Equations for estimating the oxygen cost of walking in stroke patients: Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To report all equations that can potentially be used to estimate the oxygen cost of walking (Cw) without using a respiratory gas exchange analyzer and to provide the level of reliability of each equation. DATA SOURCES: Webline, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE), and Wiley Online Library databases from 1950 to August 2019 with search terms related to stroke and oxygen cost of walking. METHODS: This systematic review was reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the methodological quality of included studies was determined with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). RESULTS: We screened 2065 articles, and 33 were included for full-text analysis. Four articles were included in the data synthesis (stroke individuals=184). Analysis reported 4 equations estimating Cw that were developed from logistic regression equations between Cw and self-selected walking speed. The equations differed in several methodological aspects (characteristics of individuals, type of equation, Cw reference measurement methods). The Compagnat et al. study had the highest quality (CASP score=9/9). CONCLUSIONS: This literature review highlighted 4 equations for estimating Cw from self-selected walking speed. Compagnat et al. presented the best quality parameters, but this work involved a population restricted to individuals with hemispheric stroke sequelae.

Effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation using active video games on quality of life, cognitive and motor functions in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: We summarized the effectiveness of home-based active video game interventions on physical and cognitive functions, as well as quality of life in adults with Parkinson's disease. We also assessed the feasibility, safety, adherence, and retention of benefits of these interventions. METHOD: We searched studies in eight databases from 1st March to 30th November 2020. Two authors independently performed the selection, data extraction and risk of bias evaluation (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020178138). RESULTS: Nine studies were included in this systematic review (412 participants). All in all, home-based active video games were found effective in improving gait and balance functions in people with Parkinson's disease, equivalent to usual care and conventional therapy. No conclusion can be drawn on cognition and quality of life. Home-based active video games seemed feasible, safe, and were enjoyed by people with Parkinson's disease. The optimal dose, the need for supervision and the retention of benefits of these interventions are still to be determined. These results should be interpreted carefully, considering the limited number of included studies and their small sample sizes, the widespread heterogeneity of included studies and their medium average methodological quality. CONCLUSION: Future research should focus on the effects of home-based active video games on impairments specific to Parkinson's disease, such as falls, freezing of gait and attention, as well as the dose, need for supervision and retention of the benefits of these interventions.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHome-based active video games are effective in improving motor functions in people with PD.No conclusion can be drawn regarding cognition in people with PD.No conclusion can be drawn regarding quality of life in people with PD.Home-based active video games seem feasible and safe, and are enjoyed by people with PD.The dose, need for control and retention of the benefits still need to be determined.

Validity of wearable actimeter computation of total energy expenditure during walking in post-stroke individuals.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies reported that wearable sensor devices show low validity for assessing the amount of energy expenditure in individuals after stroke. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the validity of energy expenditure calculation based on the product of energy cost and walked distance estimated by wearable devices in individuals after hemispheric stroke. METHODS: We recruited individuals with hemispheric stroke sequelae who were able to walk without human assistance. The participants wore a tri-axial accelerometer (Actigraph GT3x) and a pedometer (ONStep 400) on the unaffected hip in addition to a respiratory gas exchange analyzer (METAMAX 3B) during 6min of walking at their self-selected walking speed and mode. The energy expenditure was calculated from the product of energy cost measured by the METAMAX 3B and the distance estimated by wearable devices. It was compared to the energy expenditure measured by the METAMAX 3B and the energy expenditure values recorded by the devices according to the manufacturer's algorithms. The validity was investigated by Bland-Altman analysis (mean bias [MB], root mean square error [RMSE], limits of agreement [95%LoA]), and Pearson correlation analysis (r). RESULTS: We included 26 participants (mean [SD] age 64.6 [14.8] years). With the pedometer, the energy expenditure calculated from the product of energy cost and walked distance showed high accuracy and agreement with METAMAX 3B values (MB=-1.6kcal; RMSE=4.1kcal; 95%LoA=-9.9; 6.6kcal; r=0.87, P<0.01) but low accuracy and agreement with Actigraph GT3x values (MB=15.7kcal; RMSE=8.7kcal; 95%LoA=-1.3; 32.6kcal; r=0.44, P=0.02) because of poorer estimation of walked distance. With the pedometer, this new method of calculation strongly increased the validity parameter values for estimating energy expenditure as compared with the manufacturer's algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: This new method based on the energy cost and distance estimated by wearable devices provided better energy expenditure estimates for the pedometer than did the manufacturer's algorithm. The validity of this method depended on the accuracy of the sensor to measure the distance walked by an individual after stroke.

Predicting the oxygen cost of walking in hemiparetic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the relation between spontaneous walking speed (Sfree) and oxygen cost of walking at Sfree (Cwfree) in post-stroke hemiparetic patients and to test the validity of a prediction model to estimate Cwfree based on Sfree. DESIGN: We included 26 participants (mean age 65.1 years [SD 15.7]) with mild to moderate disability after stroke who walked at Sfree using mobility aids if necessary for 6min. The Cwfree was measured at a stabilized metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry with the Metamax 3B spiroergometry device. The relation between Sfree and Cwfree was analyzed by the correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (R2). The Cwfree prediction model was developed from a regression equation, then tested on a second population of 29 patients (mean age 62.1 years [SD 13.4]) with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: For the 26 participants, the Sfree and Cwfree were highly correlated (r=-0.94 and R2=0.97), which allowed for formulating a regression equation and developing the Cwfree prediction model based on Sfree. The prediction model tests yielded accurate results (mean bias -0.02mL.kg-1.m-1; 95% limits of agreement -0.31 to 0.26mL.kg-1.m-1). The relation between Cwfree estimated by the model and measured by Metamax was high (R2=0.98). CONCLUSION: Cwfree was strongly correlated with Sfree, which allowed for the development of a valid Cwfree prediction model. A practitioner could estimate the energy expenditure of walking for a patient without using an indirect calorimeter.

The influence of age in women in visuo-spatial memory in reaching and navigation tasks with and without landmarks.

Spatial memory and navigation capabilities tend to decline in normal aging, but few studies have assessed the impact of landmarks on route learning in a large-scale environment. The objectives were to examine age-related effects on visuo-spatial working memory capabilities in various environments and to determine the impact of landmarks in navigation skills in normal aging. 42 young women (23.6 ±â€¯4.9 years) and 37 older women (70.7 ±â€¯4.7 years) with no cognitive impairment have performed three visuo-spatial working memory tests: one in reaching space (computerized Corsi-Block-Tapping test) and two in locomotor navigation space (a condition without landmarks: Virtual Walking Corsi Test and a condition with landmarks: Virtual Room Walking Test). A two-way mixed ANOVA test showed that the young subjects performed better in all conditions than older subjects. The performance in visuo-spatial working memory thus decreases with age. Visuo-spatial working memory performances were identical in reaching and navigation spaces for both groups. The integration of landmarks into a navigational task decreases performance in older women, while this performance is not altered in younger women.

[The management of stroke in Phnom Penh, Cambodia]. / Prise en charge des accidents vasculaires cérébraux à Phnom Penh, Cambodge.

Stroke ranks first among nervous pathologies in Kampuchea. It's a main cause of disability and mortality in our country. We conducted a prospective study including 100 patients hospitalized in the service of general medicine at the Calmette hospital in Phnom Penh. We analyzed the principal risk factors, clinical signs, nature of stroke, complications and markers of the vital and functional prognosis. This work shows the difficulties encountered in the initial care of stroke: delay or absence of hospitalization, cost of complementary examinations to be carried out to determine the nature and the aetiology of stroke and very low level of follow-up to ensure secondary prevention and functional rehabilitation. It can be explained in part by the socioeconomic and cultural level. Research like this one which assesses local needs for stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation should be conducted in developing countries to inform the planning and allocation of health care resources in order to reduce the burden of illness associated with stroke. The progressive improvement of the medical structures, and of the socioeconomic and cultural level will facilitate stroke care management.

[Early prediction of functional outcome one year after initial unilateral hemispheric stroke]. / Facteurs prédictifs du devenir fonctionnel et du retour à domicile après un premier accident vasculaire cérébral hémisphérique.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several prognostic factors have been identified for outcome after stroke. We conducted a study to determine early predictive factors of functional outcome one year after stroke and to evaluate which factors are independent predictors, with an aim of specifying the role of age, aphasia, unilateral neglect, cognitive impairment and family social support. METHODS: Observational cohort study of 156 patients. All patients admitted to the university hospital for initial unilateral hemispheric stroke were included. The study duration was two years (inclusion, one year, and follow-up, one year) . The initial evaluation of stroke was conducted at day 2 and day 15 and included the Motricity Index and Trunk Control Test, New Functional Ambulation Classification, Frenchay arm test, Mini-Mental State Examination, Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, unilateral neglect evaluation, and depression. Data on functional recovery (Barthel Index) were collected at day 360. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 72 years. Age was correlated to social situation (P<0.01) and previous neurological impairment (P<0.01). A multiple regression analysis, including 14 initial clinical factors correlated with the Barthel Index score at day 360, revealed 4 independent early predictive factors of outcome: initial score of Barthel Index at day 2 and its progression from day 2 to day 15, disorders of the executive functions and previous neurological impairment. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, in accordance with previous studies, age, cognitive impairment, unilateral neglect, aphasia, depression and social situation are not independent factors of poor outcome after stroke as evaluated by the Barthel Index.

[Beds dedicated to stroke patients in postacute care units. Are national guidelines followed?]. / Nombre de lits dédiés à la pathologie vasculaire cérébrale en soins de suite et de réadaptation. Les recommandations nationales sont-elles pertinentes?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the number of beds necessary for stroke patients in postacute care units and to measure the relevance of the national guidelines on required number of beds. METHODOLOGY: We conducted an epidemiological follow-up of a cohort, what allowed for evaluating stroke care under real-life conditions. We applied the French guidelines for transfer of patients to postacute care wards. RESULTS: Of the 605 stroke patients hospitalised, 156 with a mean age of 72 years were included. A total of 64 (41%) could return home directly from the acute care wards and 73 (47%) were referred to postacute care wards. Among the latter patients, 31 (43%) were transferred to a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) unit and 42 (57%) to a geriatric unit. The 19 remaining patients died in acute care. Of the 137 surviving patients, 46.7% returned directly home and 53.2% were referred to postacute care wards. Of patients older than 80 years, 74% were transferred to a geriatric unit, whereas 76% of the patients less than 80 years were transferred to a PMR unit. DISCUSSION-CONCLUSION: The national guidelines are based on a rate of discharge of about 24% of stroke patients to postacute care wards. In our study, we found that 47% were transferred to such wards. If the guidelines are applied, 19 beds dedicated to stroke patients would be necessary for postacute stroke care on a national level, or double that (36) on a regional level. Of these 36 beds, 16 to 24 should be PMR beds. The calculation of the number of beds necessary often rests on a simple transposition of the results of the studies and not on an objective evaluation according to the local context. Studies of longitudinal follow-up of cohorts such as this seem essential to evaluate needs and measure the relevance of the national guidelines.

Total body water and percentage fat mass measurements using bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry in spinal cord-injured patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Spinal cord injured patients may be adversely affected by disturbances of nutritional status, particularly malnutrition and fat mass overload. Malnutrition increases the risk for development of pressure sores, and fat mass excess increases the cardiovascular and respiratory risks of these patients, as well as predisposing to the development of diabetes mellitus, pressures sores and bony fractures. Body impedance analysis and anthopometry are easy bedside methods for body composition assessment. The aims of the study were to validate, in 20 spinal cord injured patients, body impedance analysis as a means to estimate total body water, and to validate a skinfold measurement of percentage fat independent of hydration of fat-free mass in the same population. METHODS: Total body water was measured by (18)O dilution as a reference method. Impedance and anthropometric measurements (four different skinfolds) were obtained. The results of total body water given by impedance analysis and calculated with three formulas were compared to the reference method. The fat mass percentage obtained with each of the skinfolds using the 3-compartment Siri's formula was compared to a reference value using the sum of the skinfolds. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The formula using 100 kHz resistance, height, weight and gender overestimated total body water by only 0.76 +/- 1.85 L, with an acceptable concordance with labeled water results. The formula with 50 kHz resistance was less accurate and concordant. Each skinfold may be used for assessing percentage fat mass. Based on these findings, we feel that the triceps skinfold, whose the variability is the lowest compared to the reference values, can be used alone in clinical practice.

[Clinical factors associate with shoulder subluxation in stroke patients]. / Facteurs cliniques associés à la subluxation de l'épaule chez l'hémiplégique vasculaire.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores whether shoulder subluxation after stroke is related to age, hemiplegic side motor impairment, spasticity, sensory deficit, depression, unilateral neglect and length of stay in acute ward. METHOD: This prospective study included 57 patients with hemiplegia. The shoulder subluxation was systematically detected by radiography and quantified according to de Bats score. The complete clinical assessment of the upper limb on day 15 analyzed motricity (motricity index), spasticity of shoulder adductors and biceps (Ashworth), sensory deficit, unilateral neglect and depression (MADRS). Age, side of hemiplegia and the aetiology were also noted. We researched relations between shoulder subluxation and these clinical factors. Means were compared using Mann Whitney and chi(2) tests. Coefficients of correlation were estimated between two quantitative variables. A multiple regression analysis was also conducted including all significant parameters, the dependent variable being the shoulder subluxation. RESULTS: Shoulder subluxation was observed in 32% of hemiplegic patients. After multiple regression analysis, the main clinical factors related to subluxation were motor (p < 0.0001), spasticity of shoulder adductors (p = 0.028) and age (p = 0.036). Statistically, the risk of subluxation was divided by 1.62 (1.07, 2.43) for every five years age growth and by two (1.33, 2.94) when the motricity index went up by ten points. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the age could play an independent part. The loss of elasticity of the periarticular tissues when ageing could have a protective role.

[Reliability of TcPO(2) measurement in the upper limb]. / Evaluation de la reproductibilité de la mesure transcutanée de la pression partielle d'oxygène (TcPO(2)) au niveau de la main.

INTRODUCTION: Several reports suggest the usefulness of transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO(2)) in assessing the shoulder hand syndrome in stroke patients. But the literature presents a number of conflicting views on the variation of TcPO(2) values in this case. We found no report demonstrating the reliability of TcPO(2) measurements in the upper limb. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of TcPO(2) measurements and investigate whether TcPO(2) can be used to evaluate the shoulder hand syndrome after stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The TcPO(2) values were obtained on two separate occasions at one-day interval on 18 normal volunteers. Basal TcPO(2), local vasomotor reflex and reaction to ischemia were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-six upper limbs were tested. The reliability was bad. We found that measurements of TcPO(2) varied by an average of 7.89 +/- 7.6 mmHg for a coefficient of variation of 96%. CONCLUSION: The reliability of TcPO(2) measurement was not sufficient to recommend this method in this indication.

[The shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: clinical factors of severity and value of prognostic score of Perrigot]. / Algoneurodystrophie du membre supérieur de l'hémiplégique : facteurs cliniques de gravité et intérêt du score pronostique de Perrigot.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prognostical factors of reflex sympathetic dystrophy in stroke patients in attempt to improve the Perrigot prognostical score. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This prospective study included 28 stroke patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. An initial clinical assessment including Perrigot score was made at the time of admission (before the end of the first month) and a second evaluation of reflex sympathetic dystrophy at the end of the third month. Patients were assessed using Motricity Index, Ashworth scale, de Bats grading (for glenohumeral alignment), Labrousse criteria (for reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity), and MADRS depression scale. Sensory deficit and unilateral neglect were noted. RESULTS: The length of stay in acute ward was 16 days. The Perrigot score was correlated with the reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity (r = 0.7, p < 0.0001). It predicted the result of therapy. A significant correlation was found between reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity and motor deficit (r = -0.591, p = 0.0007) and spasticity (p < 0.05). No relation was found with stroke side, unilateral neglect, depression or shoulder subluxation. It wasn't possible to improve the Perrigot prognostical score. CONCLUSION: Perrigot score predict reflex sympathetic dystrophy severity and the result of therapy. The shoulder subluxation which is not included in this score appears to be not predictive. Shoulder subluxation is simply a marker of a severe paresis.

[Epidemiology and prognostic significance of bladder sphincter disorders after an initial cerebral hemisphere vascular accident]. / Epidémiologie et signification pronostique des troubles vésicosphinctériens après un premier accident vasculaire cérébral hémisphérique.

OBJECTIVE: To document incidence of poststroke urinary incontinence and retention and to determine its effect on 3 months outcome. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. One hundred fifty-five cases of first hemispherical stroke were classified by continence status, retention or incontinence, at D2 after stroke. Age, sex, stroke location and aetiology, hypertension, diabetes were noted. Outcome data collected at D15 and D90 included impairments, disabilities, quality of life and case fatality rates. Disabilities were measured with Barthel Index (BI), Franchay Arm Test (FAT), New Functional Ambulation Classification (NFAC) and quality of life with EuroQol. RESULTS: Of the 155 patients, 62 had initial urinary disorders. The incidence was 40% at D2, 32% at D15 and 19% at D90. Retention represented 36% of urinary disorders at D2 and D15 and only 19% at D90. Urinary disorders were associated with motor weakness, lower Barthel Index, dysphasia, aphasia, apraxia and unilateral neglect. There was no relation with sex, age, stroke aetiology and diabetes. At D90, patients with initial urinary disorders had higher case fatality rates 22% versus 16% (P < 0.0001) and greater disabilities: BI of 60 versus 90 (P < 0.0001), NFAC of five versus seven (P < 0.0001), FAT of four versus six (P = 0.0019). CONCLUSION: Poststroke urinary disorders were associated with stroke gravity and adversely affected D90 stroke survival rates and functional outcome. Retention was strongly associated with D90 survival rates.

[Epidemiology of pes varus and/or equinus one year after a first cerebral hemisphere stroke: apropos of a cohort of 86 patients]. / Epidémiologie des pieds varus et/ou équin un an après un premier accident vasculaire cérébral hémisphérique: à propos d'une cohorte de 86 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and the functional consequences of varus equinus in stabilized vascular hemiplegia. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 86 hemiplegic patients. All patients consecutively admitted for a first hemispheral stroke between July 2001 and January 2002 were included. The evaluation consisted in a clinical examination and a descriptive study of gait. The functional capacity of patients with and without varus equinus were compared using the Barthel index, the New Functional Ambulation Classification (NFAC), the confortable ten meters gait speed and gait perimeter. RESULTS: The incidence of varus equinus was 18%. There was no difference in gait speed (0.8 m/s), NFAC or Barthel index between patients with or without varus equinus. Patients with varus equinus had had more specialized, intensive and prolonged rehabilitation. The only prognostic factor that could be identified was the motor impairment and the existence of spasticity. DISCUSSION: The mechanism of varus equinus is thought to be mainly the over-activity of gastrocnemius and solaris compared to that of the tibialis anterior, associated to the weakness of fibular muscles. The role of tibialis posterior is thought to be less important. The frequency of varus equinus after a first hemispheral stroke was low and the consequences were limited. This could be in part explained by the access of these patients to early, specialized and prolonged rehabilitation care.

[Proposal for a predictive clinical scale in dysphagia]. / Proposition d'une échelle clinique prédictive du risque de fausses-routes.

The compiling of a predictive clinical scoring system for the risk of a false passage (FP) has its origins in the limitations of tests which explore only the cough reflex, known to be absent or faulty in 40% of patients investigated for problems of deglutition. A raised clinical score is based on the results of an exhaustive prospective study of 140 patients tested for the first time by videofluoroscopy for FP, this being the reference investigation for false passages. Discriminant analysis allowed the most selective variables to be identified and retained. We have identified 2 categories of patients, according to whether or not they have had any ENT past history. The score is obtained by adding the weighted values for the selected clinical signs. For those patients with an ENT past history, 5 clinical variables were retained: the absence of adhesions = 14, the presence of a velar reflex = 8, the capacity for voluntary deglutition = 8, glottic obstruction = 6, the absence of primitive reflexes = 6, giving a total score for the variables of between 0 and 42. If the total exceeds 32 or is less than 26, there is no FP; for scores between 32 and 26, videofluoroscopy is required to give more precise evidence of the risk. When this scoring system was applied prospectively to a series of 105 patients, a correct predictive result was obtained in 54 patients (51.4%), an equivocal result in 42 patients (40%), and a false result in 9 patients (8.6%), 3 of which (2.8%) were false negatives. The predictive score for FP allows evaluation of the risks of FP in at-risk patients, and adaptation of the treatment strategy according to the type of disordered physiology expected from the cause; thus videofluoroscopy can then be reserved for cases where treatment fails, so that the precise deglutition problem can be pinpointed.

[Nutritional status and clinical score of 95 patients examined by radiovideoscopy for deglutition]. / Etat nutritionnel et score clinique de 95 patients explorés en radiovidéoscopie de la déglutition.

Ninety five consecutive patients were examined. One performed swallowing videoradioscopy, swallowing clinical score calculation and nutritional assessment with four different methods: Body Mass Index (BMI), arm muscle circumference, dual frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and serum albumin level. The easiest and the most reliable method for nutritional assessment, comparing to the others, was BMI, where only weight ant height were necessary to measure. So, the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition was 24.2%, unlinked neither with the presence of videoradioscopy swallowing disorders nor with clinical swallowing score level. The score level was inversely correlated with the presence of videoradioscopy swallowing disorders, and correlated with feeding types: the highest for per os normal feeding, the lowest for patients with parenteral nutrition. The presence of videoradioscopy swallowing disorders was inversely correlated with feeding types. Swallowing clinical score was validated.

Parkinson's patient runs an ultra marathon: a case report.

Studies show that physical activity involving prolonged endurance may benefit patients with Parkinson's disease by promoting the secretion and/or availability and use of dopamine. We report the case of a Parkinson's patient who took part in an ultra-marathon to show that extreme physical activity is possible and can facilitate medical treatment with a possible positive effect on brain structures. We report the case of a 48-year-old man in the initial stages of Parkinson's disease who took part in a 100-km run. Preparation included running approximately 90 km a week in six sessions. Evaluation included clinical monitoring and DaTSCAN® follow-up. After taking up running, the patient gradually stopped levodopa without worsening of symptoms as assessed on the UPDRS scale. DaTSCAN® imaging performed 3 days after the 100-km run showed partial correction of abnormalities seen 3 days before the race: improvement in binding at the putamen bilaterally and at the caudate nucleus on the right. Since then, the patient has continued to run regularly, for an average of 40 minutes on 5 days out of every 7. This case shows that demanding physical activity is possible in such circumstances and can help reduce medical treatment, potentially with a positive effect on the plasticity of the brain structures involved.

Evaluation of surgical treatment for ruptured Achilles tendon in 31 athletes.

INTRODUCTION: In the past few decades, the incidence of Achilles tendon rupture has increased in parallel with increased sports participation. Although the optimal treatment remains controversial, there is a trend towards surgical treatment in athletes. HYPOTHESIS: Surgical repair of ruptured Achilles tendon in athlete results in good functional and objective recovery, irrespective of the type of surgery performed. Subsidiarily, are the results different between percutaneous surgery (PS) and standard open surgery (OS)? MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 31 patients who presented with a ruptured Achilles tendon that occurred during sports participation. Percutaneous surgery was performed in 16 patients and open surgery in 15 patients between 2005 and 2009. The objective recovery status was evaluated by open chain goniometry, measurement of leg muscle atrophy and assessment of isokinetic strength. The functional analysis was based on the delay, level of sports upon return, AOFAS and VAS for pain. RESULTS: Our series of Achilles tendon rupture patients consisted of 88% men and 12% women, with an average age of 38 years. In 71% of cases, the rupture occurred during eccentric loading. After a follow-up of 15 months, the muscle atrophy was 13 mm after PS and 24 mm after OS (P=0.01). A strength deficit of 19% in the plantar flexors was found in the two groups. No patient experienced a rerupture. The return to sports occurred at 130 days after PS and 178 days after OS (P=0.005). The average AOFAS score was 94 and the VAS was 0.5. There were no differences in ankle range of motion between the two groups. The majority (77%) of patients had returned to their preinjury level of sports activity. DISCUSSION: The return to activities of daily living was slower in our study than in studies based in Anglo-Saxon countries; this can be explained by the different sick leave coverage systems. Percutaneous surgery resulted in a faster return to sports (about 130 days) and less muscle atrophy than open surgery. Our results for return to sports and return to preinjury levels were similar to published results for athletes and were independent of the type of surgery performed. The AOFAS score was comparable to published studies. We found no difference in muscle strength between the two surgery groups 15 months after the procedure. Apart from venous thrombosis typically described after lower-limb immobilization, secondary postoperative complications mostly consisted of sural paresthesia, which had resolved at the 15-month postoperative follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSION: The results of surgical treatment for ruptured Achilles tendon are good overall. By combining the simplicity of conservative treatment and the reliability of standard surgical treatment, percutaneous surgery is the treatment of choice to achieve excellent results. The return to sports occurred earlier, the muscle atrophy was less and the functional score was better in our patients treated by percutaneous surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Long-term transanal irrigation's continuation at home. Preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term outcome of Peristeen's home use. METHOD: Retrospective study on the 16 first patients treated by Peristeen in the department of physical and readaptation medicine of Limoges universitary hospital, by the mean of phone interviews. RESULTS: Successful outcome was achieved in 62.5% patients after a mean follow-up of 2.6 years. All patients had neurogenic bowel disorders, including 75% of constipation. Most of cases of Peristeen discontinuation occurred at the treatment beginning, one month after introduction in two thirds of cases. In patients who were still using transanal irrigation (TAI), mean grade of satisfaction with the Peristeen system was 9.12/10, despite the high rate of technical problems (77.8% of cases). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the limits of Peristeen's long-term using and suggests the interest of a specific therapeutic education to Peristeen and of a systematic control consultation within the 3 first months of treatment.

Therapeutic patient education for stroke survivors: Non-pharmacological management. A literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Focus on the different therapeutic patient education (TPE) programs for stroke survivors found in the literature. Verify their content and efficacy. METHOD: A literature review was conducted by searching for entries from 1966 to 2011 in the Medline and Cochrane Library databases. The references for the accepted articles were taken into consideration and the articles corresponding to the criteria inclusion but not present within the initial search were selected. The keywords used were "self care", "self management", "patient education" and "stroke". Given the multiplicity of symptoms that may be addressed in TPE programs, and following expert advice, the symptoms were grouped after expanding the bibliographic search using the following, additional keywords: "dysphagia"; "swallowing disorder"; "urinary incontinence"; "caregiver"; "fall prevention"; "falling"; "injury"; "shoulder pain"; "physical activity"; "exercise"; "aphasia" and "cognitive impairment". RESULTS: We found 30 article abstracts. In the end, we only accepted seven articles on general TPE programs that were well structured and detailed enough. The TPE programs found in the literature were often of questionable methodological quality. The multiplicity of symptoms led to very general TPE programs that covered all possible stroke after-effects. The purpose of these programs was to reduce stress and anxiety, to improve quality of life and to alleviate psychosocial after-effects. A change in caregiver and patient behavior was observed at times. We expanded the bibliographic search to include scientific arguments that could help implement TPE programs for more specific targets. CONCLUSION: TPE programs for stroke survivors could be improved by standardizing and assessing programs that focus on a specific problem caused by the various possible after-effects of strokes. In order to promote education for stroke survivors, specific training for health care professionals and appropriate funding are necessary.