Influences of the biofeedback content on robotic post-stroke gait rehabilitation: electromyographic vs joint torque biofeedback.

BACKGROUND: Add-on robot-mediated therapy has proven to be more effective than conventional therapy alone in post-stroke gait rehabilitation. Such robot-mediated interventions routinely use also visual biofeedback tools. A better understanding of biofeedback content effects when used for robotic locomotor training may improve the rehabilitation process and outcomes. METHODS: This randomized cross-over pilot trial aimed to address the possible impact of different biofeedback contents on patients' performance and experience during Lokomat training, by comparing a novel biofeedback based on online biological electromyographic information (EMGb) versus the commercial joint torque biofeedback (Rb) in sub-acute non ambulatory patients. 12 patients were randomized into two treatment groups, A and B, based on two different biofeedback training. For both groups, study protocol consisted of 12 Lokomat sessions, 6 for each biofeedback condition, 40 min each, 3 sessions per week of frequency. All patients performed Lokomat trainings as an add-on therapy to the conventional one that was the same for both groups and consisted of 40 min per day, 5 days per week. The primary outcome was the Modified Ashworth Spasticity Scale, and secondary outcomes included clinical, neurological, mechanical, and personal experience variables collected before and after each biofeedback training. RESULTS: Lokomat training significantly improved gait/daily living activity independence and trunk control, nevertheless, different effects due to biofeedback content were remarked. EMGb was more effective to reduce spasticity and improve muscle force at the ankle, knee and hip joints. Robot data suggest that Rb induces more adaptation to robotic movements than EMGb. Furthermore, Rb was perceived less demanding than EMGb, even though patient motivation was higher for EMGb. Robot was perceived to be effective, easy to use, reliable and safe: acceptability was rated as very high by all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Specific effects can be related to biofeedback content: when muscular-based information is used, a more direct effect on lower limb spasticity and muscle activity is evidenced. In a similar manner, when biofeedback treatment is based on joint torque data, a higher patient compliance effect in terms of force exerted is achieved. Subjects who underwent EMGb seemed to be more motivated than those treated with Rb.

Una actualización sobre aplicaciones ortopédicas usando tecnologías de impresión tridimensional / An Update on Orthopedic Applications Using 3-Dimensional Printing Technologies / Uma atualização em aplicações ortopédicas usando tecnologias de impressão tridimensionais

Resumen En este artículo se revisan las aplicaciones tecnológicas de la impresión tridimensional (3DP) en Ortopedia. La impresión 3D es el proceso de manufacturar para construir objetos tridimensionales a través de la acumulación de material, y recientemente está llamando la atención de profesionales médicos de forma significativa. La Ortopedia es probablemente la mayor área de aplicación de esta tecnología, y está siendo probada en diversos procedimientos, desde hacer planeación quirúrgica hasta manufacturar implantes para probar su utilidad. Sin embargo, esta tecnología no ha superado completamente los problemas que surgieron en la década de los noventa, estas limitaciones serán superadas eventualmente cuando la velocidad del desarrollo tecnológico sea considerada.

Abstract This article reviews the technological applications of 3-dimensional printing (3DP) in orthopedics. 3DP is the manufacturing process to build three-dimensional object by accumulating material, and recently it is drawing the interest of medical professional significantly. Orthopedics is probably the biggest application of this technology, and is being tested from surgical planning to the implant manufacturing to prove its usefulness. The technology has not overcome the problems that arose in the 90s completely, those limitations will be overcome eventually, when the technological development speed is considered.

Resumo Este artigo descreve as aplicações tecnológicas da impressão tridimensional (3DP) em Ortopedia. Impressão 3D é o processo de manufatura para construir objectos tridimensionais, através da acumulação de material. Recentemente elas estao atraindo significativamente a atenção dos profissionais médicos. A Ortopedia é provavelmente a maior área de aplicação desta tecnologia, e está sendo testado em vários processos, desde o planejamento cirúrgico até a fabricação de implantes cirúrgicos para provar a sua utilidade. No entanto, esta tecnologia não foi consigue superar completamente os problemas que surgiram na década dos noventa. Essas limitações serao superadas quando a velocidade do desenvolvimento tecnológico seja considerado.