ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the efficacy of a flat ground exoskeleton robot in improving the walking ability of stroke survivors.Methods:Fifty-eight stroke survivors with mobility difficulties were randomly divided into a robot group ( n=29) and a control group ( n=29). In addition to routine rehabilitation, the control group received conventional walking training, while the robot group underwent exoskeleton robot-assisted gait training. The 30-minute training sessions were held twice a day, 5 days per week for 5 weeks. Before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, everyone′s walking ability was tested using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and functional ambulation scale (FAC). General lower limb motor function was quantified using the Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity assessment (FMA-LE). Moreover, gait analysis was conducted before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the average 6MWT times of both groups were significantly better than before the treatment, with the improvement of the robot group significantly greater than that of the control group after 2 weeks. After 2 and 4 weeks the average FMA-LE and FAC scores of both groups had improved significantly compared with before treatment. After 4 weeks the stride frequency and gait cycle of both groups had improved significantly.Conclusions:Exoskeleton robot-assisted gait training can improve walking ability and lower limb motor function of stroke survivors about as well as conventional walking training.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To determine the effect of pelvic floor electrical stimulation combined with conventional treatment on neurogenic bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury.Methods:The Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CQVIP and Wanfang databases were electronically searched for reports published before April 2019 of randomized and controlled trials testing the effect of electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor on neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury. Meta-analysis of all the reports collected was performed.Results:Seven randomized and controlled trials with 319 patients were identified. Together they showed that compared with conventional treatment, pelvic floor muscle stimulation better increased bladder capacity and reduced the volume of residual urine. Average single urination output was increased, while the frequency of urination decreased along with episodes of urinary incontinence. Average lower urinary tract symptoms scores were also significantly better.Conclusions:Electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor combined with conventional therapy may be more effective than conventional therapy alone in alleviating the symptoms of neurogenic bladder.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To learn about the employment situation of community-dwelling spinal cord injury (SCI ) survivors in Jiangsu Province and the factors which influence it, aiming to put forward suggestions which can help them return to work.Methods:This cross-sectional observational study was based on a International Spinal Cord Injury (InSCI) community survey in Jiangsu Province using a questionnaire (InSCI questionnaire) devloped with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as the framework. Data were collected using the InSCI questionnaire. Data on sociodemographics, diseases, body functions, activities and participation, environmental factors, general health, well-being and so on were collected. Descriptive statistics were computed to analyze the respondents′ employment-related information. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to analyze factors influencing the employment of these community-dwelling SCI survivors.Results:From January to December of 2018, 726 completed questionnaires were collected-541 through telephone interviews, 152 via Internet links and 33 via face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression showed that residential patterns (odds ratio, OR=0.472), whether there was someone to take care of them at home or going out ( OR=0.405), age at the onset of injury ( OR=0.949), personal factors ( OR=1.068), activity and participation ( OR=1.034), and environmental factors ( OR=1.043) all influenced the respondents′ engaging in paid work. Conclusion:The employment rate of patients with spinal cord injury living in the community is low (22.8%). Comprehensive rehabilitation programs and adequate family and social support should be implemented to help them return to work.