Therapists and patients perceptions of a mixed reality system designed to improve trunk control and upper extremity function.

A prototype system aimed at improving arm function and trunk control after stroke has been developed that combines mixed-reality (MR) feedback with a mobile seat system (Holoreach). The purpose of this study was to assess the usability of Holoreach in a rehabilitation setting from both the patient and therapist perspective. Ten therapists (eight physiotherapists and two occupational therapists) used the device in their regular therapy programs for fifteen stroke patients with trunk control issues. Each patient received four individual therapy sessions with the device performed under the supervision of the therapist. Therapists and patients kept therapy diaries and used customized questionnaires. At the end of the study two focus groups were conducted to further assess usability. Generally, the prototype system is suitable for training trunk and arm control. The therapists expressed overall positive views on the impact of Holoreach. They characterized it as new, motivating, fresh, joyful, interesting, and exciting. All therapists and 80% of the patients agreed with the statement that training with Holoreach is beneficial for rehabilitation. Nonetheless, improvements are required in the hardware and software, and design. The prototype system contributes at various levels to the rapidly evolving advances in neurorehabilitation, particularly regarding the practical aspect of exercise delivery.

Endurance training in MS: short-term immune responses and their relation to cardiorespiratory fitness, health-related quality of life, and fatigue.

The influences of exercise on cytokine response, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and fatigue are important aspects of MS rehabilitation. Physical exercises performed within these programs are often practiced in water, but the effects of immersion have not been investigated. To investigate the influences of short-term immune responses and cardiorespiratory fitness on HR-QoL and fatigue during 3 weeks endurance training conducted on a cycle-ergometer or an aquatic-bike. Randomized controlled clinical trial in 60 MS patients. HR-QoL, fatigue, cardiorespiratory fitness, and short-term immune changes (serum concentrations in response to cardiopulmonary exercise test) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin-6, and the soluble receptor of IL-6 (sIL-6R) were determined at the beginning and end of 3 weeks of training intervention. Subjects performed daily 30 min training at 60 % of their VO2peak. SF-36 total (p = 0.031), physical (p = 0.004), and mental health (p = 0.057) scores show time effects within both groups. Between-group effects were shown for FSMC total (p = 0.040) and motor function score (p = 0.041). MFIS physical fatigue showed time effects (p = 0.008) for both groups. Linear regression models showed relationships between short-term immune responses and cardiorespiratory fitness with HR-QoL and fatigue after the intervention. This study indicates beneficial effects of endurance training independent of the training setting. Short-term immune adaptations and cardiorespiratory fitness have the potential to influence HR-QoL and fatigue in persons with MS. The specific immune responses of immersion to exercise need further clarification.

Training in MS: influence of two different endurance training protocols (aquatic versus overland) on cytokine and neurotrophin concentrations during three week randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The influences of exercising on cytokine response, fatigue and cardiorespiratory values are important aspects of rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Exercise performed within these programs is often practised in water but the effects of immersion on PwMS have not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine differences in cytokine and neurotrophin concentrations, fatigue and cardiorespiratory values in response to 3 week endurance training conducted on a cycle ergometer or an aquatic bike. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale range 1.0-6.5). Resting serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), Interleukin-6, soluble receptor of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and concentrations in response to cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), fatigue and cardiorespiratory values were determined at entry and discharge. Subjects performed daily 30 minute training at 60% of VO2max. RESULTS: Cytokines and neurotrophins showed no significant differences between groups over the training intervention. Within the water group BDNF resting and post-CPET concentrations (p<0.05) showed a significant increase and NGF tended to increase after the training intervention. Short-term effects on BDNF (CEPT) tended to increase at the start and significantly thereafter (p<0.05). No changes occurred in the land group. Other cytokines and fatigue scores remained unchanged over the training period. Cardiorespiratory values improved significantly over time within both groups. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that aquatic training activates BDNF regulation and can be an effective training method during rehabilitation in PwMS.