The applicability of noncontact sensors in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

A noncontact sensor field is an innovative device that can detect, measure, or monitor physical properties or conditions without direct physical contact with the subject or object under examination. These sensors use a variety of methods, including electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic technique, to collect information about the target without physical interaction. Noncontact sensors find wide-ranging applications in various fields such as manufacturing, robotics, automobiles, security, environmental monitoring, space industry, agriculture, and entertainment. In particular, they are used in the medical field, where they provide continuous monitoring of patient conditions and offer opportunities in rehabilitation medicine. This article introduces the potential of noncontact sensors in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence to Predict the Prognosis of Patients Undergoing Central Nervous System Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review.

Applications of machine learning in the healthcare field have become increasingly diverse. In this review, we investigated the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting the prognosis of patients with central nervous system disorders such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. AI algorithms have shown promise in prognostic assessment, but challenges remain in achieving a higher prediction accuracy for practical clinical use. We suggest that accumulating more diverse data, including medical imaging and collaborative efforts among hospitals, can enhance the predictive capabilities of AI. As healthcare professionals become more familiar with AI, its role in central nervous system rehabilitation is expected to advance significantly, revolutionizing patient care.

Treatment of Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Narrative Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is a common musculoskeletal condition that is characterized by tightness and weakness of the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. The aim of this current study is to summarize and provide an overview of the treatment in patients with UCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane library, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science database search was conducted for English-language articles about upper crossed syndrome that were published until 19 January 2023. To identify potentially relevant articles, the following key search phrases were combined: "upper crossed syndrome", "upper cross syndrome", "diagnosis", and "treatment". A total of 233 articles were identified. After reading the titles and abstracts and assessing their eligibility based on the full-text articles, 11 articles were finally included in this review. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the non-randomized clinical trial (non-RCT), respectively. RESULTS: Among eleven studies that investigated the effect of treatment programs for UCS, five studies compared the therapeutic effect of exercise programs with controls, whereas six compared different rehabilitative treatment strategies, such as the muscle energy technique, soft-tissue mobilization, and stretching exercises. In addition, regarding the study design, ten studies were RCTs and only one study was a prospective observational study. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment programs including various types of exercises and techniques to correct an abnormal posture and restore neuromuscular imbalances are effective for decreasing pain and improving neck disabilities and postural deviations in patients with UCS.

Spinal Injections: A Narrative Review from a Surgeon's Perspective.

Spinal pain is one of most frequent complaints of the general population, which can cause decreased activities of daily living and absence from work. Among numerous therapeutic methods, spinal injection is one of the most effective treatments for spinal pain and is currently widely applied in the clinical field. In this review, spinal injection is discussed from a surgeon's perspective. Recently, although the number of spinal surgeries has been increasing, questions are arising as to whether they are necessary. The failure rate after spinal surgery is high, and its long-term outcome was reported to be similar to spinal injection. Thus, spinal surgeries should be performed conservatively. Spinal injection is largely divided into diagnostic and therapeutic blocks. Using diagnostic blocks, such as the diagnostic selective nerve root block, disc stimulation test, and diagnostic medial branch block (MBB), the precise location causing the pain can be confirmed. For therapeutic blocks, transforaminal nerve root injection, therapeutic MBB, and percutaneous epidural neuroplasty are used. When unbearable spinal pain persists despite therapeutic spinal injections, spinal surgeries can be considered. Spinal injection is usefully used to identify the precise location prior to a patient undergoing injection treatment or surgery and can reduce pain and improve quality of life, and help to avoid spinal surgery. Pain physicians should treat patients with spinal pain by properly utilizing spinal injection.

Effect of prehabilitation on patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The effect of prehabilitation in patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of prehabilitation before colorectal surgery on the functional outcomes and postoperative complications in patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched for articles published up to November 9, 2022. We included randomized and non-randomized trials in which the effects of prehabilitation in patients with frailty undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were investigated against a control group. Data extracted for our meta-analysis included the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), postoperative incidence of complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥IIIa), comprehensive complication index (CCI), and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital. Results: Compared with the control group, we found a significant improvement in the incidence of postoperative complications and shorter LOS in the hospital in the prehabilitation group. However, the 6MWT and CCI results showed no significant differences between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Prehabilitation in patients with frailty who underwent colorectal cancer surgery improved the incidence of postoperative complications and LOS in the hospital. Hence, clinicians should consider conducting or recommending prehabilitation exercises prior to colorectal cancer surgery in patients with frailty.

Effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on Motor Recovery After Stroke: A Systematic Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in improving motor outcomes after stroke. For accuracy, we only included studies in which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were administered to patients in the recovery phase after stroke (<6 mos after stroke). DESIGN: Meta-analyses were conducted according to the tools used to measure motor function. We searched the SCOPUS, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies, which compared motor recovery in patients who receive selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication in the recovery phase after stroke with a control group that did not receive any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. RESULTS: A total of 3715 publications were assessed, and nine studies met the study criteria. The group, which received selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, showed improved Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale and Barthel index scores compared with the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the modified Rankin Scale scores between the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and control groups. The incidence of adverse effects after the administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors did not differ from that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the recovery phase of stroke improved motor function without significant increase in adverse effects.

Effectiveness of Transforaminal, Interlaminar, and Caudal Epidural Injections in Lumbosacral Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Epidural injection (EI) has been used to manage lower back and radicular leg pain caused by a herniated lumbar disc. There are 3 types of EI techniques currently being used: transforaminal (TFEI), interlaminar (ILEI), and caudal epidural injections (CEI). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of TFEI, ILEI, and CEI in reducing pain and improving function in patients with HLD. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched from the earliest records up to August 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs. The standard mean differences (SMDs) in the changes in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were calculated from one week through one month posttreatment (short-term) and from 4 months through 6 months posttreatment (long-term). RESULTS: In total, 11 studies comprising 1,050 patients were included. Network meta-analysis showed that the improvement in the VAS scores was better with TFEI than with CEI (SMD = -1.16, 95% CI = -2.10 to -0.23). Ranking probability analysis showed that TFEI had the highest probability of being the best treatment for reducing pain and improving function in the short- and long-term evaluation periods. LIMITATIONS: Only a small number of previous studies were included in our analysis. Also, subgroup analysis according to the injection volume, material type, or pain onset could not be conducted. CONCLUSIONS: TFEI had the best potential of the 3 EI techniques to reduce pain and improve function in patients with a herniated lumbar disc. Further qualified trials comparing the effects of these 3 techniques are warranted to derive definitive conclusions.

Effects of Whey Protein, Leucine, and Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D in sarcopenia; (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until 5 December 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate muscle mass, strength, and function, after using whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation in patients with sarcopenia; (3) Results: A total of three studies including 637 patients reported the effectiveness of using whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation in patients with sarcopenia. Without considering whether or not a physical exercise program was combined with nutritional supplementation, no significant differences in grip strength or short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores between the experimental and control groups were noted. However, appendicular muscle mass significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group. The results were analyzed according to the presence or absence of a concomitant physical exercise program. With the use of a concomitant physical exercise program, handgrip strength and SPPB scores in the experimental group significantly improved when compared to the control group. In contrast, when physical exercise was not combined, there was no significant improvement in the handgrip strength and SPPB scores of patients with sarcopenia. In addition, the appendicular muscle mass significantly increased regardless of the presence of a concomitant physical exercise program; (4) Conclusions: Whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation can increase appendicular muscle mass in patients with sarcopenia. In addition, combining a physical exercise program with whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D supplementation can improve muscle strength and function.

Use of machine learning in the field of prosthetics and orthotics: A systematic narrative review.

Although machine learning is not yet being used in clinical practice within the fields of prosthetics and orthotics, several studies on the use of prosthetics and orthotics have been conducted. We intend to provide relevant knowledge by conducting a systematic review of prior studies on using machine learning in the fields of prosthetics and orthotics. We searched the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until July 18, 2021. The study included the application of machine learning algorithms to upper-limb and lower-limb prostheses and orthoses. The criteria of the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. A total of 13 studies were included in this systematic review. In the realm of prostheses, machine learning has been used to identify prosthesis, select an appropriate prosthesis, train after wearing the prosthesis, detect falls, and manage the temperature in the socket. In the field of orthotics, machine learning was used to control real-time movement while wearing an orthosis and predict the need for an orthosis. The studies included in this systematic review are limited to the algorithm development stage. However, if the developed algorithms are actually applied to clinical practice, it is expected that it will be useful for medical staff and users to handle prosthesis and orthosis.

Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Post-stroke Dysphagia: A Meta-analysis of Stimulation Frequency, Stimulation Site, and Timing of Outcome Measurement.

Dysphagia is one of the most frequent sequelae of stroke. It can result in various complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and poor rehabilitation outcomes. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been reported to improve dysphagia after a stroke; however, effective treatment protocols have not been established yet. We evaluated the effect of the following rTMS parameters on post-stroke dysphagia: stimulation frequency [high frequency (≥ 3 Hz) or low frequency (1 Hz)] and stimulation site (ipsilesional or contralesional mylohyoid cortex). Outcomes were measured immediately, at 3 weeks, and at 4 weeks after the rTMS session. The PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published between January 01, 1980, and December 13, 2021. Randomized controlled trials on the effects of rTMS on post-stroke dysphagia were included. Six studies were finally included in the analysis. The selected studies included 158 patients (rTMS group: 81 patients; sham group: 77 patients). Regarding the effect of high-frequency rTMS on the ipsilesional cortex, the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) scores showed significant improvement after rTMS sessions immediately and at 4 weeks [immediate: P = 0.02, standard mean difference (SMD) = - 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = - 1.14 to - 0.08; 4 weeks: P = 0.006, SMD = - 0.74, 95% CI = - 1.27 to - 0.21]; however, there was no significant reduction in the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores between the rTMS and sham groups (immediate: P = 0.43, SMD = 0.25, 95% CI = - 0.36, 0.86; 3 weeks: P = 0.39, SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = - 0.47 to 1.22). After low-frequency rTMS on the ipsilesional cortex, a significantly greater improvement in the SSA scores was found in the rTMS group than in the sham group, both immediately and at 4 weeks after rTMS sessions (immediate: P = 0.03, SMD = - 0.59, 95% CI = - 1.12 to - 0.06; 4 weeks: P = 0.001, SMD = - 0.92, 95% CI = - 1.48 to - 0.37). In addition, immediately after the rTMS sessions, the PAS scores were significantly reduced in the rTMS group than in the sham group (P = 0.047, SMD = - 0.60, 95% CI = - 1.19 to - 0.01). However, at 4 weeks after rTMS sessions, there was no significant reduction in the PAS scores in the rTMS group compared to the sham group (P = 0.48, SMD = - 0.19, 95% CI = - 0.71 to 0.33). Both high-frequency rTMS of the ipsilesional cortex and low-frequency rTMS of the contralesional cortex improved some measurements of the swallowing function in stroke patients immediately and at 4 weeks after treatment.

Use of QR Codes for Promoting a Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Purpose: In the current study, we investigated the usefulness of the quick response (QR) code linked to the source of a video of home-based therapeutic exercise to promote home-based therapeutic exercise in patients with LDH and LSS. Patients and Methods: Forty patients with LDH and LSS were included in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: QR codes or control groups (20 patients per group). The QR code group received QR code stickers linked with a video that includes a demonstration on how to exercise for the back muscles. We instructed the patients to perform home-based therapeutic exercises three or more days a week. Patients in the control group were asked to perform the therapeutic exercise without providing a QR code to them. The primary outcome was the number of exercises per week. The scores of the numeric rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were investigated as secondary outcomes. Results: The patients in the QR code group exercised for the lower back muscles on average about two times a week, and 40% of the patients in the QR code group performed the exercise three or more days a week. However, almost no patients in the control group performed therapeutic exercises. Patients in the QR code group showed significantly lower ODI scores at the 1-month and 2-month follow-ups compared with the control group. In addition, the patients who exercised ≥3 times per week showed more improvement in the disability than those who exercised <3 times per week. The NRS scores for lower back pain and radicular leg pain were not significantly different between the QR code and control groups. Conclusion: We found that QR codes can be useful for encouraging patients with LDH or LSS to perform home-based therapeutic exercises.

Orthotic approach to prevention and management of diabetic foot: A narrative review.

Diabetic foot is a common complication affecting more than one-fifth of patients with diabetes. If not treated in time, it may lead to diabetic foot ulcers or Charcot arthropathy. For the management of diabetic foot, shoe modifications and orthoses can be used to reduce pressure on the affected foot or provide the foot with increased stability. In addition, the shoe modifications and orthotic devices can relieve patient discomfort during walking. Appropriate shoe modifications include changing the insole material, modifying the heel height, adding a steel shank or rocker sole, and using in-depth shoes. Alternatively, a walking brace or ankle-foot orthosis can be used to reduce the pressure on the affected foot. The purpose of this narrative review was to provide a reference guide to support clinicians in prescribing shoe modifications and foot orthoses to treat diabetic foot ulcers and Charcot arthropathy.

Assessment of information on YouTube on the effect of acupuncture in patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

Medical-related information rapidly spreads throughout the internet. However, these types of information often contain inaccurate information, which can lead to harmful misconceptions. In this study, we evaluated the reliability, quality, and accuracy of videos uploaded on YouTube that harbor claims on the effects of acupuncture on COVID-19 treatment. This is a cross-sectional study. Videos uploaded on YouTube up to February 17, 2022, were searched, and the keywords used were as follows: "acupuncture," "coronavirus," "COVID 19," "COVID-19," "Corona," "COVID," and "SARSCoV2." The top 50 videos in English were viewed and evaluated. The reliability of the videos was evaluated using the modified DISCERN scale, the content-quality was evaluated using the Global Quality Scale. The accuracy of the information in each video was evaluated as well. Of the 50 videos, only 8% were found to be reliable and 64% were of poor quality. Additionally, 98% of the videos were misleading. The mean modified DISCERN scores was 1.72 and the mean Global Quality Scale score was 2.06. Despite the videos being made by experts, their reliability, content-quality, and accuracy were found to be low. The spread of inaccurate information may result in the use of inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment methods for patients. Videos that contain medical information should be produced based on verified scientific evidence.

Ultrasound-guided 5-in-1 trigger point injection for treating tension-type headache: A case report.

RATIONALE: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of primary headache, and trigger point injection (TPI) is frequently used for controlling pain originating from TTHs. In the current report, we introduce a TPI technique involving 4 neck muscles (upper trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, and inferior oblique capitis) and a greater occipital nerve (GON) block within the same sonographic view for the treatment of TTHs. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 44-year-old woman complained with pressing and tightening, nonpulsating, recurrent headaches, mainly in the bilateral occipital area, lasting for approximately 6 months (numeric rating scale: 5). The patient had no nausea, vomiting, photophobia, or phonophobia. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as having a TTH. INTERVENTIONS: Under ultrasound (US) guidance, a mixed solution of 2 mL of 2% lidocaine and 5 mL of normal saline was injected layer-by-layer into the 4 target muscles of the neck (upper trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, and inferior oblique capitis) and near the right GON within the same sonographic view bilaterally. OUTCOMES: Two- and 4-week follow-ups after administration of the injections revealed no headache. Our US-guided 5-in-1 TPI technique is viable for treating patients with TTH. LESSONS: We believe that it can aid in reducing the procedure time and associated pain.

The Comparison Between Transarticular Screw Fixation and Segmental Screw-Rod Fixation for Posterior Fusion of the C1-2 Segment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Both transarticular screw fixation (TAS) and segmental screw-rod fixation (SF) have been widely performed for C1-2 fusion; however, just only small clinical studies and a few meta-analyses comparing the 2 surgical techniques for C1-2 posterior fusion have been reported. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane, Embase, and Medline databases for articles comparing the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of TAS and SF for C1-2 posterior fusion with April 14, 2022, as the publication cutoff date. The odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference were used to analyze differences in outcomes between the 2 abovementioned surgical techniques. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 5101 publications were assessed, and 6 studies were finally included in the study. In terms of the fusion rate, SF produced significantly better outcomes than TAS did (OR = 2.96, P = 0.02). With respect to surgical outcomes, blood loss and operation times were significantly lower in the TAS group than those in the SF group (P = 0.008 and P < 0.00001, respectively). The rate of vertebral artery injury was significantly lower in the SF group than that in the TAS group (OR = 3.95, P = 0.04). However, other complications, such as screw malposition, infection, hardware failure, and nonunion, were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: SF showed a greater fusion rate and lower risk of vertebral artery injury than TAS did, but TAS showed less blood loss and lower operation times than SF.

Amputation stump management: A narrative review.

In this review intended for medical staff involved in patient rehabilitation, we provided an overview of the basic methods for managing amputation stumps. After the amputation surgery, it is imperative to optimize the remaining physical abilities of the amputee through rehabilitation processes, including postoperative rehabilitation, desensitization, and continuous application of soft or rigid dressings for pain reduction and shaping of the stump. Depending on the situation, a prosthesis may be worn in the early stage of recovery or an immediate postoperative prosthesis may be applied to promote stump maturation. Subsequently, to maintain the range of motion of the stump and to prevent deformation, the remaining portion of the limb should be positioned to prevent contracture. Continuous exercises should also be performed to improve muscle strength to ensure that the amputee is able to perform activities of daily living, independently. Additionally, clean wound or edema management of the stump is necessary to prevent problems associated with wearing the prosthesis. Our review is expected to contribute to the establishment of basic protocols that will be useful for stump management from the time of completion of amputation surgery to the fitting of a prosthesis to optimize patient recovery.

Prediction of Motor Outcome of Stroke Patients Using a Deep Learning Algorithm with Brain MRI as Input Data.

BACKGROUND: Deep learning techniques can outperform traditional machine learning techniques and learn from unstructured and perceptual data, such as images and languages. We evaluated whether a convolutional neural network (CNN) model using whole axial brain T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images as input data can help predict motor outcomes of the upper and lower limbs at the chronic stage in stroke patients. METHODS: We collected MR images taken at the early stage of stroke in 1,233 consecutive stroke patients. We categorized modified Brunnstrom classification (MBC) scores of ≥5 and functional ambulatory category (FAC) scores of ≥4 at 6 months after stroke as favorable outcomes in the upper and lower limbs, respectively, and MBC scores of <5 and FAC scores of <4 as poor outcomes. We applied a CNN to train the image data. Of the 1,233 patients, 70% (863 patients) were randomly selected for the training set and the remaining 30% (370 patients) were assigned to the validation set. RESULTS: In the prediction of upper limb motor function on the validation dataset, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.768, and for lower limb motor function, the AUC was 0.828. CONCLUSION: We showed that a CNN model trained using whole-brain axial T2-weighted MR images of stroke patients would help predict upper and lower limb motor function at the chronic stage.