Análisis descriptivo de coste de tratamiento de la espasticidad con diferentes tipos de toxina botulínica A, a lo largo de un año / Descriptive analysis of the annual cost of treating spasticity with different types of botulinum toxin A

Introducción: La toxina botulínica A es el tratamiento de elección para la espasticidad localizada. Sin embargo, no se tiene un conocimiento real de su repercusión económica.El objetivo de este trabajo es describir los costes reales del tratamiento de la espasticidad en adultos con toxina botulínica A en una consulta de espasticidad de un Servicio de Rehabilitación, a lo largo de un año.MétodosSe ha realizado la revisión retrospectiva de todos los actos médicos llevados a cabo a lo largo del año 2017. Se han recogido el tipo de toxina utilizado (incobotulinumtoxin A, onabotulinumtoxin A, abobotulinumtoxin A), las unidades inyectadas, la región anatómica y el tiempo transcurrido entre infiltraciones. Se han obtenido los costes de la medicación y los costes indirectos, como los de personal o los fungibles.ResultadosEste es el primer trabajo que describe los costes reales del tratamiento de la espasticidad en adultos con toxina botulínica A en España. En 2017 se realizaron 510 actos de infiltración en 164 pacientes. El coste total de tratamiento de espasticidad en nuestro servicio fue de 116.789,70 €. El coste medio anual por paciente fue 603,64 € para onabotulinumtoxin A, de 642,69 € para abobotulinumtoxin A y de 707,59 € para incobotulinumtoxin A.ConclusionesNuestro estudio económico de actividad clínica real sigue una pauta similar a la descrita en los modelos teóricos publicados en la literatura. Las diferentes características de cada toxina y la imposibilidad de establecer una equivalencia entre las unidades de cada una de ellas impiden la comparación directa de estos costes. (AU)

Introduction: Botulinum toxin A is the first-line treatment for localised spasticity. However, the economic impact of this treatment is not fully known.This study aimed to describe the real costs of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of adult patients with spasticity at a spasticity clinic pertaining to a rehabilitation service, over a period of one year.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all medical procedures carried out during the year 2017. We collected data on the type of toxin used (incobotulinumtoxin A, onabotulinumtoxin A, or AAbobotulinumtoxin A), the number of units injected, the anatomical region, and the time elapsed between infiltrations. The costs of medication and indirect costs, such as staff and consumables, were also calculated.ResultsThis is the first study to describe the real costs of botulinum toxin treatment of spasticity in adult patients in Spain. In 2017, 510 infiltration procedures were performed in 164 patients. The total cost of treating spasticity in our service was €116 789.70. The mean annual cost per patient was €603.64 for onabotulinumtoxin A, €642.69 for abobotulinumtoxin A, and €707.59 for incobotulinumtoxin A.ConclusionsOur economic study of real clinical practice is consistent with the theoretical models published in the literature. The different characteristics of each toxin and the inability to establish an equivalence between the units of each drug prevents us from directly comparing these costs. (AU)

Evolución y calidad de vida a los tres meses tras hospitalización por neumonía COVID / Evolution and quality of life at three months after hospitalization for COVID pneumonia

Objetivo: Conocer la evolución y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud a los tres meses del alta, en pacientes que fueron hospitalizados en el hospital de Fuenlabrada con diagnóstico de neumonía por COVID-19, valorados por el Servicio de Rehabilitación y que realizaron fisioterapia. Métodos: Se recogen datos de 59 pacientes, diferenciando los que fueron valorados en UCI (41 pacientes), de los valorados en planta de hospitalización (18). Los datos se toman de su historia clínica electrónica, y se realiza una entrevista telefónica tres meses después del alta hospitalaria. Se analizan datos de su evolución durante hospitalización, tras el alta y durante los meses siguientes, y de su situación en el momento de la entrevista. Se pide a los pacientes una valoración de la fisioterapia recibida y que contesten el cuestionario de calidad de vida relacionado con la salud SF-36. Resultados: Estos pacientes han tenido la peor evolución de su neumonía COVID de entre los ingresados en nuestro hospital, pero tuvieron una buena recuperación funcional con la fisioterapia intrahospitalaria recibida, la cual fue valorada muy positivamente por los pacientes. Después de tres meses, el 84% tienen síntomas persistentes, siendo los más frecuentes disnea, cansancio y depresión/ansiedad, y tienen peores puntuaciones en SF-36 que la población de referencia. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes que requieren rehabilitación durante su hospitalización por neumonía COVID-19, tienen síntomas persistentes y perciben un deterioro de su calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, tras tres meses del alta hospitalaria.(AU)

Objective: Assess clinical evolution and health-related quality of life at three months after discharge in patients who were admitted and diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia, evaluated by the Rehabilitation Service and received physiotherapy in Fuenlabrada Hospital. Methods: Data were collected from 59 patients, separating those who were assessed in ICU (41 patients) from those assessed in the hospital ward (18). Data were obtained from their Electronic Medical Record, and a telephone interview was performed three months after their discharge. Data about their clinical progress during their hospitalization, after discharge, over the next months and their condition at the time of the interview is analyzed. Patients were asked to assess the quality of the physiotherapy received and to answer the SF-36 health-related quality of life questionnaire. Results: These patients had the worst progress of the COVID pneumonia among all patients hospitalized in our hospital, but they had a good functional recovery with the inpatient physiotherapy received, which was positively rated. After three months, 84% have persistent symptoms, with the most common being dyspnoea, fatigue and anxiety/depression, and score worse in the SF-36 questionnaire than the reference population. Conclusions: Most patients who require rehabilitation during their COVID pneumonia admission have persistent symptoms and perceive a deterioration in their health-related quality of life after three months of discharge.(AU)

Fiabilidad y validez de Kinovea para analizar parámetros espaciotemporales de la marcha / Reliability and Validity of Kinovea to Analyze Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters

Los objetivos del presente estudio son evaluar la fiabililidad test-retest e inter-observador del software Kinovea® para la obtención de los principales parámetros espaciotemporales de la marcha, así como, estudiar la validez de criterio respecto a un sistema tridimensional de análisis del movimiento. Los resultados obtenidos son significativamente estadísticos (p < 0,05) en todos los parámetros estudiados. La fiabilidad test-retest muestra una correlación excelente en los parámetros de longitud de paso, longitud de zancada, tiempo de paso y tiempo de zancada (CCI > 0,90), y buena en la velocidad (CCI = 0,76-0,90). La fiabilidad inter-observador es excelente (CCI > 0,90) en todos los parámetros espaciotemporales estudiados en ambos observadores. La validez de criterio entre Kinovea® y VICON Motion System® es excelente para los parámetros estudiados (r > 0,80) en ambos evaluadores. Estos hallazgos respaldan el empleo de Kinovea® como una herramienta accesible y de fácil manejo, con la que obtener datos objetivos de la marcha. (AU)

The aims of this study are to evaluate test-retest ant inter-rater reliability of the software Kinovea® to obtain the spatiotemporal gait parameters, as well as to study the criterion validity with respect to a three-dimensional motion capture system. The results obtained are statically significant (p < 0.05) in all the parameters studied. The test-retest reliability shows an excellent correlation in the parameters of step length, stride length, step time and stride time (ICC > 0.90), and good in speed (ICC = 0.76-0.90). The inter-rater evaluation is excellent (ICC > 0.90) in all the spatiotemporal parameters studied in both raters. The criterion validity between Kinovea® and VICON Motion System® is excellent for the parameters studied (r > 0.80) in both raters. These findings support the use of Kinovea® as an accessible and easy-to-use tool with which to obtain objective gait data. (AU)

Use of recognition of laterality through implicit motor imagery for the improvement of postural control and balance in subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled study. / Uso del reconocimiento de la lateralidad a través de imaginería motora implícita para la mejora del control postural y el equilibrio en pacientes con ictus subagudo: un estudio controlado aleatorizado.

INTRODUCTION: Motor Imagery techniques may be used as a complement to the recovery of motor sequelae after a stroke, as during the evocation of a movement the activation of neuronal circuits involved in the actual execution of the movement occurs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A simple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 38 patients were randomly assigned to a study group. Both groups performed, for four weeks, five weekly sessions of neurorehabilitation and three weekly sessions of experimental or control intervention, respectively.The experimental group training the recognition of laterality, while the control group the recognition of body parts. Participants were evaluated pre and post intervention with posturography parameters -Sway area (AREA), Sway path length (LONG), difference in weigthload between lower limbs (DIFLOAD)-, the Berg Balance scale (BBS), the Barthel Index (BI), the Time Up and Go Test (TUG), the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), and the quality-of-life scale for stroke (ECVI-38). RESULTS: After performing the intragroup analysis, statistical significance was obtained for AREA (p < 0.001), LONG (p = 0.04), DIFLOAD (p = 0.02), BBS (p < 0.001), BI (p < 0.001), FAC (p < 0.001), and ECVI-38 (p < 0.001) in the experimental group; and for DIFLOAD (p = 0.01), BBS (p = 0.001), BI (p = 0.001), TUG (p = 0.04), FAC (p = 0.03), and ECVI-38 (p = 0.003) in the control group. In the intergroup analysis, statistical significance was obtained for AREA (p = 0.03), BBS (p = 0.03), FAC (p = 0.02) and ECVI-38 (p = 0.002) at postintervention time. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of physical rehabilitation and recognition of laterality through implicit motor imagery tasks, improves balance and functions related to postural control in subacute stroke patients.

TITLE: Uso del reconocimiento de la lateralidad a través de imaginería motora implícita para la mejora del control postural y el equilibrio en pacientes con ictus subagudo: un estudio controlado aleatorizado.Introducción. Las técnicas de imaginería motora pueden utilizarse como complemento a la recuperación de las secuelas motoras tras un ictus, ya que durante la evocación de un movimiento se produce la activación de los circuitos neuronales implicados en la ejecución de éste. Pacientes y métodos. Se realizó un ensayo controlado aleatorizado simple ciego. Treinta y ocho pacientes en total fueron asignados aleatoriamente a cada grupo de estudio. Ambos grupos realizaron, durante cuatro semanas, cinco sesiones semanales de neurorrehabilitación y tres sesiones semanales de intervención experimental o control. El grupo experimental entrenaba el reconocimiento de la lateralidad, mientras que el grupo de control lo hacía con el reconocimiento de partes del cuerpo. Los participantes fueron evaluados antes y después de la intervención con parámetros posturográficos (área de barrido, longitud del recorrido de oscilación y porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores), la escala de equilibrio de Berg (BBS), el índice de Barthel, el test Time Up and Go, la clasificación funcional de la deambulación (FAC) y la escala de calidad de vida para el ictus (ECVI-38). Resultados. Después de realizar el análisis intragrupo, se obtuvo significación estadística para el área de barrido (p menor de 0,001), la longitud del recorrido de oscilación (p = 0,04), el porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores (p = 0,02), la BBS (p menor de 0,001), el índice de Barthel (p menor de 0,001), la FAC (p menor de 0,001) y la ECVI-38 (p menor de 0,001) en el grupo experimental; y para el porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores (p = 0,01), la BBS (p = 0,001), el índice de Barthel (p = 0,001), el Time Up and Go (p = 0,04), la FAC (p = 0,03) y la ECVI-38 (p = 0,003) en el grupo de control. En el análisis intergrupo se obtuvo significación estadística para el área de barrido (p = 0,03), la BBS (p = 0,03), la FAC (p = 0,02) y la ECVI-38 (p = 0,002) en el momento posterior a la intervención. Conclusiones. El uso combinado de rehabilitación física y reconocimiento de la lateralidad a través de tareas de imaginería motora implícita mejora el equilibrio y las funciones relacionadas con el control postural en pacientes con ictus subagudo.

Uso del reconocimiento de la lateralidad a través de imaginería motora implícita para la mejora del control postural y el equilibrio en pacientes con ictus subagudo: un estudio controlado aleatorizado / Use of recognition of laterality through implicit motor imagery for the improvement of postural control and balance in subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled study

Introducción: Las técnicas de imaginería motora pueden utilizarse como complemento a la recuperación de las secuelas motoras tras un ictus, ya que durante la evocación de un movimiento se produce la activación de los circuitos neuronales implicados en la ejecución de éste. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un ensayo controlado aleatorizado simple ciego. Treinta y ocho pacientes en total fueron asignados aleatoriamente a cada grupo de estudio. Ambos grupos realizaron, durante cuatro semanas, cinco sesiones semanales de neurorrehabilitación y tres sesiones semanales de intervención experimental o control. El grupo experimental entrenaba el reconocimiento de la lateralidad, mientras que el grupo de control lo hacía con el reconocimiento de partes del cuerpo. Los participantes fueron evaluados antes y después de la intervención con parámetros posturográficos (área de barrido, longitud del recorrido de oscilación y porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores), la escala de equilibrio de Berg (BBS), el índice de Barthel, el test Time Up and Go, la clasificación funcional de la deambulación (FAC) y la escala de calidad de vida para el ictus (ECVI-38). Resultados: Después de realizar el análisis intragrupo, se obtuvo significación estadística para el área de barrido (p < 0,001), la longitud del recorrido de oscilación (p = 0,04), el porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores (p = 0,02), la BBS (p < 0,001), el índice de Barthel (p < 0,001), la FAC (p < 0,001) y la ECVI-38 (p < 0,001) en el grupo experimental; y para el porcentaje de diferencia de carga de peso entre los miembros inferiores (p = 0,01), la BBS (p = 0,001), el índice de Barthel (p = 0,001), el Time Up and Go (p = 0,04), la FAC (p = 0,03) y la ECVI-38 (p = 0,003) en el grupo de control. En el análisis intergrupo se obtuvo significación estadística para el área de...(AU)

Introduction: Motor Imagery techniques may be used as a complement to the recovery of motor sequelae after a stroke, as during the evocation of a movement the activation of neuronal circuits involved in the actual execution of the movement occurs. Patients and methods: A simple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 38 patients were randomly assigned to a study group. Both groups performed, for four weeks, five weekly sessions of neurorehabilitation and three weekly sessions of experimental or control intervention, respectively.The experimental group training the recognition of laterality, while the control group the recognition of body parts. Participants were evaluated pre and post intervention with posturography parameters –Sway area (AREA), Sway path length (LONG), difference in weigthload between lower limbs (DIFLOAD)–, the Berg Balance scale (BBS), the Barthel Index (BI), the Time Up and Go Test (TUG), the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), and the quality-of-life scale for stroke (ECVI-38). Results: After performing the intragroup analysis, statistical significance was obtained for AREA (p < 0.001), LONG (p = 0.04), DIFLOAD (p = 0.02), BBS (p < 0.001), BI (p < 0.001), FAC (p < 0.001), and ECVI-38 (p < 0.001) in the experimental group; and for DIFLOAD (p = 0.01), BBS (p = 0.001), BI (p = 0.001), TUG (p = 0.04), FAC (p = 0.03), and ECVI-38 (p = 0.003) in the control group. In the intergroup analysis, statistical significance was obtained for AREA (p = 0.03), BBS (p = 0.03), FAC (p = 0.02) and ECVI-38 (p = 0.002) at postintervention time. Conclusions: Combined use of physical rehabilitation and recognition of laterality through implicit motor imagery tasks, improves balance and functions related to postural control in subacute stroke patients.(AU)

[Evolution and quality of life at three months after hospitalization for COVID pneumonia]. / Evolución y calidad de vida a los tres meses tras hospitalización por neumonía COVID.

OBJECTIVE: Assess clinical evolution and health-related quality of life at three months after discharge in patients who were admitted and diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia, evaluated by the Rehabilitation Service and received physiotherapy in Fuenlabrada Hospital. METHODS: Data were collected from 59 patients, separating those who were assessed in ICU (41 patients) from those assessed in the hospital ward (18). Data were obtained from their Electronic Medical Record, and a telephone interview was performed three months after their discharge. Data about their clinical progress during their hospitalization, after discharge, over the next months and their condition at the time of the interview is analyzed. Patients were asked to assess the quality of the physiotherapy received and to answer the SF-36 health-related quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: These patients had the worst progress of the COVID pneumonia among all patients hospitalized in our hospital, but they had a good functional recovery with the inpatient physiotherapy received, which was positively rated. After three months, 84% have persistent symptoms, with the most common being dyspnoea, fatigue and anxiety/depression, and score worse in the SF-36 questionnaire than the reference population. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who require rehabilitation during their COVID pneumonia admission have persistent symptoms and perceive a deterioration in their health-related quality of life after three months of discharge.

Descriptive analysis of the annual cost of treating spasticity with different types of botulinum toxin A.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin A is the first-line treatment for localised spasticity. However, the economic impact of this treatment is not fully known. This study aimed to describe the real costs of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of adult patients with spasticity at a spasticity clinic pertaining to a rehabilitation service, over a period of one year. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all medical procedures carried out during the year 2017. We collected data on the type of toxin used (incobotulinumtoxin A, onabotulinumtoxin A, or Abobotulinumtoxin A), the number of units injected, the anatomical region, and the time elapsed between infiltrations. The costs of medication and indirect costs, such as staff and consumables, were also calculated. RESULTS: This is the first study to describe the real costs of botulinum toxin treatment of spasticity in adult patients in Spain. In 2017, 510 infiltration procedures were performed in 164 patients. The total cost of treating spasticity in our service was 116 789.70. The mean annual cost per patient was 603.64 for onabotulinumtoxin A, 642.69 for abobotulinumtoxin A, and 707.59 for incobotulinumtoxin A. CONCLUSIONS: Our economic study of real clinical practice is consistent with the theoretical models published in the literature. The different characteristics of each toxin and the inability to establish an equivalence between the units of each drug prevents us from directly comparing these costs.

Descriptive analysis of the annual cost of treating spasticity with different types of botulinum toxin A. / Análisis descriptivo de coste de tratamiento de la espasticidad con diferentes tipos de toxina botulínica A, a lo largo de un año.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin A is the first-line treatment for localised spasticity. However, the economic impact of this treatment is not fully known. This study aimed to describe the real costs of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of adult patients with spasticity at a spasticity clinic pertaining to a rehabilitation service, over a period of one year. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all medical procedures carried out during the year 2017. We collected data on the type of toxin used (incobotulinumtoxin A, onabotulinumtoxin A, or AAbobotulinumtoxin A), the number of units injected, the anatomical region, and the time elapsed between infiltrations. The costs of medication and indirect costs, such as staff and consumables, were also calculated. RESULTS: This is the first study to describe the real costs of botulinum toxin treatment of spasticity in adult patients in Spain. In 2017, 510 infiltration procedures were performed in 164 patients. The total cost of treating spasticity in our service was €116 789.70. The mean annual cost per patient was €603.64 for onabotulinumtoxin A, €642.69 for abobotulinumtoxin A, and €707.59 for incobotulinumtoxin A. CONCLUSIONS: Our economic study of real clinical practice is consistent with the theoretical models published in the literature. The different characteristics of each toxin and the inability to establish an equivalence between the units of each drug prevents us from directly comparing these costs.

Electromyographic traces of motor unit synchronization of fatigued lower limb muscles during gait.

BACKGROUND: The study of the signal in the frequency domain has shown to be a good tool to identify muscular fatigue. Previous research has shown that the low frequency band and 40 Hz frequency band increase their relative intensity with the onset of fatigue. These findings were obtained in rectus femoris, but the behaviours of other muscles of the lower limb are unknown. In this article we explored the changes in the low frequency and 40 Hz frequency band of lower limb muscles with respect to fatigue. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects were recruited to analyse the electromyography (EMG) of biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis of both legs during gait. Four two-minutes walks at a self-selected speed were recorded, the first two walks with a normal muscular function and the last two walks after a fatigue protocol. All the signals were decomposed using wavelet transformations. The signals were normalized in time and spectral intensities normalized to the sum of intensities in the frequency domain. Two frequency bands were studied in each walk: the 40-Hz (34-53 Hz) and the low frequency (< 25 Hz) bands. A ratio of the spectral intensities of those frequency bands at each walk was obtained by dividing the 40-Hz frequency band spectral intensity by the low frequency band spectral intensity. Statistical parametric mapping techniques were used to compare the ratios of the prefatigue walks against the postfatigue walks. RESULTS: The results of the Statistical Non-Parametric Mapping (SnPM) analysis of all muscles depict a higher relative spectral intensity in the low frequency band in the comparison of fatigue versus prefatigue recordings except for the right gastrocnemius lateralis. The critical thresholds F* were exceeded by multiple suprathreshold clusters with p values <0.05, showing that the low frequency band increased its relative spectral intensity in the case of fatigue. CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest that the low frequency band increases its relative spectral intensity in all the studied muscles when fatigue onsets. This increase in relative spectral intensity may be linked to an increase in motor unit synchronization promoted by the central nervous system to ensure good motor control.

[Observational gait scale for persons with lower extremity amputation. Design and content validity]. / Escala observacional de la marcha del sujeto con amputación de la extremidad inferior: diseño y validez de contenido.

INTRODUCTION: Gait pattern is altered in persons with lower extremity amputation. To assess gait pattern, it is important to use observational gait scales with a good content validity. OBJECTIVES: To design an observational gait scale and to analyze its content validity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An expert committee was formed to obtain a version of the scale. The same committee was responsible for evaluating the scale. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated, both for each item and for the global scale. RESULTS: The main kinematic and spatiotemporal alterations were selected to design the items. The scale consists of 2sections and 25 items, with a maximum score of 35 points. An overall CVI score of 0.90 was obtained, and an index of validity for most items with values higher than 0.78. CONCLUSION: The Observational gait scale for persons with amputation of the lower extremity showed excellent content validity according to the CVI obtained. Future studies should evaluate its reliability and construct validity.

A systematic review of self-administered questionnaires for the functional assessment of patients with knee disabilities adapted into Spanish. / Revisión sistemática de los cuestionarios autocumplimentados adaptados al español para la valoración funcional de pacientes con afecciones de rodilla.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of self-administered knee-disability functional assessment questionnaires adapted to Spanish, analysing the quality of the transcultural adaptation procedure and the psychometric properties of the new version. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search was conducted in the main biomedical databases to find knee-function assessment scales adapted into Spanish, in order to assess their questionnaire adaptation process as well as their psychometric properties. RESULTS: Ten scales were identified; 3 for lower limb: 2 for any type of pathologies (Lower Limb Functional Index [LLFI]; Lower Extremity Functional Scale [LEFS]) and 1 specific for arthrosis (Arthrosis des Membres Inférieurs et Qualité de vie [AMICAL]); Other 3 for knee and hip pathologies (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis [WOMAC] index; Osteoarthritis Knee and Hip Quality of Life [OAKHQOL] questionnaire; Hip and Knee Questionnaire [HKQ]), and other 4 for knee: 2 general scales (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]; Knee Society Clinical Rating System [KSS]) and 2 specifics (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment [VISA-P] questionnaire for patients with patellar tendinopathy and Kujala Score for patellofemoral pain). The transcultural adaptation procedure was satisfactory, albeit somewhat less rigorous for HKQ and LLFI. In no study were all psychometric properties assessed. Reliability was analyzed in all cases, except in KSS. Validity was measured in all questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The transcultural adaptation procedure was satisfactory and the psychometric properties analysed were similar to both the original version and other versions adapted to other languages.

Electroencephalography as a post-stroke assessment method: An updated review. / Electroencefalografía como método de evaluación tras un ictus. Una revisión actualizada.

Given that stroke is currently a serious problem in the population, employing more reliable and objective techniques for determining diagnosis and prognosis is necessary in order to enable effective clinical decision-making. EEG is a simple, low-cost, non-invasive tool that can provide information about the changes occurring in the cerebral cortex during the recovery process after stroke. EEG provides data on the evolution of cortical activation patterns which can be used to establish a prognosis geared toward harnessing each patient's full potential. This strategy can be used to prevent compensation and maladaptive plasticity, redirect treatments, and develop new interventions that will let stroke patients reach their new maximum motor levels.

[Instrumental gait analysis in stroke patients]. / Analisis instrumental de la marcha en pacientes con ictus.

INTRODUCTION: The motor control deficits after stroke affect the gait pattern. There is a significant variability between subjects. AIMS: To analyse, by using a capture motion system, the gait pattern in stroke patients with different levels of motor function, and to establish, despite the participants heterogeneity, what alterations in the gait pattern are usual in each participant. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nine stroke subjects with independent gait and ten control subjects participated in this study. Motion capture was performed using the VICON Motion System ®. The motion of the pelvis, hip, knee and ankle were analyzed in the sagittal plane. Also, the spatio-temporal parameters of gait were observed. RESULTS: The motor function evaluated using the Flug-Meyer Assessment (lower limb section) varied between 15 and 33 points. Participants had alterations in the kinematic pattern which were common between each of them. In stroke patients it was observed: an increment of the pelvis range of motion in both sides; at the hip joint, a decrease of the maximum peak of extension during the stance phase in the affected side and a greater flexion during the stance and the swing periods in the non-affected side; at the knee, a major knee flexion during the initial contact; and at the ankle joint, an slight ankle plantar flexion during the initial contact on the affected side. CONCLUSIONS: There are several landmarks in stroke gait that the clinicians should keep attention during the walking observation.

TITLE: Analisis instrumental de la marcha en pacientes con ictus.Introduccion. Las alteraciones en el control motor consecuentes al ictus afectan al patron de marcha, existiendo una importante variabilidad intersujeto. Objetivos. Valorar, a traves de un sistema de captura del movimiento, el patron cinematico de la marcha en sujetos con ictus y establecer que alteraciones del patron de la marcha son comunes entre los participantes. Sujetos y metodos. Participaron nueve pacientes con ictus con capacidad de marcha y diez sujetos controles. Para la captura del movimiento se empleo el sistema VICON Motion System ®. Se analizaron los movimientos articulares de pelvis, cadera, rodilla y tobillo en el plano sagital, y los parametros espaciotemporales de la marcha. Resultados. La funcion motora de los participantes, valorada mediante la escala Fugl-Meyer (seccion del miebro inferior), oscilo entre 15 y 33 puntos. Los participantes presentaron alteraciones en la cinematica comunes entre ellos. En los pacientes con ictus se registro: aumento de la amplitud de movimiento de la pelvis en ambos hemicuerpos (lado afecto y no afecto frente a control, p < 0,01); en la cadera, disminucion de la maxima extension durante la fase de apoyo en el lado afecto (p < 0,01) e incremento de la flexion en las fases de apoyo y oscilacion en el no afecto (p = 0,025); en la rodilla, mayor flexion durante la fase de contacto inicial (lado afecto frente a control, p < 0,01; lado no afecto frente a control, p = 0,02); y en el tobillo, ligera flexion plantar durante la fase de contacto inicial en el lado afecto. Conclusiones. A pesar de la variabilidad clinica, existen alteraciones especificas comunes de la marcha en sujetos con ictus.

Terapia robótica para la rehabilitación de la marcha en patología neurológica / Robotic systems for gait rehabilitation in neurological disorders

Objetivo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es proporcionar una clasificación y descripción de las características principales de los distintos sistemas robóticos utilizados para la rehabilitación funcional del miembro inferior. Estrategia de búsqueda. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las siguientes bases de datos: BRAIN, IEEE, SCIENCE DIRECT, SPRINGER, JNER, PROQUEST y específicas del ámbito de la ingeniería. Selección de los estudios. El idioma de los artículos incluidos debía ser el inglés o el español, sin límite en los años de búsqueda en las diferentes bases de datos. Síntesis de resultados. La información suministrada por las distintas bases de datos permitió distinguir un total de 50 dispositivos robóticos diseñados hasta la actualidad. Estos dispositivos se clasificaron en varios niveles: a) robots de aplicación clínica o prototipos; y b) aquellos que poseen una estructura tipo exoesqueleto, sistemas de efector final o sistemas híbridos. Conclusiones. Existe una amplia variedad de dispositivos robóticos para la recuperación funcional del miembro inferior. Se debe mejorar el desarrollo de estos dispositivos, aproximándose cada vez más a los movimientos fisiológicos que el ser humano realiza durante la marcha, teniendo en cuenta no solo aspectos relacionados con la movilidad. Por último, es fundamental fomentar la elaboración de estudios con adecuado diseño metodológico y con elevados tamaños muestrales que puedan respaldar los efectos de esta modalidad de tratamiento (AU)

Objective. To describe and classify the main characteristics of the various robotic systems used for functional rehabilitation of the lower limb. Search strategy. A systematic review was conducted in the following databases: BRAIN, IEEE, SCIENCE DIRECT, SPRINGER, JNER, Proquest and databases specifically for the field of engineering. Selection of the articles. The articles had to be written in English or Spanish with no limit on publication year. Summary of results. The information provided by the various databases showed that a total of 50 robotic devices have been designed to date. These devices were classified into several levels: a) prototypes or robots for clinical application; b) those with an exoskeleton-type structure, end-effector systems or hybrid systems. Conclusions. There is a wide variety of robotic devices for lower limb recovery. The development of these devices should be improved so that they become closer to the physiological movements made by humans when walking, taking into account factors other than those related to mobility. It is essential to promote the development of appropriately-designed studies with large sample sizes that could support the effects of this treatment modality (AU)

[Effects of motor activity on cognitive performance of patients with traumatic brain injury during dual tasking]. / Efectos de la actividad motora en el rendimiento cognitivo de pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefalico durante tareas duales.

INTRODUCTION: The use of dual task paradigms has revealed behavioural interactions between certain motor tasks, like standing or walking, and cognitive tasks when performed simultaneously. Despite the potential relevance of these findings accounting for certain neurological symptoms (i.e., falls), or for the design of new therapeutic interventions, there is few information available about such interaction effects in traumatic brain injury (TBI). AIM: To assess the presence of cognitive-motor interactions during dual tasking in TBI patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty TBI patients and 19 healthy matched controls performed two attentional and two working memory tasks (simple reaction times, complex reaction times, 1-back numeric, 1-back spatial) during dual task conditions, that is, at the same time than one motor task (standing and walking), and during single task conditions (without a motor task). Reaction times were recorded in response to all cognitive tasks. RESULTS: Patients exhibit slower performance than controls in all cognitive tasks (p < 0.05). While neither patients nor controls showed changes in reaction times in the two simpler attentional tasks during dual tasking as compared to single tasking conditions, TBI patients do exhibit improvements in working memory tasks (F(2, 74) = 2.9; p < 0.05) during dual tasking-walking (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The possible causes of positive cognitive-motor interactions during simultaneous execution of motor-working memory tasks in TBI patients are discussed, as well as the potential therapeutic value of dual task paradigms in the rehabilitation of these patients.

TITLE: Efectos de la actividad motora en el rendimiento cognitivo de pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefalico durante tareas duales.Introduccion. El empleo de paradigmas de tarea dual ha mostrado interacciones conductuales entre ciertas tareas motoras, como el equilibrio o la marcha, y tareas cognitivas al ser realizadas simultaneamente. Pese a la potencial relevancia de estos hallazgos en la explicacion de ciertos sintomas neurologicos (por ejemplo, caidas) o en el diseño de nuevas intervenciones, son escasos los datos sobre tales efectos en traumatismos craneoencefalicos (TCE). Objetivo. Evaluar la presencia de interacciones cognitivomotoras durante la realizacion de tareas duales en TCE. Sujetos y metodos. Veinte pacientes con TCE y 19 controles sanos realizaron diferentes tareas cognitivas de atencion y memoria operativa (tareas de tiempo de reaccion simple, tiempo de reaccion compleja, 1-back numerica y 1-back espacial) en tarea dual, es decir, al tiempo que una tarea motora (bipedestacion y marcha), y en tarea simple (sin tarea motora). Se registraron los tiempos de reaccion en respuesta a las tareas cognitivas. Resultados. Los pacientes mostraron peor rendimiento que los controles en todas las tareas (p < 0,05). Mientras que ninguno de los grupos mostro cambios en los tiempos de reaccion medidos en las tareas atencionales durante la ejecucion dual en comparacion con la ejecucion simple, los pacientes con TCE si mostraron mejoria en las tareas de memoria operativa (F(2, 74) = 2,9; p < 0,05) durante la tarea dual de marcha (p < 0,02). Conclusiones. Se discuten las posibles causas de interacciones cognitivomotoras positivas durante la ejecucion simultanea de tareas de marcha y memoria operativa en pacientes con TCE, y el potencial valor terapeutico de los paradigmas duales en la rehabilitacion de estos pacientes.

Valoración de un programa de fisioterapia, actividad física, deporte y psicomotricidad en niños amputados que utilizan prótesis mioeléctricas / Assesment of a physiotherapy programme, physical activity, sports and pyschomotricity for amputee children using myoelectric prosthesis

Después de haber desarrollado un programa intensivo de actividad física, psicomotricidad y deporte adaptado para niños y adolescentes amputados de miembro superior, se valora la eficacia y los logros cualitativos del mismo respecto a la bimanualidad y el uso de prótesis mioeléctricas. El programa fue desarrollado en el formato de campamento de verano, de cinco días de duración, y durante dos ediciones sucesivas. Los resultados han demostrado su eficacia cualitativa y cuantitativa. Se emplaza a la utilización de estos sistemas de reentrenamiento, combinados con otras formas de rehabilitación en España (AU)

After having developed an intensive program of physical and psychomotor activity, and adapted sports for children and adolescents with upper limb amputations, effectiveness and qualitative achievements are recognized, regarding bimanual skills and the use of myoelectric prosthesis. This programme was developed in the frame of six-day «summer camp», in two consecutive editions in Spain. The results have shown qualitative and quantitative efficiency and encourage the use of these training systems in combination with other forms of rehabilitation in Spain (AU)

Theories and control models and motor learning: clinical applications in neuro-rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: In recent decades there has been a special interest in theories that could explain the regulation of motor control, and their applications. These theories are often based on models of brain function, philosophically reflecting different criteria on how movement is controlled by the brain, each being emphasised in different neural components of the movement. The concept of motor learning, regarded as the set of internal processes associated with practice and experience that produce relatively permanent changes in the ability to produce motor activities through a specific skill, is also relevant in the context of neuroscience. Thus, both motor control and learning are seen as key fields of study for health professionals in the field of neuro-rehabilitation. DEVELOPMENT: The major theories of motor control are described, which include, motor programming theory, systems theory, the theory of dynamic action, and the theory of parallel distributed processing, as well as the factors that influence motor learning and its applications in neuro-rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: At present there is no consensus on which theory or model defines the regulations to explain motor control. Theories of motor learning should be the basis for motor rehabilitation. The new research should apply the knowledge generated in the fields of control and motor learning in neuro-rehabilitation.

Use of virtual reality systems as proprioception method in cerebral palsy: clinical practice guideline.

INTRODUCTION: The limitations in performing functional activities in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy are important. The use of virtual reality systems is a new treatment approach that reinforces task-oriented motor learning. The purpose of this guide is to study the impact of the use of virtual reality systems in the improvement and acquisition of functional skills, and to evaluate the scientific evidence to determine the strength of recommendation of such interventions. DEVELOPMENT: All available full-text articles, regardless of their methodology, were included. The following data bases were consulted: PubMed (Medline), PEDro, EMBASE (OVID-Elsevier), Cochrane Library, Medline (OVID), CINAHL, ISI Web Knowledge. An assessment was made of methodological quality, the level of scientific evidence, and the strength of recommendations using the tools: Critical Review Form - Quantitative Studies and the Guidelines for Critical Review Form - Quantitative Studies and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Finally, we included 13 articles and 97 participants were recruited. We obtained significant improvements in outcome measures that assessed postural control and balance, upper limb function, the selective joint control, and gait. CONCLUSIONS: The guide has some limitations: the limited number of patients enrolled, clinical diversity and age range, as well as the methodological quality of existing trials. Virtual reality is a promising tool in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy. There is strong scientific evidence of an acceptable recommendation for the use of virtual reality systems in the treatment of cerebral palsy.

Análisis del movimiento de la extremidad superior hemiparética en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular: estudio piloto / Movement analysis of upper extremity hemiparesis in patients with cerebrovascular disease: a pilot study

Introducción: Consecuentemente a la lesión neurofisiológica, los pacientes con ictus presentan limitaciones motoras principalmente en el hemicuerpo contralateral al hemisferio lesionado. El objetivo de este trabajo es cuantificar las estrategias motoras de compensación que ocurren en la extremidad superior afectada en pacientes con ictus durante la actividad de beber agua de un vaso.Material y métodos: Cuatro pacientes con ictus y cuatro sujetos controles, sin patología y diestros. El análisis del movimiento se realizó usando el sistema VICONmotion System® y el equipo de electromiografía de superficie Aurion ZeroWire®. Se analizaron los movimientos articulares del codo, el hombro y el tórax. Se realizó un análisis cualitativo de la secuencia de activación muscular. Resultados: Se observó una disminución de las amplitudes articulares en el plano sagital del codo y el hombro durante la actividad de beber en el grupo de casos; sin embargo, las amplitudes articulares del tronco y el hombro en el plano frontal fueron mayores con respecto a los sujetos controles. En cuanto a la secuencia de activación muscular, deltoides anterior, medio y posterior, se contrajeron en el grupo de pacientes conjuntamente durante la tarea, mientras que el trapecio superior mantuvo su activación durante toda la actividad. Conclusiones: El análisis cuantitativo del movimiento ofrece información cuantitativa acerca de las estrategias de compensación que realizan los pacientes con ictus, y por tanto, su relevancia clínica es importante (AU)

Introduction: As a result of neurophysiological injury, stroke patients have mobility limitations, mainly on the side of the body contralateral to the lesioned hemisphere. The purpose of this study is to quantify motor compensation strategies in stroke patients during the activity of drinking water from a glass. Material and methods: Four male patient with cerebrovascular disease and four right-handed, healthy male control subjects. The motion analysis was conducted using the Vicon Motion System® and surface electromyography equipment ZeroWire Aurion®. We analysed elbow, shoulder and trunk joint movements and performed a qualitative analysis of the sequence of muscle activation. Results: Trunk, shoulder and elbow movements measured in the stroke patient along the sagittal plane decreased during the drinking from a glass activity, while the movements in the shoulder in the coronal plane and trunk increased. As for the sequence of muscle activation, anterior, middle and posterior deltoid all contracted in the patient group during the task, while the upper trapezius activation remained throughout the activity. Conclusions: Quantitative analysis of movement provides quantitative information on compensation strategies used by stroke patients, and is therefore, clinically relevant (AU)