Linking biomarkers with healthy lifestyle outcomes after stroke: Supplementary results of a 12-month randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Participation in a healthy lifestyle intervention such as the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance-adapted for stroke (GLB-CVA) may reduce stroke burden. Identifying biomarkers associated with lifestyle changes may enhance an individualized approach to stroke recovery. We investigated metabolic biomarkers related to cardiovascular and neurological function in individuals with stroke in the GLB-CVA study and healthy (non-stroke) individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants with chronic (>12 months) stroke were recruited to this wait-list randomized controlled trial if they were overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Participants were randomized to (1) the GLB-CVA program to complete 22 educational sessions addressing behavioral principals of dietary and physical activity or (2) a 6 month wait-list control (WLC). Biomarkers [Plasma irisin, vascular endothelial growth factor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), insulin-like growth factor 1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)] were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Age-matched healthy individuals were recruited for biomarker assessment. Compared to healthy adults (n = 19), participants with stroke (GLB-CVA = 24; WLC = 24) at baseline had higher tHcy levels (p < 0.001) and lower PLA2 levels (p = 0.016). No statistically significant interactions were observed for any biomarkers between the GLB-CVA and WLC or between people who achieved 5% weight loss and those who did not. CONCLUSION: Participation in a 6-month healthy lifestyle program did not result in statistically significant changes to select metabolic biomarker levels for our participants with chronic stroke. However, participants with stroke demonstrated a unique biomarker profile compared to age-matched healthy individuals.

Feasibility of overground exoskeleton gait training during inpatient rehabilitation after severe acquired brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) integrated into clinical practice for patients after severe acquired brain injury (ABI). SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible patients with severe ABI met the following criteria: age > 18, medically stable, met exoskeleton frame limitations, and a score of ≤ 3 on the motor function portion of the Coma Recovery Scale - Revised (CRS-R). Presence of consciousness disorder was not exclusionary. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. MAIN MEASURES: Outcomes examined safety (adverse events), feasibility (session count and barriers to session completion), and tolerability of OEGT (session metrics and heart rate). RESULTS: Ten patients with ABI completed 10.4 ± 4.8 OEGT sessions with no adverse events. Barriers to session completion included clinical focus on prioritized interventions. Sessions [median up time = 17 minutes, (IQR: 7); walk time = 13 minutes, (IQR: 9); step count = 243, (IQR: 161); device assist = 74, (IQR: 28.0)] were primarily spent in Very Light to Light heart rate intensities [89%, (IQR: 42%) and 9%, (IQR: 33%), respectively]. CONCLUSION: OEGT incorporated into the rehabilitation plan of care during inpatient rehabilitation after severe ABI was observed to be safe, feasible, and tolerable. However, intentional steps must be taken to facilitate patient safety.

Efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance Program Modified for Individuals with TBI (GLB-TBI): Results from a 12-month Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health issue and no evidence-based weight loss interventions exist to meet the unique needs of individuals after TBI. PURPOSE: To (a) examine the efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance for TBI (GLB-TBI) weight-loss intervention compared to an attention control for primary (weight-loss) and secondary health outcomes; (b) determine participant compliance with the GLB-TBI; and (c) determine if compliance is associated with improved outcomes. METHODS: Individuals with moderate to severe TBI, age 18-64 years, ≥6 months postinjury, and body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized to a 12-month, 22-session GLB-TBI intervention or attention control condition. Weight-loss (lbs.), anthropometric, biomarkers, and patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The GLB-TBI group (n = 27) lost 17.8 ± 41.4lbs (7.9%) over the 12-month program and the attention control group (n = 27) lost 0 ± 55.4lbs (0%). The GLB-TBI group had significant improvements in diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. GLB-TBI attendance was 89.6% and weekly self-monitoring of diet and activity was 68.8%. Relative to baseline, the GLB-TBI compliant group (≥80% attendance; ≥85% self-monitoring; n = 10) had a statistically significant decrease in weight at each assessment, the noncompliant group had a significant decrease between 6 and 12 months (n = 17), with no change in weight in the attention control group (n = 27). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest for adults with TBI who are overweight or obese, participation in the GLB-TBI can significantly reduce weight and metabolic risk factors and increase self-reported habits for diet and exercise.

Results of a 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance (DPP-GLB) for People Post Stroke (GLB-CVA).

BACKGROUND: Experience of stroke is associated with an increased risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, yet few interventions exist that have been tailored to the population's unique needs. PURPOSE: To examine adherence and efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance program (DPP-GLB) modified for individuals post stroke (GLB-CVA) using a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Adults (18-85 years of age), >12 months post stroke, and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were included in this study. Sixty-five individuals were assigned to either the GLB-CVA intervention or a 6-month wait-list control. Participants completed the 12-month GLB-CVA intervention, with attendance and assessment of weight, anthropometric, biomarker, functional, and patient reported outcome data collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: High attendance (90%) and dietary and activity tracking (71%) suggest high adherence to the 12-month GLB-CVA. Six-month randomized controlled trial data indicate significant weight loss (p = .005) in the GLB-CVA group (7.4 ± 13.6 lbs, 3.65%) compared with the wait-list control (0.1 ± 10.1 lbs, 0%), and improvements in arm circumference (p = .04), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p = .028), 8-year diabetes risk (p = .011), and pain interference (p < .001). Combined 12-month data showed participants lost 10.1 ± 16.8 lbs (4.88%) and improved waist circumference (p = .001), HbA1c (3.6%), diastolic blood pressure (p < .001), pain (p = .001), social participation (p = .025), and eating practices (p = .01) and habits (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Engagement in the GLB-CVA can result in weight loss and improved health for individuals who are overweight or obese following stroke. Future efforts should examine effectiveness in real-world settings and focus on knowledge translation efforts.

Experience of stroke is associated with an added risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, yet few interventions exist that have been tailored to the population's unique needs. Our team delivered a health promotion program called the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance (DPP-GLB) modified for individuals post stroke (GLB-CVA) living in the community. We enrolled 65 adults (18­85 years of age), who were at least 12 months post stroke, and had body mass index of at least 25 kg/m2. Participants were randomized to either the GLB-CVA intervention or a 6-month wait-list control. Outcome data were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results showed high participant attendance (90%) and tracking completion (71%). Participants in the GLB-CVA intervention group lost significantly more weight (3.65%) and had greater improvements in arm circumference, HDL cholesterol, 8-year diabetes risk, and pain than participants in the wait-list control. Combined 12-month data showed participants lost 4.88% of their body weight and improved waist circumference, blood sugar (HbA1c), diastolic blood pressure, pain, social participation, eating practices, and habits. Due to these results, we concluded that engagement in the GLB-CVA can result in weight loss and improved health for individuals who are overweight or obese following stroke.

Relative contribution of acute cognitive and motor functioning on community integration 1 year after moderate-severe TBI.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to understand the relative contribution of acute motor versus cognitive functioning on community integration 1 year after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: Secondary data analysis of 779 participants in the TBI Model Systems National Database who experienced a moderate-severe TBI requiring inpatient rehabilitation. Participants were categorized into four groups: low motor/low cognition, low motor/high cognition, high motor/low cognition, or high motor/high cognition. Community integration outcomes measured 1 year post-TBI included the Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools-Objective (PART-O), driving status, Supervision Rating Scale, residence, re-injury, and employment status. RESULTS: Participants with both high motor/high cognition had higher scores on the PART-O total score (p < 0.001), living independently (p = 0.023), living in a private residence (p = 0.002), and being employed (p = 0.026) at 1 year. Participants with high motor/high cognition and high motor/low cognition had higher odds of driving (p = 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively) when compared to low motor/low cognition. All groups relative to the low motor/low cognition group had higher odds of being re-injured. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: High motor and high cognitive function at rehabilitation are associated with favorable community integration outcomes 1 year post-injury, though greater participation afforded by high function may confer elevated risk of re-injury.

Utilization of overground exoskeleton gait training during inpatient rehabilitation: a descriptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: Overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) after neurological injury is safe, feasible, and may yield positive outcomes. However, no recommendations exist for initiation, progression, or termination of OEGT. This retrospective study highlights the clinical use and decision-making of OEGT within the physical therapy plan of care for patients after neurological injury during inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS: The records of patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury who participated in at least one OEGT session were retrospectively reviewed. Session details were analyzed to illustrate progress and included: "up" time, "walk" time, step count, device assistance required for limb swing, and therapist-determined settings. Surveys were completed by therapists responsible for OEGT sessions to illuminate clinical decision-making. RESULTS: On average, patients demonstrated progressive tolerance for OEGT over successive sessions as shown by increasing time upright and walking, step count, and decreased assistance required by the exoskeleton. Therapists place preference on using OEGT with patients with more functional dependency and assess feedback from the patient and device to determine when to change settings. OEGT is terminated when other gait methods yield higher step repetitions or intensities, or to prepare for discharge. CONCLUSION: Our descriptive retrospective data suggests that patients after neurological injury may benefit from OEGT during inpatient rehabilitation. As no guidelines exist, therapists' clinical decisions are currently based on a combination of knowledge of motor recovery and experience. Future efforts should aim to develop evidence-based recommendations to facilitate functional recovery after neurological injury by leveraging OEGT.

Caregiver experiences of social support following stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Informal caregivers need to support their loved ones while performing caregiving responsibilities. A phenomenological qualitative study was done to understand the role of social support accessible for stroke caregivers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The respondents were enrolled from different organizations or support groups who were conducting activities specifically for stroke victims and/or their caregivers. Data collection was concluded after 10 participants were interviewed as no new major themes were discovered. Hence, saturation of data was obtained with a sample of 10 respondents. RESULTS: Two themes were identified from the interviews: "Response to Stroke" and "Stress and Coping". Categories in theme one "Response to Stroke" were "Work Life Balance", "Reaction of Other People or Family to Stroke", and "Expectations and Responsibility from Caregivers". Categories in theme two "Stress and Coping" were "Impact of Stroke on Abilities of Victim", "Stressors and Concerns for the Caregivers", "Strategies used by Caregivers to Cope with Stress", and "Role of Support Group and Social Support to Stroke Caregiver and Care Recipient". CONCLUSIONS: Stroke can lead to stress that can alter the responsibilities of caregivers of stroke victims. The role of social support and support groups was found to be critical for family caregivers to cope with caregiving issues.

A narrative review of biopsychosocial factors which impact overweight and obesity for individuals with acquired brain injury.

Primary Objective: To discuss the biopsychosocial factors that affect being overweight or obese after acquired brain injury (ABI)Research Design: Narrative reviewMethods and Procedures: Based on the biopsychosocial model, we discuss the unique injury-specific factors that can affect bring overweight or obese among individuals with ABI including: (1) biological, (2) psychological and (3) social/ecological factors.Main Outcomes and Results: Injury-specific factors that impact being overweight or obese following ABI include endocrine dysfunction, pain, bowel and bladder incontinence, balance problems and motor impairment, medications, sleep quality and fatigue, alcohol and tobacco use, psychological disorders and symptoms, cognitive changes, social support, isolation, participation, transportation, independence, and knowledge. These factors may also compound general factors impacting weight management, making it difficult for individuals with ABI to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Conclusions: It is important to recognize the biopsychosocial factors that impact weight-loss and lifestyle change after ABI so that interventions can be tailored to meet individuals' unique needs. Empirical research is needed to better understand how biopsychosocial factors interact and impact overweight/ obesity after ABI.

Effects of two different types of ankle-foot orthoses on gait outcomes in patients with subacute stroke: a randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether patients in the subacute stage of stroke, with foot drop, would have better gait outcomes when using a double-adjustable AFO (DA AFO) or a posterior leaf spring AFO (PLS AFO) at baseline without practice and to determine whether one week of practice would significantly change gait outcomes with either of the AFOs. DESIGN: Within-subject 2 × 2 repeated measures design. SETTING: Postacute and outpatient rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty individuals with mean age of 57 years (SD: 12.0 years) with subacute stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were measured using DA AFO and PLS AFO at baseline. Follow-up measurements were taken after one week of practice with each type of AFO in randomly assigned order. OUTCOME MEASURES: Gait endurance (6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)), gait symmetry, and gait velocity at self-selected and fast-paced velocity measured using GAITRite gait analysis system and patient report of AFO preference. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant differences were found between the 2 AFOs (P > 0.05). There was no significant interaction (P > 0.05) of AFO and practice for gait endurance, symmetry, and velocity. Main effect of practice was significant for gait endurance (P < 0.001), self-selected velocity (P = 0.001), and fast-paced velocity (P < 0.001). In all, 16 participants preferred using DA AFO for walking. CONCLUSIONS: No difference between DA AFO and PLS AFO was found on measures of gait endurance, symmetry, and velocity at baseline or after practice. With practice over time, participants improved in gait endurance and velocity regardless of AFO type.

The impact of a patient-directed activity program on functional outcomes and activity participation after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation-a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals post stroke are inactive, even during rehabilitation, contributing to ongoing disability and risk of secondary health conditions. Our aims were to (1) conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of a "Patient-Directed Activity Program" on functional outcomes in people post stroke during inpatient rehabilitation and (2) examine differences three months post inpatient rehabilitation discharge. DESIGN: Randomized control trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation facility. SUBJECTS: Patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation post stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Patient-Directed Activity Program (PDAP) or control (usual care only). Both groups underwent control (three hours of therapy/day), while PDAP participants were prescribed two additional 30-minute activity sessions/day. MAIN MEASURES: Outcomes (Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement Measure, Functional Independence Measure, balance, physical activity, Stroke Impact Scale) were collected at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and three-month follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (PDAP (n = 37); control (n = 36)) were included in the primary analysis. Patients in PDAP completed a total of 23.1 ± 16.5 sessions (10.7 ± 8.5 upper extremity; 12.4 ± 8.6 lower extremity) during inpatient rehabilitation. No differences were observed between groups at discharge in functional measures. PDAP completed significantly more steps/day (PDAP = 657.70 ± 655.82, control = 396.17 ± 419.65; P = 0.022). The Stroke Impact Scale showed significantly better memory and thinking (PDAP = 86.2 ± 11.4, control = 80.8 ± 16.7; P = 0.049), communication (PDAP = 93.6 ± 8.3, control = 89.6 ± 12.4; P = 0.042), mobility (PDAP = 62.2 ± 22.5, control = 53.8 ± 21.8; P = 0.038), and overall recovery from stroke (PDAP = 62.1 ± 19.1, control = 52.2 ± 18.7; P = 0.038) for PDAP compared to control. At three months post discharge, PDAP (n = 11) completed significantly greater physical activity (P = 0.014; 3586.5 ± 3468.5 steps/day) compared to control (n = 10; 1760.9 ± 2346.3 steps/day). CONCLUSION: Functional outcome improvement was comparable between groups; however, PDAP participants completed more steps and perceived greater recovery.

Impact of dual-tasking on mobility tasks in Parkinson's disease as described through 2D kinematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Walking for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) degrades during motor-cognitive interplay (i.e., dual task conditions). Declining gait mechanics and turning ability result in more frequent falls and an interruption of daily activities in persons with PD. AIMS: To determine the impact of dual-tasking on key mobility elements during a walking task in people with PD with 2D motion analysis. METHODS: Participants performed Timed Up and Go (TUG) single, dual task conditions (TUGalone, TUGmotor, and TUGcognitive). 2D motion analysis application was used to quantify seven key mobility elements including: sit-to-walk (STW) (s), walking turn time (WTT) (s), number of turn steps, turn-to-sit (TTS) (s), total number of TUG steps, total TUG time and turn strategy (on-the-spot or u-shaped). RESULTS: Thirty-one participants with PD completed this study [age M= 69 ± 8.19, UPDRSm M= 23.21 ± 10.03, HY MED= 2 (range 1-4)]. All key elements were significantly different between TUG conditions with the exception of sit-to-walk and turn strategy. Turn strategy was consistent across TUG tasks despite added cognitive loading. Repeated-measures MANOVA differences were observed in WTT (p = 0.01), number of turn steps (p = 0.03), TTS (p < 0.001), total number of TUG steps (p = 0.01), and total TUG time (p = 0.01). No significant relationships were found between disease severity (HY/UPDRSm) and turn strategy. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Key mobility elements were significantly affected across dual task walking conditions in persons with PD. The use of 2D motion analysis assisted with identification of key mobility elements impacted during the single and dual task conditions.

Creating an appropriate adaptation of a healthy lifestyle intervention for people after stroke.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To describe (1) an evidence-based approach to promoting a healthy lifestyle, the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance intervention, and (2) our work with input from an Advisory Board of stakeholders to modify the program to meet the unique needs of people post stroke. RESEARCH DESIGN: Community-Based Participatory Research. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: An Advisory Board of stakeholders was convened to modify the Group Lifestyle Balance intervention to meet the unique needs of people post stroke. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The primary adaptations that emerged from the Advisory Board included (1) curriculum emphasis on heart health after stroke, (2) care partner participation, (3) physical activity, dietary, and weight loss modifications specific to people after stroke, and (4) general programmatic recommendations (e.g., wider age range of participants; eligibility based on time since stroke; alternative modes of delivery). CONCLUSIONS: Feedback from the diverse group of stakeholders provides the basis for modifying an evidence-based healthy lifestyle intervention to meet the unique needs of people after stroke. Future research efforts should examine the efficacy and effectiveness of the adapted program to prevent weight gain after stroke and reduce the risk of chronic conditions including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease.

Physical activity intensity of patient's with traumatic brain injury during inpatient rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: Use actigraphy to (1) describe the intensity of physical activity completed by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during inpatient rehabilitation, and (2) examine the association between physical activity intensity and demographic, injury, and programmatic characteristics. DESIGN: Observational. METHOD: Fifty individuals with TBI undergoing inpatient rehabilitation wore accelerometers for an average of 8.7 ± 1.8 days to capture physical activity intensity that was summarized using activity counts (ACs). Intensity of activity was described for categories of the participant's day including physical and occupational therapy, non-active therapy, recreation, and sleep. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlations, and general linear regression were computed. RESULTS: Participants average physical activity intensity was considered "inactive" during physical (M = 242.7.7 ± 105.2 AC/min) and occupational therapy (M = 244 ± 105), non-active therapy (M = 142.2 ± 74.1), and recreation (M = 112.8 ± 59.5), and "sedentary" during sleep (M = 26.7 ± 14.8). Significant positive associations were identified between physical activity intensity and categories of the participant's day suggesting that participants who complete more intense activity in therapy also complete more intense activity during non-active therapy and recreation time. General linear regression indicated that age significantly predicted physical activity intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate that patients with TBI undergoing inpatient rehabilitation are largely inactive or sedentary. Strategies to promote a safe increase in physical activity intensity are required if cardiovascular conditioning is to be improved during inpatient rehabilitation.

Improving practice with integration of patient directed activity during inpatient rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of rehabilitation following stroke promotes better long-term outcomes than delayed onset, emphasizing the importance of inpatient therapy. However, literature indicates that following stroke individuals in inpatient rehabilitation spend the majority of their day in their bedroom and inactive. Consequently, since amount of functional activity is posited to relate to outcomes, the current rehabilitation model needs to be challenged with innovative solutions to maximize recovery. RATIONALE: In an attempt to promote greater activity and higher doses of therapy during inpatient rehabilitation, we implemented the "Patient Directed Activity Program" to facilitate specific movement and improve outcomes for patients post stroke. Our interdisciplinary activity program was conceptualized on a theoretical model for stroke recovery and principles of experience-dependent neural plasticity. MAIN FEATURES: The "Patient Directed Activity Program" includes distinct activity stations designed to increase repetition, stimulation, attention, and activity of the affected upper extremities, lower extremities, and trunk. Each task-specific activity was easily graded to achieve moderate- to high-intensity. The activity program prescribed individuals up to three additional 30-minute bouts of activities daily that were to be completed independently, and in addition to standard of care. Clinical application: After implementing this program in our facility for one year as a quality improvement project, the intervention has been delivered as an Institutional Review Board approved randomized controlled trial (Clinical Trial #NCT02446197). Challenges with people and facilities have been overcome, resulting in a feasible program that can be delivered in an inpatient setting. High satisfaction has been reported by patients and clinicians.

Classifying physical activity research following stroke using the behavioral epidemiologic framework.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a significant public health issue in the USA and a need emerges to better understand how to reduce an individual's co-morbidity risk. Physical activity is one approach to improving the health of individuals and comprehensive literature supports increased activity as a means to reduce risk of morbidity and mortality. One approach to examining whether research in a field is addressing a public health issue is through application of the behavioral epidemiological framework. OBJECTIVE: To classify physical activity research for individuals following stroke into distinct phases so that efforts can be made to systematically address gaps and disseminate evidence-based practice. METHODS: Specific key words were identified and then searched through EBSCO host, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Physical activity and stroke literature from 2000-2014 was categorized into one of five discrete phases. Research in Phase 1 identified associations between activity and health; Phase 2 established valid measures of activity; Phase 3 examined determinants of behavior; Phase 4 evaluated activity interventions; and Phase 5 disseminated evidence-based practice. RESULTS: A comprehensive review of literature identified 202 articles with 70% categorized in Phase 1 (n = 141), 11% in Phase 2 (n = 23), 10% in Phase 3 (n = 20), 8% in Phase 4 (n = 15), and 1% in Phase 5 (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that physical activity research for individuals following stroke is in the early stages of development with less than 10% of research evaluating or disseminating interventions.

Clinical Delivery of Overground Exoskeleton Gait Training in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury Across the Continuum of Care: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: After spinal cord injury (SCI), inpatient rehabilitation begins and continues through outpatient therapy. Overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) has been shown to be feasible in both settings, yet its use as an intervention across the continuum has not yet been reported. Objectives: This study describes OEGT for patients with SCI across the continuum and its effects on clinical outcomes. Methods: Medical records of patients with SCI who completed at least one OEGT session during inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury-II (WISCI-II) scores, and OEGT session details (frequency, "walk" time, "up" time, and step count) were extracted. Results: Eighteen patients [male (83%), White (61%), aged 37.4 ± 15 years, with tetraplegia (50%), American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A (28%), B (22%), C (39%), D (11%)] completed OEGT sessions (motor complete, 18.2 ± 10.3; motor incomplete, 16.7 ± 7.7) over approximately 18 weeks (motor complete, 15.1 ± 6.4; motor incomplete, 19.0 ± 8.2). Patients demonstrated improved OEGT session tolerance on device metrics including "walk" time (motor complete, 7:51 ± 4:42 to 24:50 ± 9:35 minutes; motor incomplete, 12:16 ± 6:01 to 20:01 ± 08:05 minutes), "up" time (motor complete, 16:03 ± 7:41 to 29:49 ± 12:44 minutes; motor incomplete, 16:38 ± 4:51 to 23:06 ± 08:50 minutes), and step count (motor complete, 340 ± 295.9 to 840.2 ± 379.4; motor incomplete, 372.3 ± 225.2 to 713.2 ± 272). Across therapy settings, patients with motor complete SCI experienced improvement in WISCI-II scores from 0 ± 0 at inpatient admission to 3 ± 4.6 by outpatient discharge, whereas the motor incomplete group demonstrated a change of 0.2 ± 0.4 to 9.0 ± 6.4. Conclusion: Patients completed OEGT across the therapy continuum. Patients with motor incomplete SCI experienced clinically meaningful improvements in walking function.

Driving among individuals with chronic conditions: A systematic review of applied research using kinematic driving sensors.

BACKGROUND: Kinematic driving data studies are a novel methodology relevant to health care, but prior studies have considerable variance in their methods, populations, and findings suggesting a need for critical analysis and appraisal for feasibility and methodological guidelines. METHODS: We assessed kinematic driving studies of adults with chronic conditions for study feasibility, characteristics, and key findings, to generate recommendations for future study designs, and to identify promising directions for applications of kinematic driving data. PRISMA was used to guide the review and searches included PubMed, CINAHL, and Compendex. Of 379 abstract/titles screened, 49 full-text articles were reviewed, and 29 articles met inclusion criteria of analyzing trip-level kinematic driving data from adult drivers with chronic conditions. RESULTS: The predominant chronic conditions studied were Alzheimer's disease and related Dementias, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus. Study objectives included feasibility testing of kinematic driving data collection in the context of chronic conditions, comparisons of simulation with real-world kinematic driving behavior, assessments of driving behavior effects associated with chronic conditions, and prognostication or disease classification drawn from kinematic driving data. Across the studies, there was no consensus on devices, measures, or sampling parameters; however, studies showed evidence that driving behavior could reliably differentiate between adults with chronic conditions and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Vehicle sensors can provide driver-specific measures relevant to clinical assessment and interventions. Using kinematic driving data to assess and address driving measures of individuals with multiple chronic conditions is positioned to amplify a functional outcome measure that matters to patients.

A randomized controlled trial protocol for people with traumatic brain injury enrolled in a telehealth delivered diabetes prevention program (tGLB-TBI).

Obesity rates after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are high and are associated with greater risk of morbidity (diabetes, hypertension) and mortality when compared to the general population. Evidence-based interventions for this population are needed and our work modifying and examining the efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB-TBI) are promising. Our recent randomized controlled trial included 57 adults with TBI who completed the GLB-TBI in-person and lost 17.8 ± 16.4lbs (7.9% body weight) compared to the attention control (0%). To broaden the accessibility of the intervention we will complete an RCT to assess the efficacy of telehealth delivery (tGLB-TBI) by enrolling 88 participants over a 3 year period. Results will provide a scalable telehealth weight-loss program that clinicians and community workers across the country can use to help people with TBI lose weight and improve health. The long-term goal is to reduce health inequities and broaden program dissemination to people with TBI that lack access due to environmental barriers, including living rurally or lacking transportation.

The Safety and Feasibility of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Training in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) may provide a novel intervention for gait training in neurological conditions. Nonetheless, studies investigating the safety and feasibility of LBPP in patients with stroke are insufficient. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of LBPP as a rehabilitation intervention for individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS: Individuals with chronic stroke were recruited from the community to participate in LBPP gait training three times a week for six weeks. The LBPP's safety and feasibility were documented throughout the study and at the end of six weeks. Safety and feasibility referred to the incidence of adverse events, complications, the participant and therapist satisfaction questionnaire, and the device limitation including but not limited to technical issues and physical constraints. In addition, blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation were taken pre- and post-session. Dependent t-tests were used to analyze the difference between assessments. A Wilcoxon test was used to assess the ordinal data (Trial registration number NCT04767334). RESULTS: Nine individuals (one female, eight males) aged 57 ± 15.4 years were enrolled. All participants completed the intervention without adverse events. All participants reported positive scores from 4 (very satisfying) to 5 (extremely satisfying) in the safety and feasibility questionnaire. No significant differences were observed in blood pressure and oxygen saturation during the intervention sessions. However, significant increases were observed in heart rate from 82.6 ± 9.1 beats/min (pre-session) to 88.1 ± 6.8 beats/min (post-session) (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: LBPP is a safe and feasible rehabilitation tool to use with individuals with chronic stroke.

Exploring the relationship between sleep apnea and vestibular symptoms following traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex health problem in military veterans and service members (V/SM) that often involves comorbid vestibular impairment. Sleep apnea is another comorbidity that may exacerbate, and/or be exacerbated by, vestibular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between sleep apnea and vestibular symptoms in V/SM diagnosed with TBI of any severity. DESIGN: Multicenter cohort study; cross-sectional sample. SETTING: In-patient TBI rehabilitation units within five Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers. PARTICIPANTS: V/SM with a diagnosis of TBI (N = 630) enrolled in the VA TBI Model Systems study. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. METHODS: A multivariable regression model was used to evaluate the association between sleep apnea and vestibular symptom severity while controlling for relevant covariates, for example, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lifetime history of sleep apnea was determined via best source reporting. Vestibular disturbances were measured with the 3-item Vestibular subscale of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI). RESULTS: One third (30.6%) of the sample had a self-reported sleep apnea diagnosis. Initial analysis showed that participants who had sleep apnea had more severe vestibular symptoms (M = 3.84, SD = 2.86) than those without sleep apnea (M = 2.88, SD = 2.67, p < .001). However, when the data was analyzed via a multiple regression model, sleep apnea no longer reached the threshold of significance as a factor associated with vestibular symptoms. PTSD severity was shown to be significantly associated with vestibular symptoms within this sample (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Analysis of these data revealed a relationship between sleep apnea and vestibular symptoms in V/SM with TBI. The significance of this relationship was affected when PTSD symptoms were factored into a multivariable regression model. However, given that the mechanisms and directionality of these relationships are not yet well understood, we assert that in terms of clinical relevance, providers should emphasize screening for each of the three studied comorbidities (sleep apnea, vestibular symptoms, and PTSD).