Investigating Inducible Muscle Overactivity in Acquired Brain Injury and the Impact of Botulinum Toxin A.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pattern of change in muscle overactivity during repetitive grasp/release using dynamic computerized dynamometry (DCD; objective 1) and the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A; objective 2). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of an observational cohort study. SETTING: Hospital outpatient spasticity management service. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample (N=65), comprising adults with upper motor neuron syndrome affecting the arm after acquired brain injury (ABI; n=38) and participants without ABI (n=27). INTERVENTIONS: After clinical assessment, a subgroup of participants with ABI (n=28) underwent BTX-A injections as part of their spasticity management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Post hoc DCD data processing extracted the values of minimum force generation between 10 sequential contractions. The pattern of change was analyzed. RESULTS: The ABI injected group exerted greater force at baseline than both other groups (ABI injected=1.04 kg, ABI noninjected=0.74 kg, participants without ABI=0.53 kg; P=.011). After the first contraction, minimum force values increased for all groups and were greatest in the ABI injected group. With subsequent cycles, the group without ABI showed a linear pattern of decreasing force generation, whereas both ABI groups showed a quadratic increasing pattern, which was of greater magnitude in the ABI injected group. After injection, values for the ABI injected group showed a 51% reduction in inducible muscle overactivity (P=.003) to magnitudes similar to those of the ABI noninjected group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that hand relaxation deteriorated during repetitive movements in people with spasticity, a feature hypothesized to adversely influence everyday hand function. After BTX-A injection, the magnitude but not the pattern of this inducible muscle overactivity improved.

Altered sexual function after central neurological system trauma is reflective of region of injury; brain vs spinal cord.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and contrast the contributory effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) on sexual function and social relationship opportunities, hypothesizing that patterns of change in sexual function would follow etiology. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case-matched survey of community living individuals with TBI, SCI or both (termed dual diagnosis). PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive sample of participants with TBI (n = 25), SCI (n = 24) and dual diagnosis (n = 28), an average 3.6 years post-rehabilitation discharge. METHODS: Participants were interviewed using a modified version of the 'Sexuality after Spinal Injury Questionnaire.' RESULTS: Almost all respondents (97%) perceived adverse post-injury change in their experience of neurosexual function and/or social relationships. Physiological aspects of sexual function (e.g., erection, orgasm) were most affected by SCI whereas social relationships appeared more affected by TBI. People with dual diagnoses exhibited a combination of features. Participants with SCI (with or without TBI) were significantly more likely to have their concerns about sexual function discussed during rehabilitation than the TBI group. CONCLUSION: TBI and SCI produce predictable impacts upon sexual function following injury, the impact of which were less frequently addressed during inpatient rehabilitation for those with TBI.

Evidence based practice and knowledge translation: A survey of Australian occupational therapy practice with clients experiencing neurocognitive impairments.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical practice patterns and use of research evidence by Australian occupational therapists working with clients experiencing neurocognitive impairments has not been surveyed for nearly 10 years. This survey aimed to evaluate the current status of occupational therapy practice and evidence use and provide recommendations for ongoing evidence translation. METHODS: An online survey of occupational therapists working in Australia was conducted over four months targeting registered clinicians working with adults experiencing neurocognitive impairments. RESULTS: 191 occupational therapists from a wide range of clinical practice areas, with a significant level of experience completed the survey. Functional retraining (n = 180, 94%), compensatory training (n = 173, 91%) and task/environmental modifications (n = 161, 84%) were the most commonly reported intervention techniques, while more targeted interventions such as context-sensitive training (n = 54, 28%), positive behaviour supports (n = 42, 22%) and metacognitive strategy training (n = 37, 19%) were used less frequently. Half the respondents were aware of current research evidence and suggested a wide range of strategies supporting evidence translation. Traditional barriers of limited time, access and skills to interpret research were also reported. CONCLUSION: Consistent with earlier surveys most occupational therapists continue to use a functional/compensatory approach to cognitive rehabilitation, with an increasing number of therapists using specialist cognitive interventions. The current challenge for occupational therapists is embedding specialist techniques into occupation-based intervention. Knowledge translation and implementation strategies will be a critical component to achieving this.

Computerised pinch dynamometry in the assessment of adult hand spasticity.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The hand engages with the environment through the grasp, stabilisation, manipulation and release of objects during everyday tasks, activities and routines. Upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury may negatively impact hand function, reducing strength, range of motion and motor control. It is important for clinicians to reliably measure such impacts, particularly for the impact of intervention and to monitor change in performance over time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability and construct validity of Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry for measuring fine hand motor performance following acquired brain injury. METHODS: The Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry protocol was completed by 36 community dwelling adults and 27 healthy adults using a simulated pinch and release task in lateral and pincer grip positions. Measurements were conducted over two testing occasions approximately five weeks apart. Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry output was evaluated to determine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the measure. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability scores using Kendall coefficient of concordance ranged from W = 0.61-0.94. Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry discriminated between participants with and without acquired brain injury (z = 4.97-6.50, P < 0.05) and between the affected and non-affected hand of participants with acquired brain injury (z = 3.37-5.22, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry in both lateral and pincer positions had fair to excellent test-retest reliability, and had good construct validity for discrimination between participants with and without acquired brain injury as well as between the affected and non-affected hand of participants with acquired brain injury.

Goal attainment following upper-limb botulinum toxin-A injections: are we facilitating achievement of client-centred goals?

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate upper-limb goal attainment following botulinum toxin-A, map goals to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and explore associations between client goals, clinical indicators of spasticity and the Botulinum Toxin-A injection strategy adopted by the treating physician. DESIGN: Pre-test/post-test. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight community-dwelling adults with acquired brain injury. METHODS: Goal attainment was measured using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) 4 weeks post-injection. Goals were linked to the ICF. Clinical measures including the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Tardieu Spasticity Angle (TSA) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) were collected pre-injection for determining association with injection strategy. RESULTS: Goals represented the ICF domains of Body Structure/Function and Activity/Participation. Approximately half the goals were achieved 4 weeks post-injection and GAS T-scores improved significantly. Activity/Participation goals were equally likely to be achieved as Body Structure/Function goals. Pre-injection ARAT scores were correlated with GAS change, whereas MAS and TSA scores were not. TSA was a stronger indicator of muscle selection for botulinum toxin-A injections than MAS. Goals were directly associated with botulinum toxin-A injections for distal hand function, but not for proximal upper-limb function. CONCLUSION: Goal setting and review provides a clinically useful process for measuring upper-limb botulinum toxin-A outcomes.

Measuring spasticity and fine motor control (pinch) change in the hand after botulinum toxin-A injection using dynamic computerized hand dynamometry.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate change in fine motor hand performance and to investigate the relationship between existing clinical measures and dynamic computerized dynamometry (DCD) after botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injections for adults with upper limb spasticity. DESIGN: Pretest/posttest clinical intervention study. SETTING: Hospital outpatient spasticity clinics. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of adults (N=28; mean age, 51y) with upper limb spasticity after acquired brain injury. INTERVENTIONS: BTX-A injections for upper limb spasticity management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: DCD protocol using a piezoelectric pinch meter (termed DCD[pinch]); current clinical upper limb measures: Modified Ashworth Scale, Tardieu Scale, Action Research Arm Test, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, and Goal Attainment Scale. RESULTS: BTX-A produced a significant change on DCD(pinch) and some current clinical measures, with correlations observed between DCD(pinch) and current clinical measures. CONCLUSIONS: DCD(pinch) sensitively and objectively assessed the effects of BTX-A on upper limb spasticity during a simulated functionally based pinch and release task.

Dynamic computerised hand dynamometry: measuring outcomes following upper limb botulinum toxin-A injections in adults with acquired brain injury.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate upper limb performance in adults receiving botulinum toxin-A injections for upper limb spasticity using Dynamic Computerised Hand Dynamometry and current clinical measures. DESIGN: Pre-test/post-test clinical intervention study. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Twenty-eight participants with spasticity following acquired brain injury. METHODS: Botulinum toxin-A effects were measured 4 weeks post-injection using Dynamic Computerised Dynamometry. Current clinical upper limb performance measures spanning the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains were also conducted at the Body Function and Structure (Modified Ashworth Scale; Tardieu Scale) and Activity (Action Research Arm Test; Goal Attainment Scaling; patient disability and carer burden scales) domains. Dynamic Computerised Dynamometry hand performance measures were correlated with performance on current clinical measures. RESULTS: Significant post botulinum toxin-A changes were identified on current clinical measures and the Dynamic Computerised Dynamometry. Dynamic Computerised Dynamometry results correlated with current clinical measures demonstrating functional upper limb change across the Body Function and Structure and Activity domains. CONCLUSION: Dynamic Computerised Dynamometry sensitively assesses the effects of botulinum toxin-A on upper limb spasticity during a simple, functionally based, grasp and release task. Unlike current measures, the Dynamic Computerised Dynamometry provides information across the Body Function and Structure and Activity domains of the International Classification of Function.

Test-retest reliability of computerised hand dynamometry in adults with acquired brain injury.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The ability to objectively and reliably measure hand performance over time is critical to monitor patient performance and evaluate treatment efficacy. Current spasticity measures are subjective in nature and fail to capture the complexity of the multi-faceted upper motor neuron syndrome. This study examined the test-retest reliability of dynamic computerised hand dynamometry for simultaneously measuring multiple aspects of positive and negative features of the upper motor neuron syndrome during an active grasp and release task. METHODS: Community-living adults with upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury attending metropolitan spasticity clinics for management of upper limb spasticity (N = 36; mean age 50 years ±15) and control participants (N = 27, mean age 40 years ±12) completed a computerised hand dynamometry protocol across two testing occasions 5 weeks apart. Objective measurement of Isometric Force, Cycle Duration and Isometric Grip Work, Force Velocity, was completed during a repeated grasp and release test protocol with a computerised hand dynamometer to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of hand performance. RESULTS: Kendall Coefficient of Concordance W scores ranged from W = 0.69-0.98 for motor elements of grasp and release, including Isometric Force, Cycle Duration, Isometric Grip Work and Force Velocity. CONCLUSIONS: The investigated dynamic computerised hand dynamometry protocol showed fair/good to excellent levels of test-retest reliability in control participants and in subjects with upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury.

Clinical assessment of hand motor performance after acquired brain injury with dynamic computerized hand dynamometry: construct, concurrent, and predictive validity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the construct, concurrent, and predictive validity of dynamic computerized hand dynamometry. DESIGN: Prospective correlational study between dynamometry and functional upper limb performance. SETTING: Hospital outpatient spasticity clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with upper motor neuron syndrome affecting the upper limb after acquired brain injury (ABI) (n=38; median age, 50 y; range, 18-81 y) and healthy adult control participants (n=27; median age, 37 y; range, 22-62 y). INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dynamic computerized dynamometry elements of hand performance (isometric force, force velocity, isometric grip work, contraction and relaxation duration) and the Action Research Arm Test. RESULTS: Motor elements of hand performance objectively measured by the dynamic computerized dynamometry protocol achieved moderate to good validity when correlated with standardized measures of functional hand performance. Dynamic computerized dynamometry identified clear differences in hand performance between participants with and without ABI. Within the ABI group, dynamic computerized hand dynamometry achieved fair to moderate predictive validity with regards to whether a participant would be referred for botulinum toxin A injections. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides support for the construct, concurrent, and predictive validity of the dynamic computerized dynamometry protocol.