Satisfaction analysis of overground gait exoskeletons in people with neurological pathology. a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: People diagnosed with neurological pathology may experience gait disorders that affect their quality of life. In recent years, research has been carried out on a variety of exoskeletons in this population. However, the satisfaction perceived by the users of these devices is not known. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the satisfaction perceived by users with neurological pathology (patients and professionals) after the use of overground exoskeletons. METHODS: A systematic search of five electronic databases was conducted. In order to be included in this review for further analysis, the studies had to meet the following criteria: [1] the study population was people diagnosed with neurological pathology; [2] the exoskeletons had to be overground and attachable to the lower limbs; and [3]: the studies were to include measures assessing either patient or therapist satisfaction with the exoskeletons. RESULTS: Twenty-three articles were selected, of which nineteen were considered clinical trials. Participants diagnosed with stroke (n = 165), spinal cord injury (SCI) (n = 102) and multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 68). Fourteen different overground exoskeleton models were analysed. Fourteen different methods of assessing patient satisfaction with the devices were found, and three ways to evaluate it in therapists. CONCLUSION: Users' satisfaction with gait overground exoskeletons in stroke, SCI and MS seems to show positive results in safety, efficacy and comfort of the devices. However, the worst rated aspects and therefore those that should be optimized from the users' point of view are ease of adjustment, size and weight, and ease of use.

Electroencephalography as a post-stroke assessment method: An updated review. / Electroencefalografía como método de evaluación tras un ictus. Una revisión actualizada.

Given that stroke is currently a serious problem in the population, employing more reliable and objective techniques for determining diagnosis and prognosis is necessary in order to enable effective clinical decision-making. EEG is a simple, low-cost, non-invasive tool that can provide information about the changes occurring in the cerebral cortex during the recovery process after stroke. EEG provides data on the evolution of cortical activation patterns which can be used to establish a prognosis geared toward harnessing each patient's full potential. This strategy can be used to prevent compensation and maladaptive plasticity, redirect treatments, and develop new interventions that will let stroke patients reach their new maximum motor levels.

Effectiveness of equine therapy in children with psychomotor impairment.

INTRODUCTION: Equine therapy, an intervention method that has been practiced for decades around the world, is used to treat patients susceptible to psychomotor delays. OBJECTIVES: We examine development of gross motor function compared to other psychomotor skills in patients undergoing this therapy, and analyse how this improvement affects general health status and quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes 11 children with delayed psychomotor development (aged 8.82 ± 3.89; 6 boys, 5 girls). The main study variables were gross motor function (GMFM-88) and perceived quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, PedsQL). Three measurements were performed: before and after a period of inactivity, and once again 2 months after the second measurement, following completion of a sustained period of therapy. RESULTS: We observed significant differences in overall results on the GMFM-88 between the initial and final tests and between the intermediate and final tests. Regarding the PedsQL quality of life scale, no statistically significant results were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Noticeable changes in motor control were recorded throughout the course of the intervention, which suggests that equine therapy may be appropriate treatment in cases of delayed psychomotor development.

Theories and control models and motor learning: clinical applications in neuro-rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: In recent decades there has been a special interest in theories that could explain the regulation of motor control, and their applications. These theories are often based on models of brain function, philosophically reflecting different criteria on how movement is controlled by the brain, each being emphasised in different neural components of the movement. The concept of motor learning, regarded as the set of internal processes associated with practice and experience that produce relatively permanent changes in the ability to produce motor activities through a specific skill, is also relevant in the context of neuroscience. Thus, both motor control and learning are seen as key fields of study for health professionals in the field of neuro-rehabilitation. DEVELOPMENT: The major theories of motor control are described, which include, motor programming theory, systems theory, the theory of dynamic action, and the theory of parallel distributed processing, as well as the factors that influence motor learning and its applications in neuro-rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: At present there is no consensus on which theory or model defines the regulations to explain motor control. Theories of motor learning should be the basis for motor rehabilitation. The new research should apply the knowledge generated in the fields of control and motor learning in neuro-rehabilitation.

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on postural control after stroke: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is currently the main cause of permanent disability in adults. The impairments are a combination of sensory, motor, cognitive and emotional changes that result in restrictions on the ability to perform basic activities of daily living (BADL). Postural control is affected and causes problems with static and dynamic balance, thus increasing the risk of falls and secondary injuries. The purpose of this review was to compile the literature to date, and assess the impact of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on postural control and gait in individuals who have suffered a stroke. DEVELOPMENT: The review included randomised and controlled trials that examined the effects of AFO in stroke patients between 18 and 80 years old, with acute or chronic evolution. No search limits on the date of the studies were included, and the search lasted until April 2011. The following databases were used: Pubmed, Trip Database, Cochrane library, Embase, ISI Web Knowledge, CINHAL and PEDro. Intervention succeeded in improving some gait parameters, such as speed and cadence. However it is not clear if there was improvement in the symmetry, postural sway or balance. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the limitations of this systematic review, due to the clinical diversity of the studies and the methodological limitations, 0these results should be considered with caution.

Use of virtual reality systems as proprioception method in cerebral palsy: clinical practice guideline.

INTRODUCTION: The limitations in performing functional activities in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy are important. The use of virtual reality systems is a new treatment approach that reinforces task-oriented motor learning. The purpose of this guide is to study the impact of the use of virtual reality systems in the improvement and acquisition of functional skills, and to evaluate the scientific evidence to determine the strength of recommendation of such interventions. DEVELOPMENT: All available full-text articles, regardless of their methodology, were included. The following data bases were consulted: PubMed (Medline), PEDro, EMBASE (OVID-Elsevier), Cochrane Library, Medline (OVID), CINAHL, ISI Web Knowledge. An assessment was made of methodological quality, the level of scientific evidence, and the strength of recommendations using the tools: Critical Review Form - Quantitative Studies and the Guidelines for Critical Review Form - Quantitative Studies and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Finally, we included 13 articles and 97 participants were recruited. We obtained significant improvements in outcome measures that assessed postural control and balance, upper limb function, the selective joint control, and gait. CONCLUSIONS: The guide has some limitations: the limited number of patients enrolled, clinical diversity and age range, as well as the methodological quality of existing trials. Virtual reality is a promising tool in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy. There is strong scientific evidence of an acceptable recommendation for the use of virtual reality systems in the treatment of cerebral palsy.

Physiotherapy for patients with functional movement disorder: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Functional movement disorder (FMD), a type of functional neurological disorder, is a common reason for consultation with the neurology department. The efficacy of physiotherapy for motor rehabilitation of these patients has been widely studied. The aim of this review is to analyse the available evidence on the effects of physiotherapy on motor symptoms, activity (gait, mobility, balance), perceived health, quality of life, and the cognitive/emotional state of patients with FMD. METHODS: This review follows the PRISMA recommendations. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant articles. Our review included randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of a specialised physiotherapy intervention alone or in combination with other therapies as part of a multidisciplinary approach, with results compared against standard physiotherapy. RESULTS: We reviewed 4 studies, including a total of 188 patients. We gathered data on the study population, outcome measures, protocols, and results. According to the Oxford quality scoring system, 3 studies had moderate methodological quality (3-4/5) and the remaining study presented poor methodological quality (< 3). CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy improves motor symptoms, activity, perceived health, and quality of life in patients with FMD.

Muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters in people with Parkinson´s disease. A pilot study. / Fuerza muscular y parámetros espaciotemporales de la marcha en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson. Un estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle weakness in persons with Parkinson disease (PD) has been frequently recognized as a nonspecific symptom. In other neurological conditions, lower limb weakness, specifically quadriceps weakness, is the factor that causes greater gait disability. Little research has evaluated the relationship between lower limb muscle strength, using objective tools, in PD persons and gait performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between lower limb muscle strength, using an isokinetic dynamometer, and the spatiotemporal gait parameters in PD, compared with age- and sex- matched healthy controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 7 persons with PD -Hoehn and Yahr (HY) between II-III- and 7 healthy controls. Isokinetic knee and ankle tests at 60 and 120°/s and the 10-meter walking test at comfortable and fast walking speed, were performed on all recruited subjects. RESULTS: Significant differences in lower limb strength-related measures and gait parameters were observed between persons with PD and controls. Gait parameters showed excellent correlations (rho = 0.7) for both lower limb: ankle plantar flexion work/body wearing at 180°/s with number of steps (indirect) and stride (direct) at both speeds, and between the ankle plantar flexion peak torque/ body wearing at 180°/s with number of steps (indirect) and stride (direct) at maximum speed; and between knee extension work/body wearing at 60°/s) with stride (direct) at self-selected speed. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with PD (HY II-III stages) lower limb muscle strength correlates excellently with gait pattern, showing lower isokinetic strength than healthy subjects of the same age and sex. This protocol showed safety to be performed in a larger sample.

TITLE: Fuerza muscular y parámetros espaciotemporales de la marcha en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson. Un estudio piloto.Introducción. La debilidad muscular en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) ha sido frecuentemente reconocida como un síntoma inespecífico. En otras patologías neurológicas, la debilidad de las extremidades inferiores, específicamente la debilidad de los cuádriceps, es el factor que causa mayor incapacidad para caminar. Pocas investigaciones han evaluado la relación entre la fuerza muscular de los miembros inferiores, utilizando herramientas objetivas en personas con EP y el desempeño de la marcha. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la correlación entre la fuerza muscular de los miembros inferiores, utilizando un dinamómetro isocinético, y los parámetros espaciotemporales de la marcha en la EP, en comparación con controles sanos emparejados por edad y sexo. Sujetos y métodos. El estudio se llevó a cabo con siete personas con EP ­Hoehn y Yahr (HY) entre II y III­ y siete controles sanos. Se realizaron pruebas isocinéticas de rodilla y tobillo a 60 y 120°/s y la prueba de marcha de 10 metros, a velocidad de marcha cómoda y rápida, en todos los sujetos reclutados. Resultados. Se observaron diferencias significativas en las medidas relacionadas con la fuerza de las extremidades inferiores y en los parámetros de la marcha entre las personas con EP y los controles. Los parámetros de la marcha mostraron excelentes correlaciones (rho = 0,7) para ambas extremidades inferiores: trabajo de flexión plantar de tobillo/desgaste corporal a 180°/s con número de pasos (indirecto) y zancada (directa) a ambas velocidades, y entre pico de torsión de flexión plantar de tobillo/desgaste corporal a 180°/s con número de pasos (indirecto) y zancada (directa) a velocidad máxima; y entre trabajo de extensión de rodilla/desgaste corporal a 60°/s con zancada (directa) a velocidad autoseleccionada. Conclusiones. La fuerza muscular de las extremidades inferiores de las personas con EP (estadios de HY II-III) se correlaciona excelentemente con el patrón de la marcha, mostrando una fuerza isocinética inferior a la de sujetos sanos de la misma edad y sexo. Este protocolo mostró seguridad para ser realizado en una muestra mayor.

[Effects of vibrotherapy on postural control, functionality and fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. A randomised clinical trial]. / Efectos de la vibroterapia sobre el control postural, la funcionalidad y la fatiga en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

INTRODUCTION: Postural and balance disorders, functionality impairment and fatigue, are the most incapacitating problems in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Whole Body Vibration (WBV), through the transmission of mechanical stimuli, appears to be a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of neurological diseases. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of the WBV on postural control, balance, functionality and fatigue in patients with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients with mild-moderate MS were randomised into a control group and an intervention group. For the intervention group, the protocol consisted of 5 consecutive days, daily series of 5 periods of 1 minute of duration of WBV at a frequency of 6 Hz. Posturographic assessment using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Motor Control Test (MCT), the Timed Get Up and Go Test, 10 metres Test, the Berg Balance Scale and Krupp's Fatigue Severity Scale were used before and after intervention. RESULTS: The analysis showed improvements in the intervention group for conditions SOT 1, SOT 3 and latency in MCT. In the comparison between groups, only the latency or reaction time in MCT improved significantly in favour of the intervention group (from 173.78±12.46 to 161.25±13.64 ms; P=.04). No side-effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study show that WBV can improve, in the short-term, the time of response to recover the uprightness after sudden disturbances, appearing as a possible therapeutic tool maintaining balance and posture.

[Movement analysis of upper extremity hemiparesis in patients with cerebrovascular disease: a pilot study]. / Análisis del movimiento de la extremidad superior hemiparética en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular: estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: As a result of neurophysiological injury, stroke patients have mobility limitations, mainly on the side of the body contralateral to the lesioned hemisphere. The purpose of this study is to quantify motor compensation strategies in stroke patients during the activity of drinking water from a glass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four male patient with cerebrovascular disease and four right-handed, healthy male control subjects. The motion analysis was conducted using the Vicon Motion System(®) and surface electromyography equipment ZeroWire Aurion(®). We analysed elbow, shoulder and trunk joint movements and performed a qualitative analysis of the sequence of muscle activation. RESULTS: Trunk, shoulder and elbow movements measured in the stroke patient along the sagittal plane decreased during the drinking from a glass activity, while the movements in the shoulder in the coronal plane and trunk increased. As for the sequence of muscle activation, anterior, middle and posterior deltoid all contracted in the patient group during the task, while the upper trapezius activation remained throughout the activity. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative analysis of movement provides quantitative information on compensation strategies used by stroke patients, and is therefore, clinically relevant.

[Short-term effect of neuromuscular bandaging on balance and gait in Parkinson's disease: Pilot study]. / Efecto del vendaje neuromuscular a corto plazo sobre el equilibro y la marcha en la enfermedad de Parkinson: estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative process characterized by tremor at rest, bradykinesia, stiffness, disorders in postural control, balance and gait. Kinesiology tape has a somatosensory stimulating effect, with benefits in postural control. METHOD: A pilot study with a Physiotherapy Intervention Group and an Experimental Group (kinesiology tape was added) in gastrocnemius and lumbar spinal erectors. Outcome assessments were Berg scale, Tinetti scale (walking subscale), 10m test, TUG test, PDQ-39 and gastrocnemius electromyographic record. Three measurements were made: T0 (baseline), T1 (two days post-intervention) and T2 (one week post-intervention); PDQ-39 was administered at T0 and one month after the intervention. RESULTS: Thirteen participants (stage III Hoehn and Yahr) were selected after applying the inclusion criteria (nine women and four men). N=7 Experimental Group and N=6 Physiotherapy Group. The intra-group contrast showed significant improvements in favor of the Experimental Group in Berg scale (T1 and T2), 10m test (T2) and in lower mean gastrocnemius muscle activity (T1). The inter-group contrast only evidenced differences in electromyographic recording of the muscle contraction of the right lower limb, after the application of kinesiology tape, in T1. CONCLUSIONS: The application of kinesiology tape in the lumbar spinal erectors and gastrocnemius bilaterally could improve gait and balance, in subjects with Parkinson's disease in Hoehn and Yahr stage III, but its effect is not superior to conventional physiotherapy treatment.

Use of recognition of laterality through implicit motor imagery for the improvement of postural control and balance in subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled study. / Uso del reconocimiento de la lateralidad a través de imaginería motora implícita para la mejora del control postural y el equilibrio en pacientes con ictus subagudo: un estudio controlado aleatorizado.

INTRODUCTION: Motor Imagery techniques may be used as a complement to the recovery of motor sequelae after a stroke, as during the evocation of a movement the activation of neuronal circuits involved in the actual execution of the movement occurs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A simple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 38 patients were randomly assigned to a study group. Both groups performed, for four weeks, five weekly sessions of neurorehabilitation and three weekly sessions of experimental or control intervention, respectively.The experimental group training the recognition of laterality, while the control group the recognition of body parts. Participants were evaluated pre and post intervention with posturography parameters -Sway area (AREA), Sway path length (LONG), difference in weigthload between lower limbs (DIFLOAD)-, the Berg Balance scale (BBS), the Barthel Index (BI), the Time Up and Go Test (TUG), the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), and the quality-of-life scale for stroke (ECVI-38). RESULTS: After performing the intragroup analysis, statistical significance was obtained for AREA (p < 0.001), LONG (p = 0.04), DIFLOAD (p = 0.02), BBS (p < 0.001), BI (p < 0.001), FAC (p < 0.001), and ECVI-38 (p < 0.001) in the experimental group; and for DIFLOAD (p = 0.01), BBS (p = 0.001), BI (p = 0.001), TUG (p = 0.04), FAC (p = 0.03), and ECVI-38 (p = 0.003) in the control group. In the intergroup analysis, statistical significance was obtained for AREA (p = 0.03), BBS (p = 0.03), FAC (p = 0.02) and ECVI-38 (p = 0.002) at postintervention time. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of physical rehabilitation and recognition of laterality through implicit motor imagery tasks, improves balance and functions related to postural control in subacute stroke patients.

TITLE: Uso del reconocimiento de la lateralidad a través de imaginería motora implícita para la mejora del control postural y el equilibrio en pacientes con ictus subagudo: un estudio controlado aleatorizado.Introducción. Las técnicas de imaginería motora pueden utilizarse como complemento a la recuperación de las secuelas motoras tras un ictus, ya que durante la evocación de un movimiento se produce la activación de los circuitos neuronales implicados en la ejecución de éste. Pacientes y métodos. Se realizó un ensayo controlado aleatorizado simple ciego. Treinta y ocho pacientes en total fueron asignados aleatoriamente a cada grupo de estudio. Ambos grupos realizaron, durante cuatro semanas, cinco sesiones semanales de neurorrehabilitación y tres sesiones semanales de intervención experimental o control. El grupo experimental entrenaba el reconocimiento de la lateralidad, mientras que el grupo de control lo hacía con el reconocimiento de partes del cuerpo. Los participantes fueron evaluados antes y después de la intervención con parámetros posturográficos (área de barrido, longitud del recorrido de oscilación y porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores), la escala de equilibrio de Berg (BBS), el índice de Barthel, el test Time Up and Go, la clasificación funcional de la deambulación (FAC) y la escala de calidad de vida para el ictus (ECVI-38). Resultados. Después de realizar el análisis intragrupo, se obtuvo significación estadística para el área de barrido (p menor de 0,001), la longitud del recorrido de oscilación (p = 0,04), el porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores (p = 0,02), la BBS (p menor de 0,001), el índice de Barthel (p menor de 0,001), la FAC (p menor de 0,001) y la ECVI-38 (p menor de 0,001) en el grupo experimental; y para el porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores (p = 0,01), la BBS (p = 0,001), el índice de Barthel (p = 0,001), el Time Up and Go (p = 0,04), la FAC (p = 0,03) y la ECVI-38 (p = 0,003) en el grupo de control. En el análisis intergrupo se obtuvo significación estadística para el área de barrido (p = 0,03), la BBS (p = 0,03), la FAC (p = 0,02) y la ECVI-38 (p = 0,002) en el momento posterior a la intervención. Conclusiones. El uso combinado de rehabilitación física y reconocimiento de la lateralidad a través de tareas de imaginería motora implícita mejora el equilibrio y las funciones relacionadas con el control postural en pacientes con ictus subagudo.

[Validity of the Wisconsin Gait Scale to predict the risk of falls in stroke patients]. / Validez de la Wisconsin Gait Scale para predecir el riesgo de caídas en pacientes con ictus.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately, half of the stroke patients suffered a fall during the first year after the injury, affecting its functionality. Gait evaluation scales could evaluate to predict the risk of falls. OBJECTIVE: To study the ability of the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) to predict the risk of falls in stroke subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study that included stroke patients between May 2010 and October 2016. Data from the WGS and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were collected after hospitalization (acute phase), at 3 months (subacute phase) and at 6 and 12 months (chronic phases). BBS was used as the outcome variable to determine the ability of the WGS to predict the risk of falls. The calculation of the predictive validity was carried out using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) curves and the analysis of the area under the curve (AUC, area under the curve). RESULTS: Data were collected from 61 patients who met the inclusion criteria (after admission: 61; 3 months: 61; 6 months: 58; 12 months: 42). In all measurements, the AUC was greater than 0.9, so the WGS distinguishes stroke patients with moderate risk of falling from those with low risk. CONCLUSIONS: The WGS scale is a valid instrument to predict the risk of falls in patients with a criterion in relation to the cut-off points established in the BBS.

TITLE: Validez de la Wisconsin Gait Scale para predecir el riesgo de caídas en pacientes con ictus.Introducción. Aproximadamente, la mitad de las personas que han sufrido un ictus sufre una caída durante el primer año tras la lesión, lo que afecta a su funcionalidad. Las escalas de evaluación de la marcha podrían utilizarse para predecir el riesgo de caídas. Objetivo. Estudiar la capacidad de la Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) para predecir el riesgo de caídas en pacientes con ictus. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes con ictus entre mayo de 2010 y octubre de 2016. Se recopilaron datos de la WGS y de la Berg Balance Scale (BBS) tras la hospitalización (fase aguda), a los tres meses (fase subaguda) y a los seis y 12 meses (fases crónicas). Se empleó la BBS como variable de resultado para determinar la capacidad de la WGS para predecir el riesgo de caídas. El cálculo de la validez predictiva se llevó a cabo mediante las curvas receiver operating characteristics y el análisis del área bajo la curva (AUC). Resultados. Se recopilaron datos de 61 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión (tras la admisión: 61; a los tres meses: 61; a los seis meses: 58; a los 12 meses: 42). En todas las mediciones, el AUC fue mayor de 0,9, por lo que la WGS distingue a los pacientes con ictus con riesgo moderado de sufrir caídas de los de riesgo bajo. Conclusiones. La WGS es un instrumento válido para predecir el riesgo de caídas en pacientes con un ictus en relación con los puntos de corte establecidos en la BBS.

Lower limb muscle activation during outdoor running: differences between sprinters, middle-distance and long-distance runners.

Running is one of the most popular sport practices in the world. However, to our knowledge, none of the previous research about the characteristics of outdoor running makes a distinction between the different modalities of runners. Sixty-five healthy runners classified in sprinters, middle distance and long-distance runners performed five series of 100 metres on the synthetic outdoor track at competition pace. Muscle activity of lower limb muscles at initial contact and toe-off, involving the gluteus medius (GMED), gluteus maximus (GMAX), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), tiabilis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MGAS), and spatiotemporal parameters were analysed. Sprinters showed high percentages of muscle activity at initial contact, in particular, the TA activity was the highest. The RF activity was significantly the lowest activity registered. At toe-off, sprinters showed the highest activity in all muscles analysed. Middle-distance runners had the highest activity of GMAX, BF and MGAS during the initial contact. In long-distance runners, the GMED and RF activity during the initial contact is highlighted, showing the highest activity of this phase. Different patterns of lower limb muscle activity and spatiotemporal parameters exist depending on the modality of the runner.

Manual therapy in adults with tension-type headache: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Tension-type headache is the most common primary headache, with a high prevalence and a considerable socioeconomic impact. Manual physical therapy techniques are widely used in the clinical field to treat the symptoms associated with tension-type headache. This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of manual and non-invasive therapies in the treatment of patients with tension-type headache. DEVELOPMENT: We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials in the following databases: Brain, PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL, and Science Direct. Ten randomised controlled trials were included for analysis. According to these studies, manual therapy improves symptoms, increasing patients' well-being and improving the outcome measures analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Manual therapy has positive effects on pain intensity, pain frequency, disability, overall impact, quality of life, and craniocervical range of motion in adults with tension-type headache. None of the techniques was found to be superior to the others; combining different techniques seems to be the most effective approach.

[Treadmill training with partial body weight support in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury: a systematic review]. / Entrenamiento en cinta rodante con soporte parcial del peso corporal en pacientes con lesión medular incompleta: revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: The partial body weight supported treadmill training is a common therapeutic strategy in rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injuries. AIM: To analyze its effects on gait, balance and muscle strength in people with incomplete spinal cord injury compared to conventional treatment or overground gait training. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A compilation of clinical trials from 2007 to 2019 was carried out. We included articles that evaluate the effects of body weight supported treadmill training on gait, balance and muscle strength in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury. RESULTS: A total of six articles were analyzed. The walking cadence, speed and resistance improved in the participants that received the intervention compared to those that were treated with conventional training. The functionality, balance and strength improved in most studies, but there were not differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: Body weight supported treadmill training improves the spatiotemporal parameters of walking and resistance in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury, but in most variables analyzed (balance, functionality and strength) the changes are not superior to those observed after conventional training.

TITLE: Entrenamiento en cinta rodante con soporte parcial del peso corporal en pacientes con lesión medular incompleta: revisión sistemática.Introducción. El entrenamiento de la marcha sobre pasarela rodante con soporte parcial del peso corporal es una estrategia terapéutica frecuente en la rehabilitación de personas con lesión medular. Objetivo. Analizar los efectos de esta intervención en la marcha, el equilibrio y la fuerza muscular en personas con lesión medular incompleta en comparación con un tratamiento de fisioterapia convencional o con un entrenamiento de la marcha sobre suelo. Pacientes y métodos. Se realizó una recopilación de ensayos clínicos desde 2007 hasta 2019. Se incluyeron trabajos que evaluasen el entrenamiento de la marcha con soporte parcial del peso corporal en cinta rodante en pacientes con lesión medular incompleta y que analizasen la marcha, el equilibrio y la fuerza muscular. Resultados. Se analizaron seis artículos. Según los resultados de los estudios incluidos, la cadencia, la velocidad y la resistencia de marcha mejoraron en los participantes que recibieron entrenamiento sobre pasarela rodante con soporte parcial del peso corporal respecto al grupo de control. Las variables de funcionalidad, equilibrio y fuerza mejoraron en ambos los grupos de intervención. Conclusiones. El entrenamiento de la marcha con soporte parcial del peso corporal sobre cinta rodante mejora los parámetros espaciotemporales de la marcha y la resistencia de los pacientes con lesión medular incompleta, pero, en la mayoría de las variables analizadas, los cambios no son superiores a los observados tras un entrenamiento convencional.

[Observational gait scale for persons with lower extremity amputation. Design and content validity]. / Escala observacional de la marcha del sujeto con amputación de la extremidad inferior: diseño y validez de contenido.

INTRODUCTION: Gait pattern is altered in persons with lower extremity amputation. To assess gait pattern, it is important to use observational gait scales with a good content validity. OBJECTIVES: To design an observational gait scale and to analyze its content validity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An expert committee was formed to obtain a version of the scale. The same committee was responsible for evaluating the scale. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated, both for each item and for the global scale. RESULTS: The main kinematic and spatiotemporal alterations were selected to design the items. The scale consists of 2sections and 25 items, with a maximum score of 35 points. An overall CVI score of 0.90 was obtained, and an index of validity for most items with values higher than 0.78. CONCLUSION: The Observational gait scale for persons with amputation of the lower extremity showed excellent content validity according to the CVI obtained. Future studies should evaluate its reliability and construct validity.

[Effects of vertical water immersion on the nervous system: a systematic review]. / Efectos de la inmersion vertical en el agua sobre el sistema nervioso: revision sistematica.

INTRODUCTION: Vertical immersion induces a variety of physiological responses in different body systems, depending on the properties of fluid mechanics, which are the basis that underpins aquatic therapy programs in different pathologies. AIM: To perform a systematic review to analyze and describe the effects that vertical immersion produces on the nervous system in healthy subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the existing literature was conducted in the databases BRAIN, PubMed, PEDro and Web of Science. Quality was methodologically assessed using the CASPe guideline and the level of evidence was categorized using the Oxford scale. A total of 12 articles were included, with a score range of 7-10 according to CASPe, levels of evidence 1b-2b and grade of recommendation B. RESULTS: All studies showed positive results to the different forms of exposure of vertical immersion in water and the summation of the stimuli used; no adverse effects were reported in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical immersion in the water generates positive effects on cerebral blood flows, cortical activation, executive functions and the production of neurotrophins in healthy subjects.

TITLE: Efectos de la inmersion vertical en el agua sobre el sistema nervioso: revision sistematica.Introduccion. La inmersion vertical induce una variedad de respuestas fisiologicas en diferentes sistemas corporales, dependiendo de las propiedades de la mecanica de fluidos, las cuales son la base que sustenta los programas de terapia acuatica en diferentes patologias. Objetivo. Realizar una revision sistematica para analizar y describir los efectos que la inmersion vertical produce en el sistema nervioso en sujetos sanos. Sujetos y metodos. Se llevo a cabo una busqueda sistematica de la bibliografia existente en las bases de datos BRAIN, PubMed, PEDro y Web of Science. Se evaluo metodologicamente la calidad mediante la guia CASPe y el nivel de evidencia se categorizo mediante la escala Oxford. Se incluyo un total de 12 articulos, con un rango de puntuacion de 7-10 segun CASPe, niveles de evidencia 1b-2b y grado de recomendacion B. Resultados. Todos los estudios mostraron resultados positivos a las diferentes formas de exposicion de la inmersion vertical en el agua y a la suma de estimulos empleados, sin referir efectos adversos en ningun caso. Conclusiones. La inmersion vertical en el agua genera efectos positivos sobre los flujos circulatorios cerebrales, la activacion cortical, las funciones ejecutivas y la produccion de neurotrofinas en sujetos sanos.

Construct validity of the Wisconsin Gait Scale in acute, subacute and chronic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the construct validity of the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) in subjects after stroke. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Data from 61 stroke patients was compiled. The Functional Ambulatory Categories (FAC), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), the Barthel Index (BI) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were selected to analyze the WGS construct validity at four specific time points after stroke (acute, subacute and chronic stages). Spearman correlation coefficients investigated the relationship between WGS and clinical measures. RESULTS: The construct validity of the WGS in patients with stroke at acute stage was moderate with the FAC (r=-.773), the BBS (r=-.676), the PASS (r=-.646) and the FIM (r=-.592). At subacute stage, the construct validity of the WGS was excellent with the FAC (r=-878), the BBS (r=-.882), the PASS (r=-.847) and the BI (r=-.813). The correlation was moderate with the FIM (r=-.693). At six and twelve months, the construct validity of WGS with the FAC, the BBS, the PASS, the BI and the FIM was excellent (r ≥ .8). CONCLUSION: The WGS has moderate construct validity with walking, balance and functionality scales in patients with acute stroke. The correlation with the FAC, the BBS, the PASS and the BI at subacute and chronic stages was excellent.

[Top-down and bottom-up approaches for the treatment of unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients: A systematic review]. / Enfoques top-down y bottom-up para el tratamiento de la heminegligencia espacial en sujetos con ictus: revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of top-down and bottom-up approaches in the rehabilitation of unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients. METHODOLOGY: We carried out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from January of 2013 to March of 2017. The following databases were searched: Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Pubmed and CINHAL. The methodological quality, level of scientific evidence and the strength of recommendation were evaluated. RESULTS: We included 13 studies (294 subjects): nine studies (188 patients) carried out therapies with a bottom-up approach such us eye patching, virtual reality, optokinetic stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and prism adaption; three studies (94 patients) evaluated therapies with a top-down approach such us visual scanning, sensory feedback and mental practice; one study incorporated both approaches. Nine of these studies showed improvements in spatial neglect scales; five of these used bottom-up approaches, another three used top-down approaches and the remaining study combined both approaches. Disability was evaluated by nine studies, and only three reported improvements. Three studies reported significant improvements in motor function in the intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: Top-down and bottom-up approaches could improve unilateral spatial neglect, disability and motor function in patients with stroke.