A study to compare task-based mirror therapy versus constraint induced movement therapy for hand function in hemiplegic subjects

Introduction and Aim:To find the effectiveness of task-based mirror therapy when compared with constraint-induced movement therapy for hand function in hemiplegic subjects. Stroke is a major health problem in the world. According to various researches, 70%-80% of the patients have the upper extremity impairment then lower extremity. Task-based mirror therapy can be an effective management for premotor cortex impairment. Constraint-induced movement therapy forms the new neural pathway when used properly. Materials and Methods:30 patients with subacute CVA (cerebrovascular attack) were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and task-based mirror therapy (TMBT). The full-Meyer motor function assessment was evaluated 4 weeks after treatment. Results: The results showed that mean value of TMBT (pre-test – 5.733, post-test- 9.86) and SD of (pre-test- 1.67, post-test- 1.92) and in CIMT(pre-test-6.3, post-test-11.13) and SD (Pre-test-1.45,Post-test -1.36). Conclusion:This study shows that CIMT group showed more improvement than TMBT group.

Pilot Test of Dosage Effects in HEXORR II for Robotic Hand Movement Therapy in Individuals With Chronic Stroke

Impaired use of the hand in functional tasks remains difficult to overcome in many individuals after a stroke. This often leads to compensation strategies using the less-affected limb, which allows for independence in some aspects of daily activities. However, recovery of hand function remains an important therapeutic goal of many individuals, and is often resistant to conventional therapies. In prior work, we developed HEXORR I, a robotic device that allows practice of finger and thumb movements with robotic assistance. In this study, we describe modifications to the device, now called HEXORR II, and a clinical trial in individuals with chronic stroke. Fifteen individuals with a diagnosis of chronic stroke were randomized to 12 or 24 sessions of robotic therapy. The sessions involved playing several video games using thumb and finger movement. The robot applied assistance to extension movement that was adapted based on task performance. Clinical and motion capture evaluations were performed before and after training and again at a 6-month followup. Fourteen individuals completed the protocol. Fugl-Meyer scores improved significantly at the 6 month time point compared to baseline, indicating reductions in upper extremity impairment. Flexor hypertonia (Modified Ashworth Scale) also decreased significantly due to the intervention. Motion capture found increased finger range of motion and extension ability after the intervention that continued to improve during the followup period. However, there was no change in a functional measure (Action Research Arm Test). At the followup, the high dose group had significant gains in hand displacement during a forward reach task. There were no other significant differences between groups. Future work with HEXORR II should focus on integrating it with functional task practice and incorporating grip and squeezing tasks.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04536987. Registered 3 September 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04536987.

Design and Preliminary Evaluation of a Tongue-Operated Exoskeleton System for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Stroke is a devastating condition that may cause upper limb paralysis. Robotic rehabilitation with self-initiated and assisted movements is a promising technology that could help restore upper limb function. Previous studies have established that the tongue motion can be used to communicate human intent and control a rehabilitation robot/assistive device. The goal of this study was to evaluate a tongue-operated exoskeleton system (TDS-KA), which we have developed for upper limb rehabilitation. We adopted a tongue-operated assistive technology, called the tongue drive system (TDS), and interfaced it with the exoskeleton KINARM. We also developed arm reaching and tracking tasks, controlled by different tongue operation modes, for training and evaluation of arm motor function. Arm reaching and tracking tasks were tested in 10 healthy participants (seven males and three females, 23–60 years) and two female stroke survivors with upper extremity impairment (32 and 58 years). All healthy and two stroke participants successfully performed the tasks. One stroke subject demonstrated a clinically significant improvement in Fugl-Meyer upper extremity score after practicing the tasks in six 3-h sessions. We conclude that the TDS-KA system can accurately translate tongue commands to exoskeleton arm movements, quantify the function of the arm, and perform rehabilitation training.

Additional, Mechanized Upper Limb Self-Rehabilitation in Patients With Subacute Stroke

Background and Purpose: Additional therapy may improve poststroke outcomes. Self-rehabilitation is a useful means to increase rehabilitation time. Mechanized systems are usual means to extend time for motor training. The primary aim was to compare the effects of self-rehabilitation using a mechanized device with control self-exercises on upper extremity impairment in patients with stroke. Methods: Phase III, parallel, concealed allocation, randomized controlled, multicenter trial, with 12-month follow-up. Patients aged 18 to 80 years, 3 weeks to 3 months poststroke with a Fugl-Meyer Assessment score of 10 to 40 points, were randomized to the Exo or control groups. All undertook two 30-minute self-rehabilitation sessions/day, 5 days/wk for 4 weeks in addition to usual rehabilitation. The Exo group performed games-based exercises using a gravity-supported mechanical exoskeleton (Armeo Spring). The control group performed stretching plus basic active exercises. Primary outcome was change in upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score at 4 weeks. Results: Two hundred fifteen participants were randomly allocated to the Exo group (107) or the control group (108). Mean age (SD), 58.3 (13.6) years; mean time poststroke, 54.8 (22.1) days; and mean baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, 26.1 (9.5). There was no between-group difference in mean change in Fugl-Meyer Assessment score following the intervention: 13.3 (9.0) in the Exo group and 11.8 (8.8) in the control group ( P =0.22). There were no significant between-group differences in changes for any of the other outcomes at any time point (except for perception of the self-rehabilitation). There was no between-group difference in cost utility at 12 months. Conclusions: In patients with moderate-to-severe impairment in the subacute phase of stroke, the purchase and use of complex devices to provide additional upper limb training may not be necessary: simply educating patients to regularly move and stretch their limbs appears sufficient. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01383512.

Prioritizing progressive MS rehabilitation research: A call from the International Progressive MS Alliance

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience myriad symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life. Despite significant progress in rehabilitation strategies for people living with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the development of similar strategies for people with progressive MS has received little attention. Objective: To highlight key symptoms of importance to people with progressive MS and stimulate the design and implementation of high-quality studies focused on symptom management and rehabilitation. Methods: A group of international research experts, representatives from industry, and people affected by progressive MS was convened by the International Progressive MS Alliance to devise research priorities for addressing symptoms in progressive MS. Results: Based on information from the MS community, we outline a rationale for highlighting four symptoms of particular interest: fatigue, mobility and upper extremity impairment, pain, and cognitive impairment. Factors such as depression, resilience, comorbidities, and psychosocial support are described, as they affect treatment efficacy. Conclusions: This coordinated call to action—to the research community to prioritize investigation of effective symptom management strategies, and to funders to support them—is an important step in addressing gaps in rehabilitation research for people affected by progressive MS.

Abstract 24: Predicting Persistent Upper Extremity Impairment in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Motor impairment after ischemic stroke is common and has variable recovery that depends on patient factors and stroke severity. An important challenge in rehabilitation research is enrolling patients who may benefit from interventions to improve recovery because they will not recover with standard care. Hypothesis: We can accurately predict persistent upper extremity motor impairment at 90 days after acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The primary outcome was an NIHSS arm domain score of 2-4 at 90 days in patients with a 24-hour NIHSS arm score of 1-4, which we termed persistent arm impairment. With the NINDS tPA trial dataset we used LASSO regression to select baseline demographics and 24-hour NIHSS score domains for a predictive model. We gave one point each for age ≥60 years and 24-hour NIHSS values of worst arm=4, worst leg>2, facial palsy=3, and total NIHSS≥10. The optimal cutpoint for a positive Persistent UPPer extremity Impairment (PUPPI) Score was ≥3 points. We validated the PUPPI score in the ALIAS Part 2, IMS-III, and DEFUSE 3 trials. Results: We included 431, 383, 331, and 71 patients from the NINDS tPA, ALIAS Part 2, IMS-III, and DEFUSE 3 trials. PUPPI was most common in the NINDS tPA trial (62%) and least common in ALIAS (31.3%). The PUPPI Score accurately predicted PUPPI with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of >0.75 for all trials (Table 1). The positive predictive value was 74.6%, 90.9%, 86.1%, and 74.5% in the NINDS tPA, ALIAS Part 2, IMS-III, and DEFUSE 3 trials (Table 1). Conclusion: The PUPPI score uses readily available information to provide accurate prediction of patients who will have persistent upper extremity motor impairment at 90 days from stroke onset.

Usability, functionality, and efficacy of a custom myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis to assist elbow function in individuals with stroke

Introduction After stroke, upper limb impairment affects independent performance of activities of daily living. We evaluated the usability, functionality, and efficacy of a myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis to provide support, limit unsafe motion, and enhance the functional motion of paralyzed or weak upper limbs. Methods Individuals with stroke participated in a single-session study to evaluate the device. Ability to activate the device was tested in supported and unsupported shoulder position, as well as the elbow range of motion, ability to maintain elbow position, and ability to lift and hold a range of weights while using the device. Results No adverse events were reported. 71% of users were able to operate the device in all three active myoelectric activation modes (Biceps, Triceps, Dual) during testing. Users were able to hold a range of wrist weights (0.5–2 lbs) for 10–120 seconds, with the largest percentage of participants able to hold weights with the device in Biceps Mode. Conclusions The myoelectric elbow-wrist-hand orthosis improved range of motion during use and was efficacious at remediating upper extremity impairment after stroke. All users could operate the device in at least one mode, and most could lift and hold weights representative of some everyday objects using the device.