Sensory Stimulation and Robot-Assisted Arm Training after Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Functional recovery after stroke is often limited, despite various treatment methods such as robot-assisted therapy. Repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) might be a promising add-on therapy that is thought to directly drive plasticity processes. First positive effects on sensorimotor function have been shown. However, clinical studies are scarce, and the effect of RSS combined with robot-assisted training has not been evaluated yet. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the feasibility and sensorimotor effects of RSS (compared to a control group receiving sham stimulation) followed by robot-assisted arm therapy. METHODS: Forty participants in the subacute phase (4.4-23.9 weeks) after stroke with a moderate to severe arm paresis were randomized to RSS or control group. Participants received 12 sessions of (sham-) stimulation within 3 weeks. Stimulation of the fingertips and the robot-assisted therapy were each applied in 45-min sessions. Motor and sensory outcome assessments (e.g. Fugl-Meyer-Assessment, grip strength) were measured at baseline, post intervention and at a 3-week follow-up. RESULTS: Participants in both groups improved their sensorimotor function from baseline to post and follow-up measurements, as illustrated by most motor and sensory outcome assessments. However, no significant group effects were found for any measures at any time (P > 0.058). Stimulations were well accepted, no safety issues arose. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility of robot-assisted therapy with preceding RSS in persons with moderate to severe paresis was demonstrated. However, RSS preceding robot-assisted training failed to show a preliminary effect compared to the control intervention. Participants might have been too severely affected to identify changes driven by the RSS, or these might have been diluted or more difficult to identify because of the additional robotic training and neurorehabilitation. VIDEO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE: for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A478).

Balance function in critical illness survivors and evaluation of psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest.

Critical illness survivors commonly face impairments, such as intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) which is characterized by muscle weakness and sensory deficits. Despite these symptoms indicating potential balance deficits, systematic investigations and validated assessments are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to assess balance function using the Mini-BESTest, evaluate its psychometric properties, and identify associated variables. Balance was assessed post-ICU discharge (V1) and at discharge from inpatient neurorehabilitation (V2) in patients with ≥ 5 days of invasive ventilation. Mini-BESTest measurement characteristics were evaluated in an ambulatory subgroup. A multiple linear regression was conducted. The prospective cohort study comprised 250 patients (34% female, 62 ± 14 years, median ICU stay 55 days). Median Mini-BESTest scores improved significantly from V1 (5 (IQR 0-15)) to V2 (18.5 (10-23)) with a large effect size. Excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities of the Mini-BESTest were observed (ICC = 0.981/0.950). Validity was demonstrated by a very high correlation with the Berg Balance Scale (ρ = 0.90). No floor or ceiling effects were detected. Muscle strength, cognitive function, cerebral disease, critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy, and depression were significantly associated with balance. Despite significant improvements during the rehabilitation period, balance disorders were prevalent in critical illness survivors. Ongoing therapy is recommended. Due to its excellent psychometric properties, the Mini-BESTest is suitable for use in critical illness survivors.Registration: The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021753, date of registration: 2020-09-03).

Outcome, predictors and longitudinal trajectories of subjects with critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CINAMOPS): study protocol of an observational cohort study in a clinical and post-clinical setting.

INTRODUCTION: Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIP/CIM) are frequent complications in the intensive care unit (ICU) with major consequences for the progress and outcome of subjects. CIP/CIM delays the weaning process, prolongs the hospital stay and increases the mortality rate. Additionally, it may have long-term consequences beyond the hospitalisation phase with prolonged disability. Even though there is growing interest in CIP/CIM, research about the clinical and post-clinical course as well as the middle-term and long-term outcomes of subjects with CIP/CIM is scarce. A large prospective study of critically ill subjects is needed with accurate diagnosis during the acute stage and comprehensive assessment during long-term follow-up. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This prospective observational cohort study aims to compare the clinical and post-clinical course of chronically critically ill subjects with and without the diagnosis of CIP/CIM and to determine predictors for the middle-term and long-term outcomes of subjects with CIP/CIM. In addition, the influence of the preclinical health status and the preclinical frailty on the long-term outcome of subjects with CIP/CIM will be investigated.This single-centre study will include 250 critically ill patients who were invasively ventilated for at least 5 days at the ICU and show reduced motor strength. At five study visits at admission and discharge to neurological rehabilitation, and 12, 18 and 24 months after disease onset, a comprehensive test battery will be applied including assessments of functioning and impairment, independence, health-related quality of life, activity and participation, cognition, gait and balance, fatigue, mental health and frailty.Secondary objectives are the documentation of therapy goals, therapy content and achieved milestones during the rehabilitation, to evaluate the clinimetric properties of the Mini-BESTest in critically ill patients, and to evaluate the time course and outcome of subjects with CIP/CIM after SARS-CoV-2 infection. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the ethical committee of the Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich. Participants will be included in the study after having signed informed consent.Results will be published in scientific, peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00021753).

Reduced health-related quality of life, fatigue, anxiety and depression affect COVID-19 patients in the long-term after chronic critical illness.

The term chronic critical illness describes patients suffering from persistent organ dysfunction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. In severe cases, COVID-19 led to chronic critical illness. As this population was hardly investigated, we evaluated the health-related quality of life, physical, and mental health of chronically critically ill COVID-19 patients. In this prospective cohort study, measurements were conducted on admission to and at discharge from inpatient neurorehabilitation and 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. We included 97 patients (61 ± 12 years, 31% women) with chronic critical illness; all patients required mechanical ventilation. The median duration of ICU-treatment was 52 (interquartile range 36-71) days, the median duration of mechanical ventilation was 39 (22-55) days. Prevalences of fatigue, anxiety, and depression increased over time, especially between discharge and 3 months post-discharge and remained high until 12 months post-discharge. Accordingly, health-related quality of life was limited without noteworthy improvement (EQ-5D-5L: 0.63 ± 0.33). Overall, the burden of symptoms was high, even one year after discharge (fatigue 55%, anxiety 42%, depression 40%, problems with usual activities 77%, pain/discomfort 84%). Therefore, patients with chronic critical illness should receive attention regarding treatment after discharge with a special focus on mental well-being.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00025606. Registered 21 June 2021-Retrospectively registered, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00025606 .

Lateropulsion in Right-Sided Stroke: Brain Anatomical Correlates of Severity and Duration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lateropulsion (LP) is a profound disorder of postural control that has a significant impact on neurorehabilitation. Knowledge of relevant brain areas could guide decisions on appropriate intervention methods. Although LP severity and duration are highly variable in individuals with LP, imaging studies on LP have not sufficiently considered these aspects. The aim of this study was to investigate the lesion location in individuals after stroke and the correlation with LP duration and severity. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study using voxel lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) in 74 individuals with right-sided brain lesion (49 with and 25 without LP) was performed to analyze the correlation between lesion location and LP severity. Duration was investigated in a subsample of 22 individuals with LP. LP was diagnosed by means of the Scale for Contraversive Pushing. RESULTS: Individuals with LP showed significantly larger lesion sizes compared with the individuals with no LP. VLSM analysis of LP severity did not reveal statistically significant results. VLSM analysis showed a statistically significant association with longer LP duration for the inferior frontal gyrus, the hippocampus, the inferior parietal gyrus, the supramarginal gyrus, the angular gyrus, the temporal cortex, the sagittal stratum, and the superior longitudinal fasciculus. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: LP-relevant areas are located in the multisensory network. Areas of the frontoparietal network, which are related to spatial cognition, memory, and attention, were found to be relevant for duration and severity. The findings, especially those regarding duration involving the middle temporal cortex, could explain the better intervention outcomes for methods based more on implicit than on explicit knowledge of verticality.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A433 ).

Monitoring Active Patient Participation During Robotic Rehabilitation: Comparison Between a Robot-Based Metric and an EMG-Based Metric.

While rehabilitation robots present a much-needed solution to improving early mobilization therapy in demanding clinical settings, they also present new challenges and opportunities in patient monitoring. Aside from the fundamental challenge of quantifying a patient's voluntary contribution during robot-led therapy motion, many sensors cannot be used in clinical settings due to time and space limitations. In this paper, we present and compare two metrics for monitoring a patient's active participation in the motion. The two metrics, each derived from first principles, have the same biomechanical interpretability, i.e., active work by the patient during the robotic mobilization therapy, but are calculated in two different spaces (Cartesian vs. muscle space). Furthermore, the sensors used to quantify these two metrics are fully independent from each other and the associated measurements are unrelated. Specifically, the robot-based work metric utilizes robot-integrated force sensors, while the EMG-based work metric requires electrophysiological sensors. We then apply the two metrics to therapy performed using a clinically certified, commercially available robotic system and compare them against the specific instructions given to the healthy subjects as well as against each other. Both metric outputs qualitatively match the expected behavior of the healthy subjects. Additionally, strong correlations (median [Formula: see text]) are shown between the two metrics, not only for healthy subjects (n = 12) but also for patients (n = 2), providing solid evidence for their validity and translatability. Importantly, the robot-based work metric does not rely on any sensors outside of those integrated into the robot, thus making it ideal for application in clinical settings.

Robotic arm training in neurorehabilitation enhanced by augmented reality - a usability and feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Robotic therapy and serious gaming support motor learning in neurorehabilitation. Traditional monitor-based gaming outputs cannot adequately represent the third dimension, whereas virtual reality headsets lack the connection to the real world. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) techniques could potentially overcome these issues. The objective of this study was thus to evaluate the usability, feasibility and functionality of a novel arm rehabilitation device for neurorehabilitation (RobExReha system) based on a robotic arm (LBR iiwa, KUKA AG) and serious gaming using the AR headset HoloLens (Microsoft Inc.). METHODS: The RobExReha system was tested with eleven adult inpatients (mean age: 64.4 ± 11.2 years; diagnoses: 8 stroke, 2 spinal cord injury, 1 Guillain-Barré-Syndrome) who had paretic impairments in their upper limb. Five therapists administered and evaluated the system. Data was compared with a Reference Group (eleven inpatients; mean age: 64.3 ± 9.1 years; diagnoses: 10 stroke, 1 spinal cord injury) who trained with commercially available robotic therapy devices (ArmeoPower or ArmeoSpring, Hocoma AG). Patients used standardized questionnaires for evaluating usability and comfort (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive technology [QUEST]), workload (Raw Task Load Index [RTLX]) and a questionnaire for rating visual perception of the gaming scenario. Therapists used the QUEST, the System Usability Scale and the short version of the User Experience Questionnaire. RESULTS: Therapy with the RobExReha system was safe and feasible for patients and therapists, with no serious adverse events being reported. Patients and therapists were generally satisfied with usability. The patients' usability ratings were significantly higher in the Reference Group for two items of the QUEST: reliability and ease of use. Workload (RTLX) ratings did not differ significantly between the groups. Nearly all patients using the RobExReha system perceived the gaming scenario in AR as functioning adequately despite eight patients having impairments in stereoscopic vision. The therapists valued the system's approach as interesting and inventive. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the clinical feasibility of combining a novel robotic upper limb robot with an AR-serious game in a neurorehabilitation setting. To ensure high usability in future applications, a reliable and easy-to-use system that can be used for task-oriented training should be implemented. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical approval was obtained and the trial was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022136).

The Neurological Rehabilitation of Adults With Coma and Disorders of Consciousness.

BACKGROUND: Severe quantitative disorders of consciousness (DoC) due to acute brain injury affect up to 47% of patients upon admission to intensive care and early rehabilitation units. Nevertheless, the rehabilitation of this vulnerable group of patients has not yet been addressed in any German-language guidelines and has only been studied in a small number of randomized clinical trials. METHODS: In an S3 clinical practice guideline project, a systematic literature search was carried out for interventions that could improve consciousness in patients with coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, or minimally conscious state after acute brain injury, and an evidence-based evaluation of these interventions was performed. Recommendations concerning diagnostic methods and medical ethics were issued by consensus. RESULTS: Misdiagnoses are common in patients with DoC, with minimal consciousness often going unrecognized. Patients with DoC should, therefore, be repeatedly assessed with standardized instruments, particularly the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised. The literature search yielded 54 clinical trials, mostly of low quality; there were two randomized controlled clinical trials providing level 1 evidence. The best available evidence for the improvement of impaired consciousness is for the administration of amantadine (4 studies) and for anodal transcranial direct-current stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients in the minimal conscious state (8 studies, 2 systematic reviews). Further important components of rehabilitation include positioning methods and sensory stimulation techniques such as music therapy. CONCLUSION: For the first time, evidence-based German-language clinical practice guidelines have now become available for the neurological rehabilitation of patients with DoC.

Sham-controlled randomized multicentre trial of transcranial direct current stimulation for prolonged disorders of consciousness.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve signs of consciousness in a subset of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). However, no multicentre study confirmed its efficacy when applied during rehabilitation. In this randomized controlled double-blind study, the effects of tDCS whilst patients were in rehabilitation were tested at the group level and according to their diagnosis and aetiology to better target DoC patients who might repond to tDCS. METHODS: Patients received 2 mA tDCS or sham applied over the left prefrontal cortex for 4 weeks. Behavioural assessments were performed weekly and up to 3 months' follow-up. Analyses were conducted at the group and subgroup levels based on the diagnosis (minimally conscious state [MCS] and unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) and the aetiology (traumatic or non-traumatic). Interim analyses were planned to continue or stop the trial. RESULTS: The trial was stopped for futility when 62 patients from 10 centres were enrolled (44 ± 14 years, 37 ± 24.5 weeks post-injury, 18 women, 32 MCS, 39 non-traumatic). Whilst, at the group level, no treatment effect was found, the subgroup analyses at 3 months' follow-up revealed a significant improvement for patients in MCS and with traumatic aetiology. CONCLUSIONS: Transcranial direct current stimulation during rehabilitation does not seem to enhance patients' recovery. However, diagnosis and aetiology appear to be important factors leading to a response to the treatment. These findings bring novel insights into possible cortical plasticity changes in DoC patients given these differential results according to the subgroups of patients.

Severe Post-COVID-19 Condition after Mild Infection: Physical and Mental Health Eight Months Post Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Severe acute COVID-19 infections requiring intensive care treatment are reported risk factors for the development of post-COVID-19 conditions. However, there are also individuals suffering from post-COVID-19 symptoms after mild infections. Therefore, we aimed to describe and compare the health status of patients who were initially not hospitalized and patients after critical illness due to COVID-19. The outcome measures included health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L, visual analogue scale (VAS)); mental health (hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)); general disability (WHODAS-12); and fatigue (Fatigue-Severity-Scale-7). Individuals were recruited at Schoen Clinic Bad Aibling, Germany. A total of 52 non-hospitalized individuals (47 ± 15 years, 64% female, median 214 days post-infection) and 75 hospitalized individuals (61 ± 12 years, 29% female, 235 days post-infection) were analyzed. The non-hospitalized individuals had more fatigue (87%) and anxiety (69%) and a decreased health-related quality of life (VAS 47 ± 20) compared to the hospitalized persons (fatigue 45%, anxiety 43%, VAS 57 ± 21; p < 0.010). Severe disability was observed in one third of each group. A decreased quality of life and disability were more pronounced in the females of both groups. After adjusting for confounding, hospitalization did not predict the burden of symptoms. This indicates that persons with post-COVID-19 conditions require follow-up services and treatments, independent of the severity of the acute infection.

Critical COVID-19 disease: Clinical course and rehabilitation of neurological deficits.

Background: The COVID-19 disease frequently causes neurological symptoms. Critically ill patients often require neurorehabilitation for manifestations like intensive care unit (ICU) acquired weakness or encephalopathy. The outcome of these patients, however, is largely unknown. Here we report the clinical course of critical affected COVID-19 patients from hospital admission to discharge from inpatient neurorehabilitation. Methods: Prospective cohort study. COVID-19 patients admitted to neurorehabilitation were included based on a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Assessments [modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel-Index, Fatigue-Severity-Scale-7 and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L)] were conducted at admission and before discharge from inpatient care. Data were compared to the preclinical health status. Results: Sixty-one patients (62 ± 13 years, 16 female) were included in the analysis. Most patients had been treated on ICU (n = 58; 57 ± 23 days) and had received invasive ventilation (n = 57; 46 ± 21 days). After discharge from ICU, patients spent on average 57 ± 26 days in neurorehabilitation. The most frequent neurological diagnoses were ICU-acquired weakness (n = 56) and encephalopathy (n = 23). During rehabilitation overall disability improved [mRS median (IQR) 4.0 (1.0) at inclusion and 2.0 (1.0) at discharge]. However, the preclinical health state [mRS 0.0 (0.0)] was not regained (p < 0.001). This was also reflected by the Barthel-Index [preclinical 100.0 (0.0), at inclusion 42.5 (35.0), at discharge 65.0 (7.5); p < 0.001]. Patients had only minor fatigue during inpatient care. Quality of life generally improved but was still low at discharge from hospital. Conclusion: Patients with neurological sequelae after critical COVID-19 disease showed substantial deficits at discharge from inpatient care up to 4 months after the initial infection. They were restricted in activities of daily living and had reduced health-related quality of life. All patients needed continued medical support and physical treatment.

Testing robot-based assist-as-needed therapy for improving active participation of a patient during early neurorehabilitation: a case study.

In this study, a patient in the Intensive Care-Unit received robot-based mobilization therapy with an assist-as-needed (AAN) function over the course of three weeks. Therapists were able to adapt the hip range of motion $\beta$, the bed verticalization angle $\alpha$ and the leg load force FLoad for each therapy, based on the current condition of the patient. To evaluate the patient active participation, surface electromyography (sEMG) of the M. rectus femoris (RF) and M. biceps femoris (BF) were measured and analyzed. It was observed that the patient active participation, measured through sEMG, increased along with increased hip range of motion $\beta$, bed verticalization angle $\alpha$ and leg load force FLoad set by the therapists. The patient muscle activation pattern followed the pattern of healthy controls, in part. To the authors' best knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to be performed with an ICU patient.

Optimizing home-based long-term intensive care for neurological patients with neurorehabilitation outreach teams - protocol of a multicenter, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (OptiNIV-Study).

BACKGROUND: Even with high standards of acute care and neurological early rehabilitation (NER) a substantial number of patients with neurological conditions still need mechanical ventilation and/or airway protection by tracheal cannulas when discharged and hence home-based specialised intensive care nursing (HSICN). It may be possible to improve the home care situation with structured specialized long-term neurorehabilitation support and following up patients with neurorehabilitation teams. Consequently, more people might recover over an extended period to a degree that they were no longer dependent on HSICN. METHODS: This healthcare project and clinical trial implements a new specialised neurorehabilitation outreach service for people being discharged from NER with the need for HSICN. The multicentre, open, parallel-group RCT compares the effects of one year post-discharge specialized outpatient follow-up to usual care in people receiving HSICN. Participants will randomly be assigned to receive the new form of healthcare (intervention) or the standard healthcare (control) on a 2:1 basis. Primary outcome is the rate of weaning from mechanical ventilation and/or decannulation (primary outcome) after one year, secondary outcomes include both clinical and economic measures. 173 participants are required to corroborate a difference of 30 vs. 10% weaning success rate statistically with 80% power at a 5% significance level allowing for 15% attrition. DISCUSSION: The OptiNIV-Study will implement a new specialised neurorehabilitation outreach service and will determine its weaning success rates, other clinical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness compared to usual care for people in need for mechanical ventilation and/or tracheal cannula and hence HSICN after discharge from NER. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial OptiNIV has been registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) since 18.01.2022 with the ID DRKS00027326 .

The scale for retropulsion: Internal consistency, reliability and construct validity.

BACKGROUND: Retropulsion is an impairment of body orientation against gravity in the sagittal plane. In a Delphi study, the Scale for Retropulsion (SRP) was developed with a high level of expert agreement. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinimetric properties of the German SRP in patients with neurological disorders. METHODS: The SRP was applied to 70 hospitalized patients with neurological disorders (stroke, critical illness neuropathy and/or myopathy, Parkinson syndromes). Internal consistency was determined with the Cronbach ɑ. Test-retest and interrater reliabilities were evaluated with the weighted kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots. The construct validity was evaluated with Spearman correlation. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) SRP score was 5 (3-8) and ranged from 0 to 22 (total scale range: 0 to 24). The SRP had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach ɑ=0.875) and good to excellent test-retest reliability (weighted kappa=0.957, ICC=0.957) and interrater reliability (weighted kappa=0.837, ICC=0.837). Analysis of construct validity resulted in good correlations with other clinical balance scales (rSp>0.80), and fair to moderate correlations with posturographic measures (rSp=0.27-0.56) and the subjective postural vertical error in the sagittal plane (rSp=-0.325, P=0.012) as well as the range in the frontal plane (rSp=0.359, P=0.007). The SRP discriminated between patients classified with and without retropulsion by an independent clinical expert (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The SRP provides a valid and reliable bedside test to quantify retropulsion in individuals with neurological disorders.

Influence of footwear on postural sway: A systematic review and meta-analysis on barefoot and shod bipedal static posturography in patients and healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Bipedal static posturography is widely used to assess postural control. However, standardized methods and evidence on the influence of footwear on balance in comparison to barefoot stance is sparse. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Is bipedal static posturography applied in a standardized way with respect to demographics and the experimental set-up (systematic review)? Does habitual footwear influence postural control in comparison to barefoot condition during bipedal static posturography in adult patients and healthy subjects (meta-analysis)? METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, a comprehensive follow-up literature search was conducted from March 2009 until January 2020 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Original, research articles reporting on bipedal, unsupported, static posturography in adults (≥18 years) were included according to inclusion criteria (age, sex, height, weight, duration, repetitions, visual/foot condition, sampling frequency). Studies comparing habitual footwear with barefoot condition during bipedal static posturography were included for the meta-analysis. Center of pressure parameters (sway velocity, range, root mean square, paths lengths) with subjects having eyes closed (EC) or open (EO) were analyzed using random effects models. RESULTS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, 207 and eight out of 5189 studies with 12'341 and 156 subjects, respectively, were eligible. Most studies (89%) reported barefoot, 5% shod, and 6% barefoot and shod measurements. Less than half of studies (44%) included patients of which the minority (13%) suffered from neurological disease. Sway velocity in the anterior-posterior direction was higher in habitual shoes compared to barefoot with EC (SMD: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.68-1.48; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%), with EO (SMD: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.11-1.26; p = 0.02; I2 = 1%), and in the medio-lateral direction with EC (SMD: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.76-1.85, p < 0.01; I2 = 37%). SIGNIFICANCE: Methodical heterogeneity of bipedal static posturography hampers studies' comparability. Thus, we provide a standardized approach to increase knowledge whether habitual footwear decrease postural control in comparison to barefoot stance.

The German version of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale: Translation, cross-cultural adaption and evaluation of its psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the psychometric properties of a newly developed German version of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Neurorehabilitation clinic. SUBJECTS: Patients after stroke (n = 50) with moderate to severe upper limb hemiparesis undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN MEASURES: The SULCS was administered twice by two different raters on the first day of assessments and another time the day after. Additionally the Fugl-Meyer-Assessment, Action Research Arm Test and the Box and Block Test were conducted. Three and six weeks later, the SULCS, Fugl-Meyer-Assessment and Box and Block Test were repeated. Floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. RESULTS: Reliability was demonstrated to be excellent as displayed by weighted kappa of 0.960 (95%-confidence interval: CIκw = 0.808-1.112) for the intra-rater reliability and 0.936 (CIκw = 0.749-1.123) for the inter-rater reliability. High correlations of the SULCS with the Fugl-Meyer-Assessment (ρ = 0.889), Action Research Arm Test (ρ = 0.872), and Box and Block Test (ρ = 0.845; all P < 0.001) confirmed a high convergent validity. The longitudinal validity was determined by a moderate to high correlation of the SULCS and Box and Block Test changes (ρ ⩾ 0.695, P ⩽ 0.001). Although floor effects were observed for the SULCS (16%), they were more substantial for the Action Research Arm Test and the Box and Block Test (>38%). CONCLUSION: Due to the good to excellent psychometric properties and the low level of floor effects of the German version of the SULCS, the usage for clinical and scientific purposes can be recommended.

Quality of life after traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional analysis uncovers age- and sex-related differences over the adult life span.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in the working population and becomes increasingly prevalent in the elderly. Thus, TBI is a major global health burden. However, age- and sex-related long-term outcome regarding patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is yet not clarified. In this cross-sectional study, we present age- and sex-related demographics and HRQoL up to 10 years after TBI using the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) instrument. The QOLIBRI total score ranges from zero to 100 indicating good (≥ 60), moderate (40-59) or unfavorable (< 40) HRQoL. Two-thirds of the entire chronic TBI cohort (102 males; 33 females) aged 18-85 years reported good HRQoL up to 10 years after TBI. TBI etiology differed between sexes with females suffering more often from traffic- than fall-related TBI (p = 0.01) with increasing prevalence during aging (p = < 0.001). HRQoL (good/moderate/unfavorable) differed between sexes (p < 0.0001) with 17% more females reporting moderate outcome (p = 0.01). Specifically, older females (54-76-years at TBI) were affected, while males constantly reported good HRQoL (p = 0.017). Cognition (p = 0.014), self-perception (p = 0.009), and emotions (p = 0.016) rather than physical problems (p = 0.1) constrained older females' HRQoL after TBI. Experiencing TBI during aging does not influence HRQoL outcome in males but females suggesting that female brains cope less well with a traumatic injury during aging. Therefore, older females need long-term follow-ups after TBI to detect neuropsychiatric sequels that restrict their quality of life. Further investigations are necessary to uncover the mechanisms of this so far unknown phenomenon.

Sleep in disorders of consciousness: behavioral and polysomnographic recording.

BACKGROUND: Sleep-wakefulness cycles are an essential diagnostic criterion for disorders of consciousness (DOC), differentiating prolonged DOC from coma. Specific sleep features, like the presence of sleep spindles, are an important marker for the prognosis of recovery from DOC. Based on increasing evidence for a link between sleep and neuronal plasticity, understanding sleep in DOC might facilitate the development of novel methods for rehabilitation. Yet, well-controlled studies of sleep in DOC are lacking. Here, we aimed to quantify, on a reliable evaluation basis, the distribution of behavioral and neurophysiological sleep patterns in DOC over a 24-h period while controlling for environmental factors (by recruiting a group of conscious tetraplegic patients who resided in the same hospital). METHODS: We evaluated the distribution of sleep and wakefulness by means of polysomnography (EEG, EOG, EMG) and video recordings in 32 DOC patients (16 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [UWS], 16 minimally conscious state [MCS]), and 10 clinical control patients with severe tetraplegia. Three independent raters scored the patients' polysomnographic recordings. RESULTS: All but one patient (UWS) showed behavioral and electrophysiological signs of sleep. Control and MCS patients spent significantly more time in sleep during the night than during daytime, a pattern that was not evident in UWS. DOC patients (particularly UWS) exhibited less REM sleep than control patients. Forty-four percent of UWS patients and 12% of MCS patients did not have any REM sleep, while all control patients (100%) showed signs of all sleep stages and sleep spindles. Furthermore, no sleep spindles were found in 62% of UWS patients and 21% of MCS patients. In the remaining DOC patients who had spindles, their number and amplitude were significantly lower than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of sleep signs in DOC over 24 h differs significantly from the normal sleep-wakefulness pattern. These abnormalities of sleep in DOC are independent of external factors such as severe immobility and hospital environment.

Auditory and Somatosensory P3 Are Complementary for the Assessment of Patients with Disorders of Consciousness.

The evaluation of the level of consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is primarily based on behavioural assessments. Patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) do not show any sign of awareness of their environment, while minimally conscious state (MCS) patients show reproducible but fluctuating signs of awareness. Some patients, although with remaining cognitive abilities, are not able to exhibit overt voluntary responses at the bedside and may be misdiagnosed as UWS. Several studies investigated functional neuroimaging and neurophysiology as an additional tool to evaluate the level of consciousness and to detect covert command following in DOC. Most of these studies are based on auditory stimulation, neglecting patients suffering from decreased or absent hearing abilities. In the present study, we aim to assess the response to a P3-based paradigm in 40 patients with DOC and 12 healthy participants using auditory (AEP) and vibrotactile (VTP) stimulation. To this end, an EEG-based brain-computer interface was used at DOC patient's bedside. We compared the significance of the P3 performance (i.e., the interpretation of significance of the evoked P3 response) as obtained by 'direct processing' (i.e., theoretical-based significance threshold) and 'offline processing' (i.e., permutation-based single subject level threshold). We evaluated whether the P3 performances were dependent on clinical variables such as diagnosis (UWS and MCS), aetiology and time since injury. Last we tested the dependency of AEP and VTP performances at the single subject level. Direct processing tends to overestimate P3 performance. We did not find any difference in the presence of a P3 performance according to the level of consciousness (UWS vs. MCS) or the aetiology (traumatic vs. non-traumatic brain injury). The performance achieved at the AEP paradigm was independent from what was achieved at the VTP paradigm, indicating that some patients performed better on the AEP task while others performed better on the VTP task. Our results support the importance of using multimodal approaches in the assessment of DOC patients in order to optimise the evaluation of patient's abilities.

Decompressive Craniectomy Is Associated With Good Quality of Life Up to 10 Years After Rehabilitation From Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVES: Traumatic brain injury is the number one cause of death in children and young adults and has become increasingly prevalent in the elderly. Decompressive craniectomy prevents intracranial hypertension but does not clearly improve physical outcome 6 months after traumatic brain injury. However, it has not been analyzed if decompressive craniectomy affects traumatic brain injury patients' quality of life in the long term. DESIGN: Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study assessing health-related quality of life in traumatic brain injury patients with or without decompressive craniectomy up to 10 years after injury. SETTING: Former critical care patients. PATIENTS: Chronic traumatic brain injury patients having not (n = 37) or having received (n = 98) decompressive craniectomy during the acute treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Decompressive craniectomy was necessary in all initial traumatic brain injury severity groups. Eight percent more decompressive craniectomy patients reported good health-related quality of life with a Quality of Life after Brain Injury total score greater than or equal to 60 compared with the no decompressive craniectomy patients up to 10 years after traumatic brain injury (p = 0.004). Initially, mild classified traumatic brain injury patients had a median Quality of Life after Brain Injury total score of 83 (decompressive craniectomy) versus 62 (no decompressive craniectomy) (p = 0.028). Health-related quality of life regarding physical status was better in decompressive craniectomy patients (p = 0.025). Decompressive craniectomy showed a trend toward better health-related quality of life in the 61-85-year-old reflected by median Quality of Life after Brain Injury total scores of 62 (no decompressive craniectomy) versus 79 (decompressive craniectomy) (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that decompressive craniectomy is associated with good health-related quality of life up to 10 years after traumatic brain injury. Thus, decompressive craniectomy may have an underestimated therapeutic potential after traumatic brain injury.