scholarly journals The Current State of Knowledge on the Clinical and Methodological Aspects of Extracorporeal Shock Waves Therapy in the Management of Post-Stroke Spasticity—Overview of 20 Years of Experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 261
Author(s):  
Józef Opara ◽  
Jakub Taradaj ◽  
Karolina Walewicz ◽  
Joanna Rosińczuk ◽  
Robert Dymarek
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Clinical Excellence ◽  
Shock Therapy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Current State ◽  
Research Meeting ◽  
Methodological Aspects

In many patients after stroke, spasticity develops over time, resulting in a decrease in the patient’s independence, pain, worsening mood, and, consequently, lower quality of life. In the last ten years, a rich arsenal of physical agents to reduce muscle tone such as extracorporeal shock therapy (ESWT) wave has come through. The aim of this narrative review article is to present the current state of knowledge on the use of ESWT as a supplement to the comprehensive rehabilitation of people after stroke suffering from spasticity. The PubMed and PEDro databases were searched for papers published in English from January 2000 to December 2020, 22 of which met inclusion criteria for clinical studies related to post-stroke spasticity management with ESWT. A total of 22 studies including 468 post-stroke patients—11 reports with the upper limb (267 patients) and 10 reports within the lower limb (201 patients), as well as one report including both upper and lower limb. We focused our attention on clinical and methodological aspects. Therefore, we performed the assessment of enrolled studies in terms of methodological quality using the PEDro and level of evidence using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Furthermore, we indicated implications for clinical practice in using ESWT for post-stroke spasticity management. Moreover, we discussed a suggestion for future research directions. In conclusion, an ESWT effectively reduces muscle tone in people with spastic limb after stroke. Further, ESWT is safe and free of undesirable side effects. The mechanism of action of ESWT on muscles affected by spasticity is still unknown. To date, no standard parameters of ESWT in post-stroke spasticity regarding intensity, frequency, location, and the number of sessions has been established. Further research, meeting the highest standards, is needed to establish uniform muscle stimulation parameters using ESWT.

scholarly journals Assessment of test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Wisconsin Gait Scale in hemiparetic post-stroke patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Guzik ◽  
Mariusz Drużbicki ◽  
Grzegorz Przysada ◽  
Andrzej Kwolek ◽  
Agnieszka Brzozowska-Magoń ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Introduction: A proper assessment of gait pattern is a significant aspect in planning the process of teaching gait in hemiparetic post-stroke patients. The Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) is an observational tool for assessing post-stroke patients’ gait. The aim of the study was to assess test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the WGS and examine correlations between gait assessment made with the WGS and gait speed, Brunnström scale, Ashworth’s scale and the Barthel Index. Material and methods: The research included 36 post-stroke patients. The patients’ gait was assessed with the use of the Wisconsin Gait Scale, gait speed with the use of walk test, the level of motor control in a paretic lower limb – according to Brunnström recovery stages, muscle tone in a paretic lower limb – according to modified Ashworth’s scale and functional independence was assessed using the Barthel Index. Gait was assessed with the use of the WGS twice, with a 7-day interval, by three experienced physiotherapists. Results: The analysis of internal consistency of the WGS revealed that the Cronbach’s α coefficient was high in the case of all the three raters and ranged from 0.85 to 0.88. It was noted that the coefficient of variation for all the comparisons was below 10%. When assessing the repeatability of the results, it was revealed that correlations between both measurements made by particular raters were very strong and highly significant. The WGS results significantly correlated with Brunnström scale, Ashworth’s scale and gait speed. Conclusions: It was concluded that the WGS has a high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Also, significant correlations were found between gait assessment made with the use of the WGS and gait speed, level of motor control and muscle tone of a paretic lower limb. The WGS constitutes a promising tool for a qualitative, observational analysis of gait in post-stroke patients and allows for proper planning, monitoring and assessing rehabilitation results.

Post-Stroke Spasticity (PSS) Setting Up a PSS Clinic: Experience and Results

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neuron ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. As a consequence of stroke and associated upper motor neuron (UMN) syndrome, stroke survivors are often left with muscle over activity, including spasticity. Spasticity is characterized by over- activity in muscles after injury to the central nervous system. When left untreated, post-stroke spasticity (PSS) can lead to contractures, pain and deformity, involuntary movement, and greater functional impairments (eg, reduced mobility, self-care and dressing). Spasticity is a common symptom after stroke, arising in about 30% of patients, and usually occurs within the first few days or weeks [1]. However, the onset of spasticity is highly variable and can occur in the short- medium or long-term post-stroke period [2]. Post-stroke hemiparesis, together with abnormal muscle tone, is a major cause of morbidity and disability. Patients with poststroke spasticity often demonstrate recognizable antigravity postural patterns (Fig 1) characterized by shoulder adduction, elbow and wrist flexion in the upper limb, hip adduction, knee extension and ankle plantar flexion in the lower limb. This “hemiplegic” posture, which is thought to result from increased motor neuron activity in antigravity muscles, significantly interferes with body image, balance and gait. BoNT-A, one of the most potent biologic toxins known to man acts by blocking neuromuscular transmission via inhibiting acetylcholine release [3]. BoNT-A treatment in post-stroke upper and lower limb spasticity is a safe and effective procedure to decrease muscle tone and increase the range of motion. More recent studies are demonstrating the importance for the rehabilitation therapist intervention to work alongside the physician to create more positive and significant effects on active function [4]. Daily stretching exercise is the key for the long-lasting benefits. BoNT-A Injections, Ultrasound guided technique, performed by a Physician in combination with physiotherapy and outcomes measurements are used to improve upper and lower limb function in stroke patients with spasticity in the clinical setting [5]. We would like to share our experience on the benefit of the ultrasound guided technique to target the muscles and our results in setting up a spasticity clinic for post-stroke patients.

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Post-Stroke Cognitive Rehabilitation

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Convento ◽  
Cristina Russo ◽  
Luca Zigiotto ◽  
Nadia Bolognini
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Transcranial Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Neuropsychological Disorders ◽  
Current State ◽  
Stimulation Technique

Abstract. Cognitive rehabilitation is an important area of neurological rehabilitation, which aims at the treatment of cognitive disorders due to acquired brain damage of different etiology, including stroke. Although the importance of cognitive rehabilitation for stroke survivors is well recognized, available cognitive treatments for neuropsychological disorders, such as spatial neglect, hemianopia, apraxia, and working memory, are overall still unsatisfactory. The growing body of evidence supporting the potential of the transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) as tool for interacting with neuroplasticity in the human brain, in turn for enhancing perceptual and cognitive functions, has obvious implications for the translation of this noninvasive brain stimulation technique into clinical settings, in particular for the development of tES as adjuvant tool for cognitive rehabilitation. The present review aims at presenting the current state of art concerning the use of tES for the improvement of post-stroke visual and cognitive deficits (except for aphasia and memory disorders), showing the therapeutic promises of this technique and offering some suggestions for the design of future clinical trials. Although this line of research is still in infancy, as compared to the progresses made in the last years in other neurorehabilitation domains, current findings appear very encouraging, supporting the development of tES for the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairments.

Self-leadership Training Review

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Sidwell ◽  
Michael Perry
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Current State ◽  
A Current

The purpose of this article was to examine the current state of self-leadership training. The authors analyzed all published, publicly available studies (in English) pertaining to self-leadership training methods, offering a current state of self-leadership training, and implications for future research.

From Globalisation to Revolution? The Porfirian Political Economy: An Essay on Issues and Interpretations

2009 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
PAOLO RIGUZZI
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Mexican Revolution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Political ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Current State ◽  
International Economic Relations ◽  
Economic Strategies ◽  
State Finance

AbstractThis essay evaluates the political economy of Mexico during the Porfirian period (1876–1911), with the aim of discussing advances in scholarship and presenting an outline of the elements for a future research agenda. To this end, the essay examines the current state of knowledge on four crucial aspects of the Mexican economy: growth and its dimensions; the state, finance and economic strategies; the construction and functioning of the internal market; and the international economic relations of Mexico during the first period of globalisation. In particular, it assesses the arguments that link features of Porfirian economic organisation with the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.

A Scoping Review of Resilience in Survivors of Human Trafficking

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802098556
Author(s):  
Logan Knight ◽  
Yitong Xin ◽  
Cecilia Mengo
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
National Origin ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Current State ◽  
Case Files ◽  
Sexual Trafficking

Resilience is critical among survivors of trafficking as they are mostly vulnerable populations who face multiple adversities before, during, and after trafficking. However, resilience in survivors of trafficking is understudied. This scoping review aims to clarify the current state of knowledge, focusing on definitions of resilience, how resilience has been studied, and factors associated with resilience among survivors. Five databases were searched using key words related to trafficking and resilience. Studies were included if they were published in English between 2000 and 2019 and focused on resilience with the study design including at least one of these four features: (a) use of standardized measures of resilience, (b) qualitative descriptions of resilience, (c) participants were survivors or professionals serving survivors, and (d) data sources such as case files or program manuals directly pertained to survivors. Eighteen studies were identified. Findings indicated that resilience was primarily described as emergent from interactions between the survivor and the environment. Resilience in trafficking appeared largely similar to resilience in other kinds of victimization. Nonetheless, trafficking survivors also may display resilience in alternative ways such as refusing treatment. Positive interpersonal relationships were the most commonly mentioned resilience factor. In addition, current research lacks studies featuring longitudinal designs, interventions, participatory methods, types of trafficking other than sexual trafficking, and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and national origin. Future research needs to establish definitions and measures of resilience that are culturally and contextually relevant to survivors and build knowledge necessary for designing and evaluating resilience-enhancing interventions.

scholarly journals Morphological Changes of the Hip Commonly Associated With Femoroacetabular Impingement Are Not Correlated With Rotational Range of Hip Motion in Elite Soccer Athletes

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812097366
Author(s):  
André Orlandi Bento ◽  
Guilherme Falótico ◽  
Keelan Enseki ◽  
Ronaldo Alves Cunha ◽  
Benno Ejnisman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Clinical Relevance ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Alpha Angle ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Rotational Movement ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Morphological changes characteristic of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are common in soccer players. However, the clinical relevance of such anatomical variations is still not well-defined. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that high alpha angle values and/or acetabular retroversion index (ARI) are correlated with rotational range of motion (ROM) of the hip and that there are clinical-radiological diferences between the dominant lower limb (DLL) and nondominant lower limb (NDLL) in professional soccer players. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 59 male professional soccer players (average age 25.5 years, range 18-38 years) were evaluated in the preseason. As main outcome measures, we evaluated the alpha angle and the ARI and hip IR and ER ROM with radiographic analysis. Results: The measurements taken on DLL and NDLL were compared and a significant difference was found between the sides in the ER ( P = 0.027), where the DLL measures were 1.54° (95% CI, 0.18-2.89) greater than the NDLL. There were no significant differences between the sides in the measures of IR ( P > 0.99), total ROM ( P = 0.07), alpha angle ( P = 0.250), and ARI ( P = 0.079). The correlations between the rotation measurements and the alpha angle in each limb were evaluated and the coefficient values showed no correlation; so also between the ARI and rotation measures. Conclusion: Morphological changes of the femur or acetabulum are not correlated with hip IR and ER ROM in male professional soccer players. ER on the dominant side was greater than on the nondominant side. There was no significant difference in the other measurements between sides. Clinical Relevance: In clinical practice, it is common to attribute loss of hip rotational movement to the presence of FAI. This study shows that anatomical FAI may not have a very strong influence on available hip rotational movement in professional soccer athletes.

scholarly journals Long-Term Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Lower Limb Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Emanuela Elena Mihai ◽  
Luminita Dumitru ◽  
Ilie Valentin Mihai ◽  
Mihai Berteanu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy ◽  
Shock Wave Therapy ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Term Efficacy ◽  
Extracorporeal Shock Wave

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) on reducing lower limb post-stroke spasticity in adults. A systematic electronic search of PubMed/ MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE(R), and search engine of Google Scholar was performed. Publications that ranged from January 2010 to August 2020, published in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian language and available as full texts were eligible for inclusion and they were searched without any restrictions of country. The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two authors screened the references, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was spasticity grade mainly assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes were passive range of motion (PROM), pain intensity, electrophysiological parameters, gait assessment, and adverse events. A total of seven recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, and a beneficial effect on spasticity was found. The high level of evidence presented in this paper showed that ESWT ameliorates spasticity considering the parameters: MAS: standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.53; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): (0.07–0.99); Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS): SMD = 0.56; 95% CI: (0.01–1.12); Visual Analogue Scale (VAS): SMD = 0.35; 95% CI: (−0.21–0.91); PROM: SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: (0.20–1.19). ESWT presented long-term efficacy on lower limb post-stroke spasticity, reduced pain intensity, and increased range of motion. The effect of this novel and non-invasive therapy was significant and the intervention did not present adverse events, proving a satisfactory safety profile.

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