Handgrip Strength and Cognitive Recovery in Older Stroke Survivors: A Prospective Study.

Background and Objectives: Handgrip strength (HGS) is an important indicator of overall physical capability and is linked to various health outcomes in older adults. Despite extensive research on the relationship between HGS and cognitive decline, longitudinal studies on poststroke cognitive changes in relation to HGS are scarce. This study aimed to observe whether HGS at discharge from acute stroke rehabilitation affects cognitive function 6-12 months after stroke onset and to compare cognitive outcomes between patients with normal and low HGS at discharge. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at a tertiary care hospital. In agreement with the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria, low muscle strength was defined as an HGS of less than 28 kg for men and less than 18 kg for women, and participants were categorized into normal and low HGS groups. Neuropsychological evaluations were conducted before discharge (approximately one month after stroke onset) and between 6 and 12 months after stroke onset. Results: The low HGS group was older and had lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. However, after adjusting for covariates, the linear mixed model analysis showed no significant differences between the groups in global cognition or specific cognitive domains, except for psychomotor speed during the subacute phase. Notable improvements in language ability were observed in both groups over time, while significant improvements in executive function were observed exclusively in the low HGS group. Conclusions: This longitudinal study is the first to explore the relationship between HGS and changes in cognitive function in older adults with stroke, providing insights into physical strength and cognitive recovery during stroke rehabilitation.

Association of Cognitive Reserve and Preoperative Cognitive Function in Patients with Adult Moyamoya Disease: A Preliminary Study.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) exhibit cognitive decline; however, the link between cognitive reserve (CR) and cognitive function in those who have not undergone revascularization remains unexplored. We aimed to evaluate preoperative cognitive impairment in such patients and to explore the relationship between CR, measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), and cognitive abilities across different domains, determined using neuropsychological tests. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, CRIq, and neuropsychological assessment data were gathered from patients with MMD who underwent preoperative cognitive functional assessments at our center during 2021-2023. These patients were categorized according to their Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Multivariable linear regression was performed to analyze the association between CRIq score and cognitive performance, both globally and in specific domains. RESULTS: In the MMD cohort of 53 patients, 49% (n = 26) of the patients exhibited a decrease in overall cognitive performance. Individuals with cognitive dysfunction had significantly lower composite CRIq scores than those with intact cognition. Although no association between overall cognitive ability and CR was observed, independent associations emerged between CR and specific cognitive functions - language (ß = 0.56, p = 0.002), verbal memory (ß = 0.45, p = 0.001), and executive function (ß = 0.35, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study revealed that expressive language, verbal memory, and executive function are linked to CR in presurgical patients with MMD, highlighting the role of CR in predicting cognitive outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the combined effects of CR and other risk factors on the cognitive function of patients with MMD.

Predictive Validity of the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool for Older Patients in Stroke Rehabilitation.

The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was to assess the frequency of falls and evaluate the predictive validity of the Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool (JHFRAT) among patients aged ≥65 years, transferred to the rehabilitation ward of a university hospital. The predictive ability was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and the optimal threshold was established using the Youden index. We analyzed the overall cohort (N = 175) with subacute stroke and the subgroup with a low unaffected handgrip strength (HGS; men: <28 kg, women: <18 kg). Overall, 135/175 patients (77.1%) had a low HGS. The fall rate was 6.9% overall and 5.9% for patients with a low HGS. The JHFRAT predictive value was higher for patients with a low HGS than that for the overall cohort, but acceptable in both. The optimal cutoff score for the overall cohort was 11 (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 68%), whereas that for the subgroup was 12 (sensitivity, 75%; specificity: 72%). These results are expected to aid nurses working in rehabilitation wards in more effectively utilizing JHFRAT outcomes for post-stroke older patients with a low HGS and contribute to the development of more appropriate fall prevention strategies for high-risk patients in the future.

Associated Factors of Time Spent Walking for Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the time that community-dwelling stroke survivors spent walking. METHODS: We analyzed the cross-sectional data of 1534 community-dwelling stroke survivors from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Complex-sample logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with insufficient walking time (<90 min/wk). The mean time spent walking was examined according to age, sex, resistance exercise level, and self-reported disability using complex-sample general linear models. RESULTS: Women (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-2.3), current smokers (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.8), insufficient resistance exercise (OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.5), and those with rural residences (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.9) were independently associated with insufficient walking time. The mean time spent walking was significantly lower in older adults aged ≥65 years than in young adults aged <65 years (200.0 ± 42.0 min/wk vs 287.2 ± 36.6 min/wk, P = .002), in women than in men (200.9 ± 44.9 vs 286.2 ± 37.7 min/wk, P = .027), and in individuals engaging in insufficient resistance exercise compared with those engaging in sufficient resistance exercise (203.2 ± 36.2 vs 283.9 ± 43.0 min/wk, P = .008). The mean walking time did not vary according to the presence of self-reported disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental and personal factors are associated with insufficient walking time in community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Prevalence and risk factors of possible sarcopenia in patients with subacute stroke.

Possible sarcopenia, the loss of handgrip strength in the older population, can lead to poor functional prognosis after stroke. In this retrospective study, we aimed to elucidate the clinical risk factors for possible sarcopenia at discharge in 152 hospitalized patients with subacute stroke. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors associated with possible sarcopenia. At the time of discharge, the prevalence of possible sarcopenia was 68.4%. After adjusting for all potential covariates, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.21; p = 0.04), tube-dependent feeding (OR, 6.66; 95% CI, 1.11-39.84; p = 0.04), and high National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00-1.44; p = 0.04) were associated with a higher likelihood of possible sarcopenia at discharge. Higher nonhemiplegic calf circumference (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.96; p = 0.02) was associated with a lower likelihood of possible sarcopenia. We conclude that tube feeding, high stroke severity, decreased nonhemiplegic calf circumference, and older age are independent risk factors for possible sarcopenia in patients with subacute stroke.

Association of Temporalis Muscle Mass with Early Cognitive Impairment in Older Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The prognostic value of temporal muscle mass has been studied in various neurological disorders. Herein, we investigated the association between temporal muscle mass and early cognitive function in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study included 126 patients with acute cerebral infarction aged ≥65 years. Temporal muscle thickness (TMT) was measured using T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging at admission for acute stroke. Within 2 weeks of stroke onset, skeletal mass index (SMI) and cognitive function were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), respectively. Pearson's correlation analyzed the correlation between TMT and SMI, and multiple linear regression analyzed independent predictors of early post-stroke cognitive function. TMT and SMI were significantly positively correlated (R = 0.36, p < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, TMT was an independent predictor of early post-stroke cognitive function, stratified by the MoCA score (ß = 1.040, p = 0.017), age (ß = -0.27, p = 0.006), stroke severity (ß = -0.298, p = 0.007), and education level (ß = 0.38, p = 0.008). TMT may be used as a surrogate marker for evaluating skeletal muscle mass because it is significantly associated with post-stroke cognitive function during the acute phase of ischemic stroke; therefore, TMT may help detect older patients at a high risk of early post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Obesity Impairs Functional Recovery of Older Stroke Patients with Possible Sarcopenia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The functional prognosis of older patients with coexisting obesity and possible sarcopenia remains uncertain following acute stroke. This study aimed to determine whether coexisting obesity independently affects activities of daily living (ADL) and balance ability at discharge in older patients with possible sarcopenia admitted to a stroke rehabilitation ward. A total of 111 patients aged 65 years or older with possible sarcopenia were included, of whom 36 (32.4%) had coexisting obesity. Possible sarcopenia was diagnosed based on low handgrip strength without reduced muscle mass, while obesity was determined by body fat percentage (≥25% for men, ≥30% for women). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that compared to patients without obesity, patients with obesity had a higher likelihood of poorer ADL (b = -0.169; p = 0.02) and balance ability (b = -0.14; p = 0.04) performance at discharge following a 4-week period of inpatient rehabilitation. These findings suggest that obesity may be a modifiable risk factor in the rehabilitation of older patients with possible sarcopenia and should be considered in the assessment of decreased muscle strength.

Self-Reported Reasons for Activity Limitations According to Age and Sex in Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors.

We examined self-reported reasons for activity limitations among Korean community-dwelling stroke survivors, focusing on age and sex differences. Data from 1547 stroke survivors who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analysed. The study outcomes were the self-reported reasons for activity limitations, encompassing general medical factors and stroke-related problems. These reasons were compared by age (<65 vs. ≥65 years) and sex using a complex-sample chi-square test. Stroke survivors reported different musculoskeletal, medical, and neurological problems as reasons for activity limitations, which differed by age and sex. Older stroke survivors reported more problems related to dementia, memory loss, auditory problems, back or neck problems, arthritis, or leg pain than younger survivors. Women reported more psychiatric problems, headaches or dizziness, back or neck problems, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, and dental or oral problems than men. Older and female stroke survivors reported a higher mean number of reasons for activity limitations compared to younger and male survivors. Thus, a tailored approach considering age and sex is necessary to help stroke survivors with activity limitations in the Korean community. This study highlights the importance of considering demographic factors when designing interventions to improve their quality of life.

Association between physical activity and dynapenia in older adults with COPD: a nationwide survey.

We aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA) level and dynapenia in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and whether it varied with sex and obesity status. The current cross-sectional study included total of 1033 community-dwelling participants with COPD aged 65-79 from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In the multivariable model, high and moderate PA levels were significantly associated with lower odds of dynapenia than low PA levels (high PA level: odds ratio [OR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09-0.74; moderate PA level: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35-0.87). This inverse association was observed only in males with COPD (high PA level: OR = 0.17, CI = 0.04-0.65; moderate PA level: OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.27-0.88) and the normal-weight group (18.5 ≤ body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2; high PA level: OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05-0.88; moderate PA level: OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.27-0.86). In older community-dwelling patients with COPD, a negative dose-dependent relationship exists between PA level and dynapenia. The independent associations between PA level and dynapenia was significant in men and in participants with normal weight.

Patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior and their associated factors among nondisabled stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior, and the factors associated with these, in middle-aged and elderly stroke survivors who had no limitations to their physical activity. STUDY DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We analyzed physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns using data from 12,986 community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years without activity limitation: 377 stroke survivors, 531 ischemic heart disease (IHD) survivors, and 12,078 healthy controls in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The prevalence and associated factors of compliance to aerobic activity guidelines and prolonged sedentary time were investigated using complex-sample statistics. RESULTS: Stroke survivors spent less time in transport-related activities and walking than healthy controls. Stroke survivors, despite having no restriction in daily and social activities, had lower rates of compliance with aerobic activity guidelines (32.4%) and a higher prevalence of long sedentary time (56.6%) than IHD survivors (aerobic activity, 36.3%; sedentary behavior, 55.1%) and healthy controls (aerobic activity, 42.4%; sedentary behavior, 46.2%). Stroke survivors with hypertension were less likely to engage in recommended aerobic activity. Higher levels of education were positively associated with both aerobic activity compliance and long sedentary time. Although older age was associated with long sedentary time, stroke survivors with hypercholesterolemia and those who were married and living with their spouses were less likely to have a long sedentary time. CONCLUSIONS: Nondisabled stroke survivors tended to spend less time in aerobic activity and more time in sedentary behavior than IHD survivors and healthy controls, and environmental factors had a considerable impact on their levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Causes and Trends of Disabilities in Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Population-Based Study.

Many stroke survivors live with disabilities in the community. This study aimed to investigate the causes and trends of disabilities among community-dwelling stroke survivors. A total of 1547 community-dwelling stroke survivors ≥ 19 years were identified using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) database from 2007 to 2018. We analyzed the causes and trends of disabilities in strokes survivors using complex-samples procedures. During 2007-2018, 38.0% of stroke survivors were found to have disabilities. Stroke itself was the most common cause of disabilities (21.3%). Musculoskeletal (back or neck problems, 7.0%; arthritis, 5.7%; and leg pain excluding arthritis, 2.3%), sensory (visual problems, 3.6%; and auditory problems, 1.4%), and medical problems (diabetes 2.6%; hypertension, 2.3%; heart disease, 1.5%) accounted for the rest of the other causes of disabilities. Upon analyzing the trends, we found that both the proportion of stroke survivors with disabilities and that of stroke survivors with stroke-related disabilities decreased from KNHANES IV (2007-2009) to V (2010-2012). After 2010-2012, the proportion of both groups stayed constant. The burden of disabilities in non-hospitalized stroke survivors has decreased but still remains high. Attention is warranted because many other problems than a stroke can cause disabilities in community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Reliability and validity of upper limb short questionnaire for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

PURPOSE: In patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), weakness of the upper limb (UL) muscles has a significant impact on daily activities and body functions. This problem necessitates a screening tool that can be used quickly and easily in clinical situations, such as the Upper Limb Short Questionnaire (ULSQ). However, its validity and reliability as a clinical measure have not yet been evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ULSQ was initially administered in face-to-face interviews, and then by telephone four weeks later. Lower limb and UL body functions were assessed by the Vignos and modified Brooke scales, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients participated in the initial ULSQ interview; 132 patients completed the follow-up interview. Construct validity was confirmed by exploratory and subsequent confirmatory factor analyses. The UL function component sum score correlated with the modified Brooke scale score (Kendall's Tau 0.64, p < 0.001). The total and component (UL function, pain, and stiffness) sum scores were higher in non-ambulators than in ambulators. The reliability was acceptable, as determined by internal consistency and test-retest agreement. CONCLUSION: The ULSQ is a valid and reliable measurement tool for screening UL function, pain, and stiffness in patients with DMD in clinical settings.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Upper Limb Short Questionnaire (ULSQ) for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can be easily used in clinical settings.The ULSQ comprises 14 items that assess upper limb function, pain, and stiffness in patients with DMD and is a valid and reliable assessment tool for screening purposes.The sum score of the upper limb function component (ULSQ 1-5; 1 point per item) could be used to measure activity limitations.

The effects of additional electrical stimulation combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and motor imagery on upper extremity motor recovery in the subacute period after stroke: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of additional electrical stimulation (ES) combined with low frequency (LF)-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and motor imagery (MI) training on upper extremity (UE) motor function following stroke. METHODS: The participants with subacute stroke in the experimental group (n = 8) received LF rTMS + MI + active ES interventions, and those in control group (n = 9) received LF rTMS + MI + sham ES interventions. Interventions were performed 5 days a week for 2 weeks, for a total of 10 sessions. All participants were given the same dosage of conventional rehabilitation during the study period. The primary outcome measure was the UE Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). The secondary outcome measures were the shoulder abduction and finger extension scores, modified Barthel Index, Purdue Pegboard Test, and finger tapping test. All scores were measured before and just after the intervention. RESULTS: After the 2-week intervention period, the FMA and modified Barthel Index scores were improved in both groups compared to baseline assessment (P < .001 in the experimental group and P = .008 in the control group). Of note, the change in FMA scores was significantly higher in the experimental group compared with that of the control group (P = .04). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the use of LF rTMS + MI combined with additional ES lead to greater improvement of UE motor function after stroke. As such, this intervention may be a promising adjuvant therapy in UE motor training.

Ciclesonide Inhaler Treatment for Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19: A Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 2 Trial.

Although some intravenous drugs have been used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), no effective antiviral agents are currently available in the outpatient setting. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of 14-day ciclesonide treatment vs. standard care for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. A randomized, open-label, multicenter clinical trial of ciclesonide inhalers was conducted in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Patients were enrolled within 3 days of diagnosis or within 7 days from symptom onset and randomly assigned to receive either ciclesonide (320 µg inhalation twice per day for 14 days) or standard care. The primary endpoint was the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) eradication rate on day 14 from study enrollment. Clinical status was assessed once daily, and serial nasopharyngeal viral load was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. There were 35 and 26 patients in the ciclesonide and standard care groups, respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 eradication rate at day 14 was significantly higher in the ciclesonide group (p = 0.021). In multivariate analysis, SARS-CoV-2 negative conversion within 14 days was 12 times more likely in the ciclesonide group (95% confidence interval, 1.187-125.240). Additionally, the clinical failure rate (high-flow nasal oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation) was significantly lower in the ciclesonide group (p = 0.034). In conclusion, ciclesonide inhalation shortened SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding duration, and it may inhibit the progression to acute respiratory failure in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04330586.

Bilateral Cerebral Ptosis in a Patient with Subdural Hemorrhage: a Case Report.

Although cerebral ptosis is rare, it is commonly associated with unilateral right cerebral hemisphere lesions. We report a case of a 79-year-old woman who presented with bilateral complete ptosis after a traumatic right fronto-temporo-parietal subdural hemorrhage (SDH). Bilateral ptosis was the primary manifestation of the acute right SDH, and the patient had no parenchymal lesion. Her prognosis was good, and she made a complete recovery. Right hemispheric hypoperfusion, as demonstrated on brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography, implied that the lateralization of eyelid control was in the right hemisphere, in line with previous reports.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Frontal Assessment Battery test as a predictor of performance of unaffected hand function after subcortical stroke.

The objective of this study was to elucidate the association between unaffected hand function and cognitive impairment and to determine whether the cognitive screening test can be a predictor of unaffected upper limb function in patients with unilateral subcortical strokes. A retrospective study of 37 patients with unilateral first-ever subcortical stroke was conducted through a review of medical records. The unaffected hand function and cognitive screening tests were measured upon admission to the neurorehabilitation unit and then 4 weeks later at discharge. The relationship between unaffected hand function and cognitive function was investigated with multiple linear regression analysis. Comparing the initial evaluation of unaffected hand function and cognitive function with the evaluation at discharge, cognitive function improved significantly at discharge; however, grip strength and dexterity of the unaffected hand were stationary except for three-point pinch strength, tip pinch strength, and finger tapping speed. The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score was found to be a significant predictor of unaffected grip strength (R2 = 0.33, P = 0.004) and three-point pinch strength (R2 = 0.16, P = 0.04) at discharge and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) score to be a predictive value of the unaffected finger tapping test (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.001) at discharge. In subcortical stroke patients with low MoCA and FAB scores, clinicians must ensure that patients participate in rehabilitation therapy including bimanual activity with careful attention to the patient's unaffected hand function.

Outcomes Assessment of Sustainable and Innovatively Simple Lifestyle Modification at the Workplace - Drinking Electrolyzed-Reduced Water (OASIS-ERW): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Oxidative stress has been associated with many diseases as well as aging. Electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW) has been suggested to reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant potential. This study investigated the effects of drinking ERW on biomarkers of oxidative stress and health-related indices in healthy adults. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 65 participants, who were allocated into two groups. Of these, 61 received intervention (32 with ERW and 29 MW [mineral water]). All participants were instructed to drink 1.5 L/day of ERW or MW for eight weeks. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and health-related indices were assessed at baseline as well as after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of intervention. Of the primary outcome variables assessed, diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential showed a significant interaction between the groups and time, with d-ROMs levels significantly decreased at 8 weeks in ERW compared to those in MW. Among the secondary outcome variables, total, visceral, and subcutaneous fat mass significantly changed over time, with a significant association observed between the groups and time. Thus, daily ERW consumption may be a potential consideration for a sustainable and innovatively simple lifestyle modification at the workplace to reduce oxidative stress, increase antioxidant potential, and decrease fat mass.

Trajectory of change in the swallowing status in spinal muscular atrophy type I.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to elucidate the change in progressive swallowing dysfunction from birth up to 2 years of age to provide clinical insights into the management of swallowing difficulty in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I. METHODS: Data of 11 patients with SMA type I were retrospectively reviewed. The Neuromuscular Disease Swallowing Status Scale (NdSSS) scores and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) were used. RESULTS: Swallowing function deteriorated in patients with SMA type I at an approximate age of 6 months. Tube feeding was initiated at the median age of 6 months (interquartile range, 3-7 months). The transition period for switching the feeding route from totally oral to tube feeding varied widely among patients (5-12 months). In four patients, aspiration was observed in VFSS, even when nutrition was provided orally. In two patients, the evidence of laryngeal aspiration was obtained via the VFSS during the very early stages of the disease at 3 and 4 months. Conversely, in one patient, total oral feeding was maintained for up to 12 months, and evidence of aspiration was not observed in the VFSS. CONCLUSION: An individualized approach is essential, as the timeline of deterioration of swallowing function varies widely in patients with SMA type I.

Scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy children is fully reducible in the initial stage, and becomes structural over time.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) often develop scoliosis that progresses rapidly after loss of ambulation. Management of scoliosis is crucial because it affects both life expectancy and quality of life of patients with DMD. Spinal orthosis attempts to prevent or delay scoliosis using spinal support at three points of the controlling mechanism; the curve should be flattened by the pressure. Therefore, it is assumed that spine flexibility could be a significant influencing factor for the effectiveness of braces. Hence, we attempted to investigate the flexibility of scoliosis in non-ambulant patients with DMD. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 273 boys who were genetically identified as having DMD, and finally, 50 boys with serial records of radiographs after loss of ambulation were finally enrolled. And among them, only 31 patients developed scoliosis. Spine radiographs in sitting and supine positions were also reviewed to obtain Cobb angle, curve flexibility, and pelvic obliquity. Flexibilities (%) were calculated by the difference in angles between the sitting and supine positions divided by the angle at the sitting position, multiplied by 100. RESULTS: Among 31 boys who had scoliosis, all but 2 boys with curves went through a sequential course of 1) no scoliosis, 2) nonstructural scoliosis, when scoliosis was only measurable in the sitting position, and 3) structural scoliosis, when scoliosis was also detectable in the supine position. Flexibility decreased each year after detection of scoliosis in those who developed scoliosis the first year, from 75.5 ± 5.0% to 57.1 ± 10.5% and to 49.1 ± 10.0% (mean ± standard deviation). Spinal flexibility was significantly correlated with curve magnitude of scoliosis in both sitting and supine position (p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is a period of fully reducible curve in DMD patients at the initial stage of scoliosis. Afterward, as spinal curve progresses, flexibility decreases over time. To detect the scoliosis when the curve is fully reducible, scoliosis curve in DMD patients should be evaluated dynamically, including radiographs of at least in two different positions.

Pilot study of feasibility and effect of anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation on chronic neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: A single-blind crossover study. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate neuropathic pain in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) after the application of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS). SETTING: Outpatient Clinic of the Rehabilitation Department, Seoul National University Hospital. METHODS: The effect of single sessions of both anodal and sham tsDCS (2 mA, 20 min) on chronic neuropathic pain in ten volunteers with complete motor cervical SCI was assessed. The active electrode was placed over the spinal process of the tenth thoracic vertebra and the reference electrode, at the top of the head. Pre- to post-tsDCS intervention changes in pain intensity (numeric rating scale, NRS), patient global assessment, and present pain intensity (PPI) were assessed before and after the tsDCS session (immediately post stimulation, and at 1 and 2 h post stimulation). RESULTS: All participants underwent the stimulation procedure without dropout. Our results showed no significant pre- to post-treatment difference in pain intensity between the active and sham tsDCS groups. Only in the sham tsDCS stimulation, NRS and PPI scores were reduced after the stimulation session. Furthermore, in the mixed effect model analysis, the response in the second period appeared to be more favorable. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a single session of anodal tsDCS with the montage used in this study is feasible but does not have a significant analgesic effect in individuals with chronic cervical SCI. SPONSORSHIP: The study was funded by Seoul National University Hospital (No. 0420160470) and Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service.