Recovery Of Upper Extremity Function Research Articles

Effects of Maitland mobilization technique on upper extremity function in stroke survivors with spasticity: An experimental study.

The recovery of upper limb function is of great significance for stroke patients to regain their self-care ability, yet it is still a difficult point in clinical practice of neurological rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Maitland joint mobilization technique on the recovery of upper extremity function in patients with spasticity after stroke. From August to December 2023, 71 patients with upper extremity flexor spasm after stroke were recruited and randomly divided into experimental group (n = 35) and control group (n = 36). The control group was given conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the experimental group was treated with Maitland mobilization technique treatment of upper extremity joints on the basis of the control group. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Participants of the 2 groups were observed for Fugl-Meyer motor assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE), box and block test (BBT) and Brunnstrom stage, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and functional independence measure (FIM) at pre- and post-8 weeks study. There was no significant difference in gender distribution, hemiplegic side, diagnosis, past history, age, duration, body mass index, and mini-mental state examination between the 2 groups (P > .05). After 8 weeks of intervention, both groups showed significant improvement in FMA-UE, Brunnstrom stage, BBT, FIM, and MAS of the shoulder (P < .05); however, there was no significant change in MAS of the elbow, wrist, and finger joints (P > .05). The posttreatment values showed a significant improvement in FMA-UE, BBT, and FIM in the experimental group compared to the control group. Comparing the changes in pretreatment and posttreatment, FMA-UE, BBT, and FIM in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group (P < .05). Maitland joint mobilization can improve the motor function of upper extremity and the spasticity of shoulder joint complex in patients with stroke.

Effects of task-based mirror therapy on upper limb motor function in hemiplegia: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background and purposeResearch to date has lacked definitive evidence to determine whether mirror therapy promotes the recovery of upper extremity function after stroke. Considering that previous studies did not stratify patients based on structural retention, this may be one of the reasons for the negative results obtained in many trials. The goal evaluates the efficacy of TBMT (utilizing an innovatively designed mirror) versus standard occupational therapy for stroke patient’s upper limb functionality.Methods and analysisThis single-center randomized controlled trial will involve 50 patients with stroke. All patients will be randomly assigned to either the task-based mirror therapy or the control group. The interventions will be performed 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the mean change in scores on both the FMA-UE and modified Barthel Index (MBI) from baseline to 4 weeks intervention and at 12 weeks follow-up between the two groups and within groups. The other outcomes will include the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), the Functional Independence Measure, and MRI.DiscussionThis trial will not only to establish that task-based mirror therapy (TBMT) could improve the recovery of hand function after stroke but also to explore the underlying mechanisms. We expect that this finding will clarify the brain activation and brain network mechanisms underlying the improvement of hand function with task-oriented mirror therapy and lead to new ideas for stroke hand function rehabilitation.Trial registrationURL: https://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2300068855. Registered on March 1, 2023

Efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation to the ipsilesional motor cortex in subacute stroke (NETS): a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Each year, five million people are left disabled after stroke. Upper-extremity (UE) dysfunction is a leading problem. Neuroplasticity can be enhanced by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) but evidence from large, randomized multicenter trials is lacking. We aimed at demonstrating efficacy of NIBS to enhance motor recovery after ischemic stroke. We randomly assigned patients to receive anodal transcranial direct current (tDCS, 1mA, 20min) or placebo stimulation ('control') over the primary motor cortex of the lesioned hemisphere in addition to standardized rehabilitative training over ten days in the subacute phase after stroke. The original study was planned to enrol 250 but, following a blinded interim analysis, ended with 123 participants. The primary outcome parameter was UE impairment, measured by UE-Fugl-Meyer-Assessment (UEFMA), one to seven days after the end of the treatment intervention (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00909714). From 2009 to 2019, 123 patients were included, with 119 entering intention-to-treat analysis (ITT). The control group (N=61) improved 8.9 (SD 7.7) UEFMA points, the tDCS group (N=58) improved 9.0 (8.8) points. ITT was neutral with respect to the primary efficacy endpoint (p=0.820). We found no difference in UEFMA change between active tDCS and control. The safety profile of tDCS was favorable. In particular, there were no seizures. In patients with ischemic stroke, anodal tDCS applied to the motor cortex of the lesioned hemisphere over 10 days in the subacute phase was safe but did not improve the recovery of upper extremity function compared with placebo stimulation. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (GE 844/4-1).

Automatic Assessment of Upper Extremity Function and Mobile Application for Self-Administered Stroke Rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation training is essential for a successful recovery of upper extremity function after stroke. Training programs are typically conducted in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, supervised by specialized medical professionals. However, frequent visits to hospitals can be burdensome for stroke patients with limited mobility. We consider a self-administered rehabilitation system based on a mobile application in which patients can periodically upload videos of themselves performing reach-to-grasp tasks to receive recommendations for self-managed exercises or progress reports. Sensing equipment aside from cameras is typically unavailable in the home environment. A key contribution of our work is to propose a deep learning-based assessment model trained only with video data. As all patients carry out identical tasks, a fine-grained assessment of task execution is required. Our model addresses this difficulty by learning RGB and optical flow data in a complementary manner. The correlation between the RGB and optical flow data is captured by a novel module for modality fusion using cross-attention with Transformers. Experiments showed that our model achieved higher accuracy in movement assessment than existing methods for action recognition. Based on the assessment model, we developed a patient-centered, solution-based mobile application for upper extremity exercises for hemiplegia, which can recommend 57 exercises with three levels of difficulty. A prototype of our application was evaluated by potential end-users and achieved a good quality score on the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS).

Factor Analysis Related to the Change in Activities of Daily Living Performance of Stroke Patients.

This study is aimed at investigating the factors influencing the change (improvement) in the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. This study utilized data collected from 123 stroke patients at admission and discharge from a local rehabilitation hospital in South Korea between 2019 and 2022. We analyzed the correlations between ADL (Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index) and spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), muscle strength (Manual Muscle Test), gait ability (Functional Ambulation Category), cognitive function (Korean version of Mini Mental Status Examination), upper extremity function (Manual Function Test), and balance function (Berg Balance Scale). In addition, to identify the factors influencing the change in ADL in line with the 3 months of rehabilitation, a multiple regression analysis was performed. The results of the correlation analysis showed that balance function (r = 0.925, p < 0.01) and gait ability (r = 0.921, p < 0.01) had strong positive correlations with ADL. Multiple regression analysis (F = 34.547, p ≤ 0.001, adj.R2 = 0.466) indicated that changes in the upper extremity (β = 0.494, p ≤ 0.001), cognitive (β = 0.197, p = 0.008), and balance (β = 0.163, p = 0.029) functions influenced changes in ADL. Our results found that the recovery of upper extremity function along with the improvement of cognitive and balance functions had a significant effect on the improvement of independence in ADL in stroke patients.

Bilateral upper limb robot-assisted rehabilitation improves upper limb motor function in stroke patients: a study based on quantitative EEG

BackgroundUpper limb dysfunction after stroke seriously affects quality of life. Bilateral training has proven helpful in recovery of upper limb motor function in these patients. However, studies evaluating the effectiveness of bilateral upper limb robot-assisted training on improving motor function and quality of life in stroke patients are lacking. Quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) is non-invasive, simple, and monitors cerebral cortical activity, which can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. In this study, EEG was used to evaluate the effect of end-drive bilateral upper extremity robot-assisted training on upper extremity functional recovery in stroke patients.Methods24 stroke patients with hemiplegia were randomly divided into a conventional training (CT, n = 12) group or a bilateral upper limb robot-assisted training (BRT, n = 12) group. All patients received 60 min of routine rehabilitation treatment including rolling, transferring, sitting, standing, walking, etc., per day, 6 days a week, for three consecutive weeks. The BRT group added 30 min of bilateral upper limb robot-assisted training per day, while the CT group added 30 min of upper limb training (routine occupational therapy) per day, 6 days a week, for 3 weeks. The primary outcome index to evaluate upper limb motor function was the Fugl-Meyer functional score upper limb component (FMA-UE), with the secondary outcome of activities of daily living (ADL), assessed by the modified Barthel index (MBI) score. Quantitative EEG was used to evaluate functional brain connectivity as well as alpha and beta power current source densities of the brain.ResultsSignificant (p < 0.05) within-group differences were found in FMA-UE and MBI scores for both groups after treatment. A between-group comparison indicated the MBI score of the BRT group was significantly different from that of the CT group, whereas the FMA-UE score was not significantly different from that of the CT group after treatment. The differences of FMA-UE and MBI scores before and after treatment in the BRT group were significantly different as compared to the CT group. In addition, beta rhythm power spectrum energy was higher in the BRT group than in the CT group after treatment. Functional connectivity in the BRT group, under alpha and beta rhythms, was significantly increased in both the bilateral frontal and limbic lobes as compared to the CT group.ConclusionsBRT outperformed CT in improving ADL in stroke patients within three months, and BRT facilitates the recovery of upper limb function by enhancing functional connectivity of the bilateral cerebral hemispheres.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping Combined with Virtual-Reality-Based Upper Extremity Training on Upper Extremity Function and Self-Esteem in Stroke Patients

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of virtual-reality-based hand motion training (VRT) in parallel with the Kinesio Taping (KT) technique on upper extremity function in stroke patients and to present a more effective therapeutic basis for virtual reality training intervention. (2) Methods: First, 43 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 21 experimental subjects and 22 controls. The experimental group performed Kinesio Taping (KT) on the dorsal part of the hand along with virtual-reality-based hand motion training, and the control group performed only virtual-reality-based hand motion training. The intervention was conducted for a total of 30 sessions over 6 weeks. To evaluate changes in upper extremity function, the Fugl–Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Motor Activity Log (MAL) (including amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM)) were evaluated. In addition, the Self-Efficacy Scale (SEF) was evaluated to examine the change in the self-esteem of the study subjects. (3) Results: The experimental group who participated in the virtual reality training in parallel with the KT technique showed statistically significant improvement (** p &lt; 0.01) in the FMA-UE, WMFT, and MAL evaluations that investigate changes in upper extremity function. SEF evaluation also showed a statistically significant improvement (** p &lt; 0.01). A statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed in the evaluation of FMA-UE, WMFT, MAL-QOM, and SEF († p &lt; 0.05), showing that that combined intervention was more effective at improving upper extremity function than the existing VRT intervention. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the MAL-AOU item, which is an evaluation of upper extremity function (p &gt; 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the amount of change in upper limb function (†† p &lt; 0.01). (4) Conclusions: It was confirmed that virtual-reality-based hand motion training performed in parallel with the KT technique had a positive effect on the recovery of upper extremity function of stroke patients. The fact that the KT technique provided stability to the wrist by assisting the wrist extensor muscles appears to have improved the upper extremity function more effectively than VRT alone.

Assessing the Accuracy of the Azure Kinect for Telerehabilitation After Breast Cancer Surgery.

Rehabilitation plays a key role in the recovery of upper extremity function after breast cancer surgery. Motion capture (mocap) systems for serious gaming have shown the potential to enable home-based rehabilitation, but clinical accuracy needs to be examined. Validation of markerless mocap systems for telerehabilitation after breast cancer surgical intervention. The accuracy of the markerless mocap device Azure Kinect in detecting compensatory movements and postural disturbances has been compared to a gold standard Optitrack system in five volunteers. Subsequently, a serious game for mocap-based shoulder exercises has been developed and integrated into a telerehabilitation platform. The Azure Kinect shows good reliability for scapular elevation (ICC >0.80; MAE <2.1 cm) and trunk tilt (ICC=0.88; MAE=5°), moderate reliability for rounded shoulders (ICC=0.51; MAE=2.6cm) and poor reliability for kyphosis angle (ICC=0.22; MAE=18°). The Azure Kinect provides reasonable performance for shoulder rehabilitation. The proposed telerehabilitation platform has been tested by rehabilitation specialists and received positive feedback.

The recovery of upper limb function and postoperative pain in children with lateral humeral condyle fractures were examined retrospectively in relation to the effects of brachial plexus block given in conjunction with general anesthesia

ObjectiveTo assess in retrospect the effects of brachial plexus block and general anesthesia on children with lateral humeral condyle fractures in terms of postoperative pain and return of upper limb function.MethodsRandomly allocated to either the control group (n = 51) or the study group (n = 55) were children with lateral humeral condyle fractures who were admitted to our hospital between October 2020 and October 2021, depending on the surgical anesthetic technique used. The research group had internal fixation surgery with brachial plexus block in addition to anesthesia on the basis of the control group, whereas both groups of children underwent the procedure with general anesthesia alone. Postoperative pain degree, upper extremity functional recovery, occurrence of adverse reactions, etc.ResultsThe study group had shorter mean times for surgery, anesthesia, propofol dose, return to consciousness, and extubation than the control group did at every measure of statistical significance. The T2 heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were both significantly lower than the pre-anesthesia HR and MAP, and the T1, T2, and T3 HR and MAP were all significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The difference between the SpO2 values at T0 and T3 was not statistically significant (P > 0.05); the VAS scores at 4 h, 12 h, and 48 h after surgery were higher than those at 2 h after surgery, and reached the peak at 4 h after surgery; within 2 h, 4 h, and 12 h of surgery At 48 h, the study group had substantially lower VAS ratings than the control group (P < 0.05). Post-treatment Fugl–Meyer scale scores were considerably higher across the board compared to pre-treatment levels in both groups. When compared to the control group, individuals who participated in the flexion-stretching coordinated exercise and the separation exercise had significantly better ratings. Electrocardiogram, blood pressure, respiratory circulation, and hemodynamic parameters all remained within normal limits during the surgical procedure. The study group had a 9.09% reduced incidence of adverse events compared to the control group. 19.61% (P < 0.05).ConclusionWhen used in conjunction with general anesthesia, brachial plexus block can help children with lateral humeral condyle fractures regulate perioperative signs, maintain their hemodynamic level, lessen postoperative pain and unpleasant reactions, and improve the function of their upper limbs. Functional recovery, with high safety and effectiveness.

Relationship between upper extremities functional recovery with speech recovery among post stroke patients - an observational study

Globally stroke is one of the most common neurological disease, frequently causing death and disability. The survivors suffer from various impairments among which upper and lower limb motor deficits, visuo-spatial neglect and speech impairments are most common. The aim of the study is to find out the association between upper extremity functional recovery and speech recovery in acute stroke patients and to predict the recovery of upper extremity functions based on recovery of speech. Twenty-eight eligible and willing subjects diagnosed with dominant hemisphere supratentorial stroke were taken for the study. The objectives were achieved with Fugl- Meyer assessment: upper extremity (FMA-UL), Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) scale and Wolf motor function scales (WMFT), that were administered by the tester on the eligible subjects within a week after acute stroke and follow up measurements were carried out post one month. A moderate positive correlation was found in between WMFT and WAB. Strength component of WMFT was found to show better correlation with WAB as compared to functional ability and time components. Since initial recovery is mostly seen within (90-120) days, a long term follow up of the same study may provide more information regarding return of upper extremity function with respect to speech. Hence, recovery of speech can predict upper extremity functional recovery.

Computational modeling and simulation of closed chain arm-robot multibody dynamic systems in OpenSim

Rehabilitation robot efficacy for restoring upper extremity function post-stroke could potentially be improved if robot control algorithms accounted for patient-specific neural control deficiencies. As a first step toward the development of such control algorithms using model-based methods, this study provides general guidelines for creating and simulating closed chain arm-robot models in the OpenSim environment, along with a specific example involving a three-dimensional arm moving within a two degree-of-freedom upper extremity rehabilitation robot. The closed chain arm-robot model developed in OpenSim was evaluated using experimental robot motion and torque data collected from a single healthy subject under four conditions: 1) active robot alone, 2) active robot with passive arm, 3) passive robot with active arm, and 4) active robot with active arm. Computational verification of the combined model was performed for all four conditions, whereas experimental validation was performed for only the first two conditions since torque measurements were not available for the arm. For the four verification problems, forward dynamic simulations reproduced experimentally measured robot joint angles with average root-mean-square (RMS) errors of less than 0.3 degrees and correlation coefficients of 1.00. For the two validation problems, inverse dynamic simulations reproduced experimentally measured robot motor torques with average RMS errors less than or equal to 0.5 Nm and correlation coefficients between 0.92 and 0.99. If patient-specific muscle–tendon and neural control models can be successfully added in the future, the coupled arm-robot OpenSim model may provide a useful testbed for designing patient-specific robot control algorithms that facilitate recovery of upper extremity function post-stroke.

Efficacy of Neurostimulations for Upper Extremity Function Recovery after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Neurostimulations for the post-stroke recovery of upper extremity function has been explored in previous research, but there remains a controversy about the superiority of different neurostimulations. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov, from 1 January 2000 to 1 June 2022. A conventional pair-wise meta-analysis with a random-effect model was used to evaluate direct evidence. Bayesian random effect models were used for network meta-analysis. The grading of the recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach was applied to assess the clinical quality of the results. Results: A total of 88 RCTs, which enrolled 3491 participants, were included. For the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity score change from the baseline to the longest follow-up, the following interventions showed a significant difference: VNS (MD = 4.12, 95%CrI: 0.54 to 7.80, moderate certainty), cNMES (MD = 3.98, 95%CrI: 1.05 to 6.92, low certainty), FES (MD = 7.83, 95%CrI: 4.42 to 11.32, very low certainty), drTMS (MD = 7.94, 95%CrI: 3.71 to 12.07, moderate certainty), LFrTMS (MD = 2.64, 95%CrI: 1.20 to 4.11, moderate certainty), HFrTMS (MD = 6.73, 95%CrI: 3.26 to 10.22, moderate certainty), and iTBS combined with LFrTMS (MD = 5.41, 95%CrI: 0.48 to 10.35, moderate certainty). Conclusions: The neurostimulations above the revealed significant efficacy for improving the upper limb function after stroke eased the suffering of the patient.

Multi-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing functional electrical stimulation therapy to conventional therapy in incomplete tetraplegia.

BackgroundLoss of upper extremity function after tetraplegia results in significant disability. Emerging evidence from pilot studies suggests that functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy may enhance recovery of upper extremity function after tetraplegia. The aim of this trial was to determine the effectiveness of FES therapy delivered by the Myndmove stimulator in people with tetraplegia.MethodsA multi-center, single-blind, parallel-group, two-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing FES to conventional therapy in adults (≥18 years) with C4–C7 traumatic incomplete tetraplegia between 4 and 96 months post-injury, and with a baseline spinal cord injury independence measure III -self-care (SCIM III-SC) score of ≤10. Participants were enrolled at four SCI-specialized neurorehabilitation centers in the U.S. and Canada. Participants were stratified by center and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 40 sessions of FES or conventional therapy targeting upper extremities over a 14-week period. Blinded assessors measured SCIM III, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Hand Function Test, and Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension at baseline, after 20th session, after 40th session or 14 weeks after 1st session, and at 24 weeks after 1st session. The primary outcome measure was change in SCIM III-SC from baseline to end of the treatment. Based on the primary outcome measure, a sample size of 60 was calculated. Seventeen participants' progress in the study was interrupted due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The protocol was modified for these participants to allow them to complete the study.ResultsBetween June 2019 to August 2021, 51 participants were randomized to FES (n = 27) and conventional therapy (n = 24). Both groups gained a mean of 2 points in SCIM-SC scores at the end of treatment, which was a clinically meaningful change. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups on any outcomes.ConclusionForty sessions of FES therapy delivered by the MyndMove stimulator are as effective as conventional therapy in producing meaningful functional improvements that persist after therapy is completed. Limitations of this study include the impact of COVID-19 limiting the ability to recruit the target sample size and per-protocol execution of the study in one-third of the participants.RegistrationThis trial is registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03439319.

Improving upper extremity function in chronic stroke using occupational therapy task-oriented approach

Background: Recovery of upper extremity function in chronic stroke requires functional rehabilitation. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of task-oriented occupational therapy on the upper extremity function of chronic stroke clients. Materials and methods: Twenty participants were selected for the study, which was carried out through purposeful sampling process. The participants were then divided into two groups: the intervention and the control groups. Both groups were given a conventional rehabilitation program. The intervention group was also provided with occupational therapy task-oriented training within the duration of 6 weeks, with the consistency of 3 sessions a week, and 1 hour each session. The training program was individually designed based on an analysis of the three most important activities identified by the participants from the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Each training session consisted of task-oriented training (75%) and supplementary exercise (25%). The Functional Test of the Hemiparetic Upper Extremity-Thai version (FTHUE-Thai Version) and COPM were used as outcome measurements before and after the training programs. Results: The FTHUE-Thai version study showed that the intervention group had significant improvement in the function of paretic upper extremity (p&lt;0.05). The COPM’s report found a dramatical change in performance and satisfaction of the intervention group after the training program (p&lt;0.05). These changes were also significantly different when compared between groups (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated the effect of occupational therapy task-oriented training based on client-centered approach on improving functions of paretic upper extremities, occupational performance, and satisfaction in people with chronic stroke.

Robotic Kinematic measures of the arm in chronic Stroke: part 1 \u2013 Motor Recovery patterns from tDCS preceding intensive training

BackgroundEffectiveness of robotic therapy and transcranial direct current stimulation is conventionally assessed with clinical measures. Robotic metrics may be more objective and sensitive for measuring the efficacy of interventions on stroke survivor’s motor recovery. This study investigated if robotic metrics detect a difference in outcomes, not seen in clinical measures, in a study of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) preceding robotic therapy. Impact of impairment severity on intervention response was also analyzed to explore optimization of outcomes by targeting patient sub-groups.MethodsThis 2020 study analyzed data from a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized multi-center trial conducted from 2012 to 2016, including a six-month follow-up. 82 volunteers with single chronic ischemic stroke and right hemiparesis received anodal tDCS or sham stimulation, prior to robotic therapy. Robotic therapy involved 1024 repetitions, alternating shoulder-elbow and wrist robots, for a total of 36 sessions. Shoulder-elbow and wrist kinematic and kinetic metrics were collected at admission, discharge, and follow-up.ResultsNo difference was detected between the tDCS or sham stimulation groups in the analysis of robotic shoulder-elbow or wrist metrics. Significant improvements in all metrics were found for the combined group analysis. Novel wrist data showed smoothness significantly improved (P < ·001) while submovement number trended down, overlap increased, and interpeak interval decreased. Post-hoc analysis showed only patients with severe impairment demonstrated a significant difference in kinematics, greater for patients receiving sham stimulation.ConclusionsRobotic data confirmed results of clinical measures, showing intensive robotic therapy is beneficial, but no additional gain from tDCS. Patients with severe impairment did not benefit from the combined intervention. Wrist submovement characteristics showed a delayed pattern of motor recovery compared to the shoulder-elbow, relevant to intensive intervention-related recovery of upper extremity function in chronic stroke.Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Actual study start date September 2012. First registered on 15 November 2012. Retrospectively registered. Unique identifiers: NCT01726673 and NCT03562663.

Limited Add-On Effects of Unilateral and Bilateral Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Visuo-Motor Grip Force Tracking Task Training Outcome in Chronic Stroke. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: This randomized controlled trial investigated if uni- and bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the motor cortex can enhance the effects of visuo-motor grip force tracking task training and transfer to clinical assessments of upper extremity motor function.Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, 40 chronic stroke patients underwent 5 days of visuo-motor grip force tracking task training of the paretic hand with either unilateral or bilateral (N = 15/group) or placebo tDCS (N = 10). Immediate and long-term (3 months) effects on training outcome and motor recovery (Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer, UE-FM, Wolf Motor Function Test, and WMFT) were investigated.Results: Trained task performance significantly improved independently of tDCS in a curvilinear fashion. In the anodal stimulation group UE-FM scores were higher than in the sham group at day 5 (adjusted mean difference: 2.6, 95%CI: 0.6–4.5, p = 0.010) and at 3 months follow up (adjusted mean difference: 2.8, 95%CI: 0.8–4.7, p = 0.006). Neither training alone, nor the combination of training and tDCS improved WMFT performance.Conclusions: Visuo-motor grip force tracking task training can facilitate recovery of upper extremity function. Only minimal add-on effects of anodal but not dual tDCS were observed.Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?recrs=&cond=&term=NCT01969097&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=, identifier: NCT01969097, retrospectively registered on 25/10/2013.

Опыт реабилитации пациента с тяжелой травмой кисти (клинический случай)

Reconstruction of flexor tendons anatomic continuity at the level of osteofibrous canals is one of the most challenging in hand surgery. Due to the complex anatomy of the hand and a high risk of developing postoperative adhesions choosing the optimal treatment protocol remains crucial during flexor tendons rehabilitation period. Surgeons and rehabilitation specialists agree that a number of poor results of flexor tendon surgery can be caused by a wrong postoperative treatment, violation of treatment protocols or just by the lack of adequate rehabilitation measures. The aim of this study is analysis and the description of the case history of treating the teenager with concomitant hand injury after staged reconstructive and restorative nerve and tendon surgery. Materials and methods. The study analyses the use of intratissual electric stimulation (ITES) combined with the complex of special exercises for recovery of upper extremity function at the outpatient rehabilitation stage in patients who underwent nerve and tendon surgery. The objective pain syndrome and trophic innervation of the injured extremity assessment was performed by measuring skin surface electric potential using Gerasimov’s method. The results were interpreted according to “Personalized system of assessing the results of treating trauma and orthopedic patients”. Results. “Combination treatment in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity” proved to be effective to fight pain syndrome and trophic dysfunction of the nervous system. It allows the patient to do the complex of special exercises to prevent limb contracture if used during the late rehabilitation period. It is an efficient method of preventing and treating neurotrophic dysfunctions. Conclusion. The pathogenetically substantiated method of treating upper extremity, the use of intratissual electric stimulation at the outpatient rehabilitation stage of humerus fractures prove to be effective.

Robot-Assisted Therapy and Cognitive Skills Training to Promote Upper Extremity Functional Recovery After Stroke: A Theory-Based Approach

Abstract Date Presented 04/9/21 This presentation will describe pilot findings of a novel protocol, the Active Learning Program for Stroke, in which cognitive strategy training is used to facilitate the transfer of robot-trained motor skills to upper limb performance in the home and community. This protocol is relevant to clinical practice with and without robotic technology because it provides clinicians with a structured, client-centered motor learning approach to optimize functional use of the paretic arm and hand after stroke. Primary Author and Speaker: Susan E. Fasoli Contributing Authors: Sarah L. Smith

Опыт реабилитации пациентов с комплексным регионарным болевым синдромом верхней конечности I и II типа

The aim of this study is to improve the results of treating patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Materials and Methods. The study analyses the use of intratissual electric stimulation (ITES) combined with the complex of special exercises for recovery of upper extremity function at the outpatient rehabilitation stage in patients (179 persons) who underwent osteosynthesis of upper limb bones, or nerve and tendon transfer surgery. The objective pain syndrome and trophic innervation of the injured extremity assessment was performed by measuring skin surface electric potential using Gerasimov’s method. The results were interpreted according to “Personalized system of assessing the results of treating trauma and orthopedic patients”. Results. “Combination treatment in the rehabilitation of the upper extremity” proved to be effective to fight pain syndrome and trophic dysfunction of the nervous system. It allows the patient to do the complex of special exercises to prevent limb contracture if used during late rehabilitation period. It is an efficient method of preventing and treating neurotrophic dysfunction. The use of this technique leads to early mobilization and the reduction of treatment period and the period of temporary work disability. Conclusion. The pathogenetically substantiated method of treating upper extremity, the use of intratissual electric stimulation (ITES) at the outpatient rehabilitation stage of humerus fractures prove to be effective.

Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation Facilitates Upper Extremity Functional Recovery in People with Tetraplegia

Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation Facilitates Upper Extremity Functional Recovery in People with Tetraplegia