Postural Control and Sensory Processing in Preschool Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The role of sensory processing in maintaining postural control (PC) among preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains underexplored despite its potential implications for their developmental trajectory. This study aimed to assess the utilization of sensory information for PC maintenance while standing in preschool-aged children with ASD and to examine its correlation with PC during functional tasks using a standardized tool. The cross-sectional study recruited 27 children, aged between 3 and 6 years, diagnosed with ASD. Participation indexes for somatosensory, vestibular, visual, and visual preference were computed during a modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (m-CTSIB), based on sagittal plane body sway analyzed via video with Kinovea® software (version 0.9.4). Additionally, scores from the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) were analyzed. Statistical analysis of data derived from lateral malleolus and mastoid process sway using the Friedman test revealed significant differences in the utilization of various sensory systems involved in PC during the m-CTSIB (p < 0.001). There was a pronounced reliance on somatosensory information, coupled with increased instability in the absence or with the variability of visual information. The mean PBS score was 50.44 ± 2.74, exhibiting a significant negative correlation with the vestibular index (p < 0.05). Preschool-aged children with ASD demonstrated challenges in maintaining PC while standing under different sensory conditions, indicating a heightened dependence on somatosensory cues, particularly in the absence or with the variability of visual stimuli. While these challenges were not reflected in PBS scores, they were negatively correlated with the vestibular index.

The Added Value of Face-to-Face Supervision to a Therapeutic Exercise-Based App in the Management of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant global health challenge due to its high prevalence, and chronicity and recurrence rates, with projections suggesting an increase in the next years due to population growth and aging. The chronic and recurrent nature of LBP, responsible for a significant percentage of years lived with disability, underscores the need for effective management strategies, including self-management strategies advocated by current guidelines, to empower patients and potentially improve healthcare efficiency and clinical outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the added value of face-to-face visits in patients with chronic LBP undergoing a self-management program based on therapeutic exercises on pain intensity, disability, quality of life and treatment adherence and satisfaction. A randomized clinical trial was conducted, allocating 49 patients into a experimental group with a mobile health (mHealth) app usage and face-to-face sessions and 49 patients into an active control group without face-to-face sessions. Pain intensity, disability and quality of life were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks postintervention and 12 weeks postintervention. Patients' satisfaction and adherence were assessed at the end of the study. The multivariate general model revealed no statistically significant time × group interaction for any outcome (p > 0.0068) but mental quality of life (p = 0.006). Within-group differences revealed significant improvements for all the clinical indicators (all, p < 0.001). Patients allocated to the experimental group reported greater satisfaction and adherence (both, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The use of mHealth apps such as Healthy Back® as part of digital health initiatives may serve as a beneficial approach to enhance the management of LBP.

Accelerometry in the Functional Assessment of Balance in People with Stroke: A Systematic Review.

Balance disturbances in people with lived experience of stroke affect activities of daily living and social participation, so assessing them is essential to know the level of functional independence. Accelerometers are electronic devices that allow kinematic variables of balance to be recorded and are a tool of great interest in the assessment of functional balance. To determine the validity and reliability of, as well as the most performed protocols using accelerometers in the functional assessment of balance in people with experience of stroke, a systematic search of articles published in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the PEDro and the Virtual Health Library from Spain was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. We used QUADAS-2 to assess the quality of the included studies. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, two studied reliability and validity, two studied reliability and four studied the validity of accelerometers in the assessment of balance in people with stroke. All studies indicated the kind of accelerometer, localization on the body, tests and outcome variables. The results indicate that accelerometers show excellent reliability values in the assessment of balance in people who had a prior stroke and disparate results in terms of validity. Triaxial accelerometers were most used, and the 4th and 5th lumbar and 1st and 2nd sacral vertebrae were the body areas most used for their placement.

Mobile Applications for Resting Tremor Assessment in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Resting tremor is a motor manifestation present in most Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. For its assessment, several scales have been created, but mobile applications could help in objectively assessing resting tremor in PD patients in person and/or remotely in a more ecological scenario. (2) Methods: a systematic review following the PRISMA recommendations was conducted in scientific databases (PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Academic Search Premier, and Web of Science) and in the main mobile application markets (Google Play, iOS App Store, and Windows Store) to determine the applications available for the assessment of resting tremor in patients with PD using only the measurement components of the phone itself (accelerometers and gyroscopes). (3) Results: 14 articles that used mobile apps to assess resting tremor in PD were included, and 13 apps were identified in the mobile application markets for the same purpose. The risk of bias and of applicability concerns of the articles analyzed was low. Mobile applications found in the app markets met an average of 85.09% of the recommendations for the development of medical mobile applications. (4) Conclusions: the use of mobile applications for the evaluation of resting tremor in PD patients has great potential, but validation studies for this purpose are scarce.

Reflex Locomotion Therapy for Balance, Gait, and Fatigue Rehabilitation in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis.

This study evaluates the effects of a rehabilitation program based on reflex locomotion therapy (RLT) on balance, gait, and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Twenty-three patients diagnosed with MS participated in this study. Reversal design was carried out. The assessment tools included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the instrumental analysis of the gait recorded by Vicon Motion System®. We analyzed spatio-temporal parameters and kinematic variables of the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Additionally, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) was administrated. We did find a significant improvement in balance and gait tools after the RLT period. Regarding instrumental analysis, the statistical analysis of spatio-temporal parameters showed a significant improvement in stride length, double support, and velocity after the RLT period. Concerning kinematic parameters, the analysis showed improvements in hip and knee range of motion (ROM) after RLT period. RLT could improve gait and balance in patients with MS. The patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the therapy received.

Effects of a Game-Based Virtual Reality Video Capture Training Program Plus Occupational Therapy on Manual Dexterity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neurorehabilitation is a fundamental aspect in the treatment approach for multiple sclerosis (MS), in which new technologies have gained popularity, especially the use of virtual reality (VR). The aim of this paper is to analyze an occupational therapy (OT) intervention compared with OT + VR (OT + VR) on the manual dexterity of patients with MS. 26 MS subjects were initially recruited from an MS patient association and randomized into two groups. The OT group received 20 conventional OT sessions distributed in two sessions per week. The OT + VR group received 20 sessions of VR interventions, twice weekly and lasting 30 minutes, consisting of VR games accessed via the online web page motiongamingconsole.com, in addition to the conventional OT sessions. Pre- and postintervention assessments were based on the Purdue Pegboard Test, the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and the Grooved Pegboard Test. Clinical improvements were found regarding the precision of movements, the execution times, and the efficiency of certain functional tasks in the Purdue Pegboard Test and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test tests in the OT + VR group. Although significant differences were not found in the manual dexterity between the OT and OT + VR groups, improvements were found regarding the precision and effectiveness of certain functional tasks.

The impact of pharmacological treatment on patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis has considerable effects on patients' quality of life, limiting their daily activities and influencing their lifestyle. Additionally, adapting to pharmacological treatments represents a challenge for many patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of Spanish patients with multiple sclerosis regarding their pharmacological treatment. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted with 20 patients with Multiple Sclerosis from a hospital Neurology Unit. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and researchers' field notes. A systematic text condensation analysis was performed. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Twenty patients with Multiple Sclerosis completed the study. The mean age was 39.7 years (SD: 9,17). A thematic description of all the data collected was performed based on four descriptive themes which emerged from the analysed material: a) Undergoing the injections, b) Coping strategies, with two subthemes, resignation and integrating the treatment into their life, c) Other methods of pharmacological administration, and d) Dealing with discomfort. For patients with multiple sclerosis, their experience with pharmacological treatment is an apprenticeship which is sometimes met with resignation and discomfort. Patients must learn to take responsibility for their treatment, seeking other routes of administration, as well as integrating these changes into their daily life. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative research offers insight into the way patients with Multiple Sclerosis experience their pharmacological treatment, and may be helpful in establishing a fruitful relationship with these patients.

Multiple sclerosis patients' experiences in relation to the impact of the kinect virtual home-exercise programme: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Neurorehabilitation programs are among the most popular therapies aimed at reducing the disabilities that result from multiple sclerosis. Video games have recently gained importance in the rehabilitation of patients with motor neurological dysfunctions. Currently, the studies describing the perspective of patients with multiple sclerosis who have participated in rehabilitation programmes via home-based video games are almost inexistent. AIM: The aim of this paper was to explore the experiences of multiple sclerosis patients who performed a virtual home-exercise programme using Kinect. DESIGN: A qualitative research enquiry was conducted as part of a study that examined postural control and balance after a 10-week Kinect home-exercise programme in adults with multiple sclerosis. SETTING: Patients were recruited from a Neurology Unit of a University Hospital. POPULATION: The inclusion criteria were: subjects aged between 20 and 60 years, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for over 2 years based on the McDonald Criteria; with an EDSS score ranging from 3 to 5. METHODS: Purposeful sampling method was implemented. The data collection consisted of unstructured interviews, using open questions, and thematic analysis was conducted. Guidelines for conducting qualitative studies established by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 36.69 were included. Four main themes emerged from the data: 1) regaining previous capacity and abilities. The patients described how, after the treatment with Kinect they felt more independent; 2) sharing the disease. The patients sharing the experience of living with MS with their family, thanks to the use of Kinect; 3) adapting to the new treatment. This refers to how the use of the videogame console incorporated novelties to their rehabilitation programme; and 4) comparing oneself. This refers to the appearance of factors that motivate the patient during KVHEP. CONCLUSIONS: The patients' experiences gathered in this study highlight perceptions of unexpected improvement, an eagerness to improve, and the positive opportunity of sharing treatment with their social entourage thanks to the games. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: These results can be applied to future research using video consoles, by individualizing and adapting the games to the patient's abilities, and by developing a new field in rehabilitation.

Widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity in patients with multiple sclerosis with and without pain as sign of central sensitization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of widespread pressure hyperalgesia in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with and without pain and its association with pain and fatigue. METHODS: A total of 108 individuals with definite MS, 49 men and 59 women (mean age, 44±8 y) and 108 age-matched and sex-matched pain-free controls (mean age, 44±9 y) were included. Fifty patients (n=58, 54%) reported pain and 50 (46%) did not. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was bilaterally assessed over supraorbital, infraorbital, mental, median, radial and ulnar nerve trunks, C5-C6 joint, second metacarpal, and tibialis anterior muscle by an assessor blinded to the patient's condition. The intensity of pain was assessed with a numerical pain rate scale (0 to 10), fatigue was determined with the Fatigue Impact Scale, and depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: The analyses of covariance revealed that PPT were significantly decreased bilaterally over the supraorbital, infraorbital, mental, median, ulnar and radial nerve trunks, C5-C6 joint, second metacarpal, and tibialis anterior muscles in patients with MS compared with pain-free controls (all, P<0.001). No significant differences existed between MS patients with pain and those without pain (all P>0.944). Patients with pain exhibited higher fatigue and depression than those patients without pain (P<0.05). PPT was not associated with any clinical variable, that is, pain, depression, or fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found widespread pressure pain hyperalgesia in individuals with MS as compared with pain-free controls. No differences existed between MS patients with pain and those without pain in the presence of widespread pressure sensitivity. Current results suggest that MS is associated with sensory hyperexcitability of the central nervous system or dysfunction in endogenous pain modulatory systems.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) is associated with pain in multiple sclerosis.

UNLABELLED: Alterations in the rs4680 Val158Met polymorphism are associated with the presence of pain. No study has investigated the role of Val158Met polymorphism in the susceptibility to exhibit pain in multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) and the presence of pain in MS. One hundred eight (n = 108) patients (mean age: 44 ± 8 years) with a definitive diagnosis of MS and 108 matched controls participated. Fifty-eight patients (54%) had pain and 50 (46%) did not report pain. After amplifying Val158Met polymorphisms by polymerase chain reactions, rs4680 genotype frequencies and allele distributions were calculated. We classified individuals according to their Val158Met polymorphism: Val/Val, Val/Met, and Met/Met. The results showed that distribution of rs4680 Val158Met genotypes was not significantly different between individuals with MS in general and healthy people (χ2 = 2.212, P = .331). When we differentiate MS patients with pain and those without pain, the prevalence of Val158Met genotypes was significantly different (χ2 = 9,610, P = .046): Patients experiencing pain exhibited higher prevalence of Met/Met genotype than those without pain and healthy controls. Current results suggest that the Met allele of Val158Met polymorphism could be a potential risk factor for the development of pain in MS but not for the predisposition of MS itself. PERSPECTIVE: This study suggests that the Val158Met polymorphism is associated with the presence of pain in MS, but it is not a risk factor for MS itself because the presence of the Met/Met genotype was more prevalent in those patients with pain. This study provides further evidence of potential genetic factors that predispose patients with MS to develop pain.

A telerehabilitation program improves postural control in multiple sclerosis patients: a Spanish preliminary study.

Postural control disorders are among the most frequent motor disorder symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. This study aims to demonstrate the potential improvements in postural control among patients with multiple sclerosis who complete a telerehabilitation program that represents a feasible alternative to physical therapy for situations in which conventional treatment is not available. Fifty patients were recruited. Control group (n = 25) received physiotherapy treatment twice a week (40 min per session). Experimental group (n = 25) received monitored telerehabilitation treatment via videoconference using the Xbox 360® and Kinect console. Experimental group attended 40 sessions, four sessions per week (20 min per session).The treatment schedule lasted 10 weeks for both groups. A computerized dynamic posturography (Sensory Organization Test) was used to evaluate all patients at baseline and at the end of the treatment protocol. Results showed an improvement over general balance in both groups. Visual preference and the contribution of vestibular information yielded significant differences in the experimental group. Our results demonstrated that a telerehabilitation program based on a virtual reality system allows one to optimize the sensory information processing and integration systems necessary to maintain the balance and postural control of people with multiple sclerosis. We suggest that our virtual reality program enables anticipatory PC and response mechanisms and might serve as a successful therapeutic alternative in situations in which conventional therapy is not readily available.

Kinect Xbox 360 as a therapeutic modality for children with cerebral palsy in a school environment: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence is available about the effectiveness of virtual reality using low cost commercial consoles for children with developmental delay. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this preliminary study is to evaluate the usefulness of a videogame system based on non-immersive virtual reality technology (Xbox 360 KinectTM) to support conventional rehabilitation treatment of children with cerebral palsy. Secondarily, to objectify changes in psychomotor status of children with cerebral palsy after receiving rehabilitation treatment in addition with this last generation game console. METHODS: 11 children with cerebral palsy were included the study. A baseline, a post-treatment and a follow-up assessment were performed related to motor and the process skills, balance, gait speed, running and jumping and fine and manual finger dexterity. All the participants completed 8 weeks of videogame treatment, added to their conventional physiotherapy treatment, with Xbox 360 Kinect™ (Microsoft) game console. RESULTS: The Friedman test showed significant differences among the three assessments for each variable: GMFM (p = 0.001), AMPS motor (p = 0.001), AMPS process (p = 0.010), PRT (p = 0.005) and 10 MW (p = 0.029). Wilcoxon test showed significant statistically differences pre and post-treatment, in all the values. Similarly, results revealed significant differences between basal and follow-up assessment. There were not statistical differences between post-treatment and follow-up evaluation, indicating a long-term maintenance of the improvements achieved after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Low cost video games based on motion capture are potential tools in the rehabilitation context in children with CP. Our Kinect Xbox 360 protocol has showed improvements in balance and ADL in CP participants in a school environment, but further studies are need to validate the potential benefits of these video game systems as a supplement for rehabilitation of children with CP.

[Evaluation and quantification of spasticity: a review of the clinical, biomechanical and neurophysiological methods]. / Valoracion y cuantificacion de la espasticidad: revision de los metodos clinicos, biomecanicos y neurofisiologicos.

INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a sensory-motor disorder that affects about 85% of the patients with multiple sclerosis and between 65-78% of those with spinal cord injury, among other neurological conditions. Although hypertonia is generally easy to recognise clinically, quantifying it is quite a complex matter. The large number of clinical scales that exist and their subjectivity, the discrepancy between the spasticity perceived by the patient and the clinical measurement, as well as the lack of a general correlation between the neurophysiological measures and hypertonia, all make it especially difficult, in methodological terms, to perform a valid, reliable measurement of the degree of spasticity presented by the patient. AIMS: To review the main methods of evaluating spasticity published in the scientific literature and to carry out a description and critical analysis of their advantages, shortcomings and metric properties in patients with a neurological pathology. DEVELOPMENT: The different methods described for evaluating spasticity are reviewed and classified in three broad groups, namely, clinical scales specifically designed for such a purpose, biomechanical tests and neurophysiological methods. CONCLUSIONS: There is little agreement on the definition of spasticity and the need for the evaluators' training and experience when it comes to evaluating it. We recommend using a combination of the different evaluation instruments, such as the scales, biomechanical methods and neurophysiological measures reported in this study, to carry out a general diagnosis of the degree of spasticity present in the patient.

Thermal and mechanical pain thresholds in patients with fluctuating Parkinson's disease.

Study results evaluating pain thresholds in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) vary widely. Thus, we designed our study to determine the effects of levodopa on the thresholds of pressure (PPT), heat (HPT) and cold pain (CPT) in PD patients with motor fluctuations (18 patients: 10 men, 8 women; age: 65 ± 10 years; mean disease duration: 11.6 ± 6 years), six of whom (33%) reported pain related to their disease. We compared these thresholds in patients in the ON and OFF states with those in 18 age- and sex-matched controls. Pain thresholds were assessed over: the frontal bones, C5-C6 zygapophyseal joints and second metacarpals (PPT); the dorsal aspect of the hand (HPT and CPT); and the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. PD patients in the OFF state had lower PPT thresholds at all sites (P < 0.001) than healthy controls. Moreover, HPT and CPT thresholds were lower at all sites except over the TA muscle (P < 0.01). In the ON state, the PPT and CPT thresholds in PD patients were lower than in controls at all points, except over the TA (CPT) and the second metacarpals (PPT) P < 0.01. Pain thresholds were no different in PD patients in the ON or OFF state (P > 0.10), and the existence of pain did not influence the results. We detected mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity in PD patients in the OFF state, and levodopa administration did not increase these thresholds. Thus, while dopamine may modulate pain responses, other mechanisms are likely to be implicated in the modulation of these pain responses in PD patients.