Locomotor adaptation on a split-belt treadmill in adults with stroke: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of motor adaptation during walking on a split-belt treadmill (SBT) under different learning conditions in adults with stroke. We searched randomized clinical trials and case studies that used SBT under different learning conditions published between January 2011 and April 2022 in four databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Brain-URJC. The following data were extracted: objectives, interventions, population, number of sessions, outcome measures, and results. The methodological quality of quantitative studies was evaluated using the Critical Review Form. We identified 79 studies, from which six met the criteria for this systematic review (four randomized clinical trials and two case series). The six selected studies included 156 patients with chronic stroke; 62.8% men, age 21-85 years. Walking on a SBT can generate artifacts in the gait pattern depending on the experimental conditions. Two series of cases and one trial reported that the dual motor task - the inclination of the slope of the SBT or the gradual change of speed - promotes the retention of the artifacts generated by the disturbances, resulting in the learning of a new motor pattern. However, combining physical exercise of different intensity and at different times with SBT, maximizing or minimizing errors, or including variable or constant speed disturbances do not seem to affect the locomotor adaptation process.

Adaptación locomotora sobre pasarela rodante con correa dividida en personas con ictus: una revisión sistemática / Locomotor adaptation on a split-belt treadmill in adults with stroke: a systematic review

El objetivo de esta revisión fue evaluar la eficacia de la adaptación motora durante la marcha sobre cintas de marcha con correa dividida (CMCD) con diferentes condiciones de aprendizaje en personas con ictus. Se realizó una búsqueda de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y estudios de casos en cuatro bases de datos (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Brain-URJC), publicados desde enero de 2011 hasta abril de 2022, que utilizasen CMCD bajo diferentes condiciones de aprendizaje. Se extrajeron datos sobre el objetivo, la intervención, la población, el número de sesiones, las medidas de resultados y los resultados obtenidos. Se valoró la calidad metodologica para estudios cuantitativos con la Critical Review Form.De los 79 estudios identificados, se incluyeron seis en la revisión, cuatro ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y dos series de casos. Incluyeron 156 personas con ictus crónico, 62,8% hombres, entre los 21-85 años de edad. La locomoción sobre CMCD puede generar artefactos en el patrón de marcha, según la condición experimental utilizada. Dos series de casos y un ensayo observaron que la doble tarea motora, la inclinación de la pendiente de la CMCD o el cambio gradual de velocidad, fomentarían la retención de los artefactos generados por las perturbaciones, redundando en el aprendizaje de un nuevo patrón motor.Sin embargo, incluir ejercicio físico de diferente intensidad y en diferentes momentos en combinación con CMCD, maximizar o minimizar los errores, o incluir perturbaciones variables o constantes de la velocidad, parecen no mostrar un efecto sobre el proceso de adaptación locomotora.(AU)

This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of motor adaptation during walking on a split-belt treadmill (SBT) under different learning conditions in adults with stroke. We searched randomized clinical trials and case studies that used SBT under different learning conditions published between January 2011 and April 2022 in four databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Brain-URJC. The following data were extracted: objectives, interventions, population, number of sessions, outcome measures, and results. The methodological quality of quantitative studies was evaluated using the Critical Review Form. We identified 79 studies, from which six met the criteria for this systematic review (four randomized clinical trials and two case series). The six selected studies included 156 patients with chronic stroke; 62.8% men, age 21-85 years. Walking on a SBT can generate artifacts in the gait pattern depending on the experimental conditions. Two series of cases and one trial reported that the dual motor task - the inclination of the slope of the SBT or the gradual change of speed - promotes the retention of the artifacts generated by the disturbances, resulting in the learning of a new motor pattern. However, combining physical exercise of different intensity and at different times with SBT, maximizing or minimizing errors, or including variable or constant speed disturbances do not seem to affect the locomotor adaptation process.(AU)

Feasibility and Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Game-Based Upper Extremity Motor Function Rehabilitation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to develop a virtual reality protocol based on activities of daily living and conventional rehabilitation, using Leap Motion Controller to improve motor function in upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients. At the same time, the purpose was to explore its efficacy in the recovery of upper extremity motor function in chronic stroke survivors, and to determine feasibility, satisfaction and attendance rate; Methods: A prospective pilot experimental clinical trial was conducted. The outcome measures used were the grip strength, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Block and Box Test (BBT), the Short Form Health Survey-36 Questionnaire, a satisfaction questionnaire and attendance rate; Results: Our results showed statistically significant changes in the variables grip strength, BBT and ARAT as well as high levels of satisfaction and attendance; Conclusions: This virtual reality platform represents an effective tool in aspects of upper extremity functionality rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke, demonstrating feasibility and high levels of attendance and satisfaction.

Comparing the experience of individuals with primary and secondary lymphoedema: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that has significant detrimental impact on patients' quality of life. Secondary lymphoedema often results from anti-tumour treatment, in contrast to primary lymphoedema which is the result of genetic abnormalities that leads to an abnormal development of the lymphatic system. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the experience of individuals with primary and secondary lymphoedema. METHODS: A total of 19 patients (mean ±â€¯standard deviation age: 56.7 ±â€¯16.2 years), 8 with primary and 11 with secondary lymphoedema, participated in this qualitative phenomenological study. Purposeful sampling method was applied. We recruited participants from specialised lymphoedema units of two physical therapy clinics and the Lymphoedema Patient Association in Spain. Data collection methods included unstructured and semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: The findings suggest differences between the experience of living with primary or secondary lymphoedema. Also, those with lower extremity lymphoedema have more pain, fatigue, and functional limitations. Three primary themes emerged: "Emotional challenge", "Adapting your life to a new situation," and "lymphoedema management". CONCLUSIONS: The experience of living with lymphoedema involves aspects of fear, suffering, coping, and management of the disease and differs between secondary and primary causes. However, it seems to be more dependent on its location than its cause.