Effectiveness of a Novel Contralaterally Controlled Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Restoring Lower Limb Motor Performance and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Contralaterally controlled neuromuscular electrical stimulation (CCNMES) is a novel electrical stimulation treatment for stroke; however, reports on the efficacy of CCNMES on lower extremity function after stroke are scarce. Objective: To compare the effects of CCNMES versus NMES on lower extremity function and activities of daily living (ADL) in subacute stroke patients. Methods: Forty-four patients with a history of subacute stroke were randomly assigned to a CCNMES group and a NMES group (n = 22 per group). Twenty-one patients in each group completed the study per protocol, with one subject lost in follow-up in each group. The CCNMES group received CCNMES to the tibialis anterior (TA) and the peroneus longus and brevis muscles to induce ankle dorsiflexion motion, whereas the NMES group received NMES. The stimulus current was a biphasic waveform with a pulse duration of 200 µs and a frequency of 60 Hz. Patients in both groups underwent five 15 min sessions of electrical stimulation per week for three weeks. Indicators of motor function and ADL were measured pre- and posttreatment, including the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity (FMA-LE) and modified Barthel index (MBI). Surface electromyography (sEMG) assessments included average electromyography (aEMG), integrated electromyography (iEMG), and root mean square (RMS) of the paretic TA muscle. Results: Values for the FMA-LE, MBI, aEMG, iEMG, and RMS of the affected TA muscle were significantly increased in both groups after treatment (p < 0.01). Patients in the CCNMES group showed significant improvements in all the measurements compared with the NMES group after treatment. Within-group differences in all post- and pretreatment indicators were significantly greater in the CCNMES group than in the NMES group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CCNMES improved motor function and ADL ability to a greater extent than the conventional NMES in subacute stroke patients.

Management of surgical soft tissue defects of the lower extremities.

Management of post-operative soft-tissue defects on the lower legs is challenging owing to arterial and venous insufficiency, poor skin quality including epidermal and dermal atrophy, insufficient tissue laxity, and increased risk of infection. This paper highlights the management of post-operative soft-tissue defects on the lower extremity that cannot be closed primarily or by reconstruction with a local flap. A systematic review of the literature was performed using the National Library of Medicine (NLM) PubMed online database. Articles were included if they reported the management of post-operative lower extremity soft-tissue defects with secondary intention healing, full-thickness skin graft, split-thickness skin grafts, or skin substitutes. Sixty-three articles were included for analysis. There are several options for managing surgical defects on the lower legs and the method chosen should depend on various factors, including the quality of the skin, vascularity and size of the defect, medical history of the patient, and the experience of the surgeon.

Peripheral Blood T Cell Gene Expression Responses to Exercise and HMB in Sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a major health problem in older adults. Exercise and nutrient supplementation have been shown to be effective interventions but there are limited studies to investigate their effects on the management of sarcopenia and its possible underlying mechanisms. Here, we studied T cell gene expression responses to interventions in sarcopenia. METHODS: The results of this study were part of a completed trial examining the effectiveness of a 12-week intervention with exercise and nutrition supplementation in community-dwelling Chinese older adults with sarcopenia, based on the available blood samples at baseline and 12 weeks from 46 randomized participants from three study groups, namely: exercise program alone (n = 11), combined-exercise program and nutrition supplement (n = 23), and waitlist control group (n = 12). T cell gene expression was evaluated, with emphasis on inflammation-related genes. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed on CD3 T cells in 38 selected genes. Correlation analysis was performed to relate the results of gene expression analysis with lower limb muscle strength performance, measured using leg extension tests. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant improvement in leg extension for both the exercise program alone and the combined groups (p < 0.001). Nine genes showed significant pre- and post-difference in gene expression over 12 weeks of intervention in the combined group. Seven genes (RASGRP1, BIN1, LEF1, ANXA6, IL-7R, LRRN3, and PRKCQ) showed an interaction effect between intervention and gene expression levels on leg extension in the confirmatory analysis, with confounder variables controlled and FDR correction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that T cell-specific inflammatory gene expression was changed significantly after 12 weeks of intervention with combined exercise and HMB supplementation in sarcopenia, and that this was associated with lower limb muscle strength performance.

Is Aerobic or Resistance Training the Most Effective Exercise Modality for Improving Lower Extremity Physical Function and Perceived Fatigue in People With Multiple Sclerosis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate whether aerobic training (AT) or resistance training (RT) is most effective in terms of improving lower limb physical function and perceived fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). DATA SOURCES: Nine databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus) were electronically searched in April 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving PwMS attending 1 of 2 exercise interventions: AT or RT. Studies had to include at least 1 objective or self-reported outcome of lower extremity physical function and/or perceived fatigue. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted using a customized spreadsheet, which included detailed information on patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Tool for Assessment of Study Quality for Reporting on Exercise rating scale. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-seven articles reporting data from 22 RCTS (AT=14, RT=8) including 966 PwMS. The 2 modalities were found to be equally effective in terms of improving short walk test (AT: effect size [ES]=0.33 [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.49 to 2.06]; RT: ES=0.27 [95% CI, 0.07-0.47]) and long walk test performance (AT: ES=0.37 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.78]; RT: ES=0.36 [95% CI, -0.35 to 1.08]), as well as in reducing perceived fatigue (AT: ES=-0.61 [95% CI, -1.10 to -0.11]; RT: ES=-0.41 [95% CI, -0.80 to -0.02]). Findings on other functional mobility tests along with self-reported walking performance were sparse and inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: AT and RT appear equally highly effective in terms of improving lower extremity physical function and perceived fatigue in PwMS. Clinicians can thus use either modality to target impairments in these outcomes. In a future perspective, head-to-head exercise modality studies are warranted. Future MS exercise studies are further encouraged to adapt a consensus "core battery" of physical function tests to facilitate a detailed comparison of results across modalities.

Meias elásticas de compressão para o tratamento do linfedema de membros inferiores / Compressive elastic bands for the treatment of lower limb lymphedema

INTRODUÇÃO: O linfedema é uma doença crônica progressiva, ocasionada por insuficiência do processo de drenagem linfática, que causa edema tecidual. Não há nenhum tratamento curativo para o linfedema e no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), estão listados dois procedimentos de manejo do linfedema: o atendimento fisioterapêutico e o tratamento cirúrgico do linfedema. As meias elásticas de compressão seriam uma opção de tratamento autogerido, o que pode reduzir a sobrecarga do sistema por procedimentos eletivos. PERGUNTA: O uso de meias elásticas de compressão é eficaz, efetivo, seguro e custo-efetivo para o tratamento de pacientes com linfedema primário ou secundário? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: A busca recuperou duas coortes prospectivas. O estudo de Brambilla et al., 2006 demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significante na redução do volume dos membros inferiores (mensurada por uso de fita métrica em vários pontos dos membros inferiores) entre os pacientes que utilizaram as meias elásticas de compressão em relação aos pacientes do grupo controle (que não usaram as meias). Contudo, as circunferências dos membros inferiores foram reduzidas de maneira irregular, 40% dos pacientes tratados com as meias elásticas de compressão apresentaram aumento do volume do membro e apenas 16,67% das reduções foram consideradas satisfatórias. Já o estudo de Godoy et al., 2017, uma coorte do tipo antes e depois, demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significante entre as meias de compressão de 30/40 mmHg e as de 20/30 mmHg, sendo esta última não efetiva na manutenção do volume dos membros após quatro semanas em relação a linha de base. Porém, nessa última coorte, as meias elásticas de compressão foram utilizadas para manutenção do volume dos membros após redução completa do edema por outros procedimentos terapêuticos. Não foram encontrados estudos referentes à adesão das meias elásticas de compressão na população com linfedema. Nenhum dos estudos incluídos relatou dados de segurança. As duas coortes apresentaram baixa qualidade metodológica, uma vez que receberam 5 estrelas ou menos nas ferramentas de Newcastle-Ottawa. A certeza da evidência de todos os desfechos, avaliada pelo Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, foi muito baixa. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Foi conduzida uma avaliação econômica do tipo árvore de decisão, comparando as meias elásticas de compressão com o cuidado convencional, na perspectiva do SUS, em um horizonte temporal de 12 meses. A partir da estratégia escolhida, os indivíduos com linfedema seguem o curso de eventos sequenciais de sucesso terapêutico (redução clinicamente relevante do edema) e de falha terapêutica (redução não satisfatória do edema ou aumento do edema). O desfecho de efetividade foi retirado do estudo Brambilla et al., 2006. A estimativa dos números de sessões de fisioterapia e tratamento cirúrgico do linfedema foram feitas baseadas nos dados de uso dos procedimentos no Departamento de Informática do SUS. Assim, a razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) foi de R$ 2.155,87 para que um paciente alcance uma redução do volume dos membros inferiores com o uso da intervenção das meias elásticas de compressão, comparado ao cuidado convencional. A análise de sensibilidade mostrou que, independentemente do custo de aquisição das meias elásticas e da frequência de realização dos procedimentos, a intervenção continua sendo dominada pelo cuidado convencional. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Para um horizonte temporal de 5 anos, a incorporação das meias elásticas de compressão para linfedema ocasionaria um aumento de gastos estimados, em cinco anos, de R$117.900.922,59 a R$136.039.526,07, a depender da prevalência. RECOMENDAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS: O National Institute for Care Execellence e Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health ainda não avaliaram o uso das meias compressivas no tratamento do linfedema de membros inferiores. Não foram encontrados relatos de incorporação das meias de compressão nas agências Scottish Medicines Consortium e Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: As evidências disponíveis acerca da efetividade das meias elásticas de compressão em indivíduos com linfedema de membros inferiores são escassas e, de forma geral, de qualidade baixa. A avaliação econômica estimou uma RCEI R$ 2.155,87, ao passo que análise de impacto orçamentário estima um custo acumulado em cinco anos de até R$ 136 milhões no cenário de incorporação das meias elásticas de compressão. Não foram identificadas recomendações sobre o uso de meias elásticas no tratamento do linfedema em agências internacionais de ATS. Dessa forma, recomendações sobre o uso da tecnologia são permeadas de incertezas e devem ser realizadas com cautela. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: A Conitec, em sua 92ª reunião ordinária, realizada nos dias 04 de novembro de 2020, deliberou que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em consulta pública com recomendação preliminar não favorável à incorporação no SUS das meias elásticas de compressão como parte do tratamento de pacientes com linfedema de membros inferiores. Considerou-se, entre outros fatores, que, há escassez de evidências sobre o uso das meias elásticas de compressão no tratamento do linfedema de membros inferiores. Além disso, as poucas evidências disponíveis foram consideradas frágeis, com baixo número amostral e baixa qualidade, sendo, portanto, insuficientes para determinar com robustez a efetividade, a segurança, a custo-efetividade e o impacto orçamentário decorrente da incorporação das meias de compressão. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: O relatório de recomendação inicial da CONITEC foi disponibilizado para contribuições por meio da consulta pública nº 64/2020 entre os dias 25/11/2020 e 14/12/2020. Foram recebidas 163 contribuições, sendo 93 contribuições de cunho técnico-científico e 70 contribuições de experiência pessoal ou opinião, destas 84,7% discordavam com a recomendação preliminar da Conitec. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros da Conitec presentes na 94ª reunião ordinária, no dia 03 de janeiro de 2021, deliberaram por unanimidade recomendar a não incorporação das meias elásticas de compressão para o tratamento de pacientes com linfedema. Os membros presentes entenderam que não houve argumentação suficiente para alterar a recomendação inicial. Foi assinado o registro de deliberação nº 585. DECISÃO: Não incorporar as meias elásticas de compressão como parte do tratamento de pacientes com linfedema de membros inferiores, do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, conforme Portaria nº 03, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 34, seção 1, página 93, em 22 de fevereiro de 2021.

Pelvic Sagittal Torsion Caused by Induced Leg Length Discrepancy: Geometrical Illusion May Influence Measures Based on Superior-iliac Spines Positions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a common measure of sagittal pelvic torsion based on the superior iliac spines behave similarly to predictions of a rigid (non-torsioned) plane, when leg length discrepancies (LLD) are induced. METHOD: Twenty-four young asymptomatic participants were subjected to pelvic posture measurements that use the anterior-superior iliac spines (ASISs) and posterior-superior iliac spines (PSISs) as references, while standing on level ground and with a one-, two- and three-centimeter lifts under the left foot. A special caliper with digital inclinometers was used. The following angles were measured: angles of the right and left PSIS-to-ASIS lines; right-left relative angle (RLRA), as the angle between the right and left PSIS-to-ASIS lines, which is a traditional lateral-view measure intended to detect sagittal torsions; angle of the inter-ASISs line; angle of the inter-PSISs line; anterior-posterior relative angle (APRA), as the angle between the inter-ASISs and inter-PSISs lines. According to trigonometric predictions based on the geometry given by the lines linking the superior iliac spines (i.e. a trapezoid plane), a pure lateral tilt of the pelvis, without interinnominate sagittal motion, would change RLRA in a specific direction and would not change APRA. RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed that RLRA (p<0.001) and right and left PSIS-to-ASIS angles (p≤0.001) changed, and APRA did not change (p=0.33), as predicted. CONCLUSIONS: At least part of the sagittal torsion detected by measures that assume the PSIS-to-ASIS angles as the sagittal angles of the innominates is due to pelvic geometry and not to the occurrence of actual torsion, when LLDs are induced.

Ten-Year Experience With Continuous Low-Frequency Pelvic Somatic Nerves Stimulation for Recovery of Voluntary Walking in People With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Case Series of 29 Consecutive Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report on long-term effects of low-frequency stimulation of the pelvic somatic nerves in patients with chronic spinal cord injuries who underwent laparoscopic implantation of neuroprosthesis (LION) in the pelvic lumbosacral nerves. DESIGN: Observational case report. SETTING: Tertiary referral unit specialized in advanced gynecologic surgery and neuropelveology. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=29) with chronic SCI who underwent a LION procedure to the pelvic lower motor neurons for the recovery of standing and walking motion. Our study is not composed of preselected patients but includes patients across the entire range of SCIs: patients with paraplegia, patients with tetraplegia (except for high tetraplegia), patients with complete and incomplete SCIs, and even patients with flaccid or spastic paralysis. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent in-body functional electrical stimulation-assisted locomotor training and continuous low-frequency pelvic lumbosacral nerve neuromodulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evolution of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) sensory score, ASIA Lower Extremity Motor Score, and Walking Index. RESULTS: All patients with incomplete SCI regained some voluntary control of previously paralyzed muscles after a few months of stimulation training. With a follow-up of 9 years, 20 patients (71.4%) were able to demonstrate an electrically assisted voluntary extension of the knee. Twenty-six patients could get to their feet when the pacemaker was switched on (92.8%). Five patients could walk <10 m (17.85%) at the bar. Nineteen patients (Abbreviated Injury Score [AIS] A: n=8; AIS B: n=9; AIS C: n=2) could walk >10 m (67.8%), 8 of them only at the bar (28.5%) and 11 of them with the aid of crutches or a walker and without braces (40%). CONCLUSIONS: The major finding of our study is that 17 of 25 patients with complete motor chronic SCI (68%) developed enough recovery of supraspinal control of leg movements that voluntary walking became feasible, even though a minimal amount of stimulation may be required.

[Impact of abdominal moxibustion in a period of day from 7 am to 9 am on improvement in post-stroke lower limb spasticity and muscle architecture parameter].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect on post-stroke lower limb spasticity between the combined treatment of abdominal moxibustion from 7 am to 9 am and rehabilitation training and the simple rehabilitation training. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity were randomized into an observation group (50 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (50 cases, 4 cases dropped off ). In the control group, the basic treatment of internal medicine and rehabilitation training of the limbs were adopted. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment in the control group, at the time zone from 7 am to 9 am, moxibustion on the abdomen with "eight-trigram" moxa box [the central moxa box accurately facing Shenque (CV 8)] was given, lasting for 2 h, once every two days. Both groups were treated for 6 weeks. Separately, before and after treatment, the score of Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity (FMA-LE) and the grade of modified Ashworth scale (MAS) of ankle joint were evaluated on the affected side in patients of the two groups. Muscle skeleton ultrasound (MSUS) was adopted to determine the first layer muscle thickness (MT) anterior to the tibia, the number of pennation angle (PA) and the length of muscle fibers in the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle on the affected side. Besides, after treatment, the therapeutic effect was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the score of FMA-LE and the grade of MAS of ankle joint on the affected side were both improved as compared with those before treatment in patients of the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The improvements in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, MT anterior to the tibia, the number of PA and the length of muscle fibers in the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle on the affected side were all increased as compared with before treatment in patients of the two groups (P<0.01). The increase degree in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 93.6% (44/47) in the observation group, better than 80.4% (37/46) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of abdominal moxibustion from 7 am to 9 am and rehabilitation training effectively relieves post-stroke lower limb spasticity and improves the limb functions and muscle structure. The total effective rate of this combined treatment is better than that of simple rehabilitation training.

Nerve Blocks: Part II. Lower Extremity.

Family physicians use anesthesia to provide diagnostic and procedural analgesia for conditions such as neuropathies, fracture reduction, foreign body removals, and complex wound management. Local infiltration of anesthetics is commonly used in this setting because of the ease of use, safety, and effectiveness of the procedure. Nerve blocks are a specific regional anesthesia technique that blocks nerve function distal to the injection site. An understanding of the sensory distribution of the peripheral nervous system is essential in determining the safest and most effective nerve block for the procedure. There are various nerve block techniques, including landmark-guided and ultrasound-guided. Ultrasound guidance increases the effectiveness of the nerve block while decreasing complications when compared with other techniques. Depending on the required area of anesthesia for the procedure, various points throughout the lower extremity can be used to block the lateral femoral cutaneous, common peroneal, saphenous, tibial, deep peroneal, superficial peroneal, and sural nerves.

[Effect of jiaotong qiaomai needling technique of acupuncture on the morphology of lower limb muscle based on muscle-skeleton ultrasound measurement in patients with post-stroke strephenopodia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect on post-stroke strephenopodia treated with jiaotong qiaomai (harmonizing the heel vessel) needling technique of acupuncture. METHODS: A total of 64 patients were randomized into an observation group (30 cases included, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases included, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, the routine needling technique of acupuncture and rehabilitation exercise were provided. In the observation group, on the base of the therapeutic regimen as the control group, the jiaotong qiaomai needling technique of acupuncture was added. Fengchi (GB 20), Rangu (KI 2), Zhaohai (KI 6) on the affected side and Fengfu (GV 16) were selected. The treatment was given once daily, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks totally in either group. Separately, before treatment, in 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, the strephenopodia angle was measured and Holden functional ambulation classification (FAC) was evaluated in the patients. Additionally, before treatment and in 4 weeks of treatment, the muscle-skeleton ultrasound was adopted to measure the thickness of anterior tibia muscle and posterior tibia muscle in the resting state of the patients. RESULTS: The strephenopodia angle and Holden FAC were all improved after 4-week treatment in the two groups as compared with those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the results in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Before treatment, the thickness of anterior tibia muscle and posterior tibia muscle on the healthy side was higher than that on the affected side in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the thickness of anterior tibia muscle and posterior tibia muscle on the affected side was increased as compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The thickness on the healthy side was similar before and after treatment in the observation group (P>0.05), and it was increased on the healthy side after treatment as compared with that before treatment in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the thickness of anterior tibia muscle and posterior tibia muscle on the affected side was similar to that on the healthy side in the two groups (P>0.05), and the thickness on the affected side in the observation group was higher than that in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The jiaotong qiaomai needling technique of acupuncture effectively improves the strephenopodia angle and ambulation function, as well as the morphology of anterior tibia muscle and posterior tibia muscle in the patients with post-stroke strephenopodia.

Habitual dietary fat intake and risk of muscle weakness and lower-extremity functional impairment in older adults: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fatty acid supplementation increases muscle mass and function in older adults, but the effect of habitual dietary intake is uncertain. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the association between habitual dietary fat intake and risk of muscle weakness and lower-extremity functional impairment (LEFI) in older adults. METHODS: Prospective study with 1873 individuals aged ≥60 years from the Seniors-ENRICA cohort. In 2008-10 and 2012, a validated face-to-face diet history was used to record the one-year consumption of up to 880 foods. Then, fatty acids, other nutrients and energy intake were estimated using standard food composition tables. Means of intake between these years were calculated to represent cumulative consumption over the follow-up. Study participants were followed up through 2015 to assess incident muscle weakness (lowest quintile of grip strength) and incident LEFI (Short Physical Performance Battery score ≤6). Analyses were performed with Cox regression and adjusted for the main confounders, including other types of fatty acids. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 331 participants developed muscle weakness and 397 LEFI. Intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) did not show an association with muscle weakness but was associated with higher risk of LEFI (multivariable hazard ratio (HR) for tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.01; p-trend = 0.02). This association was mostly due to consumption of Spanish cold cuts and pastry and, to a lesser extent, dairy. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) intake was associated with lower risk of muscle weakness (HR t3 vs. t1: 0.73; 0.54-0.99; p trend = 0.04), and intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was associated with reduced risk of both muscle weakness (0.70; 0.52-0.95; p-trend = 0.02) and LEFI (0.49; 0.35-0.68; p-trend <0.001). Olive oil and blue fish, the main sources of MUFA and PUFA, were also associated with lower risk of muscle weakness and LEFI. CONCLUSIONS: Habitual intake of SFA was associated with increased risk of LEFI. By contrast, habitual intake of MUFA and PUFA were associated with lower risk of physical performance impairment.

Kinematic traits of an elite paralympic karateka: a case report.

Karate is a martial art that includes striking, kicking and punching techniques, and requires high levels of functional skills. Karate counts millions of practitioners worldwide and it is also spreading in Paralympic competitions: there is a need for accurate categories definition for disabled athletes. The aim of the current study was to present kinematic data of an elite Paralympic karateka, in comparison with able-bodied athletes, to promote a better classification within the discipline, based on objective evaluations of physical impairments. A male black belt Paralympic karateka (age: 36 years; body weight: 75.5 kg; height: 173 cm) with lower limbs impairments was evaluated. He performed a standardized sequence of movements (kata) from Shotokan karate. Joints and center-of-mass kinematics were collected with an optoelectronic motion capture system and compared with those obtained in two groups of able-bodied (Masters and Practitioners) athletes from a previous study. The sequence performed by the karateka lasted longer than in both able-bodied groups. Center of mass velocity and acceleration lowered in comparison with Masters. Knees range of movement and peak angular velocity were similar to Practitioners but lower than Masters. We concluded that physical impairments negatively affected the function of lower limbs in the Paralympic athlete, as fundamental skills in karate elite performance (dynamic balance control and joint angular velocity) were lower.

Effect of unstable surface sitting on paretic anterior tibial muscle following stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Postural reactions have been used to facilitate dorsiflexor activity following stroke. However, the effectiveness of this method is not clear in the literature. This study is designed to test the effect of postural reactions provoked by sitting in an unstable surface on dorsiflexor activity in acute stroke. METHODS: Fifteen first-time acute hemispheric cerebral infarct patients with hemiplegia and 15 age-matched healthy adults participated in the study. Subjects performed static sitting, forward reach and lateral reach on a stool and Swiss ball. The anterior tibial activity was recorded in the normal and affected lower limbs in hemiplegic patients and both lower limbs of healthy adults. Non-parametric testing was used with alpha less than 0.05. RESULTS: All the subjects showed an increase in anterior tibial activity in Swiss ball sitting compared to stool sitting. Lateral reaching resulted in higher levels of anterior tibial activity among the participants. In hemiplegic patients, anterior tibial activity in the affected side was lesser than in the normal side on stable and unstable surfaces. In healthy adults there was no inter-limb difference. The normal side activity in stroke patients was greater than that recorded in healthy individuals (p < 0.05). The anterior tibial activity in the affected side reached values equal to those of healthy adults when using the Swiss ball. CONCLUSION: Postural reactions provoked from sitting on a unstable surface is effective in facilitating dorsiflexor activity in acute stroke.

Visual Biofeedback and Changes in Lower Extremity Kinematics in Individuals With Medial Knee Displacement.

CONTEXT: Increased frontal-plane knee motion during functional tasks, or medial knee displacement, is a predictor of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury and patellofemoral pain. Intervention studies that resulted in a reduced risk of knee injury included some form of feedback to address aberrant lower extremity movement patterns. Research on integrating feedback into single-legged tasks and the ability to train 1 task and test another is limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine if adding real-time visual biofeedback to common lower extremity exercises would improve single-legged landing mechanics in females with medial knee displacement. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: University laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four recreationally active females with medial knee displacement were randomized to a visual-biofeedback group (n = 12; age = 19.75 ± 0.87 years, height = 165.32 ± 8.69 cm, mass = 62.41 ± 8.91 kg) or a control group (n = 12; age = 19.75 ± 0.97 years, height = 166.98 ± 6.89 cm, mass = 59.98 ± 6.24 kg). INTERVENTION(S): Individuals in the feedback group viewed a real-time digital model of their body segments generated by Microsoft Kinect. The skeletal model changed color according to the knee-abduction angle of the test limb during the exercise tasks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Participants completed 3 trials of the single-legged drop vertical jump (SL-DVJ) while triplanar kinematics at the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle were collected via 3-dimensional motion capture. The feedback and control groups completed lower extremity exercises with or without real-time visual biofeedback, respectively. After the intervention, participants completed 3 additional trials of the SL-DVJ. RESULTS: At baseline, the feedback group had 3.83° more ankle eversion than the control group after initial contact. After the intervention, the feedback group exhibited 13.03° more knee flexion during the flight phase of the SL-DVJ and 6.16° less knee abduction after initial contact than the control group. The feedback group also demonstrated a 3.02° decrease in peak knee-abduction excursion compared with the baseline values (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time visual biofeedback immediately improved faulty lower extremity kinematics related to knee-injury risk. Individuals with medial knee displacement adjusted their movement patterns after a single training session and reduced their medial knee motion during a dynamic task.

Tai Chi exercise and functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles for rehabilitation in older adults with chronic systolic heart failure: a non-randomized clinical trial.

Exercise-based training decreases hospitalizations in heart failure patients but such patients have exercise intolerance. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of Tai Chi exercise and lower limb muscles' functional electrical stimulation in older chronic heart failure adults. A total of 1,084 older adults with chronic systolic heart failure were included in a non-randomized clinical trial (n=271 per group). The control group did not receive any kind of intervention, one group received functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles (FES group), another group practiced Tai Chi exercise (TCE group), and another received functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles and practiced Tai Chi exercise (FES & TCE group). Quality of life and cardiorespiratory functions of all patients were evaluated. Compared to the control group, only FES group had increased Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score (P<0.0001, q=9.06), only the TCE group had decreased heart rate (P<0.0001, q=5.72), and decreased peak oxygen consumption was reported in the TCE group (P<0.0001, q=9.15) and FES & TCE group (P<0.0001, q=10.69). FES of lower limb muscles and Tai Chi exercise can recover the quality of life and cardiorespiratory functions of older chronic heart failure adults (trial registration: Research Registry 4474, January 1, 2015).

Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with rehabilitation training for treatment of post-stroke limb spasticity.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to systematically explore the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with rehabilitation training (RT) for the treatment of post-stroke limb spasticity (PSLS). METHODS: We will search Cochrane Library, MEDILINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, WOS, Scopus, OpenGrey, and 4 Chinese databases from inception to the present without language restrictions. We will only consider randomized controlled trial on assessing the effectiveness and safety of NMES combined with RT for the treatment of PSLS. All included randomized controlled trials will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Two researchers will independently perform study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction, respectively. Any disagreements will be solved by a third researcher through discussion. RESULTS: Primary outcome is limb spasticity status. Secondary outcomes comprise of limb function, quality of life, and adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study will summarize the latest evidence of NMES combined with RT for the treatment of patients with PSLS. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019138900.

A Pilot Study of the Effects of Chair Yoga and Chair-Based Exercise on Biopsychosocial Outcomes in Older Adults With Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis.

This pilot study examined whether chair yoga and chair-based exercise are effective in managing biopsychosocial outcomes for older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis. Both interventions improved physical function and mobility over time, although no significant differences between the 2 interventions were identified.

Effects of Electromyographically-driven Neuromuscular Stimulatio Cycling System on the Lower-Limb of Stroke Survivors.

This paper describes the design of an Electromyographically(EMG)-driven Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) cycling system. It utilises real-time EMG from actively participating stroke survivors as feedback control to drive the cycling system for rehabilitation. The user controls the speed of the cycling system using muscle activities of the side affected recorded by EMG electrodes. Additionally, adaptable NMES stimulations; also EMG based, were provided in cyclic pattern to the respective muscle groups in order to improve muscle coordination. The targeted muscle groups used to control the system were the Hamstring (HS), Tibialis Anterior (TA), Quadriceps (QC), Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL) of the leg on the affected side. Using the system, 20 30-minutes sessions were conducted with chronic stroke survivors (n=10) at frequency of 2-4 sessions per week. Clinical assessment scores, namely FMA_LE, BBS and 6MWT were calculated before the first session and after the completion of 20 sessions. All the assessment scores showed significant improvement after using the system; FMA_LE(P=0.0244), BBS(P=0.0156), 6MWT(P=0.0112), and SI (P=0.0258), showing that the EMG-driven NMES cycling system provides effective rehabilitation for stroke survivors in terms of muscle strength and balance.

Visual Biofeedback of Force Information for Eccentric Training of Hemiplegic Patients.

Motor learning issues for hemiplegics not only include motor impairments such as spastic paralysis, but reportedly also an inability to appropriately recognize somatic sensations. In this regard, biofeedback of movement information through visual information and auditory information has been found effective as a method for drawing attention to appropriate somatic sensations. In this context, here, we propose a novel eccentric training system utilizing visual biofeedback of force information. We first develop a compact and highly portable rehabilitation robot for home use. The robot estimates the force on the tiptoe without the use of a force sensor, and a display connected to the robot presents the force information to the trainee. Clinical trials with two chronic hemiplegics have been conducted. The results show that the timed up and go tests of both trainees are shortened after training twice a week for three weeks (six times in total). Simultaneously, the co-contraction index scores of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles decrease. These findings in conjunction with previous results suggest that training with visual biofeedback of force information may enhance reciprocal inhibition of the tibialis anterior muscle and reduces co-contraction.

Spinal Stimulation for the Treatment of Intractable Spine and Limb Pain: A Systematic Review of RCTs and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the evidence regarding the effect of spinal stimulation (SS) vs medical therapy (MT) and the effect of newer SS technologies vs conventional SS on pain reduction in patients with intractable spine or limb pain. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted by a reference librarian. The literature search encompassed January 1, 1995 - December 31, 2017. Reviewers worked independently to select and appraise trials. Random-effect meta-analysis and frequentist indirect comparison methods were used to compare the three interventions. Results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CIs. RESULTS: We identified 12 trials enrolling 980 patients. Compared with MT, SS significantly increased the odds of reducing pain by 50% or more in three trials (OR, 13.01; 95% CI, 4.96-34.17) and significantly reduced pain as measured by visual analogue scale scores in three trials (WMD, 1.43 scale points; 95% CI, 0.16-2.71). Using the common comparator of MT, newer stimulation technology (eg, high-frequency 10 kilohertz spinal stimulation, Burst, dorsal root ganglion) was associated with increased odds of pain relief compared with conventional SS (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.35-3.19). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with intractable spine/limb pain, SS was associated with better pain reduction than MT. New stimulation technology was likely associated with better pain reduction than conventional stimulation.