Evidence of heat sensitivity in people with Parkinson's disease.

Examining how heat affects people with Parkinson's disease is essential for informing clinical decision-making, safety, well-being, and healthcare planning. While there is evidence that the neuropathology associated with Parkinson's disease affects thermoregulatory mechanisms, little attention has been given to the association of heat sensitivity to worsening symptoms and restricted daily activities in people with this progressive disease. Using a cross-sectional study design, we examined the experiences of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the heat. Two-hundred and forty-seven people completed an online survey (age: 66.0 ± 9.2 years; sex: male = 102 (41.3%), female = 145 (58.7%)), of which 195 (78.9%) reported becoming more sensitive to heat with Parkinson's disease. Motor and nonmotor symptoms worsened with heat in 182 (73.7%) and 203 (82.2%) respondents, respectively. The most commonly reported symptoms to worsen included walking difficulties, balance impairment, stiffness, tremor, fatigue, sleep disturbances, excess sweating, difficulty concentrating, and light-headedness when standing. Concerningly, over half indicated an inability to work effectively in the heat, and nearly half reported that heat impacted their ability to perform household tasks and social activities. Overall, heat sensitivity was common in people with Parkinson's disease and had a significant impact on symptomology, day-to-day activities and quality of life.

Plantar stimulation alters brain connectivity in idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FOG) present peripheral and central sensitivity disturbances that impair motor performance. This study aimed to investigate long-term effects of plantar sensory stimulation on brain activity, brain connectivity, and gait velocity of individuals with PD and FOG. METHODS: Twenty-five participants were enrolled in this clinical trial (NCT02594540). Plantar sensory stimulation was delivered using the Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation therapy (AMPS). Volunteers were randomly assigned to real or placebo AMPS groups and received eight sessions of treatment. The primary outcome was brain activity (task-based fMRI-active ankle dorsi-plantar flexion). Secondary outcomes were brain connectivity (resting state-RS fMRI) and gait velocity. fMRI was investigated on the left, right, and mid-sensory motor regions, left and right basal ganglia. RESULTS: No changes in brain activity were observed when task-based fMRI was analyzed. After real AMPS, RS functional connectivity between basal ganglia and sensory-related brain areas increased (insular and somatosensory cortices). Gait velocity also increased after real AMPS. A positive correlation was found between gait velocity and the increased connectivity between sensory, motor and supplementary motor cortices. CONCLUSION: Plantar sensory stimulation through AMPS was not able to modify brain activity. AMPS increased the RS brain connectivity mainly in areas related to sensory processing and sensorimotor integration. Plantar stimulation could be a way to improve plantar sensitivity and consequently ameliorate gait performance. However, the mechanisms behind the way AMPS influences brain pathways are still not completely known.

Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scores Are Related With Kinematic Measures in People with Chronic Hemiparesis after Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke often results in motor impairment and limited functional capacity. This study aimed to verify the relationship between widely used clinical scales and instrumented measurements to evaluate poststroke individuals with mild, moderate, and severe motor impairment. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 34 participants with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Modified Ashworth Scale were used to quantify upper and lower limb motor impairment and the resistance to passive movement (i.e., spasticity), respectively. Upper limb Motor performance (movement time and velocities) and movement quality (range of motion, smoothness and trunk displacement) were analyzed during a reaching forward task using an optoelectronic system (instrumented measurement). Lower limb motor performance (gait and functional mobility parameters) was assessed by using an inertial measurement unit system. FINDINGS: Fugl-Meyer Assessment correlated with motor performance (upper and lower limbs) and with movement quality (upper limb). Modified Ashworth scale correlated with movement quality (upper limb). Cutoff values of 9.0 cm in trunk anterior displacement and .57 m/s in gait velocity were estimated to differentiate participants with mild/moderate and severe compromise according to the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the Fugl-Meyer Assessment can be used to infer about motor performance and movement quality in chronic poststroke individuals with different levels of impairment.

Is the dopaminergic loss associated with gait and postural impairments in subjects with Parkinson's disease at different motor stages?

Gait and postural control deficiencies in Parkinson's disease (PD) involve several specific motor aspects. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the main changes in gait kinematics and postural control with dopaminergic loss in the striatum region. This is a cross-sectional study that included 42 individuals with PD at different motor stages, according to the Hoehn & Yahr scale (H&Y). Motor subsection of the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-part III (MDS-UPDRS III) was used to evaluate general motor aspects. Gait kinematics was assessed using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Postural control was assessed by stabilometry using force platforms. Dopamine depletion was verified through 99mTc-TRODAT-1 (SPECT-CT) examination. We included 12, 15 and 15 individuals classified as H&Y I, II and III, respectively. We identified worse values of dopamine transporter uptake, MDS-UPDRS III, gait parameters (velocity, step length and stride length) and center of pressure displacement as the disease progressed. Our results indicate that higher dopaminergic loss and gait and postural control deficits occur between the H&Y levels II and III.

Impairments in gait kinematics and postural control may not correlate with dopamine transporter depletion in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating movement. Nuclear medicine imaging methods such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with radiotracers can obtain the density of this neurotransmitter. This reduced density leads to classic PD symptoms, such as bradykinesia, tremor and stiffness, consequently affecting walking and postural control. The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between disorders of gait kinematics and postural instability with dopamine depletion in individuals with mild to moderate PD. This is a descriptive, observational cross-sectional study. Subjects were assessed for spatiotemporal gait parameters by a three-dimensional motion capture system, for postural control by stabilometry on a force plate. Dopamine depletion was verified through 99mTc-TRODAT-1 (SPECT-CT) examination. The subjects were in the off-stage of levodopa in all analysis. We evaluated 71 individuals, 32 with mild to moderate PD (HY 2 and 2.5) and 39 healthy individuals matched for gender, age, and height. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding the spatiotemporal variables of gait, as well as in the stabilometric variables. However, there was no correlation between these disturbances and the uptake values of 99mTc-TRODAT-1. The results indicate that there is no correlation between gait impairments and postural instability of individuals with mild to moderate PD and the dopaminergic depletion measured through the 99mTc-TRODAT-1 (SPECT-CT).

Movement smoothness during a functional mobility task in subjects with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait - an analysis using inertial measurement units.

BACKGROUND: Impairments of functional mobility may affect locomotion and quality of life in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD). Movement smoothness measurements, such as the spectral arc length (SPARC), are novel approaches to quantify movement quality. Previous studies analyzed SPARC in simple walking conditions. However, SPARC outcomes during functional mobility tasks in subjects with PD and freezing of gait (FOG) were never investigated. This study aimed to analyze SPARC during the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in individuals with PD and FOG. METHODS: Thirty-one participants with PD and FOG and six healthy controls were included. SPARC during TUG test was calculated for linear and angular accelerations using an inertial measurement unit system. SPARC data were correlated with clinical parameters: motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn & Yahr scale, Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, and TUG test. RESULTS: We reported lower SPARC values (reduced smoothness) during the entire TUG test, turn and stand to sit in subjects with PD and FOG, compared to healthy controls. Unlike healthy controls, individuals with PD and FOG displayed a broad spectral range that encompassed several dominant frequencies. SPARC metrics also correlated with all the above-mentioned clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: SPARC values provide valid and relevant clinical data about movement quality (e.g., smoothness) of subjects with PD and FOG during a functional mobility test.

Teleassessment using five times sit-to-stand test in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease: Guidelines and barriers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Assessing lower limb strength, balance, and fall risk are crucial components of rehabilitation, especially for the older adult population. With the growing interest in telehealth, teleassessment has been investigated as an alternative when in-person assessments are not possible. The Five Times Sit-to-Stand test (5TSTS) provides a quick measure of balance during chair transfers, muscle power, endurance, and the hability to change and maintain body position, and is highly recommended by guidelines. However, the literature is unclear about the viability and safety of teleassessment using the 5TSTS in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of teleassessment using the 5TSTS and to determine its feasibility and safety for older adults with and without PD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included older adults with and without PD who were evaluated remotely through a videoconference platform. To ensure effective and comprehensive instructions for the test, we developed a guideline called OMPEPE (an acronym for: Objective; Materials; Position-Start; Execution; Position-End; Environment). We assessed the 5TSTS intra- and inter-rater reliability by comparing scores obtained from the same examiner and from different examiners, respectively. Participants and examiners completed online surveys to provide information about feasibility and safety. RESULTS: Twelve older adults with PD and 17 older adults without PD were included in this study (mean ages 69.0 and 67.6 years, respectively). Based on the participants' perspectives and the absence of adverse effects, teleassessment using the 5TSTS is feasible and safe for older adults with and without PD. Excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90) was found for all measurements of the 5TSTS. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and reliability of teleassessment using the 5TSTS. The guidelines developed may help health professionals minimize barriers and safely conduct an online assessment that includes a physical test such as the 5TSTS in older adults with or without PD. In addition to addressing technological barriers, the OMPEPE guideline might ensure the optimal execution of evaluations. CONCLUSION: Teleassessment using the 5TSTS for older adults with and without PD is feasible and safe. Both synchronous (i.e., live) and asynchronous (i.e., recorded) online 5TSTS tests demonstrate excellent intra- and inter-rate reliability.

A Safe and Feasible Online Dance Intervention for Older Adults With and Without Parkinson's Disease.

Introduction: Dancing is one way of maintaining an active lifestyle, and online dance interventions in group settings can be a solution when in-person classes are impossible. This study investigated the feasibility and potential clinical effects of an online dance program for older adults with and without Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: Participants attended 2 weekly dance classes in the same videoconference room for 2 months. The dance activities were mainly performed while seated (around 75%). Researchers monitored feasibility (ie, adherence, attendance, and technological barriers) and safety. Pre- and post-intervention assessments investigated self-perceptions, effects on emotional domains, quality of life, activity-specific balance confidence, lower-limb functional mobility, and PD non-motor symptoms. Individuals also reported their self-perceptions regarding technology usability, enjoyment, and social interaction. Results: Most of the participants with PD (n = 12) had moderate PD (Hoehn & Yahr score) and presented a greater risk of falls when compared to participants without PD (n = 14). Overall, we found a high rate of adherence (100%), attendance (87.5%-91.7%), and safety (100%) for both groups. No falls or near-falls occurred during the sessions. Only the PD group ameliorated emotional domains (anxiety and depression) and improved lower-limb functional mobility. All participants reported feeling safe and perceived benefits, although over a third of older adults with PD reported moderate difficulties in using technology and in socializing with the group. Conclusion: This online dance protocol is feasible, safe, and a potential strategy to improve clinical parameters in older adults and people with moderate PD.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on lean mass, strength, and power of the lower limbs in healthy old and young people.

Introduction: Whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve lean mass, strength, and power of the lower limbs in young and older people is still under discussion. This study aimed to determine the effect of HIIT on lean mass, maximal strength, rate of force development (RFD), and muscle power of both lower limbs in healthy young and older adults. Secondarily, to compare the effects of HIIT between dominant vs. non-dominant lower limbs of each group. Materials and methods: Healthy older (n = 9; 66 ± 6 years; BMI 27.1 ± 3.1 kg m-2) and young (n = 9; 21 ± 1 years; BMI 26.2 ± 2.8 kg m-2) men underwent 12 weeks of HIIT (3x/week) on a stationary bicycle. The evaluations were made before and after the HIIT program by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), anthropometry, force transducer and, Sit-to-Stand test. The outcomes analyzed were limb lean mass, thigh circumference, maximal voluntary isometric strength, RFD (Time intervals: 0-50, 50-100, 100-200, and 0-200 ms), and muscle power in both lower limbs. Results: After 12 weeks of HIIT, non-dominant limb (NDL) showed increase in limb lean mass (p < 0.05) but without interaction (time*group). HIIT showed a gain in absolute maximal strength and also when adjusted for thigh circumference in the dominant lower limb (DL) in both groups. The RFD0-200 ms showed differences between groups but without interaction. The RFD0-50 ms of the NDL showed post-training improvements (p < 0.05) in both groups. Only the older group showed differences between DL vs. NDL in most of the RFD obtained post-intervention. In addition, post-HIIT muscle power gain was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), but mainly in older adults. Conclusion: HIIT promotes increases in lean mass, maximal strength, early RFD, and lower limb muscle power in healthy older and young individuals. The differences shown between the DL and the NDL must be analyzed in future studies.

Bicephalic Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation Does Not Add Benefits to a Footdrop Stimulator for Improving Functional Mobility in People With Chronic Hemiparesis After Stroke: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of applying transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), a footdrop stimulator (FDS), and gait training simultaneously on functional mobility in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. METHODS: In this double-blind controlled trial, 32 individuals with mild, moderate, and severe chronic hemiparesis after stroke were randomized to tDCS plus FDS or sham tDCS plus FDS groups. Both groups underwent 10 concurrent tDCS and FDS gait training sessions 5 times per week for 2 weeks. Functional mobility was evaluated by the Timed "Up & Go" test (TUG). Secondary outcomes included spasticity of plantarflexors, knee extensors, and hip adductors; quality of life; and walking endurance (distance covered during each treadmill gait training session). Clinical assessments were performed before treatment, after treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up. A generalized estimating equation was used to compare the effects of time, group, and time × group interaction. RESULTS: No difference between groups was observed during performance of the TUG or other outcomes. TUG performance was improved in both the tDCS plus FDS group (before treatment = 24.29 [95% CI = 17.72-33.28]; after treatment = 21.75 [95% CI = 15.75-30.08]) and the sham tDCS plus FDS group (before treatment = 19.63 [95% CI = 16.06-23.0]; after treatment = 18.45 [95% CI = 15.26-22.3]). This improvement remained at the follow-up evaluation. Both groups also showed reduced spasticity of plantarflexors and knee extensors, increased quality of life, and increased total distance walked. CONCLUSION: This study provided no evidence that bicephalic tDCS improves functional mobility, spasticity, quality of life, or walking endurance in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. IMPACT: Bicephalic tDCS does not add relevant benefits to FDS and gait training in people who have chronic hemiparesis after stroke. Given that tDCS has few additional effects and given its costs for clinical practice, tDCS for rehabilitation in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke is discouraged. FDS and gait training improve functional mobility, walking resistance, and quality of life in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.

Functional electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve improves post-stroke gait speed when combined with physiotherapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the paretic peroneal nerve has positive clinical effects on foot drop secondary to stroke. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of FES applied to the paretic peroneal nerve on gait speed, active ankle dorsiflexion mobility, balance, and functional mobility. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for articles published from inception to January 2020. We included randomized controlled trials or crossover trials focused on determining the effects of FES combined or not with other therapies in individuals with foot drop after stroke. Characteristics of studies, participants, comparison groups, interventions, and outcomes were extracted. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic. RESULTS: We included 14 studies providing data for 1115 participants. FES did not enhance gait speed as compared with conventional treatments (i.e., supervised/unsupervised exercises and regular activities at home). FES combined with supervised exercises (i.e., physiotherapy) was better than supervised exercises alone for improving gait speed. We found no effect of FES combined with unsupervised exercises and inconclusive effects when FES was combined with regular activities at home. When FES was compared with conventional treatments, it improved ankle dorsiflexion, balance and functional mobility, albeit with high heterogeneity for these last 2 outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed low quality of evidence for positive effects of FES on gait speed when combined with physiotherapy. FES can improve ankle dorsiflexion, balance, and functional mobility. However, considering the low quality of evidence and the high heterogeneity, these results must be interpreted carefully.

Movement smoothness in chronic post-stroke individuals walking in an outdoor environment-A cross-sectional study using IMU sensors.

BACKGROUND: Walking speed is often used in the clinic to assess the level of gait impairment following stroke. Nonetheless, post-stroke individuals may employ the same walking speed but at a distinct movement quality. The main objective of this study was to explore a novel movement quality metric, the estimation of gait smoothness by the spectral arc length (SPARC), in individuals with a chronic stroke displaying mild/moderate or severe motor impairment while walking in an outdoor environment. Also, to quantify the correlation between SPARC, gait speed, motor impairment, and lower limb spasticity focused on understanding the relationship between the movement smoothness metric and common clinical assessments. METHODS: Thirty-two individuals with a chronic stroke and 32 control subjects participated in this study. The 10 meters walking test (10 MWT) was performed at the self-selected speed in an outdoor environment. The 10 MWT was instrumented with an inertial measurement unit system (IMU), which afforded the extraction of trunk angular velocities (yaw, roll, and pitch) and subsequent SPARC calculation. RESULTS: Movement smoothness was not influenced by gait speed in the control group, indicating that SPARC may constitute an additional and independent metric in the gait assessment. Individuals with a chronic stroke displayed reduced smoothness in the yaw and roll angular velocities (lower SPARC) compared with the control group. Also, severely impaired participants presented greater variability in smoothness along the 10 MWT. In the stroke group, a smoother gait in the pitch angular velocity was correlated with lower limb spasticity, likely indicating adaptive use of spasticity to maintain the pendular walking mechanics. Conversely, reduced smoothness in the roll angular velocity was related to pronounced spasticity. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a chronic stroke displayed reduced smoothness in the yaw and roll angular velocities while walking in an outdoor environment. The quantification of gait smoothness using the SPARC metric may represent an additional outcome in clinical assessments of gait in individuals with a chronic stroke.

Dual-task walking reduces lower limb range of motion in individuals with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait: But does it happen during what events through the gait cycle?

BACKGROUND: It is unclear how dual-task gait influences the lower limb range of motion (RoM) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FOG). The lower limb kinematics during dual-task gait might differ from regular gait, but during what events in the gait cycle? METHODS: This is an observational within-subjects study. Thirty-two individuals with PD and FOG underwent a gait analysis. Single and dual-task gait was assessed by a 3D motion analysis system and the RoM data of the lower limb were extracted from hips, knees and ankles in the sagittal plane. Dual-task assignment was performed using word-color interference test. To compare both gait conditions, we used two different analyses: (1) common discrete analysis to provide lower limb RoM and (2) Statistical Parametric Mapping analysis (SPM) to provide lower limb joint kinematics. A correlation between lower limb RoM and spatiotemporal gait parameters was also performed for each gait condition. RESULTS: Common discrete analysis evidenced reductions in RoM of hips, knees and ankles during the dual task gait when compared to single gait. SPM analysis showed reductions in flexion-extension of hip, knees and ankles joints when dual task was compared to single task gait. These reductions were observed in specific gait events as toe off (for knees and ankles) and heel strike (for all joints). The reduction in lower limb RoM was positively correlated with the reduction in step length and gait speed. CONCLUSIONS: Lower limb joints kinematics were reduced during toe off and heel strike in dual task gait when compared to single gait. These findings might help physiotherapists to understand the influence of dual and single walking in lower limb RoM throughout the gait cycle in people with PD and FOG.

Bi-cephalic transcranial direct current stimulation combined with functional electrical stimulation for upper-limb stroke rehabilitation: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke survivors often present poor upper-limb (UL) motor performance and reduced movement quality during reaching tasks. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are widely used strategies for stroke rehabilitation. However, the effects of combining these two therapies to rehabilitate individuals with moderate and severe impairment after stroke are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to evaluate the effects of concurrent bi-cephalic tDCS and FES on UL kinematic motor performance and movement quality of chronic post-stroke subjects with moderate and severe compromise. Our secondary aim was to verify the effects of combining these therapies on handgrip force and UL motor impairment. METHODS: We randomized 30 individuals with moderate and severe chronic hemiparesis after stroke into tDCS plus FES (n=15) and sham tDCS plus FES (n=15) groups. Participants were treated 5 times a week for 2 weeks. Kinematic motor performance (movement cycle time, velocity profile) and movement quality (smoothness, trunk contribution, joint angles) were assessed during an UL reach-to-target task.Handgrip force and motor impairment were also recorded before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Participants allocated to the tDCS plus FES group improved movement cycle time (P=0.039), mean reaching velocity (P=0.022) and handgrip force (P=0.034). Both groups improved the mean returning phase velocity (P=0.018), trunk contribution (P=0.022), movement smoothness (P=0.001) and UL motor impairment (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent bi-cephalic tDCS and FES slightly improved reaching motor performance and handgrip force of chronic post-stroke individuals with moderate and severe UL impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02818608).

SPARC Metrics Provide Mobility Smoothness Assessment in Oldest-Old With and Without a History of Falls: A Case Control Study.

Aging-related neuromuscular and neurocognitive decline induces unsmooth movements in daily functional mobility. Here, we used a robust analysis of linear and angular spectral arc length (SPARC) in the single and dual task instrumented timed up-and-go (iTUG) test to compare functional mobility smoothness in fallers and non-fallers aged 85 and older. 64 participants aged 85 and older took part in this case control study. The case group (fallers, n = 32) had experienced falls to the ground in the 6 months prior to the assessment. SPARC analyses were conducted in all phases of the single and dual task iTUGs. We also performed correlation mapping to test the relation of socio-demographic and clinical features on SPARC metrics. The magnitude of between-group differences was calculated using D-Cohen effect size (ES). SPARC was able to distinguish fallers during the single iTUG (ES ≈ 4.18). Turning while walking in the iTUG induced pronounced unsmooth movements in the fallers (SPARC ≈ -13; ES = 3.52) and was associated with the ability to maintain balance in the functional reach task. This information is of importance in the study of functional mobility in the oldest-old and to assess the efficacy of fall-prevention programs.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjuvant therapy to improve gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro and Scopus were searched. We included randomized controlled trials examining the effects of NMES combined with other therapies on gross motor function as assessed by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and its functional dimensions. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias (PEDro) and quality of the evidence (GRADE). RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials (pooled n=174) were included in the meta-analysis. NMES combined with other therapies presented medium effect size to improve gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy in comparison with conventional physical therapy or neurodevelopmental therapy. Our sensitivity analysis showed that NMES combined with other therapies was effective to improve GMFM-sitting and standing dimensions but not GMFM-walking dimension. CONCLUSION: Low-quality evidence suggests that NMES may be used as adjuvant therapy to improve sitting and standing dimensions of GMFM in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Effectiveness of static stretching positioning on post-stroke upper-limb spasticity and mobility: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effects of static stretching with positioning orthoses or simple positioning combined or not with other therapies on upper-limb spasticity and mobility in adults after stroke. METHODS: This meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered at PROSPERO. MEDLINE (Pubmed), Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus and PEDro databases were searched from inception to January 2018 for articles. Two independent researchers extracted data, assessed the methodological quality and rated the quality of evidence of studies. RESULTS: Three studies (57 participants) were included in the spasticity meta-analysis and 7 (210 participants) in the mobility meta-analysis. Static stretching with positioning orthoses reduced wrist-flexor spasticity as compared with no therapy (mean difference [MD]=-1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.44 to -1.34; I2 79%, P<0.001). No data were available concerning the spasticity of other muscles. Static stretching with simple positioning, combined or not with other therapies, was not better than conventional physiotherapy in preventing loss of mobility of shoulder external rotation (MD=3.50, 95% CI -3.45 to 10.45; I2 54.7%, P=0.32), shoulder flexion (MD=-1.20, 95% CI -8.95 to 6.55; I2 0%, P=0.76) or wrist extension (MD=-0.32, 95% CI -6.98 to 5.75; I2 38.5%, P=0.92). No data were available concerning the mobility of other joints. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed very low-quality evidence that static stretching with positioning orthoses reduces wrist flexion spasticity after stroke as compared with no therapy. Furthermore, we found low-quality evidence that static stretching by simple positioning is not better than conventional physiotherapy for preventing loss of mobility in the shoulder and wrist. Considering the limited number of studies devoted to this issue in post-stroke survivors, further randomized clinical trials are still needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42017078784).

Upper-limb movement smoothness after stroke and its relationship with measures of body function/structure and activity - A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: After a stroke, upper limb (UL) motor impairments interfere with functional activities and quality of life. Even though a range of assessment tools has been developed to assess UL, few studies explore the interfaces between different levels of functioning after stroke. OBJECTIVES: (a) verify the correlation between movement smoothness and other measures of body function/structure [UL - Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and handgrip strength]; (b) verify which body function/structure [UL-FMA and/or handgrip strength] could predict UL movement smoothness; and (c) verify if movement smoothness could predict levels of activity, as assessed by the Box and Block Test (BBT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Thirty-four individuals with chronic hemiparesis after stroke were enrolled. Measurements of body function/structure included FMA, handgrip strength and kinematic measure of movement smoothness. Levels of activity were measured using the Box and Block Test (BBT). RESULTS: Movement smoothness showed strong correlation with FMA (r = 0.70, p < .001) and moderate correlation with handgrip strength (r = 0.63, p < .001). FMA explained 46.4% of the variation in movement smoothness. Movement smoothness was moderately correlated with BBT (r = -0.560, p < .005) and predicted 31% of the variation in BBT. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of UL-FMA to predict movement smoothness in chronic post-stroke subjects. This study also showed that movement smoothness influences the level of activity. Then, movement smoothness may be emphasized during stroke rehabilitation to enhance the UL level of activity in chronic post-stroke subjects.

Noninvasive brain stimulation combined with other therapies improves gait speed after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques able to modulate cortical excitability. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of NIBS combined with other therapies on gait speed after stroke. METHODS: Electronic databases searched were PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, SCOPUS, SCIELO and PEDro. Eligibility criteria were randomized controlled trials that reported the effects of tDCS and rTMS combined with other therapies for improving gait speed, walking cadence, functional ambulation category (FAC) and motricity index (MI-LE) after stroke. Risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Quality of evidence was assessed by Grades of Researches, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. RESULTS: Ten studies (226 subjects) were included in the meta-analysis. NIBS combined with other therapies was effective for improving gait speed (MD 0.09 m/s [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.13; I2 0%, p < 0.0001]). Gait speed improved in both acute/subacute (MD 0.08 m/s [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.14]) and chronic phases (MD 0.08 m/s [95% CI, 0.03 to 0.13]). Furthermore, inhibitory (MD 0.09 m/s [95% CI, 0.04 to 0.14]) and excitatory (MD 0.07 m/s [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.12]) protocols were effective to improve gait speed. NIBS was also effective to improve walking cadence but was unable to modify other outcomes (FAC and MI-LE). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review with meta-analysis synthesizes moderate-quality evidence that NIBS combined with other therapies are effective to improve gait speed after stroke. Systematic Review registration number: PROSPERO registration number CDR42015024237.

Plantar stimulation in parkinsonians: From biomarkers to mobility - randomized-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The decrease of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) serum levels has been related to the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases as well as to neural plasticity and rehabilitation. Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation (AMPS) has been investigated as a complementary therapy for Parkinson Disease (PD). OBJECTIVES: (1) to investigate the effects of AMPS on BDNF and Cortisol serum levels of subjects with PD; (2) to evidence the interplay between BDNF and Cortisol serum levels and the functional mobility improvement after AMPS treatment. METHODS: Thirty-three subjects with PD were randomized into two groups: effective stimulation (AMPS, n = 16) or placebo stimulation (AMPS SHAM, n = 17). Fourteen healthy aged-matched subjects were included as a reference group. Each AMPS group received eight sessions of treatment using a commercial medical device (Gondola™). BDNF and Cortisol serum levels, spatiotemporal gait parameters and TUG test were assessed at baseline and after eight sessions of treatment. RESULTS: After the treatment, AMPS group showed significantly higher levels of BDNF and lower levels of Cortisol compared to AMPS SHAM. AMPS group also showed a positive effect on gait pattern as a higher improvement on gait velocity, stride length, and TUG performance was shown. CONCLUSION: Effective AMPS treatment increased BDNF and decreased Cortisol serum levels and produced improvements in functional mobility.