Does non-invasive brain stimulation improve spatiotemporal gait parameters in people with multiple sclerosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes progressive functional impairment, mainly in walking tasks. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) could influence the motor function and improving gait ability of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze the effects of NIBS (transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS] or transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS] on functional locomotion in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials published up to November 2023 comparing the application of NIBS versus a sham or control group. The primary outcome were spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional mobility. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias in the included studies, and we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to rate the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the appropriate data using RevMan Web. RESULTS: A total of four clinical trials were included for metanalysis. We observed that there is no statistically significant difference in overall effect in gait speed (MD = 0.08; 95% CI: -0.08-0.24; p = 0.32), and cadence (MD = 0.22; 95% CI: -11.54-11.98; p = 0.97%) between groups. But there was a statistically significant difference in overall effect in stride length between groups (MD:0.19; 95% CI: 0.07-0.31; p = 0.002), mainly when the intervention performed by multiple sessions and associated with motor rehabilitation (MD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14-0.44; p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: tDCS applied by multiple session and combined with motor rehabilitation (i.e., aerobic and/or resistance training) can improve stride length in PwMS.

Behavior of neuropathy symptom score and neuropathy disability score in patients with and without peripheral diabetic neuropathy: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to stablish cut-off of early diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy (PDN) based on neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS); to determine the behavior of NDD and NDS in patients with and without PDN; and to verify the association between clinical and demographic variables with both tests. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included 86 patients with diabetes. The NSS and NDS evaluations were collected in medical records in two moments: initial (entry into service) and final (after three years). Individuals were categorized in three groups: G1- PDN in both evaluations (N = 27); G2- PDN only in the final evaluation (N = 16); G3-individuals without PDN (N = 43). A ROC curve was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of NSS and NDS for PDN diagnosis. ANOVA was used to compare NSS and NDS between groups and evaluations, and multiple regression was performed to find predictors of PDN. RESULTS: The NSS and NDS showed excellent sensitivity and specificity (NDS ≥1.5 and NSS ≥6.5) for PDN diagnosis. There was a significant difference between groups in initial (p = 0.000) and final (p = 0.000) NDS and NSS evaluations. There was an association between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and increase in NSS (p = 0.024) in G2; and association between loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and increase in NSS in G3 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NSS and NDS tests showed excellent sensitivity and specificity for early PDN diagnosis. Behavior of both tests can differ patients with and without PDN. Furthermore, PAD and LOPS can be a predictor of PDN evolution.

Effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are benefited from the continuous tactile information to enhance postural control. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults. METHODS: The search strategy (up to January 2023) was based on the PICOT (older adults; anchor system during balance and walking tasks; any control group; postural control measurements; short and/or long-term effect). Two pairs of reviewers independently examined all titles and abstracts for eligibility. The reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies, assessed the risk of bias, and certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies used a 125-g haptic anchor system. Four studies used anchors when standing in a semi-tandem position, two in tandem walking on different surfaces, and one in an upright position after plantar flexor muscle fatigue. Two studies showed that the anchor system reduced body sway. One study showed that the ellipse area was significantly lower for the 50% group (reduced frequency) in the post-practice phase. One study showed that the reduction in the ellipse area was independent of the fatigue condition. Two studies observed reduced trunk acceleration in the frontal plane during tandem waking tasks. The studies had low to moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSION: Haptic anchors can reduce postural sway during balance and walking tasks in older adults. Also, positive effects were seen during the delayed post-practice phase after the removal of anchors only in individuals who used a reduced anchor frequency.

Visual and haptic verticality misperception and trunk control within 72 h after stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke patients often exhibit an altered perception of verticality, but there are no studies evaluating verticality perception in the first 72 h after stroke and its relationship with trunk control. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze visual and haptic verticality in the acute phase of stroke. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with two groups: (a) 13 individuals with stroke and (b) 12 healthy participants. We assessed verticality via the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and the subjective haptic vertical (SHV); and we measured trunk control with the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). We performed t-tests to compare the SVV and SHV between groups. Pearson correlation was performed between verticality tests with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the TIS. RESULTS: Participants with recent stroke presented higher true and absolute SVV deviation values than did the control group. There was significant negative correlation between absolute (r = -0.57; p = 0.02) and true SVV (r = -0.54; p = 0.01) with TIS scores There was also significant positive correlation between absolute (r = 0.63; p = 0.009) and true SVV (r = 0.61; p = 0.003) with NIHSS. A significant negative correlation between NIHSS and TIS scores also was found (r = -0.80; p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Individuals with acute stroke presented larger variability in their perceptions of visual verticality than did healthy controls, and verticality perceptions were positively correlated with trunk impairment.

Hip abduction with ankle dorsiflexion (HAAD) score and trunk seating control within 72 h after stroke predicts long-term disability: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether muscle strength of the lower limb and trunk during the acute phase after stroke are predictors of motor function and disability 90 days after hospital discharge. METHODS: This prospective study used a nonconcurrent design to evaluate stroke patients at two time points: a) first 72 h: hip abduction and ankle dorsiflexion (HAAD) score, trunk sitting control, clinical evaluation, demographic profile, and stroke severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); b) 90 days after hospital discharge: modified Rankin scale (mRS). The participants were divided into two groups: good outcome (mRS 0-2) and worse outcome (mRS>2), and the differences between them were assessed statistically. Clinical and demographic variables were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve was used to illustrate the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the HAAD score cutoff for the outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included: 16 with mRS≤2 and 21 with mRS>2. Patients in the worse outcome group were older (p = 0.02) and presented with higher NIHSS scores (p = 0.002), lower HAAD scores (p < 0.001), higher pain sensation (p = 0.04), greater altered perception (p = 0.008), and no trunk control in the sitting position (p = 0.004). A lower HAAD score (OR = 0.09; 95%CI: 0.14-0.53; p < 0.001) and the absence of trunk control in the sitting position (OR = 0.55; 95%CI:0.54-0.95; p < 0.001) were associated with unsatisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSION: A HAAD score <6 and the absence of trunk control while sitting during the first 72 h are predictors of worse long-term disability in stroke patients.

Choice reaction time can be influenced by intervention protocols after stroke: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Post-stroke individuals usually present a delay in choice reaction time (CRT), and it would be important to verify the efficacy in the reduction of CRT after intervention protocols. OBJECTIVE: The main question of this review is 'What are the characteristics of the CRT test and the interventions that decrease the CRT?' STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: The search was performed in March 2019 using the electronic databases, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cinahal, Cochrane, Ovid, Scielo, PEDro, and Embase. There was no restriction regarding publication dates, and studies written in English that were conducted on poststroke patients and presented CRT results were included. RESULTS: Six studies were included in this systematic review, and the majority showed varied objectives, methodologies, and groups, regarding the number and characteristics of the sample, varying from complex to simple tasks for the CRT evaluation. CONCLUSION: This review suggests the investigation of the CRT in stroke patients with functional tasks using auditory and/or visual stimulus. About the CRT training in stroke patients, this review also suggests bilateral training, including functional tasks, and the use of structural practice blocks, but more studies are needed to better demonstrate the effects of interventions on the CRT. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (protocol no. CRD42017073995).

Music-based physical therapy in Parkinson's disease: An approach based on international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies suggests that the provision of auditory cues with music could be beneficial for people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of music-based physical therapy on the international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) components: disability, cognition, muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility. METHODS: This was a controlled, non-randomized clinical trial involving 13 individuals with PD assessed at three times: baseline, period 1 (treatment), and period 2 (no treatment). The variables analyzed were: disability by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y), cognitive function by Trail Making Test, muscle strength by Medical Research Council (MRC) and sitting-rising (SR) test, balance and functional mobility by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed up and Go (TUG). ANOVA with post-hoc multiple comparison was used to determine statistical differences between the baseline, period 1 and 2. RESULTS: there was statistically significant difference among the period 1 and 2 for the cognitive function; there was a statistically significant difference between the period 1 and 2 in SR test; in the balance evaluation by BBS, an increase was observed between the baseline and the period 1, followed by a decrease in period 2; in the TUG, there was an increase between the period 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: the music-based physical therapy, according to the ICF construct, was able to improve balance and functional mobility in individuals with PD. The functional gains were not maintained when the therapy was discontinued.

Main prognostic factors and physical therapy modalities associated with functional recovery in patients with peripheral facial paralysis / Principais fatores prognósticos e modalidades fisioterapêuticas associados à recuperação funcional em pacientes com paralisia facial periférica / Principales factores pronósticos y modalidades de fisioterapia relacionadas a la recuperación funcional de pacientes con parálisis facial periférica

ABSTRACT Patients with peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) have some degree of recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors and physical therapy modalities associated with functional recovery in patients with PFP. This is a cohort study with 33 patients. We collected the following variables of patients who underwent treatment at the rehabilitation center: age, sex, risk factors, affected side, degree of facial paralysis (House-Brackmann scale), start of rehabilitation, and therapy modality (kinesiotherapy only; kinesiotherapy with excitomotor electrotherapy; and kinesiotherapy with excitomotor electrotherapy and photobiomodulation therapy). The outcomes were: degree of facial movement (House-Brackmann) and face scale applied 90 days after treatment. Degree of PFP was associated with functional recovery (RR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.51-0.98; p=0.036). The facial movement was associated with the time to start rehabilitation (r=−0.37; p=0.033). Lower facial comfort was observed among women, worse ocular comfort was associated with diabetes mellitus, worse tear control with prior PFP, and worse social function with the degree of PFP. Our results indicate that the all modalities present in this study showed the same result in PFP. Recovery of PFP was associated with degree of nerve dysfunction, the length of time to onset of rehabilitation, female sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and previous PFP, all of which were associated with worse outcomes on the face scale.

RESUMO Os pacientes com paralisia facial periférica (PFP) apresentam diversos graus de recuperação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores prognósticos e as modalidades fisioterapêuticas associados à recuperação funcional em pacientes com PFP. Trata-se de um estudo coorte prospectiva de 33 pacientes. Foram coletadas variáveis de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento no centro de reabilitação: idade, sexo, fatores de risco, lado afetado, grau de paralisia facial (escala de House-Brackmann), início da reabilitação e modalidade de terapia (cinesioterapia; cinesioterapia associada à eletroterapia; cinesioterapia associada à eletroterapia e terapia de fotobiomodulação). Os desfechos foram: grau de movimento facial (House-Brackmann) e face scale aplicados 90 dias após o tratamento. O grau de PFP foi associado à recuperação funcional (RR=0,51, 95% IC: 0,51-0,98; p=0,036). O movimento facial foi associado com o tempo para iniciar a reabilitação (r=−0,37; p=0,033). Menor conforto facial foi observado entre as mulheres, pior conforto ocular em indivíduos com diabetes mellitus, pior controle lacrimal em indivíduos com PFP prévia e pior função social com o grau de PFP. Todas as modalidades apresentadas neste estudo tiveram o mesmo resultado na PFP. A recuperação da PFP foi associada ao grau de disfunção nervosa, ao tempo de início da reabilitação, ao sexo feminino, à hipertensão arterial sistêmica, ao diabetes mellitus e à PFP prévia, todos associados a piores desfechos na face scale.

RESUMEN Los pacientes con parálisis facial periférica (PFP) tienen diferentes grados de recuperación. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los factores pronósticos y las modalidades de fisioterapia relacionadas a la recuperación funcional de pacientes con PFP. Este es un estudio de cohorte prospectivo con 33 pacientes. Se recogieron las siguientes variables de pacientes sometidos a tratamiento en el centro de rehabilitación: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, lado afectado, grado de parálisis facial (escala de House-Brackmann), inicio de la rehabilitación y modalidad de terapia (kinesioterapia, kinesioterapia asociada a la electroterapia, kinesioterapia asociada a la electroterapia y terapia de fotobiomodulación). Los resultados fueron: grado de movimiento facial (House-Brackmann) y face scale, aplicados 90 días después del tratamiento. El grado de PFP se asoció con la recuperación funcional (RR=0,51,95% IC: 0,51-0,98; p=0,036). El movimiento facial se asoció con el tiempo para comenzar la rehabilitación (r=−0,37; p=0,033). Se observó menor comodidad facial entre las mujeres, peor comodidad ocular en personas con diabetes mellitus, peor control lagrimal en individuos con PFP previa y peor función social con el grado de PFP. Todas las modalidades presentadas en este estudio tuvieron el mismo resultado en PFP. La recuperación de la PFP se asoció con el grado de disfunción nerviosa, el tiempo inicial de la rehabilitación, el sexo femenino, la hipertensión arterial sistémica, la diabetes mellitus y la PFP previa, todos asociados con peores resultados en face scale.

Efeitos da equoterapia sobre o equilíbrio estático e dinâmico no transtorno neurocognitivo maior ou leve devido à Doença de Huntington / Effects of equine therapy on static and dynamic balance in major or minor neurocognitive disorder due to Huntington's disease

Objetivo: Demonstrar os efeitos da equoterapia sobre o equilíbrio estático e dinâmico em um indivíduo com transtorno neurocognitivo devido a Doença de Huntington. Metodologia: Desenvolveu-se um estudo de caso, com a realização de 12 sessões de equoterapia, com duração de 45 minutos. A amostra foi composta por um indivíduo do sexo masculino, de 52 anos de idade, com diagnóstico comprovado de Doença de Huntington. Os exercícios terapêuticos basearam-se em estímulos para obtenção de equilíbrio, coordenação, flexibilidade, dissociação de cintura pélvica e escapular e estímulos cognitivos. A avaliação foi realizada pré e pós programa de equoterapia, através da Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg, que avaliou os equilíbrio estático e dinâmico. Resultados: Após as 12 sessões de equoterapia, foi possível observar mudanças no escores segundo a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg. Em pré-equoterapia, o escore foi de 26 pontos e, pós-equoterapia, foi de 45 pontos. Escores abaixo de 35 indicam altos índices de queda. Conclusão: Sugere-se que a prática da equoterapia pode contribuir para a melhoria do equilíbrio corporal de pessoas com transtorno neurocognitivo devido à Doença de Huntington, principalmente nos aspectos relacionados a alcançar, girar, transferir-se e permanecer em pé. (AU)

Objective: This article aims to demonstrate the effects of equine therapy on static and dynamic balance in an individual with neurocognitive disorder due to Huntington's Disease. Methods: This is a case report, with completion of 12 sessions of hippotherapy, with a duration of 45 minutes. The sample was composed by an individual male, 52 years, with diagnosis proved of Huntington Disease. The therapeutic exercises were based on stimuli to obtain balance, coordination, flexibility, decoupling of pelvic and scapular and stimuli for cognition. The evaluation was performed pre and post program of hippotherapy, through the Berg Balance Scale, which evaluated the static and dynamic balance. Results: After 12 sessions of hippotherapy, it was possible to observe changes in scores according to the Berg Balance Scale. In pre-hippotherapy, the score was 26 points and, post hippotherapy, was 45 points. Conclusion: according to the Berg Balance Scale, there was a change in the score pre and post hippotherapy. In pre-hippotherapy, the same was associated with elevated risk of falls and, in post hippotherapy, the same presented scores that represent a low risk of falls, improving mainly on aspects related to achieve, rotate, move and remain on foot, promoting a higher level of independence, with less unstable and clues to falls in that individual study. (AU)

Cannabinoids for spasticity due to multiple sclerosis or paraplegia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: Spasticity remains highly prevalent in patients with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. To summarize the effects of cannabinoids compared with usual care, placebo for spasticity due to multiple sclerosis (MS) or paraplegia. METHODS: Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and LILACS to March 2017 were performed to identify randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes were spasticity and spasm frequency. The criteria were any patient with MS and spasticity affecting upper or lower limbs or both, and that had a confirmed diagnosis of MS based on validated criteria, or however defined by the authors of the included studies. RESULTS: 16 trials including 2597 patients were eligible. Moderate-certainty evidence suggested a non-statistically significant decrease in spasticity (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.36 [confidential interval (CI) 95% -0.17 to 0.88; p=0.18; I2=88%]), and spasm frequency (SMD 0.04 [CI 95% -0.15 to 0.22]). There was an increase in adverse events such as dizziness (risk ratio (RR) 3.45 [CI 95% 2.71-4.4; p=0.20; I2=23%]), somnolence (RR 2.9 [CI 95% 1.98-4.23; p=0.77; I2=0%]), and nausea (RR 2.25 [CI 95% 1.62-3.13; p=0.83; I2=0%]). CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate certainty evidence regarding the impact of cannabinoids in spasticity (average 0.36 more spasticity; 0.17 fewer to 0.88 more) due to multiple sclerosis or paraplegia, and in adverse events such as dizziness (419 more dizziness/1000 over 19 weeks), somnolence (127 more somnolence/1000 over 19 weeks), and nausea (125 more somnolence/1000 over 19 weeks).

Association between clinical condition and F-waves changes in the acute phase of stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To relate F-waves with clinical and laboratory exams in the acute phase of stroke. METHODS: Inclusion criteria for this cross-sectional study were: hemiplegia, absence of previous cranial trauma, myopathy, diabetes, alcoholism or other known causes of peripheral neuropathy, and normal sensory and motor conduction. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, glycemia, glucosilate hemoglobin, and CPK were obtained at admission by routine blood exams. After hospital admission, the F-wave latencies and persistence were obtained from the deep peroneal nerve using symmetrical techniques. RESULTS: Evaluation of 20 individuals - mean age 66 years, 50% male and 85% Caucasian - showed association of F-wave persistence with glycemia (r = 0.71; p < 0.001) and NIHSS categorized (NIHSS 1-7 = 65.0 x NIHSS 9-23 = 100; p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis found only association of F-wave persistence with glycemia ß = 0.59 (0.44-0.74); p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The increase in the persistence of F-waves are associated with hyperglycemia in the acute phase of stroke.

Association between clinical condition and F-waves changes in the acute phase of stroke / Associação entre condição clínica e alterações das ondas-F na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT Objective To relate F-waves with clinical and laboratory exams in the acute phase of stroke. Methods Inclusion criteria for this cross-sectional study were: hemiplegia, absence of previous cranial trauma, myopathy, diabetes, alcoholism or other known causes of peripheral neuropathy, and normal sensory and motor conduction. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, glycemia, glucosilate hemoglobin, and CPK were obtained at admission by routine blood exams. After hospital admission, the F-wave latencies and persistence were obtained from the deep peroneal nerve using symmetrical techniques. Results Evaluation of 20 individuals – mean age 66 years, 50% male and 85% Caucasian – showed association of F-wave persistence with glycemia (r = 0.71; p < 0.001) and NIHSS categorized (NIHSS 1-7 = 65.0 x NIHSS 9-23 = 100; p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis found only association of F-wave persistence with glycemia β = 0.59 (0.44–0.74); p < 0.001. Conclusion The increase in the persistence of F-waves are associated with hyperglycemia in the acute phase of stroke.

RESUMO Objetivo Relacionar as ondas-F com exames clínicos e laboratoriais na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Os critérios de inclusão para este estudo transversal foram: hemiplegia, ausência de trauma craniano, miopatia, diabetes, alcoolismo ou outra causa conhecida de neuropatia periférica, além de condução sensorial e motora normal. O National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), glicemia, hemoglobina glicada e CPK foram obtidos na admissão por meio de exames de rotina. Após a admissão hospitalar, a latência e persistência das ondas-F foram obtidas por meio da estimulação do nervo fibular profundo utilizando técnicas simétricas. Foram avaliados 20 indivíduos – média de idade 66 anos, 50% homem e 85% caucasianos – apresentaram associação univariada da persistência das ondas-F com glicemia (r = 0.71; p < 0.001) e NIHSS categorizado (NIHSS 1–7 = 65.0 x NIHSS 9-23 = 100; p = 0.004). Na regressão multivariada foi encontrado associação somente entre persistência de ondas-F com glicemia β = 0.59(0.44–0.74); p < 0.001. Conclusão O aumento da persistência de ondas-F está associado com maior nível de glicemia na fase aguda do AVC.