disease improves. Therefore, we classify and summarize the available findings regarding tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke to stimulate and guide further research and clinical practice.