New Treatment Approaches on the Horizon for Spastic Hemiparesis
This article presents 2 recent articles that propose novel interventions for treating spastic hemiparesis by changing biological infrastructure. In 18 patients with unilateral spastic arm paralysis due to chronic cerebral injury greater than 5 years’ duration, Zheng et al transferred the C7 nerve from the nonparalyzed side to the side of the arm that was paralyzed. Over a follow-up period of 12 months, they found greater improvement in function and a reduction of spasticity compared to rehabilitation alone. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, they also found evidence for physiological connectivity between the i...
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
A Review of Stem Cell Therapy for Acquired Brain Injuries and Neurodegenerative Central Nervous System Diseases
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Thomas K. WatanabeAbstractCell-based therapies have been the subject of much discussion regarding their potential role in enhancing central nervous system function for a number of pathologic conditions. Much of the current research has been in preclinical trials, with clinical trials in the phase I or I/II stage. Nevertheless, there is considerable interest in the public about the potential regenerative role that stem cells may have in improving function for these neurologic conditions. This review will describe the different types of ...
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Getting the Best Out of Advanced Rehabilitation Technology for the Lower Limbs: Minding Motor Learning Principles
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Martina Rebekka Spiess, Frans Steenbrink, Alberto EsquenaziAbstractAdvanced technology, including gait-training devices, is increasingly being integrated into neurorehabilitation. However, to use gait-training devices to their optimal potential, it is important that they are applied in accordance with motor learning and locomotor training principles. In this article, we outline the most important principles and explain how advanced gait-training devices are best used to improve therapy outcome. (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Exoskeleton and End-Effector Robots for Upper and Lower Limbs Rehabilitation: Narrative Review
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Franco Molteni, Giulio Gasperini, Giovanni Cannaviello, Eleonora GuanziroliAbstractRecovery of upper and lower limbs function is essential to reach independence in daily activities in patients with upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). Rehabilitation can provide a guide for motor recovery influencing the neurobiology of neuronal plasticity providing controlled, repetitive, and variable patterns. Increasing therapy dosage, intensity, number of repetition, execution of task-oriented exercises, and combining top-down and bottom-up approach...
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Robotic and Sensor Technology for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Iris Jakob, Alexander Kollreider, Marco Germanotta, Filippo Benetti, Arianna Cruciani, Luca Padua, Irene AprileAbstractRobotic and sensor-based neurologic rehabilitation for the upper limb is an established concept for motor learning and is recommended in many national guidelines. The complexity of the human hands and arms and the different activities of daily living are leading to an approach in which robotic and sensor-based devices are used in combination to fulfill the multiple requirements of this intervention. A multidisciplinary...
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Motorized Biomechatronic Upper and Lower Limb Prostheses—Clinically Relevant Outcomes
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Knut Lechler, Bertrand Frossard, Lynsay Whelan, David Langlois, Roy Müller, Kristleifur KristjanssonAbstractPeople with major limb amputations are severely impaired when it comes to activity, body structure and function, as well as participation. Demographic statistics predict a dramatic increase of this population and additional challenges with their increasing age and higher levels of amputation. Prosthetic use has been shown to have a positive impact on mobility and depression, thereby affecting the quality of life. Biomechatronic ...
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Wearable Movement Sensors for Rehabilitation: A Focused Review of Technological and Clinical Advances
This article presents state-of-the-art and next-generation wearable movement sensors, ranging from inertial measurement units to soft sensors. An overview of clinical applications is presented across a wide spectrum of conditions that have potential to benefit from wearable sensors, including stroke, movement disorders, knee osteoarthritis, and running injuries. Complementary applications enabled by next-generation sensors that will enable point-of-care monitoring of neural activity and muscle dynamics during movement also are discussed. (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Brain Computer Interfaces in Rehabilitation Medicine
This article discusses the basic components of BCI for rehabilitation, including recording systems and locations, signal processing and translation algorithms, and external devices controlled through BCI commands. An overview of applications in motor and sensory restoration is provided, along with ethical questions and user perspectives regarding BCI technology. (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Ethical Issues Surrounding a New Generation of Neuroprostheses for Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Ryan Solinsky, Laura Specker Sullivan (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Is Technology for Orthostatic Hypotension Ready for Primetime?
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Zoe K. Sarafis, Aaron K. Monga, Aaron A. Phillips, Andrei V. KrassioukovAbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) often results in the devastating loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic function. After SCI, the interruption of descending sympathoexcitatory pathways disrupts supraspinal control of blood pressure (BP). A common clinical consequence of cardiovascular dysfunction after SCI is orthostatic hypotension (OH), a debilitating condition characterized by rapid profound decreases in BP when assuming an upright posture. OH can result in a div...
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
The Transformation of the Rehabilitation Paradigm Across the Continuum of Care
This article will focus on the innovations in healthcare delivery and opportunities to maximize outcomes in the current and future models of care. (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Innovations Influencing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Poststroke Motor Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities
Publication date: September 2018Source: PM&R, Volume 10, Issue 9, Supplement 2Author(s): Wuwei Feng, Steven A. Kautz, Gottfried Schlaug, Caitlyn Meinzer, Mark S. George, Pratik Y. ChhatbarAbstractThere has been a renewed research interest in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an adjunctive tool for poststroke motor recovery as it has a neuro-modulatory effect on the human cortex. However, there are barriers towards its successful application in motor recovery as several scientific issues remain unresolved, including device-related issues (ie, dose-response relationship, safety and tolerability concerns, inte...
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Is hydrotherapy effective to improve balance, functional mobility, motor status, and quality of life in subjects with Parkinson’s disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis
ConclusionsHydrotherapy combined or not with other therapies may improve balance and functional mobility in subjects with PD when compared to land-based therapy alone or usual care.Level of evidenceLevel I (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
Distribution Patterns of Vasculature Around Cervical Nerve Roots
ConclusionThere was a non-neglectable prevalence of vulnerable vessels either at the targeted nerve root or at the site of the needle's projected pathway to the nerve root. (Source: PMandR)
Source: PMandR - October 5, 2018 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research
