Improving trunk posture control in children with CP through a cable-driven robotic hippotherapy: A randomized controlled feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Many children with cerebral palsy (CP) show impairments in trunk posture control, one crucial factor contributing to impairments in gait and arm manipulation. RESEARCH QUESTION: The goal of this study was to test the feasibility of the cable-driven hippotherapy system on improving trunk posture control and walking function in children with CP. METHOD: Ten children were recruited in this study with average age 6.4 ± 3.0 years old, and were randomly assigned to the robotic group and the conventional balance training group. A custom designed cable-driven robotic hippotherapy system was used to deliver controlled pelvis perturbations while children were sitting astride. Participants from both groups underwent intensive robotic hippotherapy training or conventional balance training, depending on their group assignment, for 6 weeks (3 time/week). Outcome measures were assessed pre and post 6 weeks of robotic or conventional balance training, and 8 weeks after the end of training (follow-up test). The primary outcome measure was trunk control, which was measured using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). In addition, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), self-selected overground walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance were also assessed. RESULTS: The change in TCMS score from baseline to the post intervention was significantly greater for the robotic group than that for the conventional group (i.e., 6 ± 3 vs. -1 ± 5, p = 0.048, Mann-Whitney test). GMFM scores, self-selected overground walking speed, and 6-minute walking distance showed no significant improvement after robotic hippotherapy and after conventional balance training (p > 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Results from this study indicated that it was feasible to improve trunk posture control in children with CP using a cable-driven robotic hippotherapy system. Knowledge obtained from this study may provide an insight for the development of new perturbation-based intervention approaches for improving trunk posture control in children with CP.

Development of an In-Pipe Inspection Robot for Large-Diameter Water Pipes.

This paper describes the development of an in-pipe inspection robot system designed for large-diameter water pipes. The robot is equipped with a Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) sensor module. The robot system is intended for pipes with diameters ranging from 900 mm to 1200 mm. The structure of the in-pipe inspection robot consists of the front and rear driving parts, with the inspection module located centrally. The robot is powered by 22 motors, including eight wheels with motors positioned at both the bottom and the top for propulsion. To ensure that the robot's center aligns with that of the pipeline during operation, lifting units have been incorporated. The robot is equipped with cameras and LiDAR sensors at the front and rear to monitor the internal environment of the pipeline. Pipeline inspection is conducted using the MFL inspection modules, and the robot's driving mechanism is designed to execute spiral maneuvers while maintaining contact with the pipeline surface during rotation. The in-pipe inspection robot is configured with wireless communication modules and batteries, allowing for wireless operation. Following its development, the inspection robot underwent driving experiments in actual pipelines to validate its performance. The field test bed used for these experiments is approximately 1 km in length. Results from the driving experiments on the field test bed confirmed the robot's ability to navigate various curvatures and obstacles within the pipeline. It is posited that the use of the developed in-pipe inspection robot can reduce economic costs and enhance the safety of inspectors when examining aging pipes.

Transitioning from global to local computational strategies during brain-machine interface learning.

When learning to use a brain-machine interface (BMI), the brain modulates neuronal activity patterns, exploring and exploiting the state space defined by their neural manifold. Neurons directly involved in BMI control (i.e., direct neurons) can display marked changes in their firing patterns during BMI learning. However, the extent of firing pattern changes in neurons not directly involved in BMI control (i.e., indirect neurons) remains unclear. To clarify this issue, we localized direct and indirect neurons to separate hemispheres in a task designed to bilaterally engage these hemispheres while animals learned to control the position of a platform with their neural signals. Animals that learned to control the platform and improve their performance in the task shifted from a global strategy, where both direct and indirect neurons modified their firing patterns, to a local strategy, where only direct neurons modified their firing rate, as animals became expert in the task. Animals that did not learn the BMI task did not shift from utilizing a global to a local strategy. These results provide important insights into what differentiates successful and unsuccessful BMI learning and the computational mechanisms adopted by the neurons.

Effect of strength training with additional acupuncture on balance, ankle sensation, and isokinetic muscle strength in chronic ankle instability among college students.

Purpose: The effects of the combination of strength training and acupuncture on chronic ankle instability have not been studied. This study examined effects of strength training combined with acupuncture on balance ability, ankle motion perception, and muscle strength in chronic ankle instability among college students. Methods: Forty-six chronic ankle instability college students were randomly categorized into the experimental group (n = 24, strength training + acupuncture) and the control group (n = 22, strength training) for an 8-week intervention. Results: For the results at 8 weeks, compared with the baseline, in the experimental group, the chronic Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flex, eversion peak torque (60°/s), and plantar flex peak torque (180°/s) increased by 13.7%, 39.4%, 13.7%, 14.2%, and 12.3%, respectively. Dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and eversion kinesthetic sensation test angles decreased by 17.4%, 20.6%, 15.0%, and 17.2%, respectively. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral velocity decreased by 28.9%, 31.6%, 33.3%, and 12.4%, respectively. Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral mean velocity decreased by 28.9%, 31.6%, 33.3%, and 12.4%, respectively. In the control group, the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool score and the ankle dorsiflexion peak torque (60°/s) increased by 13.8% and 17.9%, respectively. The inversion kinesthetic sensation test angle decreased by 15.2%, whereas anterior-posterior and medial-lateral displacement, and anterior-posterior and medial-lateral mean velocity decreased by 17.1%, 29.4%, 12.3%, and 16.8%, respectively. 2) For the comparison between the groups after 8 weeks, the values of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flex peak torque (60°/s) in the experimental group were greater than those in the control group. The values of ankle plantar flex kinesthetic sensation test angle, the anterior-posterior displacement, and anterior-posterior mean velocity in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment in conjunction with muscle strength training can further improve the balance ability of anterior-posterior, ankle dorsiflexion, and plantar flex strength and plantar flex motion perception in chronic ankle instability participants.

The minimal important difference for the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients in the subacute stage.

BACKGROUND: The minimal important difference (MID) of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) remains unknown, limiting the interpretation of change scores. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the MID of the PASS in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: Data at admission and discharge for 240 participants were retrieved from a longitudinal study. The "mobility" item of the Barthel Index was used as the anchor for indicating the improvement of posture control. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method was used to estimate the anchor-based MID of the PASS. RESULTS: The ROC method identified a MID of 3.0 points, with a sensitivity of 81.0 % and a specificity of 75.6 %. CONCLUSION: The MID of the PASS was 3.0 points, indicating that if a patient achieves an improvement of 3.0 or more points on the PASS, they have a clinically important improvement in posture control. Our results can help in interpreting change scores and aid in understanding the clinical values of treatment outcomes.

Influence of strength and balance ability on functional performance in the involved and uninvolved sides after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The restoration and management of the uninvolved side have been emphasized to prevent a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and to ensure that athletes return to sports after ACL reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors influencing the single leg hop test (SLHT) and single leg vertical jump test (SLVJT) at 1 year postoperatively after ACL reconstruction in both the involved and uninvolved sides. METHODS: Ninety-four patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were assessed at 1 year postoperatively. Multiple regression models included eight independent variables with two dependent variables (SLHT and SLVJT.), each on the involved and uninvolved side. RESULTS: On the involved side, the Y balance test (YBT), extensor peak torque per body weight (PT/BW), Biodex balance system anteroposterior index (BBS-API), and sex accounted for 53.9% of the variance in SLHT (P= 0.002), and extensor PT/BW and YBT accounted for 26.3% of the variance in SLVJT (P= 0.027). On the uninvolved side, YBT, sex, age, BBS-API, and flexor PT/BW accounted for 47.0% of the variance in SLHT (P= 0.046), and flexor PT/BW, YBT, and age accounted for 44.9% of the variance in SLVJT (P= 0.002). CONCLUSION: Knee extensor strength on the involved side and flexor strength on the uninvolved side influence the two functional performance tests. The YBT was an important factor in the two functional performance tests in both sides. Anteroposterior stability was the only factor that influenced the SLHT bilaterally.

Static sitting posture control during writing tasks in idiopathic scoliosis among freshmen.

BACKGROUND: The posture control deficit is one important dysfunction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, which is related to the development of the disease. However, it is not apparent whether AIS could affect static sitting posture control in late adolescence. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare static sitting posture control in idiopathic scoliosis freshmen with normal peers to reveal possible differences in posture stability between them during writing tasks. METHODS: In total, there were 10 AIS patients and 11 normal college students chosen for the writing task test. Data on the distribution of gluteal pressure during sitting were gathered. The comparison between these two groups was made using the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: The total excursion (TE) of the center of pressure (COP) of the AIS group considerably increased in comparison with the control group (CON) (p = 0.029). The AIS group's average COP velocity in the anteroposterior (AP) direction was significantly higher than the CON group (p = 0.048). The peak gluteal pressure on the right side was significantly higher in the AIS group than in the CON group (p = 0.039). The right gluteal contact area dynamic variation was significantly higher in the AIS group compared to the CON group (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: AIS patients showed increased gluteal pressure and lower sitting posture stability during writing tasks.

Do visual and step height factors cause imbalance during bipedal and unipedal stances? A plantar pressure perspective.

Objective: The plantar pressure analysis technique was used to explore the static balance ability and stability of healthy adult males under the influence of visual and step height factors during bipedal and unipedal stances. Methods: Thirty healthy adult males volunteered for the study. Experiments used the F-scan plantar pressure analysis insoles to carry out with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) at four different step heights. The plantar pressure data were recorded for 10 s and pre-processed to derive kinematic and dynamic parameters. Results: For unipedal stance, most of kinematic parameters of the subjects' right and left feet were significantly greater when the eyes were closed compared to the EO condition and increased with step height. The differences in toe load between right and left feet, open and closed eyes were extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001). The differences in midfoot load between the EO and EC conditions were statistically significant (p = 0.024) and extremely statistically significant between the right and left feet (p < 0.001). The difference in rearfoot load between EO and EC conditions was extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001) and statistically significant (p = 0.002) between the right and left feet. For bipedal stance, most of kinematic parameters of the subjects' EO and EC conditions were statistically significant between the right and left feet and increased with step height. The overall load's difference between EO and EC states was statistically significant (p = 0.003) for both feet. The overall load's difference between the right and left feet was extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001) in the EC state. The differences between the right and left feet of the forefoot and rearfoot load with EO and EC suggested that the right foot had a smaller forefoot load, but a larger rearfoot load than the left foot (p < 0.001). The differences between the forefoot and rearfoot load of the subjects' both feet with EO and EC were extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both visual input and step height factors, even the dominant foot, act on kinematic and dynamic parameters that affect the maintenance of static balance ability.

Motion prediction using brain waves based on artificial intelligence deep learning recurrent neural network.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) research has gained widespread use in various research domains due to its valuable insights into human body movements. In this study, we investigated the optimization of motion discrimination prediction by employing an artificial intelligence deep learning recurrent neural network (gated recurrent unit, GRU) on unique EEG data generated from specific movement types among EEG signals. The experiment involved participants categorized into five difficulty levels of postural control, targeting gymnasts in their twenties and college students majoring in physical education (n=10). Machine learning techniques were applied to extract brain-motor patterns from the collected EEG data, which consisted of 32 channels. The EEG data underwent spectrum analysis using fast Fourier transform conversion, and the GRU model network was utilized for machine learning on each EEG frequency domain, thereby improving the performance index of the learning operation process. Through the development of the GRU network algorithm, the performance index achieved up to a 15.92% improvement compared to the accuracy of existing models, resulting in motion recognition accuracy ranging from a minimum of 94.67% to a maximum of 99.15% between actual and predicted values. These optimization outcomes are attributed to the enhanced accuracy and cost function of the GRU network algorithm's hidden layers. By implementing motion identification optimization based on artificial intelligence machine learning results from EEG signals, this study contributes to the emerging field of exercise rehabilitation, presenting an innovative paradigm that reveals the interconnectedness between the brain and the science of exercise.

Effect of Trunk Solution® on hemodynamics in the supplementary motor area during walking.

[Purpose] Humans keep their trunks vertical while walking. This defining characteristic is known as upright bipedalism. Research on the neural control of locomotion indicates that not only subcortical structures, but also the cerebral cortex, especially the supplementary motor area (SMA), is involved in locomotion. A previous study suggested that SMA may contribute to truncal upright posture-control during walking. Trunk Solution® (TS) is a trunk orthosis designed to support the trunk in decreasing the low back load. We hypothesized that the trunk orthosis might reduce the burden of truncal control on the SMA. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the effect of trunk orthosis on the SMA during walking. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen healthy participants were enrolled in the study. We measured the hemodynamics of the SMA during walking with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The participants performed two gait tasks on a treadmill: (A) independent gait (usual gait) and (B) supported gait while wearing the TS. [Results] During (A) independent gait, the hemodynamics of the SMA exhibited no significant changes. During (B) gait with truncal support, the SMA hemodynamics decreased significantly. [Conclusion] TS may reduce the burden of truncal control on the SMA during walking.

Women with patellofemoral pain show changes in trunk and lower limb sagittal movements during single-leg squat and step-down tasks.

BACKGROUND: Changes in the trunk and lower limbs' sagittal movements may cause patellofemoral pain (PFP) because they influence the forces acting on this joint. OBJECTIVES: To compare trunk and lower limb sagittal kinematics between women with and without PFP during functional tests and to verify whether sagittal trunk kinematics are correlated with those of the knees and ankles. METHODS: A total of 30 women with PFP and 30 asymptomatic women performed single-leg squat (SLS) and step-down (SD) tests and were filmed by a camera in the sagittal plane. The trunk inclination angle, forward knee displacement, and ankle angle were calculated. RESULTS: The PFP group exhibited less trunk flexion (SLS, p = .006; SD, p = .016) and greater forward knee displacement (SLS, p = .001; SD, p = .004) than the asymptomatic group; there was no significant difference in ankle angle (SLS, p = .074; SD, p = .278). Correlation analysis revealed that decreased trunk flexion was associated with increased forward knee displacement (SLS, r = -0.439, p = .000; SD, r = -0.365, p = .004) and ankle dorsiflexion (SLS, r = -0.339, p = .008; SD, r = -0.356, p = .005). CONCLUSION: Women with PFP present kinematic alterations of the trunk and knee in the sagittal plane during unipodal activities. Furthermore, the trunk and lower limb sagittal movements were interdependent.

Effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are benefited from the continuous tactile information to enhance postural control. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults. METHODS: The search strategy (up to January 2023) was based on the PICOT (older adults; anchor system during balance and walking tasks; any control group; postural control measurements; short and/or long-term effect). Two pairs of reviewers independently examined all titles and abstracts for eligibility. The reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies, assessed the risk of bias, and certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies used a 125-g haptic anchor system. Four studies used anchors when standing in a semi-tandem position, two in tandem walking on different surfaces, and one in an upright position after plantar flexor muscle fatigue. Two studies showed that the anchor system reduced body sway. One study showed that the ellipse area was significantly lower for the 50% group (reduced frequency) in the post-practice phase. One study showed that the reduction in the ellipse area was independent of the fatigue condition. Two studies observed reduced trunk acceleration in the frontal plane during tandem waking tasks. The studies had low to moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSION: Haptic anchors can reduce postural sway during balance and walking tasks in older adults. Also, positive effects were seen during the delayed post-practice phase after the removal of anchors only in individuals who used a reduced anchor frequency.

Application of Foot Hallux Contact Force Signal for Assistive Hand Fine Control.

Accurate recognition of disabled persons' behavioral intentions is the key to reconstructing hand function. Their intentions can be understood to some extent by electromyography (EMG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and arm movements, but they are not reliable enough to be generally accepted. In this paper, characteristics of foot contact force signals are investigated, and a method of expressing grasping intentions based on hallux (big toe) touch sense is proposed. First, force signals acquisition methods and devices are investigated and designed. By analyzing characteristics of signals in different areas of the foot, the hallux is selected. The peak number and other characteristic parameters are used to characterize signals, which can significantly express grasping intentions. Second, considering complex and fine tasks of the assistive hand, a posture control method is proposed. Based on this, many human-in-the-loop experiments are conducted using human-computer interaction methods. The results showed that people with hand disabilities could accurately express their grasping intentions through their toes, and could accurately grasp objects of different sizes, shapes, and hardness using their feet. The accuracy of the action completion for single-handed and double-handed disabled individuals was 99% and 98%, respectively. This proves that the method of using toe tactile sensation for assisting disabled individuals in hand control can help them complete daily fine motor activities. The method is easily acceptable in terms of reliability, unobtrusiveness, and aesthetics.

The effects of proprioceptive weighting changes on posture control in patients with chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) exhibit changes in proprioceptive weighting and impaired postural control. This study aimed to investigate proprioceptive weighting changes in patients with CLBP and their influence on posture control. Methods: Sixteen patients with CLBP and 16 healthy controls were recruited. All participants completed the joint reposition test sense (JRS) and threshold to detect passive motion test (TTDPM). The absolute errors (AE) of the reposition and perception angles were recorded. Proprioceptive postural control was tested by applying vibrations to the triceps surae or lumbar paravertebral muscles while standing on a stable or unstable force plate. Sway length and sway velocity along the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions were assessed. Relative proprioceptive weighting (RPW) was used to evaluate the proprioception reweighting ability. Higher values indicated increased reliance on calf proprioception. Results: There was no significant difference in age, gender, and BMI between subjects with and without CLBP. The AE and motion perception angle in the CLBP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (JRS of 15°: 2.50 (2.50) vs. 1.50 (1.42), JRS of 35°: 3.83 (3.75) vs. 1.67 (2.00), pJRS < 0.01; 1.92 (1.18) vs. 0.68 (0.52), pTTDPM < 0.001). The CLBP group demonstrated a significantly higher RPW value than the healthy controls on an unstable surface (0.58 ± 0.21 vs. 0.41 ± 0.26, p < 0.05). Under the condition of triceps surae vibration, the sway length (pstable < 0.05; punstable < 0.001), AP velocity (pstable < 0.01; punstable < 0.001) and ML velocity (punstable < 0.05) had significant group main effects. Moreover, when the triceps surae vibrated under the unstable surface, the differences during vibration and post vibration in sway length and AP velocity between the groups were significantly higher in the CLBP group than in the healthy group (p < 0.05). However, under the condition of lumbar paravertebral muscle vibration, no significant group main effect was observed. Conclusion: The patients with CLBP exhibited impaired dynamic postural control in response to disturbances, potentially linked to changes in proprioceptive weighting.

Relationship Between Trunk Control Ability and Respiratory Function in Stroke Patients: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Hemiparesis in stroke survivors has been reported to affect respiratory function. The relationship between trunk control and respiratory function, however, is not well understood. We aimed to map the state of the association between the trunk and respiratory function as well as evaluate the effect of a respiratory function training intervention on trunk control for stroke survivors. METHODS: A scoping review and meta-analysis of observational and interventional studies were performed. Cochrane Library, CINAHL with Full Text (EBSCO), Medline (Ovid), and PubMed were searched using the terms stroke, respiratory, and trunk control. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was used to examine the sections of each report. RESULTS: A total of 102 studies were identified, of which 12, published between 2011 and 2022, were included in the meta-analysis or narrative synthesis. Three studies were included in the meta-analysis of the correlation between trunk control and respiratory function parameters (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume during the first breath [FEV1], maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP], and maximal expiratory pressure [MEP]) with effect sizes (Fisher's z) for all outcomes, which ranged from small to intermediate (between 0.21 and 0.39). Furthermore, five studies were included in the meta-analysis of the effect of respiratory function training intervention on trunk control. An overall effect size (Cohen's d) of 1.47 corresponds to a large effect. We also found significant improvements in MIP and MEP but not in FVC and FEV1 for stroke survivors with the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory training, use of diaphragmatic resistance exercise or abdominal breathing, use of a pressure threshold-loading device, and the performance of functional strengthening exercises for the trunk muscles were found to increase patients' trunk control and improve their respiratory muscle strength.

Human body-sway steady-state responses to small amplitude tilts and translations of the support surface - Effects of superposition of the two stimuli.

BACKGROUND: For humans, control of upright standing posture is a prerequisite for many physical activities. Experimentally, this control is often challenged by the motion of the support surface presented as tilt or translation, or some combination thereof. In particular, we have investigated subjects balancing in situations where tilt and translation stimuli were presented in isolation and compared it to a situation where such stimuli occurred simultaneously. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Is the human posture control system in the case of two or more superimposed external disturbances responding to these as if it were dealing with one disturbance? Or does it identify the disturbances individually and as such and respond to them specifically, as suggested in a current concept of disturbance-specific estimations and compensations? METHODS: We had healthy human subjects controlling their balancing of upright stance on a motion platform while we presented them with different combinations of pseudorandom support surface tilt and translation stimuli alone or in superposition (with peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.5° and 1° for tilt, and 0.8 cm and 1.5 cm for translation). In one set of trials they kept their eyes closed and in a second set open. Furthermore, a simulation was performed to qualitatively evaluate the impact of sensory non-linearities and joint stiffness modulation. RESULTS: We found that the experimental conditions 'eyes open' vs. 'eyes closed' always created significant differences (p < 0.05) between the frequency response functions. In contrast to this, with different combinations of the tilt and translation stimuli, significant differences between the responses were observed only in 5 cases over the 24 that have been tested. Significance The superposition of translation and tilt can be used to characterize the responses to both stimuli with one trial. When the amplitude of the stimuli is unbalanced (e.g. very small tilt superimposed with a larger translation) the effect of stiffness modulation can be studied.

Impact of different kinds of helmet-mounted display on human balance and posture control / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of different types of virtual reality environments balance exercise on human balance and posture control. MethodsFrom March to April, 2022, 30 male students from Dalian University of Technology were recruited to accept VR balance training of dynamic background (dynamic VR training) and static background (static VR training), respectively, with an interval of one week. They were measured the average moving speed of the center of pressure of human body under eight conditions before and after training, namely open-eye floor standing, close-eye floor standing, static VR background floor standing, dynamic VR background floor standing, open-eye sponge pad standing, close-eye sponge pad standing, static VR background sponge pad standing, and dynamic VR background sponge pad standing. Meanwhile, the weight of human body sensation was calculated. ResultsBefore training, the average movement speed of center of pressure was higher under the static VR than under open-eye (|t| > 2.811, P < 0.01), and lower than under close-eye (t > 3.279, P < 0.01) on both planes; while it was higher under dynamic VR than under close-eye (|t| > 4.830, P < 0.001). After dynamic VR training, the average movement speed of center of pressure increased under open-eye stable floor standing (t = 2.305, P < 0.05), decreased under close-eye on both planes (t > 3.405, P < 0.01), and decreased under static and dynamic VR on both planes (|t| > 3.285, P < 0.01). After static VR training, the average movement speed of center of pressure increased under open-eye floor standing (t = 2.224, P < 0.05), decreased under close-eye sponge pad standing (t = 2.223, P < 0.05), and decreased under dynamic VR on both planes (|t| > 2.380, P < 0.05). The weight of vision decreased after training (t > 4.132, P < 0.001), and the visual weight under normal proprioception was less after dynamic VR training than after static VR training (t = 3.611, P < 0.01). ConclusionUnder static VR background, the balance stability is poorer than under open-eye, but stronger than under close-eye. Under dynamic VR background, the balance stability is poorer under close-eye. VR balance training may decrease the stability without interference, but improve the stability under interference, which may result from reducing the dependence on visual sensation and strengthening the use of vestibular sensation, especially after VR training with dynamic background.

Effect of therapeutic postural placement on postural control and balance in stroke patients with hemiplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of therapeutic postural placement on postural control and balance in stroke patients with hemiplegia. MethodsFrom January, 2020 to June, 2022, 60 stroke patients in Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated TCM-WM•Hebei were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and observation group (n = 30). Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation, while the observation group accepted therapeutic postural placement based on the concept of Bobath additionally. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patient (PASS) and Pro-kin balance instrument were used to evaluate the postural control and balance function before and four weeks after treatment, while the area of ellipse and length of motion with eyes open and closed were recorded, respectively. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-LE, PASS and BBS significantly increased (|t| > 3.856, P < 0.001), and the area of ellipse and length of motion with eyes open and closed decreased in both groups (|t| > 4.083, P < 0.001); all the indexes were better in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 2.261, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic postural placement could effectively improve the postural control ability and balance function in stroke patients.

Changes in sagittal balance in thoracolumbar posttraumatic kyphosis surgery / Alterações no equilíbrio sagital na cirurgia de cifose pós-traumática toracolombar / Cambios en el equilibrio sagital en la cirugía de cifosis postraumática toracolumbar

ABSTRACT: Objective: The analysis of the X-ray results of surgical treatment performed in patients with post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis and identification of the compensatory mechanism for this deformity. Methods: The data of 140 patients surgically treated for painful post-traumatic kyphosis at the level of T12, L1, and L2 vertebrae was analyzed. Results: In the studied group, the initial kyphotic deformity was 23° to 81°, with a mean of 28.1°. All patients underwent staged surgical intervention in a single surgical session. Post-traumatic kyphosis (LK) was completely corrected, on average, to -0.25°. After kyphosis correction, increased thoracic kyphosis (TK) decreased lumbar lordosis (LL), including at the expense of low lumbar lordosis (LowLL), but no changes in pelvic balance parameters were observed. Statistically significant correlations of local kyphosis correction magnitude of 28.36±8.89°, with magnitudes of lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), low lumbar lordosis (LowLL) were obtained. The global sagittal and pelvic balance demonstrated no correlations with the magnitude of kyphosis correction. The X-ray parameters were studied in patients of Group I with no signs of initial sagittal imbalance and in Group II patients with signs of sagittal imbalance. The groups demonstrated statistically significant differences in global balance parameters and spinopelvic parameters both before and after correction surgery. Conclusion: The study revealed that the basic compensatory mechanism for post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis is implemented by changes in the curves adjacent to kyphosis - a decrease in thoracic kyphosis and an increase in lumbar lordosis but not by changes in global or spinopelvic balance. Level of Evidence - III; A case-control study.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Análise dos resultados radiográficos do tratamento cirúrgico realizado em pacientes com cifose toracolombar pós-traumática e identificação do mecanismo compensatório dessa deformidade. Métodos: Foram analisados os dados de 140 pacientes tratados cirurgicamente por cifose pós-traumática dolorosa ao nível das vértebras T12, L1, L2. Resultados: No grupo estudado a deformidade cifótica inicial foi de 23° a 81°, média de 28,1°. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica estadiada em uma única sessão cirúrgica. A cifose pós-traumática (LK) foi completamente corrigida, em média para -0,25°. Após a correção da cifose foi revelado aumento da cifose torácica (TK), diminuição da lordose lombar (LL), inclusive em detrimento da baixa lordose lombar (LowLL), mas não foram observadas alterações nos parâmetros de equilíbrio pélvico. Foram obtidas correlações estatisticamente significativas da magnitude de correção da cifose local de 28,36±8,89°, com magnitudes de lordose lombar (LL), cifose torácica (TK), lordose lombar baixa (LowLL). O equilíbrio sagital global e o equilíbrio pélvico não demonstraram correlações com a magnitude da correção da cifose. Os parâmetros radiográficos foram estudados nos pacientes do Grupo I sem sinais de desequilíbrio sagital inicial e naqueles do Grupo II com sinais de desequilíbrio sagital. Os grupos demonstraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos parâmetros de equilíbrio global e nos parâmetros espinopélvicos antes e após a cirurgia de correção. Conclusão: O estudo revelou que o mecanismo compensatório básico da cifose toracolombar pós-traumática é implementado por alterações nas curvas adjacentes à cifose - diminuição da cifose torácica e aumento da lordose lombar, mas não por alterações no equilíbrio global ou espinopélvico. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo caso controle.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Análisis de los resultados radiológicos del tratamiento quirúrgico realizado a pacientes con cifosis toracolumbar postraumática e identificación del mecanismo compensador de esta deformidad. Métodos: Se analizaron los datos de 140 pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por cifosis postraumática dolorosa a nivel de las vértebras T12, L1, L2. Resultados: En el grupo estudiado, la deformidad cifótica inicial osciló entre 23° y 81°, con un promedio de 28,1°. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a una intervención quirúrgica escalonada en una única sesión quirúrgica. La cifosis postraumática (LK) se corrigió completamente, en promedio a -0,25°. Después de la corrección de la cifosis, se reveló un aumento de la cifosis torácica (TK) y una disminución de la lordosis lumbar (LL), incluso a expensas de una lordosis lumbar baja (LowLL), pero no se observaron cambios en los parámetros del equilibrio pélvico. Se obtuvieron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre la magnitud de corrección de la cifosis local de 28,36±8,89°, con las magnitudes de lordosis lumbar (LL), cifosis torácica (TK), lordosis lumbar baja (LowLL). El equilibrio sagital global y el equilibrio pélvico no demostraron correlaciones con la magnitud de la corrección de la cifosis. Los parámetros radiológicos se estudiaron en pacientes del Grupo I sin signos de desequilibrio sagital inicial y en aquellos del Grupo II con signos de desequilibrio sagital. Los grupos demostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los parámetros del equilibrio global y los parámetros espinopélvicos antes y después de la cirugía correctora. Conclusión: El estudio reveló que el mecanismo compensatorio básico de la cifosis toracolumbar postraumática se implementa mediante cambios en las curvas adyacentes a la cifosis (disminución de la cifosis torácica y aumento de la lordosis lumbar), pero no mediante cambios en el equilibrio global o espinopélvico. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio de casos y controles.

Distinction of non-specific low back pain patients with proprioceptive disorders from healthy individuals by linear discriminant analysis.

The central nervous system (CNS) dynamically employs a sophisticated weighting strategy of sensory input, including vision, vestibular and proprioception signals, towards attaining optimal postural control during different conditions. Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) patients frequently demonstrate postural control deficiencies which are generally attributed to challenges in proprioceptive reweighting, where they often rely on an ankle strategy regardless of postural conditions. Such impairment could lead to potential loss of balance, increased risk of falling, and Low back pain recurrence. In this study, linear and non-linear indicators were extracted from center-of-pressure (COP) and trunk sagittal angle data based on 4 conditions of vibration positioning (vibration on the back, ankle, none or both), 2 surface conditions (foam or rigid), and 2 different groups (healthy and non-specific low back pain patients). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed on linear and non-linear indicators to identify the best sensory condition towards accurate distinction of non-specific low back pain patients from healthy controls. Two indicators: Phase Plane Portrait ML and Entropy ML with foam surface condition and both ankle and back vibration on, were able to completely differentiate the non-specific low back pain groups. The proposed methodology can help clinicians quantitatively assess the sensory status of non-specific low back pain patients at the initial phase of diagnosis and throughout treatment. Although the results demonstrated the potential effectiveness of our approach in Low back pain patient distinction, a larger and more diverse population is required for comprehensive validation.