Confine, Defect, and Interface Manipulation of Fe3 Se4 /3D Graphene Targeting Fast and Stable Potassium-Ion Storage.

The fast electrochemical kinetics behavior and long cycling life have been the goals in developing anode materials for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). On account of high electron conductivity and theoretical capacity, transition metal selenides have been deemed as one of the promising anode materials for PIBs. Herein, a systematic structural manipulation strategy, pertaining to the confine of Fe3 Se4 particles by 3D graphene and the dual phosphorus (P) doping to the Fe3 Se4 /3DG (DP-Fe3 Se4 /3DG), has been proposed to fulfill the efficient potassium-ion (K-ion) evolution kinetics and thus boost the K-ion storage performance. The theoretical calculation results demonstrate that the well-designed dual P doping interface can effectively promote K-ion adsorption behavior and provide a low energy barrier for K-ion diffusion. The insertion-conversion and adsorption mechanism for multi potassium storage behavior in DP-Fe3 Se4 /3DG composite has been also deciphered by combining the in situ/ex situ X-ray diffraction and operando Raman spectra evidences. As expected, the DP-Fe3 Se4 /3DG anode exhibits superior rate capability (120.2 mA h g-1 at 10 A g-1 ) and outstanding cycling performance (157.9 mA h g-1 after 1000 cycles at 5 A g-1 ).

Homologous Heterostructured NiS/NiS2 @C Hollow Ultrathin Microspheres with Interfacial Electron Redistribution for High-Performance Sodium Storage.

Nickel sulfides with high theoretical capacity are considered as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs); however, their intrinsic poor electric conductivity, large volume change during charging/discharging, and easy sulfur dissolution result in inferior electrochemical performance for sodium storage. Herein, a hierarchical hollow microsphere is assembled from heterostructured NiS/NiS2 nanoparticles confined by in situ carbon layer (H-NiS/NiS2 @C) via regulating the sulfidation temperature of the precursor Ni-MOFs. The morphology of ultrathin hollow spherical shells and confinement of in situ carbon layer to active materials provide rich channels for ion/electron transfer and alleviate the effects of volume change and agglomeration of the material. Consequently, the as-prepared H-NiS/NiS2 @C exhibit superb electrochemical properties, satisfactory initial specific capacity of 953.0 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 , excellent rate capability of 509.9 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1 , and superior longtime cycling life with 433.4 mA h g-1 after 4500 cycles at 10 A g-1 . Density functional theory calculation shows that heterogenous interfaces with electron redistribution lead to charge transfer from NiS to NiS2 , and thus favor interfacial electron transport and reduce ion-diffusion barrier. This work provides an innovative idea for the synthesis of homologous heterostructures for high-efficiency SIB electrode materials.

Molybdenum Atom Engineered Vanadium Disulfide for Boosted High-Capacity Li-Ion Storage.

A drawback with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) lies in the unstable lithium storage which results in poor electrochemical performance. Therefore, it's of importance to improve the electrochemical functionality and Li-ion transport kinetics of electrode materials for high-performance lithium storage. Here, a subtle atom engineering via injecting molybdenum (Mo) atoms into vanadium disulfide (VS2 ) to boost high capacity Li-ion storage is reported. By combining operando, ex situ monitoring and theoretical simulation, it is confirmed that the 5.0%Mo atoms impart flower-like VS2 with expanded interplanar spacing, lowered Li-ion diffusion energy barrier, and increased Li-ion adsorption property, together with enhanced e- conductivity, to boost Li-ion migration. A "speculatively" optimized 5.0% Mo-VS2 cathode that exhibits a specific capacity of 260.8 mA h g-1 at 1.0 A g-1 together with a low decay of 0.009% per cycle over 500 cycles is demonstrated. It is shown that this value is ≈1.5 times compared with that for bare VS2 cathode. This investigation has substantiated the Mo atom doping can effectively guide the Li-ion storage and open new frontiers for exploiting high-performance transition metal dichalcogenides for LIBs.

Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance on NiSx@Co3O4/Nickel Foam Electrocatalysts with Their Photothermal Property.

Based on the principle of heterogeneous catalysis for water electrolysis, electrocatalysts with appropriate electronic structure and photothermal property are expected to drive the oxygen evolution reaction effectively. Herein, amorphous NiSx-coupled nanourchin-like Co3O4 was prepared on nickel foam (NiSx@Co3O4/NF) and investigated as a electrocatalyst for photothermal-assisted oxygen evolution reaction. The experimental investigations and simulant calculations jointly revealed NiSx@Co3O4/NF to be of suitable electronic structure and high near-infrared photothermal conversion capability to achieve the oxygen evolution reaction advantageously both in thermodynamics and in kinetics. Relative to Co3O4/NF and NiSx/NF, better oxygen evolution reaction activity, kinetics, and stability were achieved on NiSx@Co3O4/NF in 1.0 M KOH owing to the NiSx/Co3O4 synergetic effect. In addition, the oxygen evolution reaction performance of NiSx@Co3O4/NF can be obviously enhanced under near-infrared light irradiation, since NiSx@Co3O4 can absorb the near-infrared light to produce electric and thermal field. For the photothermal-mediated oxygen evolution reaction, the overpotential and Tafel slope of NiSx@Co3O4/NF at 50 mA cm-2 were reduced by 23 mV and 13 mV/dec, respectively. The present work provides an inspiring reference to design and develop photothermal-assisted water electrolysis using abundant solar energy.

Efficacy of virtual reality training on motor performance, activity of daily living, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: an umbrella review comprising meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: There are several meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating the benefits of virtual reality (VR) training as an intervention for motor performance, activity of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the aggregate evidence collected to date has not been thoroughly evaluated for strength, quality, and reproducibility. An umbrella review from published meta-analyses of RCTs was conducted to evaluate the strength and quality of existing evidence regarding the efficacy of VR training in improving the motor performance, ADL and QoL outcomes of patients with PD. METHODS: PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant meta-analysis of RCTs examining the effects of VR training on motor performance and quality of life outcomes in PD patients. We recalculated the effect sizes (Hedges'g) for VR training using DerSimonian and Laird (DL) random effects models. We further assessed between-study heterogeneity, prediction interval (PI), publication bias, small-size studies, and whether the results of the observed positive studies were better than would be expected by chance. Based on these calculations, the quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria. RESULTS: Four meta-analysis with eight outcomes included in the umbrella review was recalculated effect size. Pooled results found VR training can large improve the basic balance ability, moderate improve the overall balance capacity and moderate improve the stride length in PD patients. For ADL and QoL, the effect sizes were pooled that suggested VR training can moderate improve ADL and QoL for PD patients. However, no statistically clear evidence was found in walking speed, motor function and gait function during VR training. The analyzed meta-analyses showed low-to-moderate methodological quality (AMSTAR2) as well as presented evidence of moderate-to-very low quality (GRADE). Tow adverse reactions were reported in the included meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this umbrella review, a beneficial correlation between VR and balance ability, stride length, ADL and QoL in PD patients was discovered, especially for the very positive effect of VR on balance because of two of the eight outcomes related to balance ability showed large effect size. The observations were accompanied by moderate- to very low-quality rating evidence, supporting VR training as a practical approach to rehabilitation.

Phosphorization Engineering on Metal-Organic Frameworks for Quasi-Solid-State Asymmetry Supercapacitors.

Porous carbon and metal oxides/sulfides prepared by using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as the precursors have been widely applied to the realm of supercapacitors. However, employing MOF-derived metal phosphides as positive and negative electrode materials for supercapacitors has scarcely been reported thus far. Herein, two types of MOFs are used as the precursors to prepare CoP and FeP4 nanocubes through a two-step controllable heat treatment process. Due to the advantages of composition and structure, the specific capacitances of FeP4 and CoP nanocubes reach 345 and 600 F g-1 at the current density of 1 A g-1 , respectively. Moreover, a quasi-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled based on charge matching principle by employing CoP and FeP4 nanocubes as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, which exhibits a high energy density of 46.38 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 695 W kg-1 . Furthermore, a solar-charging power system is assembled by combining the quasi-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor and monocrystalline silicon plates, substantiating that the device can power the toy electric fan. This work paves a practical way toward the rational design of quasi-solid-state asymmetry supercapacitors systems affording favorable energy density and long lifespan.

Metal-Organic Framework-Derived ZnSe- and Co0.85Se-Filled Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanocubes Interconnected by Reduced Graphene Oxide for Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes.

Transition-metal selenides have been considered as one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and excellent rate performance. However, rapid capacity decay and poor cycling stability limit their practical application as the anode for SIBs. Carbon coating is one of the most effective ways to solve the above problems, but the thickness and uniformity of the coating layer are difficult to control. Herein, we successfully synthesize metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived porous N-doped carbon nanocubes homogeneously filled with ZnSe and Co0.85Se and interconnected by reduced graphene oxide (ZCS@NC@rGO). ZCS@NC@rGO with more active sites and the synergistic effect of the ZnSe and Co0.85Se heterojunction can enhance the sodium storage performance. The porous carbon nanocubes effectively prevent the agglomeration of active particles, and the rGO acting as a carbon network can significantly buffer the inevitable volume changes. At the same time, carbon nanocubes and the rGO are interconnecting to form a conductive network to accelerate electron transfer. Based on the aforementioned advantages, the ZCS@NC@rGO electrode shows an excellent sodium storage performance. Our investigation opens up a new horizon for the rational design of transition-metal selenide anodes for SIBs with a unique structure.

High Energy Capacitors Based on All Metal-Organic Frameworks Derivatives and Solar-Charging Station Application.

High energy and efficient solar charging stations using electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are a promising portable power source for the future. In this work, two kinds of metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives, NiO/Co3 O4 microcubes and Fe2 O3 microleaves, are prepared via thermal treatment and assembled into electrochemical capacitors, which deliver a relatively high specific energy density of 46 Wh kg-1 at 690 W kg-1 . In addition, a solar-charging power system consisting of the electrochemical capacitors and monocrystalline silicon plates is fabricated and a motor fan or 25 LEDs for 5 and 30 min, respectively, is powered. This work not only adds two novel materials to the growing categories of MOF-derived advanced materials, but also successfully achieves an efficient solar-ECs system for the first time based on all MOF derivatives, which has a certain reference for developing efficient solar-charge systems.

A Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) and robot hybrid system for multi-joint coordinated upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.

BACKGROUND: It is a challenge to reduce the muscular discoordination in the paretic upper limb after stroke in the traditional rehabilitation programs. METHOD: In this study, a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and robot hybrid system was developed for multi-joint coordinated upper limb physical training. The system could assist the elbow, wrist and fingers to conduct arm reaching out, hand opening/grasping and arm withdrawing by tracking an indicative moving cursor on the screen of a computer, with the support from the joint motors and electrical stimulations on target muscles, under the voluntary intention control by electromyography (EMG). Subjects with chronic stroke (n = 11) were recruited for the investigation on the assistive capability of the NMES-robot and the evaluation of the rehabilitation effectiveness through a 20-session device assisted upper limb training. RESULTS: In the evaluation, the movement accuracy measured by the root mean squared error (RMSE) during the tracking was significantly improved with the support from both the robot and NMES, in comparison with those without the assistance from the system (P < 0.05). The intra-joint and inter-joint muscular co-contractions measured by EMG were significantly released when the NMES was applied to the agonist muscles in the different phases of the limb motion (P < 0.05). After the physical training, significant improvements (P < 0.05) were captured by the clinical scores, i.e., Modified Ashworth Score (MAS, the elbow and the wrist), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). CONCLUSIONS: The EMG-driven NMES-robotic system could improve the muscular coordination at the elbow, wrist and fingers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT02117089 ; date of registration: April 10, 2014.

Kinetic measurements of hand motor impairments after mild to moderate stroke using grip control tasks.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate quantitative outcome measurements of hand motor performance for subjects after mild to moderate stroke using grip control tasks and characterize abnormal flexion synergy of upper extremities after stroke. METHODS: A customized dynamometer with force sensors was used to measure grip force and calculate rotation torque during the sub-maximal grip control tasks. The paretic and nonpartic sides of eleven subjects after stroke and the dominant sides of ten healthy persons were tested. Their maximal voluntary grip force was measured and used to set sub-maximal grip control tasks at three different target force levels. Force control ability was characterized by the maximal grip force, mean force percentage, coefficient of variation (CV), target deviation ratio (TDR), and rotation torque ratio (RTR). The motor impairments of subjects after stroke were also evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). RESULTS: Maximal grip force of the paretic side was significantly reduced as compared to the nonparetic side and the healthy group, while the difference of maximal grip force between the nonparetic side and the healthy group was not significant. TDR and RTR increased for all three groups with increasing target force level. There were significant differences of CV, TDR and RTR between the paretic side and the healthy group at all the force levels. CV, TDR and RTR showed significant negative correlations with FMA-UE and WMFT at 50% of maximum grip force. CONCLUSIONS: This study designed a customized dynamometer together with an innovative measurement, RTR, to investigate the hand motor performance of subjects after mild to moderate stroke during force control tasks. And stroke-induced abnormal flexion synergy of wrist and finger muscles could be characterized by RTR. This study also identified a set of kinetic parameters which can be applied to quantitatively assess the hand motor function of subjects after mild to moderate stroke.

An enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction by the photothermal effect and its induced micro-electric field.

Promoting better thermodynamics and kinetics of electrocatalysts is key to achieving an efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Utilizing the photothermal effect and micro-electric field of electrocatalysts is a promising approach to promote the sluggish OER. Herein, to reveal the relationship of the photothermal effect and its induced micro-electric field with OER performance, NiSx coupled NiFe(OH)y on nickel foam (NiSx@NiFe(OH)y/NF) is synthesized and subjected to the OER under near-infrared (NIR) light. Owing to the photothermal effect and its induced micro-electric field, the OER performance of NiSx@NiFe(OH)y/NF is significantly enhanced. Compared with no NIR light irradiation, the overpotential at 50 mA cm-2 and the Tafel slope of NiSx@NiFe(OH)y/NF under NIR light irradiation were 234.1 mV and 38.0 mV dec-1, which were lower by 12.4 mV and 7.1 mV dec-1, and it exhibited stable operation at 1.6 V vs. RHE for 8 h with 99% activity maintained. This work presents a novel inspiration to understand the photothermal effect-enhanced electrocatalytic OER.

High-intensity laser therapy on pain relief in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of global disability and pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether High-Intensity Laser therapy has superior pain-relieving effects in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Searches were conducted using CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, PEDro, and related reference lists with language limed to English. Clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser therapy compared to other laser therapies, conventional therapies or exercises on knee osteoarthritis pain were included. The screening and selection of studies, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were performed by two independent researchers. Studies were quantitatively integrated using the Review Manager Software and qualitative analysis using the criteria recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. RESULTS: Nine studies meeting the eligibility criteria were identified, among which only one study was identified as excellent methodology quality, six was marked as good quality, and the remaining two studies were regarded as fair or poor quality. All studies reported positive effects of High-Intensity Laser therapy on knee osteoarthritis pain. Two studies (136 people) gave indication that there was moderate evidence that High-Intensity Laser therapy could be a promising new possibility in pain relief among patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with sham laser therapy in a short-term treatment (MD, -2.04, 95% CI, -2.12 to -1.96; Z= 51.01, P< 0.01). Four studies (160 people) showed that High-Intensity Laser therapy could be an effective modality on treating pain compared to conventional physiotherapies in decreasing visual analog scale score (MD, -0.98, 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.76; Z= 9.02, P< 0.01). Three studies (123 people) demonstrated that High-Intensity Laser therapy combined with exercises was more effective than placebo laser or lower-intensity laser combined with exercises in alleviating pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (MD, -1.54, 95% CI, -1.84 to -1.24; Z= 10.06, P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: High-Intensity Laser therapy could be a promising and recommended modality in alleviating knee osteoarthritis pain, especially when it was implemented in combination with exercises.

Effect of electronic structure modulation and layer spacing change of NiAl layered double hydroxide nanoflowers caused by cobalt doping on supercapacitor performance.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with high theoretical capacity have broad prospectsin energy storage applications. However, their slow charge transfer kinetics and easy agglomerate hinder their applications in high-performance supercapacitors. Herein, Co2+-doped nickel aluminum layered double hydroxides (NiAl-LDH-Co2+-x, x = 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5) have been designed and prepared by a convenient hydrothermal process. The multicomponent layer structure formed by cobalt doping facilitates sufficient penetration of the electrolyte and accelerates the charge transfer kinetics. Furthermore, the more open layer spacing and electronic interactions induced by Co2+ doping are conducive to accelerating ion de-intercalation, thereby further improving the kinetic behavior of charge storage. Benefiting from the unique microstructure and Co2+ doping effect, the prepared NiAl-LDH-Co2+-0.9 provides a superior specific capacity of 985 C g-1 at 1 A g-1. In addition, the assembled hybrid supercapacitor with the NiAl-LDH-Co2+-0.9 as the positive electrode provides a remarkable energy density of 22.51 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 800 W kg-1 and exhibits an excellent cycle life with 80 % capacity retention after 20,000 cycles. This study demonstrates the great potential of efficient microstructure design and doping strategy in enhancing the charge storage of electrode materials.

A recyclable biomass electrolyte towards green zinc-ion batteries.

The operation of traditional aqueous-electrolyte zinc-ion batteries is adversely affected by the uncontrollable growth of zinc dendrites and the occurrence of side reactions. These problems can be avoided by the development of functional hydrogel electrolytes as replacements for aqueous electrolytes. However, the mechanism by which most hydrogel electrolytes inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites on a zinc anode has not been investigated in detail, and there is a lack of a large-scale recovery method for mainstream hydrogel electrolytes. In this paper, we describe the development of a recyclable and biodegradable hydrogel electrolyte based on natural biomaterials, namely chitosan and polyaspartic acid. The distinctive adsorptivity and inducibility of chitosan and polyaspartic acid in the hydrogel electrolyte triggers a double coupling network and an associated synergistic inhibition mechanism, thereby effectively inhibiting the side reactions on the zinc anode. In addition, this hydrogel electrolyte played a crucial role in an aqueous acid-based Zinc/MnO2 battery, by maintaining its interior two-electron redox reaction and inhibiting the formation of zinc dendrites. Furthermore, the sustainable biomass-based hydrogel electrolyte is biodegradable, and could be recovered from the Zinc/MnO2 battery for subsequent recycling.

Nickel hexacyanocobaltate quantum dots embedded in N-doped carbon for aqueous alkaline batteries with ultrahigh durability.

Nickel-cobalt Prussian blue analogues (Ni-Co PBAs) suffer from structural instability in neural and alkaline electrolytes due to the dissolution of metal cations and cyanide anions caused by external H2O attack, resulting in capacity degradation and restricted life span. Herein, in this work, Ni-Co PBA quantum dots embedded in N-doped carbon (CC-Ni-Co PBA) were synthesized via a facile coprecipitation method and in situ polymerization followed by calcination under a nitrogen atmosphere. The obtained electrode provided a high specific capacity of 333.7 C g-1 and still retained 188.8 C g-1 when the current density increased by 40 times. Remarkably, it exhibited outstanding cycling stability with 82% retention of capacity after 10 000 cycles in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, which benefited from the inner Ni-Co PBA quantum dots that provided a surrounding space and significantly accommodated the volume change during the repeated charge-discharge process, and the outer carbon layer that served as a protective barrier to hinder the Ni-Co PBA from dissolving into the electrolyte, thus realizing the durability of the electrode. Furthermore, an asymmetric alkaline battery device was assembled which achieved a maximum energy density of 33.2 W h kg-1 and a power density of 3.1 kW kg-1. Our work contributed to the development of PBA-based electrode materials with improved cycling stability as battery-type electrodes in aqueous electrolytes.

Dual-Functional V2 C MXene Assembly in Facilitating Sulfur Evolution Kinetics and Li-Ion Sieving toward Practical Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered as one of the most promising candidates to achieve an energy density of 500 Wh kg⁻1 . However, the challenges of shuttle effect, sluggish sulfur conversion kinetics, and lithium-dendrite growth severely obstruct their practical implementation. Herein, multiscale V2 C MXene (VC) with a spherical confinement structure is designed as a high-efficiency bifunctional promotor for the evolution of sulfur and lithium species in Li-S batteries. Combining synchrotron X-ray 3D nano-computed tomography (X-ray 3D nano-CT), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and first-principle calculations, it is revealed that the activity of VC can be maximized by tuning the scale, and the as-attained functions are conducted as follows: (i) the VC acts as the efficient lithium polysulfide (LiPS) scavenger due to the large number of active sites; (ii) the VC exhibits significantly improved electrocatalytic function for the Li2 S nucleation and decomposition reaction kinetics owing to the scale effect; and (iii) the VC can regulate the dynamic behavior of Li-ions and thus stabilize the lithium plating/stripping effectively on account of the unique ion-sieving effect.

Regulation of the surface activity of carbon anodes for rationalization of potassium storage.

The gradient temperature was manipulated to construct hollow irregular carbon spheres with regulated intrinsic defects and surface area targeting favorable potassium storage. An enlarged surface area, increased intrinsic defects, and superior conductivity induced more surface-active interfaces. These actions facilitated a high reversible capacity as well as excellent cycling stability.

The effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation for upper limb motor recovery after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a promising noninvasive therapy to restore the excitability of the cortex, and subsequently improve the function of the upper extremities. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of iTBS in restoring upper limb function and modulating cortical excitability. We aimed to evaluate the effects of iTBS on upper limb motor recovery after stroke. Objective: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of intermittent theta-burst stimulation on upper limb motor recovery and improve the quality of life. Method: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CBM, including only English studies, to identify studies that investigated the effects of iTBS on upper limb recovery, compared with sham iTBS used in control groups. Effect size was reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD). Results: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that when compared to the control group, the iTBS group had a significant difference in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) (WMD: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.42 to 4.97; WMD: 3.72, 95% CI: 2.13 to 5.30, respectively). In addition, there was also a significant improvement in the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) compared to the sham group (WMD: -0.56; 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.28). More evidence is still needed to confirm the effect of Barthel Index (BI) scores after interventions. However, no significant effect was found for the assessment of Motor Evoked Potential (MEP) amplitude and MEP latency (SMD: 0.35; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.90; SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.87; SMD: 0.03, 95% CI: -0.49 to 0.55; respectively). Conclusion: Our results showed that iTBS significantly improved motor impairment, functional activities, and reduced muscle tone of upper limbs, thereby increasing the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in stroke patients, while there were no significant differences in MEPs. In conclusion, iTBS is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation as an adjunct to therapy and enhances the therapeutic effect of conventional physical therapy. In the future, more randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes, high quality, and follow-up are necessary to explore the neurophysiological effects. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023392739.

Effect of home-based interventions on basic activities of daily living for patients who had a stroke: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving the ability to do basic activities of daily living in patients who had a stroke. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials were searched through MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from their inception to 31 December 2021. We included studies involving home-based intervention prescribed by professionals and implemented at patients' homes. The characteristics of these studies were collected. Risk of bias of individual study was assessed by Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Meta-analyses were performed where studies reported comparable interventions and outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 49 studies were included in the systematic review and 16 studies had sufficient data for meta-analyses. The short-term effect of home-based intervention showed no significant difference when compared with institution-based intervention (standardised mean difference (SMD)=0.24, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.62, I2=0%). No significant difference was found between home-based intervention and usual care for long-term effect (SMD=0.02; 95% CI -0.17 to 0.22; I2=0%). Home-based rehabilitation combined with usual care showed a significant short-term effect on the ability to do basic daily activities, compared with usual care alone (SMD=0.55; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.87; p=0.001; I2=3%). CONCLUSION: Home-based rehabilitation with usual care, which varied from no therapy to inpatient or outpatient therapy, may have a short-term effect on the ability to do basic activities of daily living for patients who had a stroke compared with usual care alone. However, the evidence quality is low because of the limited number of studies and participants included in the meta-analysis and the possible publication bias. Future research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation in groups with stratification by stroke severity and time since stroke onset, with elaboration of details of the home-based and the control interventions. Moreover, more high-quality studies are required to prove the cost-effectiveness of newly developed strategies like caregiver-mediated rehabilitation and telerehabilitation. THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF FUNDING: The Medical Research Fund of Guangdong Province (No: A2021041).

The use of immersive virtual reality for cancer-related cognitive impairment assessment and rehabilitation: A clinical feasibility study.

Objective: This brief study aimed to examine the potential effects of virtual reality (VR)-assisted cognitive rehabilitation intervention on the health outcomes of patients with cancer. Methods: A single group of pre-test and post-test study designs were used. An innovative VR system was developed to assess cancer-related cognitive impairment and provide cognitive rehabilitation. The potential effects of the system were determined by measuring changes in cognitive function (learning and memory, information processing speed, executive function, and verbal fluency) and the severity of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Results: Nine subjects completed the entire VR intervention and were included in the analysis. The participants' mean age was 43.3 years (standard deviation, 8.9 years). The VR-based cognitive intervention significantly improved the subjective cognitive measures of perceived cognitive impairment and perceived cognitive ability (P â€‹= â€‹0.01 and P â€‹< â€‹0.01, respectively). The intervention also improved the objective cognitive measures of verbal learning memory as measured using the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (eg., P â€‹< â€‹0.01 for 5-min delay recall), information processing speed as measured using the trail-making test-A (P â€‹= â€‹0.02) and executive function as measured using the trail-making test-B (P â€‹= â€‹0.03). Only the subtest of delayed recall showed no statistically significant difference after the intervention (P â€‹= â€‹0.69). The VR-based psychological intervention significantly reduced the severity of sleep disorders (P â€‹< â€‹0.01). Conclusions: The use of immersive VR was shown to have potential effects on improving cognitive function for patients with cancer. Future studies will require a larger sample size to examine the effects of immersive VR-assisted cognitive rehabilitation on the health outcomes of patients with cancer.