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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb... (Review)
Review
The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) have emerged as a promising solution to enhance physical function in older individuals. This systematic review synthesizes the use of LLEs in alignment with the WHO's healthy aging vision, examining their impact on intrinsic capacities and functional abilities. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in six databases, yielding 36 relevant articles covering older adults (65+) with various health conditions, including sarcopenia, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, osteoarthritis, and more. The interventions, spanning one to forty sessions, utilized a range of LLE technologies such as Ekso, HAL, Stride Management Assist, Honda Walking Assist, Lokomat, Walkbot, Healbot, Keeogo Rehab, EX1, overground wearable exoskeletons, Eksoband, powered ankle-foot orthoses, HAL lumbar type, Human Body Posturizer, Gait Enhancing and Motivation System, soft robotic suits, and active pelvis orthoses. The findings revealed substantial positive outcomes across diverse health conditions. LLE training led to improvements in key performance indicators, such as the 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, Timed Up and Go test, and more. Additionally, enhancements were observed in gait quality, joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. These improvements were accompanied by reductions in sedentary behavior, pain perception, muscle exertion, and metabolic cost while walking. While longer intervention durations can aid in the rehabilitation of intrinsic capacities, even the instantaneous augmentation of functional abilities can be observed in a single session. In summary, this review demonstrates consistent and significant enhancements in critical parameters across a broad spectrum of health conditions following LLE interventions in older adults. These findings underscore the potential of LLE in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the well-being of older adults.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Exoskeleton Device; Healthy Aging; Postural Balance; Time and Motion Studies; World Health Organization
PubMed: 38610440
DOI: 10.3390/s24072230 -
Clinical Child and Family Psychology... Mar 2024Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is a multi-faceted construct influenced by a myriad of environmental, demographic, and individual characteristics. Our... (Review)
Review
Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is a multi-faceted construct influenced by a myriad of environmental, demographic, and individual characteristics. Our understanding of these influencers remains highly limited in neurodevelopmental conditions. Existing research in this area is sparse, highly siloed by diagnosis labels, and focused on symptoms. This review synthesized the evidence in this area using a multi-dimensional model of HRQoL and trans-diagnostically across neurodevelopmental conditions. The systematic review, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Checklist, was completed in June 2023 using Medline, PsycInfo, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. Our search revealed 78 studies that examined predictors of HRQoL in neurodevelopmental conditions. The majority of these studies focused on autism and ADHD with a paucity of literature in other conditions. Cross-diagnosis investigations were limited despite the fact that many of the examined predictors transcend diagnostic boundaries. Significant gaps were revealed in domains of biology/physiology, functioning, health perceptions, and environmental factors. Very preliminary evidence suggested potentially shared predictors of HRQoL across conditions including positive associations between HRQoL and adaptive functioning, male sex/gender, positive self-perception, physical activity, resources, and positive family context, and negative associations with diagnostic features and mental health symptoms. Studies of transdiagnostic predictors across neurodevelopmental conditions are critically needed to enable care models that address shared needs of neurodivergent individuals beyond diagnostic boundaries. Further understanding of HRQoL from the perspective of neurodivergent communities is a critical area of future work.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38070100
DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00462-3 -
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair Jun 2021Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) experience walking impairments, characterized by decreased walking speeds. In healthy subjects, the self-selected walking speed is...
BACKGROUND
Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) experience walking impairments, characterized by decreased walking speeds. In healthy subjects, the self-selected walking speed is the energetically most optimal. In pwMS, the energetically most optimal walking speed remains underexposed. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the relationship between walking speed and energetic cost of walking (Cw) in pwMS, compared with healthy subjects, thereby assessing the walking speed with the lowest energetic cost. As it is unclear whether the Cw in pwMS differs between overground and treadmill walking, as reported in healthy subjects, a second review aim was to compare both conditions.
METHOD
PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched. Studies assessing pwMS, reporting walking speed (converted to meters per second), and reporting oxygen consumption were included. Study quality was assessed with a modified National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute checklist. The relationship between Cw and walking speed was calculated with a second-order polynomial function and compared between groups and conditions.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine studies were included (n = 1535 pwMS) of which 8 included healthy subjects (n = 179 healthy subjects). PwMS showed a similar energetically most optimal walking speed of 1.44 m/s with a Cw of 0.16, compared with 0.14 mL O/kg/m in healthy subjects. The most optimal walking speed in treadmill was 1.48 m/s, compared with 1.28 m/s in overground walking with a similar Cw.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the Cw is elevated in pwMS but with a similar energetically most optimal walking speed, compared with healthy subjects. Treadmill walking showed a similar most optimal Cw but a higher speed, compared with overground walking.
Topics: Energy Metabolism; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Walking Speed
PubMed: 33847188
DOI: 10.1177/15459683211005028 -
Journal of Neurology Sep 2019Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare, metabolic disease primarily affecting the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Forced vital capacity (FVC) is commonly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare, metabolic disease primarily affecting the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Forced vital capacity (FVC) is commonly used to measure pulmonary function; however, associations between FVC and other LOPD outcomes remain unclear.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted on November 2015, updated September 2016 and supplemented with clinical trial data from the sponsor. Outcomes included: 6-min walk test distance (6MWT), FVC, maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP), Medical Research Council-skeletal muscle strength score (MRC), 36-item short-form survey-physical component score (SF-36), Rotterdam Handicap Scale (RHS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and survival. Individual patient data meta-analysis was used for cross-sectional analyses and longitudinal analyses to determine associations between percent of predicted FVC and LOPD measures and outcomes.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies were selected. From cross-sectional analyses, FVC and MRC were most strongly associated. Specifically, patients with 10% higher FVC (a round number for illustrative purposes only) were associated with a 4.72% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.37, 6.07) higher MRC score, indicating a positive association. Similarly, slopes for the 6MWT and SF-36 relative to a 10% higher FVC were estimated at 33.2 meters (95% CI 24.0, 42.4) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.24, 2.16%), respectively. From longitudinal analyses, a 10% incremental increase in predicted FVC was associated with an average increase of 4.12% in MRC score (95% CI 1.29, 6.95), 35.6 m in the 6MWT (95% CI 19.9, 51.6), and 1.34% in SF-36 (95% CI 0.08, 2.60). There was insufficient data to conduct analyses for RHS, FSS and survival.
CONCLUSIONS
FVC is positively associated with LOPD measures and outcomes across multiple domains. Additionally, longitudinal changes in FVC are positively associated with changes in the 6MWT, MRC and SF-36.
Topics: Age of Onset; Cross-Sectional Studies; Glycogen Storage Disease Type II; Humans; Treatment Outcome; Vital Capacity
PubMed: 31187190
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09401-1 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2020Treatment options for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) that is not amenable to thromboendarterectomy or is recurrent/persistent after... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty and Pulmonary Vasodilators for Inoperable Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Treatment options for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) that is not amenable to thromboendarterectomy or is recurrent/persistent after thromboendarterectomy (inoperable CTEPH) include pulmonary vasodilators or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA). We compared efficacy and safety outcomes of BPA with or without pulmonary vasodilators to pulmonary vasodilator therapy alone in patients with inoperable CTEPH. Observational and randomized trial data reporting outcomes for >5 patients with inoperable CTEPH were sought. Single-arm random effects meta-analyses were performed. The primary outcome was change in six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes included safety; World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC); and change in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and cardiac index. Thirty-four studies with 1604 patients were eligible for analyses. Both treatments resulted in significant improvement in 6MWD (71.0 meters, 95% CI: 47.4-94.5 meters with BPA versus 47.8 meters, 95% CI: 34.5-61.2 meters with pulmonary vasodilators), PVR [-3.1 Wood Units (WU), 95% CI: -4.9 to -1.4 WU versus -1.6 WU, 95% CI: -2.4 to -0.8 WU] and mPAP (-14.8 mmHg, 95% CI: -18.2 to -11.5 mmHg versus -4.9 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.9 to -2.8 mmHg). Cardiac index was similar and most patients were WHO FC II and III after their respective interventions. More complications occurred in the BPA arm. In conclusion, BPA and pulmonary vasodilators both improve 6MWD and hemodynamics in patients with inoperable CTEPH. While BPA may offer greater functional and hemodynamic improvements, this technique carries the accompanying risks of an invasive procedure.
Topics: Angioplasty, Balloon; Chronic Disease; Exercise Test; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Pulmonary Embolism; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 32483219
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65697-4 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Apr 2020To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tonifying kidney therapy (Bushen, TK) for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tonifying kidney therapy (Bushen, TK) for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TK use for treatment of stable COPD were searched in four databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database from inception to December 2017. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the Meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Eight RCTs involving 809 patients with stable COPD were included. Compared with the conventional Western Medicine (CWM) group, the TK group (TK combined with CWM) showed significant improvements in the effectiveness rates (RR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.53, P < 0.000 01) and 6-min walk distance in meters (MD 11.92, 95% CI 3.52 to 20.32, P = 0.005), this study also showed that the TK group can decrease The Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score (MD -8.01, 95% CI -12.89 to -3.13, P = 0.001). The lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second% (FEV1%), FEV1/forced vital capacity] showed no difference between the TK and control groups.
CONCLUSION
For patients with stable COPD, TK can improve the clinical effectiveness and exercise capacity but fail to improve the patient's symptoms. Because of the low methodological quality of the included trials, additional high-quality and large-scale RCTs are required.
Topics: Aged; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Female; Humans; Kidney; Male; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32242384
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Sep 2020After lower extremity injury, only half of the injured athletes return to their pre-injury sports level. Even though functional performance tests are often used to make...
After lower extremity injury, only half of the injured athletes return to their pre-injury sports level. Even though functional performance tests are often used to make return to sport decisions, it is unknown whether functional performance is associated with return to performance after such injuries. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, critically appraise, and analyze studies that investigated the association of functional performance tests with return to performance after lower extremity injuries in athletes participating in high-impact sports. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL were systematically searched for relevant studies. Articles were independently screened by two authors and data were obtained from each included study using a data extraction form. Two authors independently scored methodological quality using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. A qualitative best evidence synthesis was conducted. Eight studies reported the association of functional performance with return to performance after lower extremity injuries, involving 1,246 athletes after anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. No studies were found on the association of functional performance with return to performance for lower extremity injuries other than after anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. All included studies had a high risk of bias. Two studies found significant but small associations for selected hop tests after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Low evidence of association between functional performance and return to performance was present after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for the triple hop for distance, the 6-meter timed hop, the side hop in female athletes, and for the combination of the single and crossover hop for distance. In athletes after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the vertical jump showed a significant but small association with return to performance. There is no high-quality evidence that functional performance is associated with return to performance after lower extremity injuries in athletes practicing high-impact sports. Low quality evidence suggests small associations after anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. No evidence exists for lower extremity injuries other than after anterior or posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Therefore, research on functional performance associated with return to performance is recommended in high-quality prospective cohort studies including athletes with any type of lower extremity injury.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Athletic Injuries; Exercise Test; Humans; Lower Extremity; Physical Functional Performance; Recovery of Function; Return to Sport
PubMed: 32874110
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Oct 2019To evaluate the effectiveness of over-ground robotic locomotor training in individuals with spinal cord injuries with regard to walking performance, cardiovascular...
Effectiveness of over-ground robotic locomotor training in improving walking performance, cardiovascular demands, secondary complications and user-satisfaction in individuals with spinal cord injuries: A systematic review.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of over-ground robotic locomotor training in individuals with spinal cord injuries with regard to walking performance, cardiovascular demands, secondary health complications and user-satisfaction.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCOhost and Engineering Village.
STUDY SELECTION
Trials in which robotic locomotor training was used for a minimum of 3 participants with spinal cord injury.
DATA EXTRACTION
Independent extraction of data by 2 reviewers using a pre-established data abstraction table. Quality of evidence assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
DATA SYNTHESIS
Total of 27 non-controlled studies representing 308 participants. Most studies showed decreases in exertion ratings, pain and spasticity and reported positive well-being post-intervention. Seven studies were included in meta-analyses on walking performance, showing significant improvements post-intervention (p < 0.05), with pooled effects for the 6-min walking test and 10-metre walking test of-0.94 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) -1.53,-0.36) and -1.22 (95% CI -1.87,-0.57), respectively. The Timed Up and Go Test showed a positive pooled effect of 0.74 (95% CI 0.36, 1.11). Improvements in walking parameters were seen with an increase in session number; however, no significant cardiovascular changes were found over time.
CONCLUSION
Robotic locomotor training shows promise as a tool for improving neurological rehabilitation; however, there is limited evidence regarding its training benefits. Further high-powered, randomized controlled trials, with homogenous samples, are required to investigate these effects.
Topics: Humans; Physical Therapy Modalities; Robotics; Spinal Cord Injuries; Walking
PubMed: 31511902
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2601