Gravedad de accidentes cerebrovasculares para determinar síntomas osteomusculares en cuidadores familiares / Stroke severity to determine musculoskeletal symptoms in family caregivers / Gravidade do AVC e determinação dos sintomas musculoesqueléticos dos cuidadores familiares

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio es examinar la relación entre los problemas osteomusculares sufridos por cuidadores familiares que tienen a su cargo velar por pacientes que han sufrido un accidente cerebrovascular y los niveles de salud física y discapacidad. Método: los sujetos incluidos en el estudio eran pacientes y cuidadores familiares atendidos en la clínica de servicios ambulatorios de Fisioterapia y Rehabilitación del Hospital Universitario y de Investigación Kanuni Sultan Suleyman por diagnósticos de ACV entre el 30 de mayo de 2019 y el 30 de mayo de 2021. Los cuidadores fueron evaluados mediante el Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Se emplearon escalas validadas para evaluar los niveles de salud física y discapacidad de los sobrevivientes de accidentes cerebrovasculares. Resultados: los participantes de este estudio fueron 104 sobrevivientes de accidentes cerebrovasculares y 104 cuidadores que cumplieron con nuestros criterios de inclusión. Las quejas relacionadas con la región lumbar durante el último mes se asociaron con las puntuaciones obtenidas por los pacientes en el Functional Ambulation Score (FAS), la Functional Independence Measure (FIM) y la Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), además de las puntuaciones Brunnstrom. El dolor de cuello fue la segunda queja osteomuscular, aunque no se asoció estadísticamente con factores relacionados con los pacientes. Los problemas en las extremidades superiores se asociaron con las puntuaciones obtenidas en los instrumentos FAS, FIM, SIS, Brunnstrom y Modified Ashworth Scale. Conclusión: de acuerdo con nuestros hallazgos, la región lumbar es la parte del cuerpo más afectada por quejas osteomusculares en cuidadores familiares de sobrevivientes de accidentes cerebrovasculares, demostrando una estrecha relación con los niveles de capacidad funcional y discapacidad de los pacientes. Número de registro de ensayos clínicos: NCT04901637

Objective: the objective of this study is to examine the relationship between the musculoskeletal problems experienced by the family members who care for stroke patients, physical health and disability levels. Method: the subjects included in the study were patients and family caregivers admitted to the Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic with a stroke diagnosis between May 30 th, 2019, and May 30 th, 2021. The caregivers were assessed using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Validated scales were employed to evaluate stroke patients' physical health and disability level. Results: a total of 104 stroke patients and 104 caregivers who met our inclusion criteria took part in this study. Low back complaints in the last month were associated with the patients' Functional Ambulation Score (FAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and Brunnstrom scores. Neck pain was the second musculoskeletal complaint, but was not statistically associated with patient-related factors. Upper limb problems were associated with FAS, FIM, SIS, Brunnstrom and the Modified Ashworth Scale scores. Conclusion: according to our findings, the low back is the body area most affected by musculoskeletal complaints in family caregivers of stroke patients, closely related to the patients' functional capacity and disability levels. Clinical trials number: NCT04901637

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo é examinar a relação entre os problemas musculoesqueléticos vivenciados pelos familiares que cuidam de pacientes com AVC, a saúde física e o nível de deficiência do paciente. Método: foram incluídos no estudo pacientes e familiares cuidadores admitidos no hospital Kanuni Sultan Suleyman com diagnóstico de AVC entre 30 de maio de 2019 e 30 de maio de 2021. Os cuidadores foram avaliados utilizando o questionário Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Escalas validadas foram usadas para avaliar a saúde física e o grau de incapacidade dos pacientes com AVC. Resultados: um total de 104 pacientes com AVC e 104 cuidadores atenderam aos critérios de inclusão do estudo. As queixas lombares no último mês foram associadas aos escores do Functional Ambulation Score (FAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) e teste de Brunnstrom do paciente. A dor no pescoço foi a segunda queixa musculoesquelética, mas não foi estatisticamente associada a fatores relacionados ao paciente. Os problemas nas extremidades superiores foram associados aos escores FAS, FIM, SIS, Brunnstrom e à Modified Ashworth Scale. Conclusão: e acordo com os nossos achados, a região lombar é a área do corpo mais afetada por queixas musculoesqueléticas nos cuidadores familiares de pacientes com AVC, que estão intimamente relacionadas ao nível de capacidade funcional e ao grau de incapacidade dos pacientes. Número do estudo clínico: NCT04901637.

Multi-modal synergistic quantitative analysis and rehabilitation assessment of lower limbs for exoskeleton / 生物医学工程学杂志

In response to the problem that the traditional lower limb rehabilitation scale assessment method is time-consuming and difficult to use in exoskeleton rehabilitation training, this paper proposes a quantitative assessment method for lower limb walking ability based on lower limb exoskeleton robot training with multimodal synergistic information fusion. The method significantly improves the efficiency and reliability of the rehabilitation assessment process by introducing quantitative synergistic indicators fusing electrophysiological and kinematic level information. First, electromyographic and kinematic data of the lower extremity were collected from subjects trained to walk wearing an exoskeleton. Then, based on muscle synergy theory, a synergistic quantification algorithm was used to construct synergistic index features of electromyography and kinematics. Finally, the electrophysiological and kinematic level information was fused to build a modal feature fusion model and output the lower limb motor function score. The experimental results showed that the correlation coefficients of the constructed synergistic features of electromyography and kinematics with the clinical scale were 0.799 and 0.825, respectively. The results of the fused synergistic features in the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) model yielded higher correlation coefficients ( r = 0.921, P < 0.01). This method can modify the rehabilitation training mode of the exoskeleton robot according to the assessment results, which provides a basis for the synchronized assessment-training mode of "human in the loop" and provides a potential method for remote rehabilitation training and assessment of the lower extremity.

Interactive scalp acupuncture for hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the curative effect between interactive scalp acupuncture and traditional scalp acupuncture on hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction in the patients with ischemic stroke.@*METHODS@#Seventy cases of hemiplegic upper extremity motor dysfunction of ischemic stroke were randomly divided into an interactive scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 1 case breaked off) and a traditional scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 1 case dropped off). The patients of the two groups received the secondary prevention medication and routine rehabilitation therapy. Besides, in the interactive scalp acupuncture group, the upper extremity occupational therapy was operated during the needle retaining of scalp acupuncture; and in the traditional scalp acupuncture group, the upper extremity occupational therapy was delivered after the completion of scalp acupuncture. The same points were selected in the two groups such as Fuxiang head area, Fuxiang upper-limb-shoulder point, Fuxiang upper-limb-elbow point and Fuxiang upper-limb-wrist point. The needles were inserted perpendicularly by flying-needle technique and manipulated by triple technique of gentle twisting, heavy pressure and vibrating. The needles were retained for 30 min. Based on the degree of the upper extremity motor impairment, the regimen of the upper extremity occupational therapy was formulated individually and one treatment took 30 min. In the two groups, the therapies were delivered once daily, 5 times a week, lasting 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf motor function test (WMFT), the modified Barthel index (MBI) and the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) grade in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of FMA-UE, WMFT and MBI were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01), and MAS grade was improved (P<0.05) in the two groups. The scores of FMA-UE, WMFT and MBI in the interactive scalp acupuncture group were higher than those in the traditional scalp acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and there was no statistical significance in the difference of MAS grade between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The interactive scalp acupuncture can effectively improve the motor function of the hemiplegic upper extremities and the activities of daily living in the patients with ischemic stroke and its efficacy is better than traditional scalp acupuncture. But these two types of scalp acupuncture obtain the similar effect on spasticity.

Kaiqiao Jieyin acupuncture combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke aphasia: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of Kaiqiao Jieyin acupuncture (acupuncture for opening orifices and relieving aphasia) combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on language ability and daily life communication ability in patients with post-stroke aphasia (PSA).@*METHODS@#Fifty-six patients with PSA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 28 cases in each group. Both groups received routine symptomatic treatment. The control group was treated with speech rehabilitation training and rTMS. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the observation group was treated with Kaiqiao Jieyin acupuncture at the speech area Ⅰ, Fengchi (GB 20), Tongli (HT 5), Lianquan (CV 23), Panglianquan (Extra), etc. Panglianquan (Extra) on both sides were connected to electroacupuncture, with intermittent wave, 2 Hz in frequency. The above treatment was performed once a day for 5 consecutive days, followed by 2 days of rest for 2 weeks. The scores of western aphasia battery (WAB, including scores of spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, naming and score of aphasia quotient [AQ]) and communication abilities in daily living (CADL) in the two groups were compared before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, naming scores and AQ scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the increase in the observation group was greater than the control group (P<0.05). The CADL scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Kaiqiao Jieyin acupuncture combined with rTMS can improve the language ability and daily life communication ability of PSA patients.

Standardized Jin's three-needle therapy for stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of standardized Jin's three-needle therapy on limb motor function and nerve function defect in stroke patients, and to evaluate the placebo control method.@*METHODS@#A total of 66 patients with stroke were randomly divided into a Jin's three-needle group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a placebo needle group (33 cases, 4 cases dropped off). All the patients were treated with conventional medication and rehabilitation treatment. In addition, the patients in the Jin's three-needle group were treated with standardized Jin's three-needle therapy at temporal three points, spirit four points, hand three points, foot three points, upper extremity spasm three points, lower extremity spasm three points, etc.; while the patients in the placebo needle group were treated with placebo needling at identical points. All the treatments were given once a day, 5 days a week, and 3-week treatment was given with an interval of 2 days between weeks. The scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) were observed before treatment, 10 d and 21 d into treatment, and the blind evaluation was conducted after treatment.@*RESULTS@#On the 10 d and 21 d into treatment, the FMA scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01), and the NIHSS scores were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). On the 10 d and 21 d into treatment, the FMA scores in the Jin's three-needle group were higher than those in the placebo needle group (P<0.05); on the 10 d into treatment, the NIHSS score in the Jin's three-needle group was were lower than that in the placebo needle group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups on judging the type of treatment (P>0.05), and the consistency with the real situation was poor (Cohen's kappa coefficient<0.20).@*CONCLUSION@#The standardized Jin's three-needle therapy could effectively improve the limb motor function and nerve function defect in stroke patients. The placebo control method used in this study shows good clinical operability and masking effect.

Rehabilitación neuromotora en unidades de tratamiento del ataque cerebrovascular / Neuromotor rehabilitation in stroke treatment units

RESUMEN: Introducción: El Ataque Cerebro Vascular (ACV) es la segunda causa de muerte a nivel mundial y primera causa de discapacidad en el adulto. Su complejidad requiere de una atención integral a través de un equipo multiprofesional, implementado en las denominadas Unidades de Tratamiento del Ataque Cerebrovascular (UTAC). Considerando su relevancia e impacto en el pronóstico, es fundamental conocer las acciones desarrolladas en el ámbito de la rehabilitación neuromotora en estas unidades, información que actualmente es limitada. Método: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, la muestra fue por conveniencia, participaron 5 kinesiólogos de establecimientos públicos de salud. La recolección de información se realizó con una encuesta en línea enfocada a las acciones que se realiza en la UTAC. El análisis de datos se realizó con STATA 15 y ATLAS TI 8.0. Resultados: El inicio y frecuencia de la rehabilitación neuromotora es variable, ocurre entre las 24 y 48 horas posterior al diagnóstico. Diariamente se realizan entre una a tres sesiones por usuario, su duración varía desde 25 a 90 minutos. Las acciones neuromotoras son de carácter integral y multiprofesional, el abordaje incluye el componente neuromotor, respiratorio y estado cognitivo. Las acciones neuromotoras incorporan técnicas de facilitación de la postura más alta lograda por el usuario y estimulación sensorial, entre otras. Conclusiones: La rehabilitación neuromotora en las UTAC de Chile muestra realidades diferentes en cuanto a la identificación, funcionamiento y la intervención neuromotora.

ABSTRACT Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world and the first cause of disability in adults. Its complexity requires comprehensive care provided by a multiprofessional team, implemented in the so-called Stroke Treatment Units (STUs). In view of their relevance and impact on the prognosis, identifying activities developed in the framework of neuromotor rehabilitation is of fundamental importance, information which, at present, is not readily available. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, convenience sampling with the participation of 5 kinesiologists from public health centers in Chile. Information was collected by means of an online survey focused on the work being carried out in the STUs. Data analysis was performed using STATA 15 and ATLAS TI 8.0 software. Results: Initiation and frequency of neuromotor rehabilitation is variable and occurs between 24 and 48 hours after diagnosis. Between one and three daily sessions per user are performed and their duration varies from 25 to 90 minutes. Neuromotor activities are integral and multiprofessional; the approach includes neuromotor, respiratory and cognitive components. Neuromotor activities incorporate facilitation techniques for the most advanced user posture achieved and sensory stimulation, among others. Conclusions: Neuromotor rehabilitation in Chile´s STUs shows different realities in terms of identification, functioning and neurokinetic intervention.

An overview of dysphagia rehabilitation for stroke patients / Uma revisão das terapias de reabilitação para disfagia em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT Background: Dysphagia is characterized by difficulty in the swallowing pattern at any stage of this neuromuscular process. It is a frequent symptom after stroke. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the most commonly used phonoaudiological interventions as therapy for the treatment of swallowing disorders in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Methods: We performed a review of studies indexed in MEDLINE-PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane, and Clinical trials.gov focusing on speech-language interventions for adult dysphagic patients after stroke between January 2008 and January 2021. Results: Thirty-six articles of clinical trials were selected. Eleven different types of therapies have been studied. Studies on the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for the rehabilitation of adult patients with dysphagia after stroke are still scarce. Most techniques are combined with conventional therapy, so the effectiveness of the other techniques alone cannot be assessed. Conclusions: Therapeutic interventions should be selected in accordance with the possibilities and limitations of the patients, and especially with the findings of the clinical evaluation and with its objective.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A disfagia é caracterizada como uma dificuldade no padrão de deglutição em qualquer fase desse processo neuromuscular. É um sintoma frequente após o Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as intervenções fonoaudiológicas mais utilizadas como terapia para o tratamento dos distúrbios da deglutição em pacientes com disfagia pós AVC. Métodos: Realizamos uma revisão dos estudos indexados no MEDLINE-PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane e Clinical trials.gov com foco nas intervenções fonoaudiológicas em pacientes adultos e disfágicos após AVC entre janeiro de 2008 e janeiro de 2021. Resultados: Foram selecionados trinta e seis artigos de ensaios clínicos e estudados onze tipos de terapia. Os estudos sobre a eficácia de intervenções terapêuticas para a reabilitação destes pacientes adultos ainda são restritos. A maioria das técnicas é aplicada em combinação com a terapia convencional, tornando inconclusiva a medição da eficácia de outras técnicas isoladamente. Conclusões: As intervenções terapêuticas devem ser escolhidas de acordo com as possibilidades e limitações dos pacientes e, principalmente, com os achados da avaliação clínica e seu objetivo.

Research progress on mechanical perturbation in stroke rehabilitation / 生物医学工程学杂志

Sensorimotor disorder can be easily caused by stroke, and there are many targeted movement rehabilitation therapies. With the development of rehabilitation robot technology, robot-assisted therapy combined with mechanical perturbations has become a more effective motor rehabilitation therapy. In this paper, the definition of mechanical perturbation and its physiological mechanism in stroke rehabilitation are introduced, the research progress on mechanical perturbation in the field of stroke rehabilitation therapy is mainly discussed, the application of mechanical perturbation in motor control, postural response and sensory evaluation of stroke rehabilitation is summarized, and the future development direction of mechanical perturbation rehabilitation therapy is also prospected.

Follow control of upper limb rehabilitation training based on Kinect and NAO robot / 生物医学工程学杂志

Gesture imitation is a common rehabilitation strategy in limb rehabilitation training. In traditional rehabilitation training, patients need to complete training actions under the guidance of rehabilitation physicians. However, due to the limited resources of the hospital, it cannot meet the training and guidance needs of all patients. In this paper, we proposed a following control method based on Kinect and NAO robot for the gesture imitation task in rehabilitation training. The method realized the joint angles mapping from Kinect coordination to NAO robot coordination through inverse kinematics algorithm. Aiming at the deflection angle estimation problem of the elbow joint, a virtual space plane was constructed and realized the accurate estimation of deflection angle. Finally, a comparative experiment for deflection angle of the elbow joint angle was conducted. The experimental results showed that the root mean square error of the angle estimation value of this method in right elbow transverse deflection and vertical deflection directions was 2.734° and 2.159°, respectively. It demonstrates that the method can follow the human movement in real time and stably using the NAO robot to show the rehabilitation training program for patients.

Mechanical Design and Research of Wearable Exoskeleton Assisted Robot for Upper Limb Rehabilitation / 中国医疗器械杂志

Based on the biomechanical mechanism of human upper limb, the disadvantages of traditional rehabilitation training and the current status of upper limb rehabilitation robot, a six degree of freedom, flexible adjustment, wearable upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton design scheme is proposed. Firstly, the mechanics of each joint of the upper limb is analyzed, and the virtual prototype design of the whole mechanical structure of the upper limb rehabilitation wearable exoskeleton is carried out by using CATIA three-dimensional software. The tooth transmission of the forearm and the upper arm single row four point contact ball bearing with internal/external rotation and the shoulder flexible passive adjustment mechanism (viscoelastic damper) are innovatively designed. Then, the joints of the upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton are analyzed, theoretical analysis and calculation of the driving torque, the selection of the motor and gearbox of each driving joint are carried out. Finally, the whole finite element analysis of the upper limb exoskeleton is carried out. The research and experimental results showed that the design scheme of the upper limb exoskeleton assist structure is highly feasible, which can help the patients with upper limb paralysis and motor dysfunction self-rehabilitation.

Effects of whole body vibration combined with extracorporeal shock wave therapy on spasticity and balance gait parameters in hemiplegic patients with stroke / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Stroke patients may have various sensory-motor disorders, such as spasticity, muscle weakness or sensory damage. Spasticity affects 20% to 40% of stroke patients. Patients with spasticity may have problems such as pain, motor function damage, and the decreased range of motion, which leads to decline of activity and quality of daily life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a technique that can improve post-stroke spasticity. Whole body vibration (WBV), as a passive neuromuscular muscle stimulation technique, can improve the posture control, muscle strength, and muscle work of different people. At present, there are still few studies using WBV combined with ESWT for the treatment of hemiplegic patients with stroke. This study aims to explore the effects of WBV combined with ESWT on spasticity of the affected lower limb and gait function in stroke patients.@*METHODS@#From March 2020 to March 2021, 50 hemiplegic patients with stroke were treated in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the First Hospital of Changsha and they were assigned into a control group and a combined group, 25 cases per group. Both groups carried out conventional treatment, while the control group undertook the ESWT and fake WBV based on conventional treatment, and the combined group undertook ESWT after WBV and conventional treatment. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Lower Extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and parameters of three-dimensional gait analysis including kinematic parameters (peak value of hip flexion and knee flexion) and spatiotemporal parameters (velocity, cadence and stride length) were assessed before and after 4-week treatment between the 2 groups.@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks of treatment, MAS scores in 2 groups were lower than before (both P<0.05), and the combined group was lower than the control group (P<0.001); BBS and FMA-LE scores were higher than those before treatment (both P<0.05), and the combined group was higher than the control group (both P<0.001); in the control group, the walking speed, stride frequency, and stride length were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the peak value of flexion hip and peak value of flexion knee (both P<0.05); the peak value of hip flexion, peak value of knee flexion, step speed, step frequency, and stride length in the combined group were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05), and were higher than those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#WBV combined with ESWT can improve the spasticity and motor function of the affected lower extremity, balance, and gait in hemiplegic patients with stroke.

Effects of Interactive Dynamic Scalp Acupuncture on Motor Function and Gait of Lower Limbs after Stroke: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effects of interactive dynamic scalp acupuncture (IDSA), simple combination therapy (SCT), and traditional scalp acupuncture (TSA) on motor function and gait of the lower limbs in post-stroke hemiplegia patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 231 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia was randomly divided into IDSA (78 cases), SCT (78 cases), and TSA (75 cases) groups by a random number table. Scalp acupuncture (SA) and lower-limb robot training (LLRT) were both performed in the IDSA and SCT groups. The patients in the TSA group underwent SA and did not receive LLRT. The treatment was administered once daily and 6 times weekly for 8 continuous weeks, each session lasted for 30 min. The primary outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity (FMA-LE), berg balance scale (BBS), modified barthel index (MBI), and 6-min walking test (6MWT). The secondary outcome measures included stride frequency (SF), stride length (SL), stride width (SW), affected side foot angle (ASFA), passive range of motion (PROM) of the affected hip (PROM-H), knee (PROM-K) and ankle (PROM-A) joints. The patients were evaluated before treatment, at 1- and 2-month treatment, and 1-, and 2-month follow-up visits, respectively. Adverse events during 2-month treatment were observed.@*RESULTS@#Nineteen patients withdrew from the trial, with 8 in the IDSA and 5 in the SCT groups, 6 in the TSA group. The FMA-LE, BBS, 6MWT and MBI scores in the IDSA group were significantly increased after 8-week treatment and 2 follow-up visits compared with the SCT and TSA groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with pre-treatment, the grade distribution of BBS and MBI scores in the 3 groups were significantly improved at 1, 2-month treatment and 2 follow-up visits (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SF, PROM-H, PROM-K and PROM-A in the IDSA group was significantly increased compared with the SCT and TSA groups after 8-week of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the SCT group, ASFA of the IDSA group was significantly reduced after 8-week of treatment (P<0.05). SF, SL, PROM-K and PROM-A were significantly increased at the 2nd follow-up visit whereas the ASFA was significantly reduced in the IDSA group compared with the SCT groups at 1st follow-up visit (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SF was significantly increased in the SCT group compared with the TSA group after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the TSA group, PROM-K, PROM-A were significantly increased at the 2nd follow-up visit (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The effects of IDSA on lower-limb motor function and walking ability of post-stroke patients were superior to SCT and TSA. The SCT was comparable to TSA treatment, and appeared to be superior in improving the motion range of the lower extremities. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900027206).

Research progress on intelligent assessment system for upper limb function of stroke patients / 生物医学工程学杂志

At present, the upper limb function of stroke patients is often assessed clinically using a scale method, but this method has problems such as time-consuming, poor consistency of assessment results, and high participation of rehabilitation physicians. To overcome the shortcomings of the scale method, intelligent upper limb function assessment systems combining sensors and machine learning algorithms have become one of the hot research topics in recent years. Firstly, the commonly used clinical upper limb functional assessment methods are analyzed and summarized. Then the researches on intelligent assessment systems in recent years are reviewed, focusing on the technologies used in the data acquisition and data processing parts of intelligent assessment systems and their advantages and disadvantages. Lastly, the current challenges and future development directions of intelligent assessment systems are discussed. This review is hoped to provide valuable reference information for researchers in related fields.

Research on electroencephalogram power spectral density of stroke patients under transcranial direct current stimulation / 生物医学工程学杂志

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become a new method of post-stroke rehabilitation treatment and is gradually accepted by people. However, the neurophysiological mechanism of tDCS in the treatment of stroke still needs further study. In this study, we recruited 30 stroke patients with damage to the left side of the brain and randomly divided them into a real tDCS group (15 cases) and a sham tDCS group (15 cases). The resting EEG signals of the two groups of subjects before and after stimulation were collected, then the difference of power spectral density was analyzed and compared in the band of delta, theta, alpha and beta, and the delta/alpha power ratio (DAR) was calculated. The results showed that after real tDCS, delta band energy decreased significantly in the left temporal lobes, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05); alpha band energy enhanced significantly in the occipital lobes, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05); the difference of theta and beta band energy was not statistically significant in the whole brain region ( P > 0.05). Furthermore, the difference of delta, theta, alpha and beta band energy was not statistically significant after sham tDCS ( P > 0.05). On the other hand, the DAR value of stroke patients decreased significantly after real tDCS, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in sham tDCS ( P > 0.05). This study reveals to a certain extent the neurophysiological mechanism of tDCS in the treatment of stroke.

Functional improvement after inpatient rehabilitation in community hospitals following acute hospital care

INTRODUCTION@#There are limited studies exploring functional improvement in relation to characteristics of patients who, following acute hospital care, receive inpatient rehabilitation in community hospitals. We evaluated the association of acute hospital admission-related factors with functional improvement on community hospital discharge.@*METHODS@#We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients who were transferred to community hospitals within 14-day post-discharge from acute hospital between 2016 and 2018. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) on a 100-point ordinal scale was used to assess functional status on admission to and discharge from the community hospital. We categorised MBI into 6 bands: 0-24, 25-49, 50-74, 75-90, 91-99 and 100. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine factors associated with categorical improvement in functional status, defined as an increase in at least one MBI band between admission and discharge.@*RESULTS@#A total of 5,641 patients (median age 77 years, interquartile range 69-84; 44.2% men) were included for analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders, factors associated with functional improvement were younger age, a higher MBI on admission, and musculoskeletal diagnosis for the acute hospital admission episode. In contrast, a history of dementia or stroke; lower estimated glomerular filtration rate; abnormal serum albumin or anaemia measured during the acute hospital episode; and diagnoses of stroke, cardiac disease, malignancy, falls or pneumonia; and other chronic respiratory diseases were associated with lower odds of functional improvement.@*CONCLUSION@#Clinicians may want to take into account the presence of these high-risk factors in their patients when planning rehabilitation programmes, in order to maximise the likelihood of functional improvement.

Treatment of finger spasm after stroke with wheat grain moxibustion at Shixuan (EX-UE 11) combined with rehabilitation training: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect of wheat grain moxibustion combined with rehabilitation training and simple rehabilitation training on finger spasm after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients with finger spasm after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. The control group was given routine rehabilitation training, once a day, 30 min each time. The observation group was given wheat grain moxibustion at Shixuan (EX-UE 11) on the basis of the control group, 8~10 moxibustion cones at each point, once a day. Both groups were treated for 6 days as one course of treatment for 4 courses. The motor function of the affected hand (Fugl-Meyer assessment [FMA] score) and muscle tension (modified Ashworth scale [MAS] grading), surface EMG indexes (wrist dorsiflexor muscle and flexor carpal metacarpal muscle mean square [RMS] value), hand muscle strength (neurological deficit score [NDS]) and daily living ability (modified Barthel index [MBI] score) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, FMA and MBI scores in the 2 groups were increased compared with before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The RMS value of wrist dorsiflexor muscle and flexor carpal metacarpal muscle in relaxation and passive function testsand and NDS in the 2 groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). MAS grading in the 2 groups was improved compared with before treatment (P<0.05), and that in the observation group was better than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 92.5% (37/40), which was higher than that of the control group (80.0%, 32/40, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat grain moxibustion at Shixuan (EX-UE 11) combined with rehabilitation training can improve the hand motor function and daily living ability of patients with finger spasm after stroke, improve the degree of spasm and the function of wrist dorsiflexor muscle and flexor carpal metacarpal muscle, the clinical effect is better than simple rehabilitation training.

Scalp-nape acupuncture as adjuvant therapy for pharyngeal dysphagia of stroke at recovery stage: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the therapeutic effect of scalp-nape acupuncture for pharyngeal dysphagia of stroke at recovery stage on the basis of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and rehabilitation training.@*METHODS@#A total of 42 patients with pharyngeal dysphagia of stroke at recovery stage were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 21 cases in each group. Conventional medical symptomatic treatment was given in both groups. NMES and rehabilitation training were adopted in the control group, 30 min for each one. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, scalp-nape acupuncture was given in the observation group, scalp acupuncture was applied at lower 2/5 of anterior and posterior oblique lines of parietal and temporal, nape acupuncture was applied at Fengchi (GB 20), Yiming (EX-HN 14), Gongxue (Extra), Zhiqiang (Extra), Tunyan (Extra), etc. The treatment was given once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment, the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) score, the Kubota water swallowing test grade, the functional oral intake scale (FOIS) grade and the swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL) score were observed in both groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the VDS scores were decreased and the SWAL-QOL scores were increased compared before treatment (P<0.05), the Kubota water swallowing test grade and FOIS grade were improved compared before treatment (P<0.05) in both groups. The changes of VDS score and SWAL-QOL score, Kubota water swallowing test grade and FOIS grade in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on NMES and rehabilitation training, scalp-nape acupuncture can enhance the therapeutic effect on pharyngeal dysphagia of stroke at recovery stage, and improve the patients' swallowing function and quality of life.

Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction treated with the combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao and rehabilitation training: a multi-central randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the efficacy on relieving pain and improving the range of motion of shoulder joint in post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction in treatment of the combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao (Chinese herbal warm dressing technique) and rehabilitation training (eye acupuncture + Tengliao + rehabilitation) as compared with the combined treatment of Tengliao and rehabilitation training (Tengliao + rehabilitation) and the simple rehabilitation training (rehabilitation).@*METHODS@#A total of 356 patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction were randomized into an eye acupuncture + Tengliao + rehabilitation group (group A, 122 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a Tengliao + rehabilitation group (group B, 120 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a rehabilitation group (group C, 114 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the group C, the basic treatment was combined with routine rehabilitation training. In the group B, on the base of the treatment as the group C, Tengliao was exerted. A medical bag composed of over 20 Chinese herbal materials was heated and dressed at the affected area, 30 min each time, 5 times weekly. In the group A, besides the treatment as the group B, eye acupuncture was applied to heart region, kidney region, upper jiao region and lower jiao region, 30 min each time, 5 times weekly. The treatment lasted 28 days in all of three groups. Separately, before treatment, in 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment, as well as in 14 days after treatment of follow-up, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the score of guides to evaluation of permanent impairment (GEPI) and the score of National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) were observed in each group.@*RESULTS@#The scores of VAS, GEPI and NIHSS were all improved with the treatment lasting in the three groups (P<0.000 1). In 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of treatment and in follow-up as well, VAS scores in the group A were all lower than the group C (P<0.05). After 14 days of treatment, GEPI score showed increasing trend, while NIHSS score showed decreasing trend in the group A compared with the group B. Before treatment, GEPI score was lower and NIHSS score was higher in the group A compared with the group C (P<0.05). It was suggested that the illness was slightly serious in the group A. After propensity score matching, in 14, 21 and 28 days as well as in follow-up, GEPI scores in the group A were higher than the group C respectively (P<0.05). Regarding NIHSS score at each time point, the difference had no statistical significance between the group A and the group C (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The combined therapy of eye acupuncture, Tengliao and rehabilitation training obtains a better efficacy on post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome of phlegm-stasis obstruction as compared with rehabilitation training.

Effect of electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle and agonistic muscle on motor function in patients with upper-extremity spasticity after stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the improvement effect between simultaneous electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle and agonistic muscle and simple electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle on spasticity degree, upper-extremity motor function and activity of daily living in patients with upper-extremity spasticity after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with upper-extremity spasticity after stroke were randomized into a comprehensive group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and an antagonistic muscle group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the antagonistic muscle group, acupuncture was applied at Jianyu (LI 15), Binao (LI 14), Zhouliao (LI 12), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE 5) and Houxi (SI 3), electric stimulation was attached to Jianyu (LI 15)-Binao (LI 14), Zhouliao (LI 12)-Shousanli (LI 10) and Waiguan (TE 5)-Houxi (SI 3), with discontinuous wave, 15 Hz in frequency. On the basis of the treatment in the antagonistic muscle group, acupuncture was applied at Tianquan (PC 2), Chize (LU 5), Jianshi (PC 5) and Daling (PC 7) in the comprehensive group, electric stimulation was attached to Tianquan (PC 2)-Chize (LU 5) and Jianshi (PC 5)-Daling (PC 7), with continuous wave, 5 Hz in frequency. The treatment was given once a day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity scale (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel index (MBI) scale were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the MAS scores of elbow flexors and wrist flexors after treatment were decreased (P<0.05), the scores of FMA-UE and MBI scale after treatment were increased in the two groups (P<0.05). The scores of FMA-UE and MBI scale after treatment in the comprehensive group were higher than those in the antagonistic muscle group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Simultaneous electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle and agonistic muscle and simple electroacupuncture at antagonistic muscle can both improve the spasticity degree in patients with upper-extremity spasticity after stroke, however, the former can better restore motor function and improve activity of daily living.

Clinical observation on cluster acupuncture at scalp points combined with exercise therapy in treatment of limb spasm after stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of cluster acupuncture at scalp points in treating limb spasm after stroke on the basis of conventional exercise therapy.@*METHODS@#A total of 72 patients with limb spasm after stroke were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases, 5 cases dropped off) and a control group (36 cases, 6 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with exercise therapy. In the observation group, on the basis of the control group, penetrating technique of acupuncture was exerted at Qianding (GV 21) to Baihui (GV 20), Xinhui (GV 22) to Qianding (GV 21), etc. once a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the changes of the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), simplified Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA), and modified Barthel index (MBI) scores of the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the MAS scores of upper and lower limbs in the two groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of FMA and BMI in the two groups were higher than before treatment (P<0.05), and the score of MBI in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of conventional exercise therapy, cluster acupuncture at scalp points can reduce the spasm, improve motor function and activities of daily living in patients with limb spasm after stroke.