Investigation of a practical assessment index to capture the clinical presentation of cachexia in patients with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer cachexia constitutes a poor prognostic factor in patients with lung cancer. However, the factors associated with cancer cachexia remain unclear. This study aimed to identify factors that influence cancer cachexia in patients with lung cancer. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study conducted at the Kansai Medical University, 76 patients with lung cancer were evaluated for physical function, nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) at the first visit to the rehabilitation outpatient clinic. The patients were divided into cachexia and noncachexia groups. The log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards model were used to investigate the relationship between cachexia and prognosis. To examine the factors that influence cachexia, multivariate regression analysis with significant (P < 0.05) variables in the univariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the association between International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and performance status. RESULTS: Overall, 42 patients (55.2%) had cachexia associated with survival time since their first visit to the outpatient rehabilitation clinic, even after confounders adjustment (hazard ratio: 3.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-9.45, P = 0.031). In the multivariate analysis, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (odds ratio: 20.34, 95% confidence interval: 4.18-99.02, P < 0.001) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (odds ratio: 4.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-17.89, P = 0.026) were identified as independent factors for cachexia. There was no correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and performance status (r = 0.155, P = 0.181). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition and low physical activity were associated with cachexia in patients with lung cancer. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form may be a useful indicator of physical activity in cachexia. Regularly assessing these factors and identifying suitable interventions for cachexia remain challenges to be addressed in the future.

Diverse Plantarflexor Module Characteristics Influence Immediate Effects of Plastic Ankle-Foot Orthosis on Gait Performance in Patients With Stroke: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effects of plastic ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on locomotor performance in patients with stroke and determine how such effects might undergo alteration when distinct plantarflexor (PF) module subtypes are considered. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two university hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two patients with stroke and 21 of those without stroke (N=73). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Motor modules were identified through non-negative matrix factorization, and participants were classified into 3 groups: independent-normal-timing, independent-altered-timing, and merged PF modules. To assess the effects of the AFO, gait measurements reflecting locomotor performance were obtained with and without the presence of the plastic AFO for each group. RESULTS: The independent-altered-timing group had increased paretic propulsion, greater non-paretic step length, and faster walking speed after the administration of the plastic AFO; however, these significant changes were not observed in the independent-normal-timing and merged PF module groups. Notably, patients in the independent-normal-timing and merged PF module groups exhibited longer paretic stance times. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the immediate effects of plastic AFO depend on the PF module subtype. These findings can potentially guide clinical decision-making regarding AFO selection for stroke rehabilitation in patients with diverse gait control characteristics.

Effects of ankle joint degree of freedom of knee-ankle-foot orthoses on loading patterns and triceps surae muscle activity on the paretic side in individuals with subacute severe hemiplegia: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with subacute severe hemiplegia often undergo alternate gait training to overcome challenges in achieving walking independence. However, the ankle joint setting in a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) depends on trunk function or paralysis stage for alternate gait training with a KAFO. The optimal degree of ankle joint freedom in a KAFO and the specific ankle joint conditions for effective rehabilitation remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different degrees of freedom of the ankle joint on center-of-pressure (CoP) parameters and muscle activity on the paretic side using a KAFO and to investigate the recommended setting of ankle joint angle in a KAFO depending on physical function. METHODS: This study included 14 participants with subacute stroke (67.4 ± 13.3 years). The CoP parameters and muscle activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis (GCL) and soleus muscles were compared using a linear mixed model (LMM) under two ankle joint conditions in the KAFO: fixed at 0° and free ankle dorsiflexion. We confirmed the relationship between changes in CoP parameters or muscle activity under different conditions and physical functional characteristics such as the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity Synergy Score (FMAs) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) using LMM. RESULTS: Anterior-posterior displacement of CoP (AP_CoP) (p = 0.011) and muscle activity of the GCL (p = 0.043) increased in the free condition of ankle dorsiflexion compared with that in the fixed condition. The FMAs (p = 0.004) and TIS (p = 0.008) demonstrated a positive relationship with AP_CoP. A positive relationship was also found between TIS and the percentage of medial forefoot loading time in the CoP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For individuals with severe subacute hemiplegia, the ankle dorsiflexion induction in the KAFO, which did not impede the forward tilt of the shank, promotes anterior movement in the CoP and muscle activity of the GCL. This study suggests that adjusting the dorsiflexion mobility of the ankle joint in the KAFO according to improvement in physical function promotes loading of the CoP to the medial forefoot.

Use of the reliable change index to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent exercise program on physical functions.

AIMS: Using the reliable change index (RCI), we aimed to examine the effect of a multicomponent exercise program on the individual level. METHODS: Overall, 270 adults (mean age, 78 years) completed a multicomponent physical exercise program (strength, aerobic, gait, and balance) for 40 min, 1-2 times per week, continued up to 1 year at a daycare center. Effectiveness was assessed using grip, ankle, knee, and hip strength; Timed Up & Go (TUG); Berg Balance Scale (BBS); gait speed; and 6-min walking distance. These were measured at baseline and every 3 months thereafter. We calculated the RCI using the data between two-time points (baseline and at 3, 6, 9, or 12 months) in each participant and then calculated the mean RCI value across the participants. A paired t-test was also employed to evaluate the effect of the intervention as an average-based statistics. RESULTS: The highest mean RCI values were on ankle plantar-flexion strength, followed by gait speed, hip abduction strength, BBS, knee extensor strength, 6-min walk distance, grip strength, and finally TUG. Paired t-test also revealed significant improvement with moderate effect sizes for ankle plantar-flexion strength (0.504), gait speed (0.413), hip abduction strength (0.374), BBS (0.334), knee extensor strength (0.264), and 6-min walk distance (0.248). Significant but small effect size was seen on TUG (0.183). CONCLUSION: The RCI is a convenient method of comparing the effect between different assessments, especially at an individual level. This index can be applied to the use of personal feedback.

Long-term effects of combined botulinum toxin treatment and rehabilitation on upper limb muscle spasms: a case report.

[Purpose] We report our experience with a patient with a central spinal cord injury who showed improved finger and upper limb functions after long-term treatment with a combination of rehabilitation and botulinum toxin type A. [Participants and Methods] The patient had spasms and pain that gradually became more profound and was given botulinum toxin type A at 1 year 3 months after sustaining a spinal cord injury. We administered 14 botulinum toxin type A injections periodically for 7 years 4 months after the injury. We administered the injections at an average interval of 5.6 months. Splints that allowed extension and improved finger muscle tone and contracture were made for the patient. [Results] The patient experienced gradual alleviation of the spasms in the proximal upper limb muscles and improved range of motion after receiving five doses of botulinum toxin type A. The spasms and range of motion in the fingers gradually improved around 4 years after the injury through splint therapy and a combination of botulinum toxin type A administration and rehabilitation. [Conclusion] The combination of botulinum toxin type A, splint, and rehabilitation therapies can lead to positive improvements in finger spasticity and range of motion and is recommended for hypertonia cases with severe contractures.

Validity and reliability of a performance evaluation tool based on the modified Barthel Index for stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: The Barthel Index (BI) is a measure of independence in activities of daily living (ADL). In the modified Barthel Index (MBI), a five-point system replaced the original two or three or four point rating system. Based on this modified measure, the performance evaluation tool MBI (PET-MBI) was developed in Japan. Although the reliability and validity of PET-MBI have been verified for older people, the use of this tool in stroke patients has not been evaluated. This study investigated the validity and reliability of PET-MBI for stroke patients. METHODS: Ten raters independently determined the BI and PET-MBI scores of stroke patients by direct observation. These patients' ADL were videotaped, and 10 other raters then evaluated the videos privately and assigned PET-MBI scores twice, one month apart. The criterion-related validity of the PET-MBI against the BI was evaluated using the correlation coefficients for their total scores. Furthermore, to assess inter- and intra-rater reliabilities from the results of the first and second sessions, Fleiss' intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for the total scores, with the lower limits of the 95% confidence interval (95%CI), along with weighted kappa (κw) coefficients for agreement in individual tasks of this evaluation tool. ICC and κw coefficients of 0.81-1.00 were considered to be "almost perfect" agreement. RESULTS: The mean age of the 30 patients (23 men, 7 women) was 71.9 (standard deviation 10.5) years. One patient had diplegia, 14 had right hemiplegia, and 15 had left hemiplegia. For the total scores obtained by direct evaluation, Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients of the BI versus the PET-MBI were both 0.95 (lower limit of the 95%CI, 0.90). The ICC representing inter-rater reliability for the first session was 0.99 (lower limit of the 95%CI, 0.98]. For intra-rater reliability, the mean value of the ICCs was 0.99 (range, 0.99-1.00). For individual tasks of the PET-MBI, inter-rater κw coefficients for the first session ranged from 0.77 to 0.94, with intra-rater κw coefficients from 0.85 to 0.96. CONCLUSIONS: PET-MBI showed strong criterion-related validity against the BI, with high reliabilities. This scoring system may become a convenient tool allowing anyone to assess ADL.

Physical activity and prognosis and factors associated with low physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer: a retrospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between physical activity and prognosis, and the significant factors associated with physical activity in patients with advanced or recurrent lung cancer. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study enrolled 50 outpatients with lung cancer who received chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated for physical function, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form [MNA-SF]). The relationship between physical activity and prognosis was examined using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with low physical activity. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity. RESULTS: Low physical activity was significantly associated with survival (HR, 4.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-16.27; p=0.029). The MNA-SF was a significant factor associated with low physical activity (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.98; p=0.038). The MNA-SF cut-off value for low physical activity was 9.5 points. CONCLUSIONS: Low physical activity may be a prognostic factor in lung cancer, with nutritional status associated with low physical activity. Regular assessments using the MNA-SF cut-off and physical activity interventions considering nutrition are needed in clinical practice.

Tongue pressure, respiratory muscle and limb strength and functional exercise capacity in oesophageal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative management of oesophageal cancer requires effective prehabilitation. This study investigates the relationship between tongue pressure, respiratory muscle, handgrip and lower limb muscle strengths, and functional exercise capacity in patients with oesophageal cancer to develop a novel prehabilitation strategy. METHODS: This prospective, single-centre, observational study analysed data from 29 pretreatment patients with oesophageal cancer. We evaluated tongue pressure, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, handgrip and lower limb muscle strengths, functional exercise capacity and dysphagia scores before treatment. The relationship between parameters was identified using Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS: Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were significantly associated with handgrip and lower extremity muscle strengths and functional exercise capacity. However, tongue pressure was not associated with maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, handgrip and lower extremity muscle strengths and functional exercise capacity. Rather, tongue pressure was significantly associated with clinical T, dysphagia and nutritional status scores. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory muscle strength was associated with conventional sarcopenia and functional exercise capacity. Tongue pressure was not associated with respiratory muscle strength, conventional sarcopenia and functional exercise capacity. Rather, tongue pressure was associated with clinical T, dysphagia and nutritional status scores. Preoperative management of oesophageal cancer requires prehabilitation consisting of exercise and nutritional therapy and an additional swallowing programme, such as tongue resistance training, for patients without progress in oral intake, based on tongue pressure evaluation.

Modulation of event-related desynchronization during motor imagery with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

Electroencephalogram-based brain-computer interface (BCI) has been developed as a new neurorehabilitative tool for patients with severe hemiparesis. However, its application has been limited because of difficulty detecting stable brain signals from the affected hemisphere. It has been reported that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate event-related desynchronization (ERD) in healthy persons. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that anodal tDCS could modulate ERD in patients with severe hemiparetic stroke. The participants were six patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke (mean age, 56.8 ± 9.5 years; mean time from the onset, 70.0 ± 19.6 months; Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity motor score, 30.8 ± 16.5). We applied anodal tDCS (10 min, 1 mA) and sham stimulation over the affected primary motor cortex in a random order. ERD of the mu rhythm (mu ERD) with motor imagery of extension of the affected finger was assessed before and after anodal tDCS and sham stimulation. Mu ERD of the affected hemisphere increased significantly after anodal tDCS, whereas it did not change after sham stimulation. Our results show that anodal tDCS can increase mu ERD in patients with hemiparetic stroke, indicating that anodal tDCS could be used as a conditioning tool for BCI in stroke patients.

Comparison of the after-effects of transcranial direct current stimulation over the motor cortex in patients with stroke and healthy volunteers.

It is known that weak transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) induces persistent excitability changes in the cerebral cortex. There are, however, few studies that compare the after-effects of anodal versus cathodal tDCS in patients with stroke. This study assessed the after-effects of tDCS over the motor cortex in patients with hemiparetic stroke and healthy volunteers. Seven stroke patients and nine healthy volunteers were recruited. Ten minutes of anodal and cathodal tDCS (1 mA) and sham stimulation were applied to the affected primary motor cortex (M1) on different days. In healthy subjects, tDCS was applied to the right M1. Before and after tDCS, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle and silent period were measured. Anodal tDCS increased the MEPs of the affected FDI in patients with stroke as well as in healthy subjects. Cathodal tDCS increased the MEPs of the affected FDI in patients with stroke. In healthy subjects, however, cathodal tDCS decreased the MEPs. We found no significant change in the duration of the silent period after anodal or cathodal tDCS. We found that both anodal and cathodal tDCS increased the affected M1 excitability in patients with stroke. It is thought that the after-effects of tDCS are different in patients with stroke compared with healthy subjects.

Current perspectives on quantitative gait analysis for patients with hemiparesis.

Hase K. Current perspectives on quantitative gait analysis for patients with hemiparesis. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2022; 13: 1-3.

How to Decide the Number of Gait Cycles in Different Low-Pass Filters to Extract Motor Modules by Non-negative Matrix Factorization During Walking in Chronic Post-stroke Patients.

The motor modules during human walking are identified using non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) from surface electromyography (EMG) signals. The extraction of motor modules in healthy participants is affected by the change in pre-processing of EMG signals, such as low-pass filters (LPFs); however, the effect of different pre-processing methods, such as the number of necessary gait cycles (GCs) in post-stroke patients with varying steps, remains unknown. We aimed to specify that the number of GCs influenced the motor modules extracted in the consideration of LPFs in post-stroke patients. In total, 10 chronic post-stroke patients walked at a self-selected speed on an overground walkway, while EMG signals were recorded from the eight muscles of paretic lower limb. To verify the number of GCs, five GC conditions were set, namely, 25 (reference condition), 20, 15, 10, and 5 gate cycles with three LPFs (4, 10, and 15 Hz). First, the number of modules, variability accounted for (VAF), and muscle weightings extracted by the NNMF algorithm were compared between the conditions. Next, a modified NNMF algorithm, in which the activation timing profiles among different GCs were unified, was performed to compare the muscle weightings more robustly between GCs. The number of motor modules was not significantly different, regardless of the GCs. The difference in VAF and muscle weightings in the different GCs decreased with the LPF of 4 Hz. Muscle weightings in 15 GCs or less were significantly different from those in 25 GCs using the modified NNMF. Therefore, we concluded that the variability extracted motor modules by different GCs was suppressed with lower LPFs; however, 20 GCs were needed for more representative extraction of motor modules during walking in post-stroke patients.

Longitudinal effects of physical exercise on health-related outcomes based on frailty status in community-dwelling older adults.

AIM: To clarify the difference in the longitudinal effects of physical exercise on health-related outcomes according to the baseline frailty status (frail or non-frail) in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Participants included 177 adults aged ≥65 years who carried out multicomponent physical exercises (strength, aerobic, gait and balance) for 40 min, one to three times per week, for 1 year at a day-care center. Bodyweight, comfortable walking speed, 6-min walking distance and Mini-Mental State Examination were measured at baseline and every 3 months. For longitudinal trend, we analyzed the change in scores from baseline for each outcome using the linear mixed effects model. Fixed effects included "group" (frail or non-frail), "time" (4 time points every 3 months, from 3 to 12 months) and "interaction between group and time." RESULTS: The effect sizes from baseline showed almost all positive values for each outcome. The linear mixed effects model showed significant effects on "interaction between group and time" in changes in bodyweight (P = 0.033), "group" in changes in walking speed (P = 0.013) and "time" in changes in the Mini-Mental State Examination (P < 0.001). Bodyweight showed a decreasing trend in the non-frail group after 3 months, unlike in the frail group. For walking speed, moderate effect sizes (d = 0.67-0.74) were sustained over time in the frail group, as did lesser effect sizes (d = 0.26-0.40) in the non-frail group. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise-based multicomponent interventions were effective for both groups. The longitudinal effects on walking speed and bodyweight were greater in the frail group. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 213-218.

Between-subject variance in the magnitude of corticomuscular coherence during tonic isometric contraction of the tibialis anterior muscle in healthy young adults.

Oscillatory activity of the sensorimotor cortex has been reported to show coherence with muscle activity in the 15- to 35-Hz frequency band (ß-band) during weak to moderate intensity of isometric contraction. The present study examined the variance of the magnitude of the corticomuscular coherence across a large number of subjects. We quantified the coherence between EEG over the sensorimotor cortex and rectified electromyogram (EMG) from the tibialis anterior muscle during tonic isometric contraction at 30% of maximal effort in 100 healthy young individuals. We estimated the maximal peak of EEG-EMG coherence (Cohmax) and the ratio of the sum of the autopower spectral density function within the ß-band to that of all frequency ranges for both EEG (EEGß-PSD) and EMG (EMGß-PSD) signals. The frequency histogram of Cohmax across all subjects showed a broad bell-shaped continuous distribution (range, 0.048-0.816). When the coherence was thresholded at the estimated significance level of P < 0.05 (0.114), 46 out of 100 subjects showed significant EEG-EMG coherence. Cohmax occurred within the ß-band in the majority of subjects who showed significant EEG-EMG coherence (n = 43). Furthermore, Cohmax showed significant positive correlations with both EEGß-PSD (r = 0.575, P < 0.001) and EMGß-PSD (r = 0.606, P < 0.001). These data suggest that even during simple tonic isometric contraction, the strength of oscillatory coupling between the sensorimotor cortex and spinal motoneurons varies among individuals and is a contributory factor determining muscle activation patterns such as the degree of grouped discharge in muscle activity within the ß-band for each subject.

Effects of therapeutic gait training using a prosthesis and a treadmill for ambulatory patients with hemiparesis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the short-term effects of a newly developed hemiparetic gait training in which patients walk with a prosthesis applied to the nonparetic leg in the flexed knee position. DESIGN: Pre-post nonrandomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation center and gait laboratory of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling ambulatory volunteers (N=22) with chronic hemiparesis caused by a unilateral stroke. INTERVENTION: Study subjects participated in a gait training program using either a below-knee prosthesis or a treadmill. Treadmill gait training was performed at a speed approximating the maximum gait velocity for each patient. The 3-week program consisted of a 5-minute gait training session 2 to 3 times a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The ground reaction forces, stance time, step length and cadence during walking at a comfortable speed, and maximum gait speed, as well as the Berg Balance Score, were estimated before and after each training program. RESULTS: In comparison with changes after the treadmill gait training, analyses of covariance demonstrated a significant increase of the fore-aft ground reaction forces during the paretic propulsion phase and a significant increase in the relative durations of the paretic and nonparetic single stance involved in a gait cycle after the prosthetic gait training (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prosthetic gait training would have different effects on a hemiparetic gait than treadmill gait training. The gait-related task inducing the dominant use of the paretic leg to support the body may be useful as a rehabilitative treatment to improve the kinetic abilities in the paretic stance period.

Novel characterization of subjective visual vertical in patients with unilateral spatial neglect.

Visual vertical (VV), visually perceived direction of gravity, is widely measured to assess the vestibular function and visuospatial cognition. VV has been assessed by comparing orientation and variability of measured values separately between subject groups. However, changes in orientation and variability often differ in patients with unilateral spatial neglect (USN). Here, we developed a novel classification of VV that combines orientation and variability and characterized the effects of USN on VV. Forty-three subacute stroke patients with or without USN (USN+, n = 17; USN-, n = 26) and 33 age-matched controls were included in the study. In darkness, a luminous line, initially tilted at 30° either to the left or right, gradually rotated towards the vertical. The VV was defined as the deviation of the subjectively-perceived vertical from the true vertical. The new classification demonstrated that, while the majority of USN + patients (14/17) exhibited large variability, nine showed normal orientation and five showed greater contra-lesional deviation of orientation, suggesting different underlying mechanisms for orientation and variability. Further analyses revealed VV deviation to the initial tilt in all groups. However, the deviation in USN + was larger and more variable, indicating attentional disorders. Such characterization would contribute to individually specified clinical rehabilitation.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Association between Body Mass Index and Frailty According to Sex in Elderly Patients with Disabilities from an Elderly Day-Care Center.

The association between body mass index (BMI) and frailty in elderly patients with disabilities is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between BMI and frailty in the elderly with disabilities according to sex. This cross-sectional study included 280 elderly patients with disabilities from an elderly daycare center. BMI classification for the Asian population was used to categorize the patients into four groups: underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Frailty score was based on the phenotypic definition of frailty and consisted of five criteria derived from the revised Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study. Those who had three or more criteria were considered frail. Logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the associations between frailty and BMI in each group (males and females). In females, being underweight was significantly associated with frailty after adjusting for confounders (age and Mini-Mental State Examination score); after adding medical history as a confounder, the aforementioned association was not significant. In males, BMI was not significantly associated with frailty. The association between BMI and frailty differed according to sex among the elderly with disabilities. This finding provides important information regarding frailty risk to workers in daycare facilities.

Immediate Effect on Ground Reaction Forces Induced by Step Training Based on Discrete Skill during Gait in Poststroke Individuals: A Pilot Study.

METHODS: Twenty-two community-dwelling patients with chronic hemiplegia participated in this study. Eight participants performed only discrete-skill step training during the loading response phase, focusing on paretic hip extension movement (LR group). Another eight performed only discrete-skill step training during the preswing phase, focusing on paretic swing movement (PSw group). The remaining six were trained using both training methods, with at least 6 months in each group to washout the influence of previous training. Therefore, the final number of participants in each group was 14. The braking and propulsive forces of GRFs were measured during gait before and after 30 repetitions of the discrete-skill step training. RESULTS: Although both groups showed a significant increase in stride length, walking speed was increased only in the LR group. The PSw group showed an increase in braking forces of both sides without any change in propulsion. In the LR group, paretic braking impulse did not change, while nonparetic propulsion increased. CONCLUSION: The discrete-skill step training during loading response phase induced an increase in nonparetic propulsion, resulting in increased walking speed. This study provides a clear understanding of immediate effects of the discrete-skill step training in patients with chronic stroke and helps improve interventions in long-term rehabilitation.

Relationship between vertical ground reaction force and muscle strength while climbing stairs after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and muscle strength while climbing stairs after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: We investigated the relationship between muscle strength and vGRF during stair climbing in 21 women with THA. Differences in the time required to climb stairs and side-to-side differences in muscle strength and vGRF during climbing were examined at 6 and 12 months. The relationship between climbing time and vGRF variables and that between vGRF and muscle strength were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient at 6 and 12 months. First peak force (Fz1) was defined as the peak vGRF at heel strike normalized by body weight. FINDINGS: Climbing time was related to the time to Fz1 at 6 and 12 months post-THA (r = 0.50-0.64). At 6 months, time to Fz1 was related to the strength of muscles involved in hip extension in the operated limb (r = -0.46). At 12 months, time to Fz1 was related to the strength of muscles responsible for knee extension in the operated limb (r = -0.45). INTERPRETATION: At 6 months, climbing stairs depended on muscle strength in the hip extensors. Conversely, at 12 months, the functional recovery of knee extensors was important for transferring weight upward while climbing stairs. Therefore, to improve the climbing function of patients with THA, it is important to not only focus on the recovery of muscle strength in the hip extensors but also improve muscle strength in the knee extensors.

Motor improvement and corticospinal modulation induced by hybrid assistive neuromuscular dynamic stimulation (HANDS) therapy in patients with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We devised a therapeutic approach to facilitate the use of the hemiparetic upper extremity (UE) in daily life by combining integrated volitional control electrical stimulation with a wrist splint, called hybrid assistive neuromuscular dynamic stimulation (HANDS). METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke (median 17.5 months) had moderate to severe UE weakness. Before and immediately after completing 3 weeks of training in 40-minute sessions, 5 days per week over 3 weeks and wearing the system for 8 hours each day, clinical measures of motor impairment, spasticity, and UE functional scores, as well as neurophysiological measures including electromyography activity, reciprocal inhibition, and intracortical inhibition were assessed. A follow-up clinical assessment was performed 3 months later. RESULTS: UE motor function, spasticity, and functional scores improved after the intervention. Neurophysiologically, the intervention induced restoration of presynaptic and long loop inhibitory connections as well as disynaptic reciprocal inhibition. Paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation study indicated disinhibition of the short intracortical inhibition in the affected hemisphere. The follow-up assessment showed that improved UE functions were maintained at 3 months. CONCLUSION: The combination of hand splint and volitional and electrically induced muscle contraction can induce corticospinal plasticity and may offer a promising option for the management of the paretic UE in patients with stroke. A larger sample size with randomized controls is needed to demonstrate effectiveness.