Potential of Hybrid Assistive Limb Treatment for Ataxic Gait Due to Cerebellar Disorders Including Hemorrhage, Infarction, and Tumor.

Cerebellar hemorrhage (CH) is a severe life-threatening disorder, and surgical treatment is often required in an emergency situation. Even in cases in which the surgical procedure is successful, functional recovery is likely to be delayed because of cerebellar symptoms such as ataxia and gait disturbance. Here, we briefly review the efficacy of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) treatment in neurosurgical practice and propose a new comprehensive treatment strategy for CH to facilitate early neurological recovery. We have experienced cases of ataxic gait due to various etiologies, treated with rehabilitation using the HAL, and our data showed that HAL treatment potentially improves ataxic gait and balance problems. HAL treatment seems to be an effective and promising treatment modality for selected cases. Future studies should evaluate gait appearance and balance, in addition to walking speed, to assess improvement in cerebellar symptoms.

Eficacia del sistema robótico de entrenamiento de la marcha tipo Lokomat en la rehabilitación de pacientes con lesión medular incompleta. Una revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of the Lokomat robotic gait training system in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. A systematic review

Objetivo. La reeducación de la marcha es un objetivo fundamental para mejorar el estado funcional, así como para prevenir complicaciones en el paciente con lesión medular incompleta. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar una revisión sistemática sobre el empleo del sistema robótico Lokomat en la rehabilitación de la marcha de pacientes con lesión medular incompleta. Estrategia de búsqueda. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de artículos científicos publicados, tanto en inglés como en castellano, en las bases de datos PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest Research Library, Scopus, Medline, y en la Journal of Physical Therapy, desde noviembre del 2011 hasta mayo de 2016. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica mediante la escala de Jadad. Selección de los estudios. Un total de 12 artículos fueron finalmente seleccionados. Síntesis de resultados. Se exponen los resultados en función de las características de los estudios realizados, severidad y fase aguda o crónica de la lesión, escalas de valoración empleadas y crono-programación de las sesiones con el dispositivo Lokomat. La calidad metodológica fue baja, siendo aceptable en solo 2 de los estudios analizados. Conclusiones. Existen evidencias a favor del uso del Lokomat sobre ciertos parámetros de la marcha en pacientes afectados por lesión medular incompleta, pero no son superiores a ninguna otra técnica empleada para este tipo de pacientes. Se aconseja su uso como una herramienta coadyuvante en la rehabilitación de la marcha en la lesión medular incompleta (AU)

Objective. Gait training is crucial to improve functional status as well as to prevent complications in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the use of the Lokomat robotic device on gait rehabilitation in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. Search strategy. We performed a systematic search of scientific articles published in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest Research Library, Scopus, Medline and Journal of Physical Therapy in both English and Spanish from November 2011 until May 2016. The methodological quality of the articles included was assessed using the Jadad scale. Article selection. A total of 12 articles were included. Summary of the results. The results are presented in terms of the characteristics of the studies, severity and whether status was acute or chronic, the scales employed and programming sessions with the Lokomat device. The methodological quality was low, and was acceptable in only two of the studies analysed. Conclusions. There is evidence in favour of using the Lokomat device on certain gait parameters in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury, but it is not superior to any other technique used for these patients. This robotic device should be used as an adjunctive tool in gait rehabilitation (AU)

Use of dynamic movement orthoses to improve gait stability and trunk control in ataxic patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cerebellar ataxia show increased upper body movements, which have an impact on balance and walking. AIM: In this study, we investigated the effect of using dynamic movement orthoses (DMO), designed as elastic suits, on trunk motion and gait parameters. DESIGN: Longitudinal uncontrolled study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation unit. POPULATION: Eleven patients (7 men, 4 women; mean age: 49.9±9.5 years) with degenerative cerebellar ataxia were enrolled in this study. METHODS: Linear overground gait of patients was recorded by means of an optoelectronic gait analysis system before DMO use (DMO-) and during DMO use (DMO+). Time-distance parameters, lower limb joint kinematics, body sway, trunk oscillations, and gait variability (coefficient of variation [CV]) were recorded. Patient satisfaction with DMO device was measured using Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology. RESULTS: When using the DMO, patients showed a significant decrease in stance phase duration, double support phase duration, swing phase CV, pelvic range of motion (ROM), body sway, and trunk ROMs. A significant increase was observed in the swing phase duration and knee joint ROM. Out of 11 patients, 10 were either quite satisfied (8 points) or very satisfied (2 points) with the assistive device. CONCLUSIONS: The DMO reduce the upper body motion and in improve balance-related gait parameters. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: We propose use of DMO as an assistive/rehabilitative device in the neurorehabilitation of cerebellar ataxia to improve the trunk control and gait stability. DMO may be considered a prototype that can be modified in terms of material characteristics, textile layers, elastic components, and diagonal and lateral seams.

Revisión de las miopatías inflamatorias a propósito de 3 casos en unidades de recuperación funcional de hospitales de media estancia / Review of inflamatory myopathies based on 3 cases in functional recovery units in long-term care hospitals

Las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades sistémicas de etiopatogenia autoinmune. Se caracterizan por debilidad muscular, alteraciones miopáticas en el electromiograma y elevación de las enzimas musculares. Pueden darse de forma aislada, o asociarse a otras enfermedades autoinmunes o a neoplasias. Realizamos una aproximación a estos procesos a propósito de 3 pacientes tratados en Unidades de Recuperación Funcional de 2 hospitales de media estancia. En todos se produce debilidad muscular bilateral y simétrica de predominio en cinturas, con grave repercusión funcional. Por este motivo precisan realizar tratamiento en régimen de ingreso hospitalario. El objetivo terapéutico es doble: por un lado, frenar de forma urgente la actividad autoinmune para evitar el daño muscular progresivo y, por el otro, instaurar un tratamiento rehabilitador de forma precoz que minimice el deterioro funcional. En todos los casos se obtiene beneficio de la intervención, ya que permite la vuelta al domicilio con distintos grados de independencia (AU)

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of systemic autoimmune diseases characterised by bilateral and symmetric muscle weakness, myopathic alterations on electromyography and elevated muscle enzymes. They can be associated with other autoimmune diseases or neoplastic processes. We provide a review of these processes based on 3 patients in the Functional Recovery Units of 2 long-term care hospitals. All 3 patients had bilateral and symmetrical muscle weakness, predominantly in the waist, with severe functional impairment. Consequently, these patients required hospital admission. The goal of rehabilitation is twofold: on the one hand, to urgently halt the autoimmune activity in order to avoid further muscle damage, and, on the other hand, to start early rehabilitation treatment to minimise functional impairment. All 3 patients benefited from the intervention, allowing discharge to home, with varying degrees of independence (AU)

A wearable proprioceptive stabilizer for rehabilitation of limb and gait ataxia in hereditary cerebellar ataxias: a pilot open-labeled study.

The aim of this pilot study is to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a wearable proprioceptive stabilizer that emits focal mechanical vibrations in patients affected by hereditary cerebellar ataxias. Eleven adult patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia or Friedreich's ataxia were asked to wear an active device for 3 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, after the device use (T1), and 3 weeks after (T2). SARA, 9-HPT, PATA, 6MWT, and spatial and temporal gait parameters, measured with a BTS-G-Walk inertial sensor, were used as study endpoints. As expected, no adverse effects were reported. Statistically significant improvements in SARA, 9HPT dominant hand, PATA test, 6MWT, cadence, length cycle, support right/cycle, support left/cycle, flight right/cycle, flight left/cycle, double support right/cycle, double support left/cycle, single support right/cycle, and single support left/cycle were observed between T0 and T1. All parameters improved at T1 did not show statistically significant differences a T2, with the exception of length of cycle. This small open-labeled study shows preliminary evidence that focal mechanical vibration exerted by a wearable proprioceptive stabilizer might improve limb and gait ataxia in patients affected by hereditary cerebellar ataxias.

Biodex Fall Risk Assessment in the Elderly With Ataxia: A New Age-Dependent Derived Index in Rehabilitation: An Observational Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the Biodex Fall Risk Assessment could provide an age-adjusted index useful for classifying patients at "risk of fall."This was a cohort study conducted on 61 chronic patients, in stable conditions, having a history of ataxia, difficulty in walking or loss of balance, and aged >64 years. These patients were coming from home to our Institute undergoing a period of in-hospital standard rehabilitation. Assessment of clinical parameters was performed at entry. Functional scales (Functional Independence Measure [FIM] for motor and cognitive function, Barthel G, Tinetti POMA), and the Biodex Fall Risk Index (FRI) were performed at entry and discharge. The Normalized FRI, obtained adjusting FRI to the reported maximum predictive FRI for the relevant age, identified 2 types of patients: those with a greater risk of fall than expected for that age, labeled Case 1 (Normalized FRI>1); and those with an equal or even lesser risk of fall than expected for that age, labeled Case 0 (Normalized FRI≤1).FRI, Normalized FRI as well as independent variables as age, sex, pathology group, FIM, BarthelG, were considered in a multiple regression analysis to predict the functional improvement (i.e., delta Tinetti Total score) after rehabilitation.Normalized FRI is useful in assessing patients at risk of falls both before and after rehabilitation. At admission, the Normalized FRI evidenced high fall risk in 46% of patients (Case 1) which decreased to 12% after rehabilitation, being greater than age-predicted in 7 patients (Case 1-1) despite the functional improvement observed after the rehabilitation treatment. Normalized FRI evidenced Case 1-1 patients as neurological, "very old" (86% in age-group 75-84 years), and with serious events at 18 to 24 months' follow-up. Normalized FRI, but not FRI, at admission was a predictor of improvement in Tinetti Total scores.The normalized FRI effectively indicated patients at higher risk of fall, in whom health deterioration, falls, or cognitive decline was later documented at follow-up. The normalized FRI could be a standardized measure for identifying frailer patients becoming a further criterium of discharge home and marker of fall risk at home.

Efectividad del tratamiento en el abordaje de la marcha de puntillas idiopática. Revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of the treatment in the approach to idiopathic toe walking. A systematic review

Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica sobre le efectividad del tratamiento en el abordaje de la marcha de puntillas idiopática. Estrategias de búsqueda: Se realizaron búsquedas de artículos científicos sobre marcha de puntillas idiopática y tratamiento en las bases de datos PubMed y PEDro, entre los años 2009 y 2013. Selección de estudios: Se seleccionaron 5 ensayos clínicos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Síntesis de resultados: Los tratamientos basados en fisioterapia, ortesis, toxina botulínica y cirugía muestran una eficacia limitada en la corrección del patrón de la marcha consiguiendo resultados significativos en los rangos articulares de flexión dorsal. Conclusiones: El tratamiento basado en técnicas de control motor como parte de un tratamiento multidisciplinar parece proporcionar un abordaje efectivo desde el punto de vista del desarrollo motor del sujeto frente a otros tratamientos actuales

Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence about treatment effectiveness in patients diagnosed with idiopathic toe walking. Search strategy: A search was made for scientific articles on idiopathic toe walking and treatment within the PubMed and PEDro databases between 2009 and 2013. Study selection: Five clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Synthesis of results: Treatments based on physiotherapy, casts, botulinum toxin and surgery have shown limited effectiveness in the correction of idiopathic toe walking, significant results have been found in joint dorsiflexion ranges. Conclusions: Treatment based on motor control techniques as part of a multidisciplinary treatment seems to provide an effective approach in relation to the motor development of the subjects compared to other current treatments

Functional recovery and rehabilitation of postural impairment and gait ataxia in patients with acute cerebellar stroke.

Studies about recovery from cerebellar stroke are rare. The present study assessed motor deficits in the acute phase after isolated cerebellar stroke focusing on postural impairment and gait ataxia and outlines the role of lesion site on motor outcome, the course of recovery and the effect of treadmill training. 23 patients with acute and isolated cerebellar infarction participated. Deficits were quantified by ataxia scores and dynamic posturography in the acute phase and in a follow up after 2 weeks and 3 months. MRI data were obtained to correlate lesion site with motor performance. Half of the patients that gave informed consent and walked independently underwent a 2-week treadmill training with increasing velocity. In the acute phase patients showed a mild to severe ataxia with a worse performance in patients with infarction of the superior in comparison to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. However, after 3 months differences between vascular territories were no longer significant. MRI data showed that patients with larger infarct volumes had a significantly more severe ataxia. In patients with ataxia of stance, gait and lower limbs lesions were more common in cerebellar lobules IV to VI. After 3 months a mild ataxia in lower limbs and gait, especially in gait speed persisted. Because postural impairment had fully recovered, remaining gait ataxia was likely related to incoordination of lower limbs. Treadmill training did not show significant effects. Future studies are needed to investigate whether intensive coordinative training is of benefit in patients with cerebellar stroke.

Gait ataxia--specific cerebellar influences and their rehabilitation.

It is well known that the cerebellum is important for movement control and plays a critical role in balance and locomotion. As such, one of the most characteristic and sensitive signs of cerebellar damage is gait ataxia. However, characterizing ataxic gait is no easy task, because gait patterns are highly variable. This variability seems to result from the interaction of different factors, namely, (1) the primary motor deficits in balance control and multi-joint coordination and oculomotor dysfunction, (2) the safety strategies used, and (3) inaccurate adjustments in patients with loss of balance. In this report, we review different approaches to analyzing ataxic gait and studies to identify and quantify the different factors contributing to this movement disorder. We also discuss the influence of the cerebellum in adaptive locomotor control, the interaction between cognitive load and gait in dual-task paradigms, and the recent advances in rehabilitation of gait and posture for patients with cerebellar degeneration. In the second part, we discuss open questions concerning cerebellar mechanisms in multi-joint coordination during different walking conditions. Furthermore, we point out potential future directions in motor rehabilitation, with the objective of identifying predictors of rehabilitation outcome and the development of individualized training programs that potentially involve rehabilitation technology.

Rehabilitation of a U.S. Army soldier diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy with an ataxic gait.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Balance impairments can disrupt the careers of U.S. Army soldiers and put themselves and their mates in danger. The purpose of this case report is to review the rehabilitation process and outcome of a U.S. Army soldier diagnosed with gait ataxia secondary to cerebellar atrophy. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient is a 35-year-old active duty U.S. Army male who presented with an ataxic gait pattern and had magnetic resonance image evidence of cerebellar atrophy. OUTCOMES: Over the course of 7 months of rehabilitation, the patient showed improvement in ambulation and balance as evidenced by improved dynamic gait index and Propriotest dynamic motion analysis scores. DISCUSSION: This relatively young, active duty soldier was able to improve with physical therapy intervention. However, even in this young, highly motivated patient, it took several months of rehabilitation to achieve his goals.

Gentamicina, causa de ataxia vestibular. A propósito de un caso / Gentamicin, a cause of vestibular ataxia. A case report

Los aminoglucósidos son utilizados para la prevención y el tratamiento de distintas infecciones. Entre sus distintos efectos adversos destacan: nefrotoxicidad, ototoxicidad y bloqueo neuromuscular; con incidencia de ototoxicidad entre el 3-16%, que se manifiesta por sensación de desequilibrio, desviación en la marcha y dificultad para mantener la bipedestación. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 79 años, que tras ser intervenida por colecistitis y después del tratamiento parenteral con gentamicina, refiere inestabilidad en la marcha y sensación de debilidad en los miembros inferiores. La exploración objetivaba marcha con leve aumento de base de sustentación, sin datos de focalidad, dismetría ni otros datos de afectación cerebelosa. Descartada la pérdida auditiva por otorrinolaringología. Se incluyó en rehabilitación con evolución favorable presentando mínima alteración residual. Los aminoglucósidos continúan siendo una opción terapéutica fundamental. A pesar de los esfuerzos por reducir su toxicidad, continúa siendo frecuente y debe tenerse siempre en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de toda alteración del equilibrio (AU)

Aminoglycosides are used for the prevention and treatment of different infections. Standing out among the different adverse effects are nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity and neuromuscular blockade. Ototoxicity incidence ranges from 3-16% and is manifested by a sensation of imbalance, gait deviation and difficulty remaining in an upright position. We present the case of a 79-year old woman who after an operation due to cholecystitis and parenteral treatment with gentamicin presented walking instability and feelings of weakness in lower limbs. The physical examination showed a slightly increased base of support in walking, no neurologic focality, no dysmetria or other data of cerebellar disease. The Ear-Nose-and Throat Department discarded hearing impairment. She entered into rehabilitation, with favorable evolution and minimal residual alteration. Aminoglycosides continue to be an important therapeutic option. In spite of efforts to reduce their toxicity, their use is still common and they should always be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of any balance alteration (AU)

Feasibility and safety of acute phase rehabilitation after stroke using the hybrid assistive limb robot suit.

Acute phase rehabilitation is an important treatment for improving the functional outcome of patients after stroke. The present cohort study analyzed the feasibility and safety of acute phase rehabilitation using the hybrid assistive limb robot suit in 22 patients, 7 males and 15 females (mean age 66.6 ± 17.7 years). Neurological deterioration, mortality, or other accidents were recorded as adverse events. Baseline characteristics of each patient were recorded at the first hybrid assistive limb rehabilitation. Hybrid assistive limb rehabilitation was conducted for 12.1 ± 7.0 days with the patients in stable condition. Acute phase hybrid assistive limb rehabilitation was performed a total of 84 times with no adverse events recorded except for orthostatic hypotension. Good functional outcomes were obtained in 14 patients. Orthostatic hypotension was observed during the first hybrid assistive limb rehabilitation in four patients, and was significantly associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (p = 0.007) and lower Brunnstrom stage (p = 0.033). Acute phase rehabilitation using the hybrid assistive limb suit is feasible and safe. Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and lower Brunnstrom stage should be carefully monitored for orthostatic hypotension.

Balance training in ataxic neuropathies. Effects on balance and gait parameters.

A rehabilitation program including foot sensory stimulation, balance and gait training with limited vision was followed by 30 patients with ataxic neuropathy in order to stimulate multi-sensory compensation in a no-controlled and no-blinded study. Ataxic neuropathy was graded by a pallesthetic score. The evaluation of patients and healthy subjects was performed with clinical tests (Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test and Timed up and Go test) and instrumental tests for balance (force platform) and gait (Locometre). All patients exhibited impairments in balance and gait parameters compared to control group values. A high pallesthetic score correlated with increased sway area when standing with the eyes open on a firm surface. At the end of the training program, significant changes were observed in balance control assessed using the three clinical tests (Wilcoxon test, p<0.001). A tendency towards a reduction of the Romberg sign was noticed and limited changes were observed after training in instrumental tests for balance and for gait parameters. Age induced some limitations in balance and gait parameters but had no effect on training results. These results show that ataxic patients are impaired in balance and gait but can improve clinical balance parameters following training with a multisensory approach without limitation due to age or degree of sensory impairment. Only limited correlations were noticed between the pallesthetic score and some balance parameters, suggesting that various levels of compensation occur in these patients. The effectiveness of this training program has to be evaluated in the future in a controlled study to ascertain the contribution of the placebo effect in these data.

[The use of stabilizing platforms in the correction of atactic disorders in patients with vertebrobasilar stroke].

Results of the treatment of atactic gait and balance disorders in post-stroke patients are presented. A method of neurorehabilitation using stabilizing platforms based on the excluding ankle joint postural strategy and support square is proposed. The efficacy of this method assessed by the computerized stabilometry and functional balance scale was comparable with the results of the generally accepted computerized dynamic posturography with visual biofeedback.

Use of trunk stabilization and locomotor training in an adult with cerebellar ataxia: a single system design.

The purpose of this study is to describe the effects of trunk stabilization training and locomotor training (LT) using body-weight support on a treadmill (BWST) and overground walking on balance, gait, self-reported function, and trunk muscle performance in an adult with severe ataxia secondary to brain injury. There are no studies on the effectiveness of these combined interventions in persons with ataxia. The subject was a 23-year-old male who had a traumatic brain injury 13 months prior. An A-B-A withdrawal single-system design was used. Outcome measures were Berg Balance Test (BBT), timed unsupported stance, Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), Outpatient Physical Therapy Improvement in Movement Assessment Log (OPTIMAL), transverse abdominis (TrA) thickness, and isometric trunk endurance tests. Performance on the BBT, timed unsupported stance, FAC, 10-MWT, and OPTIMAL each improved after 10 weeks of intervention. In additions, TrA symmetry at rest improved as did right side-bridge endurance time. LT, using BWST and overground walking, and trunk stabilization training may be effective in improving balance, gait, function, and trunk performance in individuals with severe ataxia. Further research with additional subjects is indicated.

Weight bearing on the affected lower limb in residents of a geriatric rehabilitation hospital.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine whether and to what extent the treatment goal of enhancement of weight bearing on an affected lower limb is achieved in the gait rehabilitation of patients with poststroke hemiparesis, postprosthetic fitting due to unilateral transtibial amputation, or postunilateral hip or knee arthroplasty. DESIGN: Nonrandomized prepost study. Subjects were 26 residents of a geriatric rehabilitation hospital in the initial stage of gait rehabilitation after poststroke hemiparesis (n = 9), unilateral total hip or knee joint replacement (n = 11), or unilateral transtibial amputation with a fitted prosthesis (n = 6). Weight bearing on the hindfoot and forefoot of the affected limb was measured by using the SmartStep system version 2.2.0, at least once a week, both before and immediately after a gait-training session. Measurements were performed with the patients using their assistive devices. RESULTS: In the patients with hemiparesis, there was no significant difference found between the initial pretraining maximal weight bearing on the afflicted limb (39% and 50% of body weight on the hindfoot and forefoot, respectively) and that at discharge (47% and 50% of body weight, respectively). In patients after hip or knee arthroplasty and in those who underwent prosthetic fitting, there was a substantial increase found in the loading of the forefoot, but not of the hindfoot, from the initial evaluation to the time of discharge (from 43% to 54% of body weight, P = 0.05, in the arthroplasty group, and from 49.6% to 69.5%, P = 0.09, in the prosthetic group). CONCLUSIONS: For elderly individuals belonging to the studied diagnostic groups, the goal of enhancing normal weight bearing on the afflicted limb during the time course of 2-3 wks might be unrealistic.

Postural compensation for vestibular loss.

To what extent can remaining sensory information and/or sensory biofeedback (BF) compensate for loss of vestibular information in controlling postural equilibrium? The primary role of the vestibulospinal system is as a vertical reference for control of the trunk in space, with increasing importance as the surface becomes increasingly unstable. Our studies with patients with bilateral loss of vestibular function show that vision or light touch from a fingertip can substitute as a reference for earth vertical to decrease variability of trunk sway when standing on an unstable surface. However, some patients with bilateral loss compensate better than others, and found that those with more complete loss of bilateral vestibular function compensate better than those with measurable vestibulo-ocular reflexes. In contrast, patients with unilateral vestibular loss (UVL) who reweight sensory dependence to rely on their remaining unilateral vestibular function show better functional performance than those who do not increase vestibular weighting on an unstable surface. Light touch of <100 grams or auditory biofeedback can be added as a vestibular vertical reference to stabilize trunk sway during stance. Postural ataxia during tandem gait in patients with UVL is also significantly improved with vibrotactile BF to the trunk, beyond improvements due to practice. Vestibular rehabilitation should focus on decreasing hypermetria, decreasing an overdependence on surface somatosensory inputs, increasing use of any remaining vestibular function, substituting or adding alternative sensory feedback related to trunk sway, and practicing challenging balance tasks on unstable surfaces.