Sensorimotor Rehabilitation Research Articles

Source localization of mu-rhythm event related desynchronization in EEG during tactile imagery

Tactile imagery remains a relatively understudied phenomenon in the field of mental imagery research. However, alongside motor imagery, this technique holds promise as an effective tool for sensorimotor rehabilitation following stroke and spinal cord injuries. In this study, conducted with 22 healthy volunteers, we investigated the source localization of mu-rhythm event related desynchronization (Event-Related Desynchronization, ERD) using multi-channel electroencephalogram recordings and subsequent inverse problem solution with the sLORETA method. All participants exhibited ERD during tactile imagery task, as well as under vibrotactile stimulation. It was demonstrated that mu-rhythm ERD during vibrotactile stimulation, as well as tactile imagery, was localized in the sensorimotor areas of the contralateral hemisphere. Within the source space, ERD in the postcentral gyrus was significantly stronger compared to the precentral gyrus. These findings indicate that tactile imagery, akin to the perception of real tactile stimuli, leads to prominent activation of sensorimotor cortical areas, consistent with the general understanding of the shared neural substrate during mental imagery and perception.

Enhancing stroke rehabilitation with whole-hand haptic rendering: development and clinical usability evaluation of a novel upper-limb rehabilitation device

IntroductionThere is currently a lack of easy-to-use and effective robotic devices for upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke. Importantly, most current systems lack the provision of somatosensory information that is congruent with the virtual training task. This paper introduces a novel haptic robotic system designed for upper-limb rehabilitation, focusing on enhancing sensorimotor rehabilitation through comprehensive haptic rendering.MethodsWe developed a novel haptic rehabilitation device with a unique combination of degrees of freedom that allows the virtual training of functional reach and grasp tasks, where we use a physics engine-based haptic rendering method to render whole-hand interactions between the patients’ hands and virtual tangible objects. To evaluate the feasibility of our system, we performed a clinical mixed-method usability study with seven patients and seven therapists working in neurorehabilitation. We employed standardized questionnaires to gather quantitative data and performed semi-structured interviews with all participants to gain qualitative insights into the perceived usability and usefulness of our technological solution.ResultsThe device demonstrated ease of use and adaptability to various hand sizes without extensive setup. Therapists and patients reported high satisfaction levels, with the system facilitating engaging and meaningful rehabilitation exercises. Participants provided notably positive feedback, particularly emphasizing the system’s available degrees of freedom and its haptic rendering capabilities. Therapists expressed confidence in the transferability of sensorimotor skills learned with our system to activities of daily living, although further investigation is needed to confirm this.ConclusionThe novel haptic robotic system effectively supports upper-limb rehabilitation post-stroke, offering high-fidelity haptic feedback and engaging training tasks. Its clinical usability, combined with positive feedback from both therapists and patients, underscores its potential to enhance robotic neurorehabilitation.

Early intensive rehabilitation reverses locomotor disruption, decrease brain inflammation and induces neuroplasticity following experimental Cerebral Palsy

BackgroundCerebral Palsy (CP) is a major cause of motor and cognitive disability in children due to injury to the developing brain. Early intensive sensorimotor rehabilitation has been shown to change brain structure and reduce CP symptoms severity. We combined environmental enrichment (EE) and treadmill training (TT) to observe the effects of a one-week program of sensorimotor stimulation (EETT) in animals exposed to a CP model and explored possible mechanisms involved in the functional recovery. MethodsPregnant Wistar rats were injected with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS − 200 µg/kg) intraperitoneally at embryonic days 18 and 19. At P0, pups of both sexes were exposed to 20′ anoxia at 37 °C. From P2 to P21, hindlimbs were restricted for 16 h/day during the dark cycle. EETT lasted from P21 to P27. TT − 15 min/day at 7 cm/s. EE − 7 days in enriched cages with sensorimotor stimulus. Functional 3D kinematic gait analysis and locomotion were analyzed. At P28, brains were collected for ex-vivo MRI and histological assessment. Neurotrophins and key proteins involved in CNS function were assessed by western blotting. ResultsCP model caused gross and skilled locomotor disruption and altered CNS neurochemistry. EETT reversed locomotor dysfunction with minor effects over gait kinematics. EETT also decreased brain inflammation and glial activation, preserved myelination, upregulated BDNF signaling and modulated the expression of proteins involved in excitatory synaptic function in the brain and spinal cord. ConclusionsUsing this translational approach based on intensive sensorimotor rehabilitation, we highlight pathways engaged in the early developmental processes improving neurological recovery observed in CP.

Alterations in cortical thickness and volumes of subcortical structures in pediatric patients with complete spinal cord injury.

To study the changes in cortical thickness and subcortical gray matter structures in children with complete spinal cord injury (CSCI), reveal the possible causes of dysfunction beyond sensory motor dysfunction after CSCI, and provide a possible neural basis for corresponding functional intervention training. Thirty-seven pediatric CSCI patients and 34 age-, gender-matched healthy children as healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The 3D high-resolution T1-weighted structural images of all subjects were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI system. Statistical differences between pediatric CSCI patients and HCs in cortical thickness and volumes of subcortical gray matter structures were evaluated. Then, correlation analyses were performed to analyze the correlation between the imaging indicators and clinical characteristics. Compared with HCs, pediatric CSCI patients showed decreased cortical thickness in the right precentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and posterior segment of the lateral sulcus, while increased cortical thickness in the right lingual gyrus and inferior occipital gyrus. The volume of the right thalamus in pediatric CSCI patients was significantly smaller than that in HCs. No significant correlation was found between the imaging indicators and the injury duration, sensory scores, and motor scores of pediatric CSCI patients. These findings demonstrated that the brain structural reorganizations of pediatric CSCI occurred not only in sensory motor areas but also in cognitive and visual related brain regions, which may suggest that the visual processing, cognitive abnormalities, and related early intervention therapy also deserve greater attention beyond sensory motor rehabilitation training in pediatric CSCI patients.

Sensory-motor training with virtual reality as a complementary intervention to manual therapy for persistent non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Persistent non-specific neck pain (NP) is a widespread condition described as a complex biopsychosocial disorder, characterized by physical and psychological symptoms. Virtual reality (VR) shows promise in NP treatment, potentially reducing pain, kinesiophobia, and improving range of motion (ROM) and motor control. The primary aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of VR sensorimotor training, combined with manual therapy, in reducing the level of disability in persistent non-specific NP individuals. The secondary aim was to determine if this VR-enhanced approach also contributes to improvement in overall function, pain perception and kinesiophobia. Monocentric, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. We conducted this trial at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, Milan, Italy. Forty NP participants were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated into two groups. The study involved a 6-week rehabilitation program, comprising 12 sessions of 45 minutes each, twice weekly. Both intervention groups underwent manual therapy as a consistent component of their treatment. The Experimental Group (VRT) was additionally engaged in sensorimotor rehabilitation exercises using Virtual Reality, whereas the Control Group (CT) performed the same exercises without VR. We assessed subjects at baseline (T0) and after six weeks of rehabilitation (T1). The primary outcome was the disability (Neck Disability Index) while the secondary outcomes were: pain perception (Numeric Rating Scale, NP and Disability Scale, Central Sensitization Inventory) function (Cervical Kinematics) and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia). Both groups demonstrated significant reduction in level of disability, pain perception, and kinesiophobia. Significant advancements in kinematics were observed: VRT group showed enhanced ROM during craniocervical rotation (P=0.039), lateral bending (P=0.001), flexion-extension (P=0.009), and mean velocity across movements (P<0.001), whereas CT group improved in maximal ROM during lateral bending rotation (P=0.001). Between-group analysis, after Bonferroni's correction for multiple comparisons, revealed that VRT group had significantly better outcomes in ROM during rotation (P=0.040), ratio of the primary over the secondary movement while performing rotation (P=0.021), and mean velocity during lateral bending (P=0.031). Sensorimotor training, combined with manual therapy, could enhance kinematic outcomes for NP patients, supporting the potential of VR in rehabilitation. This study highlighted that both groups demonstrated significant reduction in level of disability, pain perception, and kinesiophobia after sensorimotor training combined with manual therapy. It is important to underscore that in terms of reducing the level of neck disability, both interventions proved to be equally effective. This parity in efficacy is a critical finding, reaffirming the robustness of our therapeutic approaches for this specific outcome.

Pre-Implementation Analysis of the Usability and Acceptability of a Poststroke Complex Telehealth Biofeedback Intervention.

Complex telehealth interventions can facilitate remote occupational therapy services and improve access for people living with chronic neurological conditions. Understanding the factors that influence the uptake of these technologies is important. To explore the fit between electromyography (EMG) biofeedback and telerehabilitation for stroke survivors, optimize EMG biofeedback interventions, and, more broadly, support other efforts to develop complex telerehabilitation interventions. Pre-implementation mixed-methods analysis of usability and acceptability data collected during a pilot and feasibility study. Community. Adult stroke survivors with hemiparesis (N = 11; M age = 54 yr). Game-based EMG biofeedback system for arm sensorimotor rehabilitation, delivered via telehealth. Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire, an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model questionnaire, and semistructured interview. We coded the interview data using questionnaire constructs. Participants used an EMG biofeedback intervention at home. Quantitative measures show high levels of perceived usability and acceptability, supported by qualitative findings describing specific facilitators and barriers. Pre-implementation studies can improve the design and relevance of complex telehealth interventions. One major conclusion from this study is the influence of therapy providers on acceptability and usability of complex telehealth interventions. Plain-Language Summary: This study contributes to an emerging body of literature that examines the use of complex telehealth interventions with survivors of neurological injury. The findings highlight the value and support the development and use of complex telehealth interventions, which have the potential to improve remote access to occupational therapy for clients living with chronic neurological conditions. Complex telehealth interventions can open doors for survivors of neurological injury who face barriers to accessing occupational therapy and would benefit from technology-enabled therapy at home.

Novel Wearable Device for Mindful Sensorimotor Training: Integrating Motor Decoding and Somatosensory Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation.

Sensorimotor impairment is a prevalent condition requiring effective rehabilitation strategies. This study introduces a novel wearable device for Mindful Sensorimotor Training (MiSMT) designed for sensory and motor rehabilitation. Our MiSMT device combines motor training using myoelectric pattern recognition along sensory training using two tactile displays. This device offers a comprehensive solution, integrating electromyography and haptic feedback, lacking in existing devices. The device features eight electromyography channels, a rechargeable battery, and wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless communication with a computer or mobile device. Its flexible material allows for adaptability to various body parts, ensuring ease of use in diverse patients. The two tactile displays, with 16 electromagnetic actuators each, provide touch and vibration sensations up to 250 Hz. In this proof-of-concept study, we show improved two-point discrimination after 5 training sessions in participants with intact limbs (p=0.047). We also demonstrated successful acquisition, processing, and decoding of myoelectric signals in offline and online evaluations. In conclusion, the MiSMT device presents a promising tool for sensorimotor rehabilitation by combining motor execution and sensory training benefits. Further studies are required to assess its effectiveness in individuals with sensorimotor impairments. Integrating mindful sensory and motor training with innovative technology can enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve the quality of life for those with sensorimotor impairments.

Feasibility and efficacy of an early sensory-motor rehabilitation program on hand function in patients with stroke: a pilot, single-subject experimental design.

Hand and upper limb functional impairments following stroke lead to limitations in performing activities of daily living. We aimed to investigate feasibility and efficacy of an early sensory-motor rehabilitation program on hand and upper limb function in patients with acute stroke. A pilot, single-subject experimental, A-B-A study. Stroke unit of an educational hospital and an outpatient occupational therapy clinic. A convenience sample including five people with acute stroke. Participants received 3h of an intensive hand and upper limb sensory and motor rehabilitation program, 5days per week for 3months (15-min mental imagery, 15-min action observation, 30-min mirror therapy, 1.5-h constraint-induced movement therapy, and 30-min bilateral arm training). Activities were chosen based on the task-oriented occupational therapy approach. An assessor blinded to intervention program measured sensory and motor functions using action research arm test, box and block test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, and upper extremity section of Fugl-Meyer assessment. Assessment data points in intervention and follow-up phases compared to baseline were in higher levels, sloped upwardly, and increased significantly for all participants in all outcome measures. The present pilot study showed that a package of nowadays evidence-based rehabilitation methods including mental imagery, action observation, mirror therapy, modified constraint-induced movement therapy, bilateral arm training, and task-oriented occupational therapy approach is able to improve sensory and motor functions of the hand and upper limb in patients with acute stroke.

Sensorimotor Rehabilitation and Psychotherapeutic Techniques Effect on the Psychoemotional State in the Stroke Recovery Period

INTRODUCTION. Stroke is the leading cause of disability of the population. In addition to motor disorders, cognitive and affective disorders contribute to the development of disability. The development of effective neurorehabilitation programs aimed not only at reducing the severity of motor deficits, but also at timely correction of psychoemotional disorders in stroke patients is very relevant for restorative medicine. In view of the proven positive therapeutic effect of physical exercises on anxiety and depression, their protective effect on cognitive functions, it is of interest to study the effect of motor rehabilitation on psychoemotional disorders in stroke patients.&#x0D; AIM. To study the effect of sensorimotor rehabilitation on affective and cognitive disorders in patients in the recovery period of stroke in comparison with a complex psychotherapeutic technique.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study examined 2 groups of patients in the recovery period of ischemic stroke (up to 2 years) with the presence of anxiety and/or depressive disorders, comparable in gender, age, duration and focus of stroke localization, severity of neurological deficit. The 1st group — 24 patients — received a course of sensorimotor rehabilitation without targeted impact on affective disorders; the 2nd group — 25 patients — a course of complex medical and psychological adaptation lasting 18 days. The effectiveness of rehabilitation was assessed using validated scales and questionnaires (Rivermead Mobility Index, 6-point muscle strength assessment scale, modified Ashfort spasticity scale; Berg balance scales, Beck depression, Spielberger-Khanin anxiety, MMSE, MoCA; Schulte Table Methodology, SS-QOL Stroke Quality of Life Assessment Scale). Statistical analysis was carried out using the StatTech v. 2.8.8 program (developed by Stattech LLC, Russia).&#x0D; RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The preliminary assessment carried out in both groups showed a twofold predominance of anxiety states over depressive ones, concomitant cognitive impairments were detected in 88 % of patients, among whom attention disorders were most often recorded (there was no intergroup difference in these indicators). After completing the course of both sensorimotor and medico-psychological rehabilitation, both groups showed a significant decrease in the level of situational and personal anxiety on the Spielberger-Khanin scale, positive dynamics on the MoСа scale, the SS-QOL questionnaire, while a significant decrease in the level of depression on the Beck scale was registered only in patients of the 2nd group on against the background of the use of specialized psychotherapeutic techniques.&#x0D; CONCLUSION. Motor rehabilitation is positively comparable with complex medical and psychological adaptation, it affects anxiety and cognitive functions in patients with ischemic stroke, it can be considered as one of the effective ways to correct anxiety states and prevent cognitive impairment in these patients, while in the treatment of depression the priority is should be given to specialized medical and psychological intervention.

Feasibility and usability of a virtual-reality-based sensorimotor activation apparatus for carpal tunnel syndrome patients.

This study aimed to assess the usability of a virtual reality-assisted sensorimotor activation (VRSMA) apparatus for individual digit rehabilitation. The study had two main objectives: Firstly, to collect preliminary data on the expectations and preferences of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) regarding virtual reality (VR) and an apparatus-assisted therapy for their affected digits. Secondly, to evaluate the usability of the VRSMA apparatus that was developed. The VRSMA system consists of an apparatus that provides sensory and motor stimulation via a vibratory motor and pressure sensor attached to a button, and a virtual reality-based visual cue provided by texts overlaid on top of a 3D model of a hand. The study involved 10 CTS patients who completed five blocks of VRSMA with their affected hand, with each block corresponding to the five digits. The patients were asked to complete a user expectations questionnaire before experiencing the VRSMA, and a user evaluation questionnaire after completing the VRSMA. Expectations for VRSMA were obtained from the questionnaire results using a House of Quality (HoQ) analysis. In the survey for expectations, participants rated certain attributes as important for a rehabilitation device for CTS, with mean ratings above 4 for attributes such as ease of use, ease of understanding, motivation, and improvement of hand function based on clinical evidence. The level of immersion and an interesting rehabilitation regime received lower ratings, with mean ratings above 3.5. The survey evaluating VRSMA showed that the current prototype was overall satisfactory with a mean rating of 3.9 out of 5. Based on the HoQ matrix, the highest priority for development of the VRSMA was to enhance device comfort and usage time. This was followed by the need to perform more clinical studies to provide evidence of the efficacy of the VRSMA. Other technical characteristics, such as VRSMA content and device reliability, had lower priority scores. The current study presents a potential for an individual digit sensorimotor rehabilitation device that is well-liked by CTS patients.

Chronic stress hinders sensory axon regeneration via impairing mitochondrial cristae and OXPHOS.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to physical limitations, persistent pain, and major lifestyle shifts, enhancing the likelihood of prolonged psychological stress and associated disorders such as anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking stress with regeneration remain elusive, despite understanding the detrimental impact of chronic stress on SCI recovery. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic stress on primary sensory axon regeneration using a preconditioning lesions mouse model. Our data revealed that chronic stress-induced mitochondrial cristae loss and a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) within primary sensory neurons, impeding central axon regrowth. Corticosterone, a stress hormone, emerged as a pivotal player in this process, affecting satellite glial cells by reducing Kir4.1 expression. This led to increased neuronal hyperactivity and reactive oxygen species levels, which, in turn, deformed mitochondrial cristae and impaired OXPHOS, crucial for axonal regeneration. Our study underscores the need to manage psychological stress in patients with SCI for effective sensory-motor rehabilitation.

The effectiveness of the early habilitation complex in premature infants according to N.A. Bernstein’s concept

BACKGROUND: Currently, the incidence of developmental disorders and the level of disability in premature infants, especially those born with a low and extremely low body weight, remain high, that determines the relevance of habilitation methods.&#x0D; AIM: to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the early habilitation complex in premature infants with a perinatal brain damage when transferring to the stage III of rehabilitation.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 86 patients born with a very low and extremely low body weight, who had a hypoxic-ischemic or hemorrhagic brain damage and were observed at the Children's Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan during the first three years of life. A comparative analysis of the development and functional outcomes of the disease was carried out for children of two groups. The first group, when transferred to the stage III of rehabilitation, was assigned a complex of early sensorimotor habilitation, developed on the basis of N.A. Bernsteins concept to be carried out at home for three months after an appropriate training. The second group was not prescribed such a complex.&#x0D; RESULTS: The effect of the early sensorimotor rehabilitation complex on the functional (motor, speech and cognitive) outcomes in prematurely born patients was evaluated and described. In the first group with an assigned complex of sensorimotor exercises, despite the absence of a significant effect by the age of 6 months, it was found by the age of one and a half years, that the average indices of the development of large (p=0.022) and fine motor skills (p=0.023), expressive speech (p=0.006) and cognitive functions (p=0.040) were higher, while, by the age of three years, the differences in speech (p=0.001) and cognitive (p=0.001) outcomes retained their statistical significance compared to the development indicators in children who did not receive the same early habilitation complex.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: It was found that premature infants who received the early habilitation complex had better speech and cognitive outcomes by the age of three, compared to patients who did not receive the complex. The significance of the positive influence on the ontogenesis of motor skills persists during the second year of life.

Thevenard Disease: Rare Association of 3 Cases in the Same Family (3 Sisters)

Thevenard's disease is a rare familial ulceromutilative acropathy, responsible for sensory peripheral neuropathy associated with dysautonomous syndrome. The delay in diagnosis and major comorbidities make this condition disabling. We report here a case of 3 sisters, with a history of parental consanguinity, received in Orthopedic and Traumatology Department for the management of a sensitive polyneuropathy, associated with pressure ulcers and ulcers arthropathies of the feet. Functionally, walking was possible without dodging lameness. The electromyogram was in favor of a sensory polyneuropathy of the four limbs. An artisan shoe footfeeding shoe has been proposed, in the face of delayed healing of the wound, associated with local care and sensorimotor rehabilitation. Thévenard's Disease is a rare nosological entity that requires multidisciplinary management.

Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract vs conventional therapy in chronic peripheral facial paresis: VISAGE, a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BackgroundOne year after persistent peripheral facial paresis (PFP), prescriptions of conventional rehabilitation are often downgraded into maintenance rehabilitation or discontinued, the patient entering what is seen as a chronic stage. This therapeutic choice is not consistent with current knowledge about behavior-induced plasticity, which is available all life long and may allow intense sensorimotor rehabilitation to remain effective. This prospective, randomized, multicenter single-blind study in subjects with chronic unilateral PFP evaluates changes in facial motor function with a Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract (GSC) vs. conventional therapy alone, carried out for six months.MethodsEighty-two adult subjects with chronic unilateral PFP (> 1 year since facial nerve injury) will be included in four tertiary, maxillofacial surgery (2), otolaryngology (1) and rehabilitation (1) centers to be randomized into two rehabilitation groups. In the experimental group, the PM&R specialist will implement the GSC method, which for PFP involves intensive series of motor strengthening performed daily on three facial key muscle groups, i.e. Frontalis, Orbicularis oculi and Zygomatici. The GSC strategy involves: i) prescription of a daily self-rehabilitation program, ii) teaching of the techniques involved in the program, iii) encouragement and guidance of the patient over time, in particular by requesting a quantified diary of the work achieved to be returned by the patient at each visit. In the control group, participants will benefit from community-based conventional therapy only, according to their physician’s prescription. The primary outcome measure is the composite score of Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. Secondary outcome measures include clinical and biomechanical facial motor function quantifications (Créteil Scale and 3D facial motion analysis through the Cara system), quality of life (Facial Clinimetric Evaluation and Short-Form 12), aesthetic considerations (FACE-Q scale) and mood representations (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale). Participants will be evaluated every three months by a blinded investigator, in addition to four phone calls (D30/D60/D120/D150) to monitor compliance and tolerance to treatment.DiscussionThis study will increase the level of knowledge on the effects of intense facial motor streng- Facial paralysisthening prescribed through a GSC in patients with chronic peripheral facial paresis.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04074018. Registered 29 August 2019.Protocol versionVersion N°4.0—04/02/2021.

Integrated Neuroregenerative Techniques for Plasticity of the Injured Spinal Cord.

On the slow path to improving the life expectancy and quality of life of patients post spinal cord injury (SCI), recovery remains controversial. The potential role of the regenerative capacity of the nervous system has led to numerous attempts to stimulate the SCI to re-establish the interrupted sensorimotor loop and to understand its potential in the recovery process. Numerous resources are now available, from pharmacological to biomolecular approaches and from neuromodulation to sensorimotor rehabilitation interventions based on the use of various neural interfaces, exoskeletons, and virtual reality applications. The integration of existing resources seems to be a promising field of research, especially from the perspective of improving living conditions in the short to medium term. Goals such as reducing chronic forms of neuropathic pain, regaining control over certain physiological activities, and enhancing residual abilities are often more urgent than complete functional recovery. In this perspective article, we provide an overview of the latest interventions for the treatment of SCI through broad phases of injury rehabilitation. The underlying intention of this work is to introduce a spinal cord neuroplasticity-based multimodal approach to promote functional recovery and improve quality of life after SCI. Nonetheless, when used separately, biomolecular therapeutic approaches have been shown to have modest outcomes.

Motor Control: A Conceptual Framework for Rehabilitation.

There is a lack of conceptual and theoretical clarity among clinicians and researchers regarding the control of motor actions based on the use of the term "motor control." It is important to differentiate control processes from observations of motor output to improve communication and to make progress in understanding motor disorders and their remediation. This article clarifies terminology related to theoretical concepts underlying the control of motor actions, emphasizing how the term "motor control" is applied in neurorehabilitation. Two major opposing theoretical frameworks are described (i.e.,direct and indirect), and their strengths and pitfalls are discussed. Then, based on the proposition that sensorimotor rehabilitation should be predicated on one comprehensive theory instead of an eclectic mix of theories and models, several solutions are offered about how to address controversies in motor learning, optimality, and adaptability of movement.

Assessing bilateral ankle proprioceptive acuity in stroke survivors: An exploratory study.

BackgroundBilateral proprioception deficits were reported in stroke survivors. However, whether bilateral proprioception deficits exist in the ankle joint after stroke was unclear. Ankle proprioception is a significant predictor of balance dysfunction after stroke, and previous studies to date are lacking appropriate evaluation methods.ObjectivesWe want to determine whether the active movement extent discrimination apparatus (AMEDA) is a reliable tool for assessing ankle proprioceptive acuity in stroke survivors and the presence of deficits in ankle proprioception on the affected and unaffected sides in patients after stroke.MethodsBilateral ankle proprioception was assessed in 20 stroke patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls using AMEDA. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsThe ICC in the affected and unaffected sides was 0.713 and 0.74, respectively. Analysis of variance revealed significant deficits in ankle proprioception in subacute stroke survivors vs. healthy controls (F = 2.719, p = 0.045). However, there were no significant differences in proprioception acuity scores between the affected and unaffected sides in patients after stroke (F = 1.14, p = 0.331).ConclusionsStroke survivors had bilateral deficits in ankle proprioceptive acuity during active movements compared with age-matched healthy controls, underscoring the need to evaluate these deficits on both sides of the body and develop effective sensorimotor rehabilitation methods for this patient population. The AMEDA can reliably determine bilateral ankle proprioceptive acuity in stroke survivors.

Neuroprotective Effects of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Coated with Omega-3 as a Novel Drug for Recovery of Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats

Background: Novel nanoparticle drug therapy could be an effective method to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NP) coated with omega-3 on sciatic nerve regeneration in Wistar rats. Methods: The rats' left sciatic nerve was crushed with a non-serrated clamp. Animals in experimental groups were given Fe3O4@ω3 NPs (10 or 30 mg/kg/d) for one week. The recovery of functions was then assessed over eight weeks using a walking track analysis and a hot plate test. In addition, histomorphometry was used to assess the histomorphometric factors. Results: Results showed that Fe3O4@ω3 NPs may have enhanced sciatic nerve regeneration and improved sensorimotor rehabilitation in comparison to the negative controls. These therapeutic effects were significantly greater in Fe3O4@ω3 NPs at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Furthermore, Fe3O4@ω3 NPs treatment, compared to negative controls, significantly reduced gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and improved histomorphometric parameters. Conclusions: It was determined that Fe3O4@ω3 NPs had great potential for nerve regeneration due to the ease of their manufacturing and their desired efficacy.

Machine learning predicts clinically significant health related quality of life improvement after sensorimotor rehabilitation interventions in chronic stroke

Health related quality of life (HRQOL) reflects individuals perceived of wellness in health domains and is often deteriorated after stroke. Precise prediction of HRQOL changes after rehabilitation interventions is critical for optimizing stroke rehabilitation efficiency and efficacy. Machine learning (ML) has become a promising outcome prediction approach because of its high accuracy and easiness to use. Incorporating ML models into rehabilitation practice may facilitate efficient and accurate clinical decision making. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if ML algorithms could accurately predict clinically significant HRQOL improvements after stroke sensorimotor rehabilitation interventions and identify important predictors. Five ML algorithms including the random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), artificial neural network, support vector machine and logistic regression were used. Datasets from 132 people with chronic stroke were included. The Stroke Impact Scale was used for assessing multi-dimensional and global self-perceived HRQOL. Potential predictors included personal characteristics and baseline cognitive/motor/sensory/functional/HRQOL attributes. Data were divided into training and test sets. Tenfold cross-validation procedure with the training data set was used for developing models. The test set was used for determining model performance. Results revealed that RF was effective at predicting multidimensional HRQOL (accuracy: 85%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC-ROC: 0.86) and global perceived recovery (accuracy: 80%; AUC-ROC: 0.75), and KNN was effective at predicting global perceived recovery (accuracy: 82.5%; AUC-ROC: 0.76). Age/gender, baseline HRQOL, wrist/hand muscle function, arm movement efficiency and sensory function were identified as crucial predictors. Our study indicated that RF and KNN outperformed the other three models on predicting HRQOL recovery after sensorimotor rehabilitation in stroke patients and could be considered for future clinical application.

Neural Substrates of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: Neuromodulation across Multiple Segments of the Spinal Cord.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) has the potential to promote improved sensorimotor rehabilitation by modulating the circuitry of the spinal cord non-invasively. Little is currently known about how cervical or lumbar tSCS influences the excitability of spinal and corticospinal networks, or whether the synergistic effects of multi-segmental tSCS occur between remote segments of the spinal cord. The aim of this review is to describe the emergence and development of tSCS as a novel method to modulate the spinal cord, while highlighting the effectiveness of tSCS in improving sensorimotor recovery after spinal cord injury. This review underscores the ability of single-site tSCS to alter excitability across multiple segments of the spinal cord, while multiple sites of tSCS converge to facilitate spinal reflex and corticospinal networks. Finally, the potential and current limitations for engaging cervical and lumbar spinal cord networks through tSCS to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions are discussed. Further mechanistic work is needed in order to optimize targeted rehabilitation strategies and improve clinical outcomes.