scholarly journals Clinical Application of Virtual Reality for Upper Limb Motor Rehabilitation in Stroke: Review of Technologies and Clinical Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3369
Author(s):  
Won-Seok Kim ◽  
Sungmin Cho ◽  
Jeonghun Ku ◽  
Yuhee Kim ◽  
Kiwon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Clinical Application ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Motor Rehabilitation ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Neurorehabilitation for stroke is important for upper limb motor recovery. Conventional rehabilitation such as occupational therapy has been used, but novel technologies are expected to open new opportunities for better recovery. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology with a set of informatics that provides interactive environments to patients. VR can enhance neuroplasticity and recovery after a stroke by providing more intensive, repetitive, and engaging training due to several advantages, including: (1) tasks with various difficulty levels for rehabilitation, (2) augmented real-time feedback, (3) more immersive and engaging experiences, (4) more standardized rehabilitation, and (5) safe simulation of real-world activities of daily living. In this comprehensive narrative review of the application of VR in motor rehabilitation after stroke, mainly for the upper limbs, we cover: (1) the technologies used in VR rehabilitation, including sensors; (2) the clinical application of and evidence for VR in stroke rehabilitation; and (3) considerations for VR application in stroke rehabilitation. Meta-analyses for upper limb VR rehabilitation after stroke were identified by an online search of Ovid-MEDLINE, Ovid-EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed. We expect that this review will provide insights into successful clinical applications or trials of VR for motor rehabilitation after stroke.

scholarly journals The Effect of Hysteroscopy on the Reproductive Outcomes of Infertile Women Without Intrauterine Pathologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo Yeon Yang ◽  
Seon Heui Lee ◽  
Seung-Joo Chon
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Reproductive Outcomes ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Infertile Women ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Library

(1) Background: The aim of this work was to systematically review existing studies on whether hysteroscopy improves the reproductive outcomes of women with infertility even in the absence of intrauterine pathologies when compared to women who did not receive a hysteroscopy. (2) Methods: We established the Participant-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome strategy and used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement to conduct a systematic review of 11 studies which were retrieved from 3 electronic databases: Ovid-Medline, Ovid-Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two independent investigators extracted the data from the included studies and used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool to assess their quality. (3) Results: The primary outcome measures were the clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs) and live birth rates (LBRs) in the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Hysteroscopy in infertile women without intrauterine pathologies showed higher CPRs and LBRs than those in the same population who did not receive hysteroscopy in cases of recurrent implantation failure and IVF (odds ratio: 1.79 and 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.46-2.30 and 1.08-1.97 for CPR and LBR, respectively); however, the degree of significance was not as high for LBR. (4) Conclusions: Hysteroscopy before IVF/ICSI in infertile women without intrauterine pathologies may potentially be effective in improving the CPRs and LBRs in patients with RIF. Robust and high-quality randomized trials are warranted to confirm this finding.

scholarly journals Virtual Reality in Neurorehabilitation: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1478
Author(s):  
Alexandra Voinescu ◽  
Jie Sui ◽  
Danaë Stanton Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Umbrella Review ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Meta Analyses

Neurological disorders are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Can virtual reality (VR) based intervention, a novel technology-driven change of paradigm in rehabilitation, reduce impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions? This question is directly addressed here for the first time using an umbrella review that assessed the effectiveness and quality of evidence of VR interventions in the physical and cognitive rehabilitation of patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy, identified factors that can enhance rehabilitation outcomes and addressed safety concerns. Forty-one meta-analyses were included. The data synthesis found mostly low- or very low-quality evidence that supports the effectiveness of VR interventions. Only a limited number of comparisons were rated as having moderate and high quality of evidence, but overall, results highlight potential benefits of VR for improving the ambulation function of children with cerebral palsy, mobility, balance, upper limb function, and body structure/function and activity of people with stroke, and upper limb function of people with acquired brain injury. Customization of VR systems is one important factor linked with improved outcomes. Most studies do not address safety concerns, as only nine reviews reported adverse effects. The results provide critical recommendations for the design and implementation of future VR programs, trials and systematic reviews, including the need for high quality randomized controlled trials to test principles and mechanisms, in primary studies and in meta-analyses, in order to formulate evidence-based guidelines for designing VR-based rehabilitation interventions.

scholarly journals Artificial Intelligence-Based Wearable Robotic Exoskeletons for Upper Limb Rehabilitation: A Review

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2146
Author(s):  
Manuel Andrés Vélez-Guerrero ◽  
Mauro Callejas-Cuervo ◽  
Stefano Mazzoleni
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Main Trend ◽  
Motor Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Process ◽  
Upper Limb Rehabilitation ◽  
Multiple Sensors ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Limb Rehabilitation ◽  
And Control

Processing and control systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) have progressively improved mobile robotic exoskeletons used in upper-limb motor rehabilitation. This systematic review presents the advances and trends of those technologies. A literature search was performed in Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and PubMed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology with three main inclusion criteria: (a) motor or neuromotor rehabilitation for upper limbs, (b) mobile robotic exoskeletons, and (c) AI. The period under investigation spanned from 2016 to 2020, resulting in 30 articles that met the criteria. The literature showed the use of artificial neural networks (40%), adaptive algorithms (20%), and other mixed AI techniques (40%). Additionally, it was found that in only 16% of the articles, developments focused on neuromotor rehabilitation. The main trend in the research is the development of wearable robotic exoskeletons (53%) and the fusion of data collected from multiple sensors that enrich the training of intelligent algorithms. There is a latent need to develop more reliable systems through clinical validation and improvement of technical characteristics, such as weight/dimensions of devices, in order to have positive impacts on the rehabilitation process and improve the interactions among patients, teams of health professionals, and technology.

scholarly journals Validated Finite Element Models of Premolars: A Scoping Review

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3280
Author(s):  
Raphaël Richert ◽  
Jean-Christophe Farges ◽  
Faleh Tamimi ◽  
Naim Naouar ◽  
Philippe Boisse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Construction Material ◽  
Failure Criteria ◽  
Model Construction ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
In Vitro Tests ◽  
Periodontal Tissues ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Finite element (FE) models are widely used to investigate the biomechanics of reconstructed premolars. However, parameter identification is a complex step because experimental validation cannot always be conducted. The aim of this study was to collect the experimentally validated FE models of premolars, extract their parameters, and discuss trends. A systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Records were identified in three electronic databases (MEDLINE [PubMed], Scopus, The Cochrane Library) by two independent reviewers. Twenty-seven parameters dealing with failure criteria, model construction, material laws, boundary conditions, and model validation were extracted from the included articles. From 1306 records, 214 were selected for eligibility and entirely read. Among them, 19 studies were included. A heterogeneity was observed for several parameters associated with failure criteria and model construction. Elasticity, linearity, and isotropy were more often chosen for dental and periodontal tissues with a Young’s modulus mostly set at 18–18.6 GPa for dentine. Loading was mainly simulated by an axial force, and FE models were mostly validated by in vitro tests evaluating tooth strains, but different conditions about experiment type, sample size, and tooth status (intact or restored) were reported. In conclusion, material laws identified herein could be applied to future premolar FE models. However, further investigations such as sensitivity analysis are required for several parameters to clarify their indication.

scholarly journals Effect of Using a Safety Checklist on Patient Complications after Surgery

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 1380-1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigid M. Gillespie ◽  
Wendy Chaboyer ◽  
Lukman Thalib ◽  
Melinda John ◽  
Nicole Fairweather ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Absolute Risk ◽  
Absolute Risk Reduction ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Fixed And Random Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background: Previous before-and-after studies indicate that the use of safety checklists in surgery reduces complication rates in patients. Methods: A systematic review of studies was undertaken using MEDLINE, CINAHL, Proquest, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies that evaluated the effects of checklist use in surgery on complication rates. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies. The pooled risk ratio (RR) was estimated using both fixed and random effects models. For each outcome, the number needed to treat (NNT) and the absolute risk reduction (ARR) were also computed. Results: Of the 207 intervention studies identified, 7 representing 37,339 patients were included in meta-analyses, and all were cohort studies. Results indicated that the use of checklists in surgery compared with standard practice led to a reduction in any complication (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.72; P < 0.0001; ARR, 3.7%; NNT, 27) and wound infection (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.72; P = 0.0001; ARR, 2.9%; NNT, 34) and also reduction in blood loss (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.70; P = 0.0001; ARR, 3.8%; NNT, 33). There were no significant reductions in mortality (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.11; P = 0.191; ARR, 0.44%; NNT, 229), pneumonia (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.4; P = 0.857; ARR, 0.04%; NNT, 2,512), or unplanned return to operating room (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.02; P = 0.068; ARR, 0.52%; NNT, 192). Conclusion: Notwithstanding the lack of randomized controlled trials, synthesis of the existing body of evidence suggests a relationship between checklist use in surgery and fewer postoperative complications.

Comparative Effectiveness and Harms of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Noncardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Fayad ◽  
Sasha Shillcutt ◽  
Massimiliano Meineri ◽  
Terrence D. Ruddy ◽  
Mohammed Toseef Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Transesophageal Echocardiography ◽  
Comparative Effectiveness ◽  
Noncardiac Surgery ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Quantitative Synthesis ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Important Design

Intraoperative use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become commonplace in high-risk noncardiac surgeries but the balance of benefits and harms remains unclear. This systematic review investigated the comparative effectiveness and harms of intraoperative TEE in noncardiac surgery. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from 1946 to March 2017. Two reviewers independently screened the literature for eligibility. Studies were assessed for the risk of selection bias, confounding, measurement bias, and reporting bias. Three comparative and 13 noncomparative studies were included. Intraoperative TEE was employed in a total of 1912 of 3837 patients. Studies had important design limitations. Data were not amenable to quantitative synthesis due to clinical and methodological diversity. Reported incidence of TEE complications ranged from 0% to 1.7% in patients undergoing various procedures (5 studies, 540 patients). No serious adverse events were observed for mixed surgeries (2 studies, 197 patients). Changes in surgical or medical management attributable to the use of TEE were noted in 17% to 81% of patients (7 studies, 558 patients). The only randomized trial of intraoperative TEE was grossly underpowered to detect meaningful differences in 30-day postoperative outcomes. There is lack of high-quality evidence of effectiveness and harms of intraoperative TEE in the management of non-cardiac surgeries. Evidence, however, indicates timely evaluation of cardiac function and structure, and hemodynamics. Future studies should be comparative evaluating confounder-adjusted impact on both intraoperative and 30-day postoperative clinical outcomes.

Association between Atopic Dermatitis and the Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Dermatology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 234 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 79-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zarqa Ali ◽  
Charlotte Suppli Ulrik ◽  
Tove Agner ◽  
Simon Francis Thomsen
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Atopic dermatitis (AD) may be associated with the metabolic syndrome and by that carry an increased risk of cardio­vascular disease. Our objective was to provide an update on current knowledge of the association between AD and metabolic syndrome, including each component of the metabolic syndrome. A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies investigating the association between metabolic syndrome and AD from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 14 studies, investigating the association between AD and the metabolic syndrome or AD and components of metabolic syndrome fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. It seems unlikely that the association between AD and metabolic syndrome is causal. However, women with AD tended to have components of metabolic syndrome more often than women without AD. There was a positive association between AD and central obesity measured as waist circumference, and this association was stronger for women than men. Despite conflicting results regarding hypertension, the association between hypertension and AD also appeared stronger for women. On the other hand, the association between AD and hyperglycemia appears unlikely, and the association between AD and cholesterol levels was inconsistent. In conclusion, it remains unclear whether AD is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and its components. However, data indicate that central obesity is associated with AD and that the association is stronger for women than men.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness and Safety of Manual Acupuncture Therapy in Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Wei Liu ◽  
Chang Rao ◽  
Yuzheng Du ◽  
Lili Zhang ◽  
Jipeng Yang
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Activities Of Daily Life ◽  
Rigorous Study ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background. Poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common cause of disability among patients with stroke. Meanwhile, acupuncture has increasingly been used to improve motor and cognitive function for stroke patients. The aim of the present study was to summarize and evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating PSCI. Methods. Eight databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, Medline, Embase databases) were searched from January 2010 to January 2020. Meta-analyses were conducted for the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Assessments were performed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), or modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results. A total of 657 relevant RCTs were identified, and 22 RCTs with 1856 patients were eventually included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture appeared to be effective for improving cognitive function as assessed by MMSE ( mean   difference   MD = 1.73 , 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.39, 2.06), P < 0.00001 ) and MoCA ( MD = 2.32 , 95% CI (1.92, 2.73), P < 0.00001 ). Furthermore, it also suggested that acupuncture could improve the activities of daily life (ADL) for PSCI patients as assessed by BI or MBI ( SMD = 0.97 , 95% CI (0.57, 1.38), P < 0.00001 ). Conclusions. Compared with nonacupuncture group, acupuncture group showed better effects in improving the scores of MMSE, MoCA, BI, and MBI. This meta-analysis provided positive evidence that acupuncture may be effective in improving cognitive function and activities of daily life for PSCI patients. Meanwhile, long retention time of acupuncture may improve cognitive function and activities of daily life, and twist technique may be an important factor that could influence cognitive function. However, further studies using large samples and a rigorous study design are needed to confirm the role of acupuncture in the treatment of PSCI.

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