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Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Oct 2022Rehabilitation is important in the first months after a stroke for recovery of functional ability, but it is also challenging, since distinct recovery trajectories are...
BACKGROUND
Rehabilitation is important in the first months after a stroke for recovery of functional ability, but it is also challenging, since distinct recovery trajectories are seen. Therefore, studying the early changes in muscle characteristics over time (e.g. muscle strength, muscle mass and muscle volume), which are known to be associated with functional abilities, may deepen our understanding of underlying recovery mechanisms of stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to describe the longitudinal changes in skeletal muscles, including muscle strength, muscle mass and muscle volume, during the first 3 months post-stroke.
METHODS
Electronic searches were conducted in Medline, Scopus and CENTRAL. Longitudinal cohort studies or controlled interventional trials that report data about patients in the first 3 months after stroke were identified. Skeletal muscle characteristics should be measured at least twice within 3 months post-stroke by objective, quantitative assessment methods (e.g. dynamometry, ultrasound, computed tomography). Effect sizes were calculated as Hedges' g using standardized mean differences.
RESULTS
A total of 38 studies (1,097 subjects) were found eligible. Results revealed an mean increase on the paretic side for upper and lower limb muscle strength (small to moderate effect sizes), whereas muscle thickness decreased (moderate to large effect sizes). Similar, but smaller, effects were found on the non-paretic side. There were insufficient data available to draw conclusions about lean muscle mass and muscle cross-sectional area. No studies aimed at investigating distinct trajectories of the muscle changes.
CONCLUSION
Muscle strength and thickness changes during the first 3 months after stroke in both the paretic and non-paretic side. Future studies should aim to understand "how" the stroke-induced muscle strength changes are achieved. Exploring existing data from longitudinal studies, by using cluster analyses, such as pattern recognition, could add to the current knowledge-base.
Topics: Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscular Diseases; Paresis; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 35848335
DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v54.573 -
BMC Neurology Jun 2022Upper limb (UL) paresis is one of the most common stroke consequences and significantly restricts patients in everyday life. Instruments objectively measuring direct arm...
BACKGROUND
Upper limb (UL) paresis is one of the most common stroke consequences and significantly restricts patients in everyday life. Instruments objectively measuring direct arm use in stroke patients are lacking, but might be helpful to understand patients' impairment. Aiming to examine whether accelerometry is a suitable objective measure for everyday UL use in stroke patients, we conducted a systematic review on the association between accelerometer-derived measurements and clinical scales.
METHODS
Articles were systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PeDro and LIVIVO through December 12, 2021, screened for inclusion by AH, and subsequently independently screened by CK and MK. Disagreements were discussed until consensus. We included English and German peer-reviewed articles dealing with the validity of accelerometers as a measurement of UL use in stroke patients and eligible systematic reviews. Studies exclusively using accelerometry as an outcome parameter, book contributions, conference abstracts and case studies were excluded. Data extraction was conducted by AH and confirmed by CK focussing on study type, objective, accelerometer device, sample size, stroke status, assessments conducted, measurement method, wearing time and key results. We analysed all eligible articles regarding the correlation between accelerometry and other clinical assessments and the validity in accordance with the type of accelerometer.
RESULTS
Excluding duplicates, the initial search yielded 477 records. In the 34 eligible studies accelerometers was used with a predominance of tri-axial accelerometery (n = 12) and only few with two-axial application (n = 4). Regarding measures to examine association to accelerometer data different clinical scales were applied depending on the setting, the degree of impairment and/or the status of stroke. Cut-off values to determine correlations varied largely; most significant correlations are reported for the MAL [Range 0.31- 0.84] and the ARAT [Range 0.15-0.79].
CONCLUSIONS
Accelerometers can provide reliable data about daily arm use frequency but do not supply information about the movements´ quality and restrictions on everyday activities of stroke patients. Depending on the context, it is advisable to use both, accelerometry and other clinical measures. According to the literature there is currently no accelerometer device most suitable to measure UL activity. High correlations indicate that multi-dimensional accelerometers should be preferred.
Topics: Accelerometry; Activities of Daily Living; Humans; Paresis; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 35705906
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02743-w -
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2022Upper limb impairment is common after stroke, and many will not regain full upper limb function. Different technologies based on surface electromyography (sEMG) have...
BACKGROUND
Upper limb impairment is common after stroke, and many will not regain full upper limb function. Different technologies based on surface electromyography (sEMG) have been used in stroke rehabilitation, but there is no collated evidence on the different sEMG-driven interventions and their effect on upper limb function in people with stroke.
AIM
Synthesize existing evidence and perform a meta-analysis on the effect of different types of sEMG-driven interventions on upper limb function in people with stroke.
METHODS
PubMed, SCOPUS, and PEDro databases were systematically searched for eligible randomized clinical trials that utilize sEMG-driven interventions to improve upper limb function assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) in stroke. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality and the risk of bias of the included studies. In addition, a meta-analysis utilizing a random effect model was performed for studies comparing sEMG interventions to non-sEMG interventions and for studies comparing different sEMG interventions protocols.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies comprising 808 participants were included in this review. The methodological quality was good to fair. The meta-analysis showed no differences in the total effect, assessed by total FMA-UE score, comparing sEMG interventions to non-sEMG interventions (14 studies, 509 participants, SMD 0.14, P 0.37, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.46, I 55%). Similarly, no difference in the overall effect was found for the meta-analysis comparing different types of sEMG interventions (7 studies, 213 participants, SMD 0.42, P 0.23, 95% CI -0.34 to 1.18, I 73%). Twenty out of the twenty-four studies, including participants with varying impairment levels at all stages of stroke recovery, reported statistically significant improvements in upper limb function at post-sEMG intervention compared to baseline.
CONCLUSION
This review and meta-analysis could not discern the effect of sEMG in comparison to a non-sEMG intervention or the most effective type of sEMG intervention for improving upper limb function in stroke populations. Current evidence suggests that sEMG is a promising tool to further improve functional recovery, but randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to verify whether the effect on upper extremity function of a specific sEMG intervention is superior compared to other non-sEMG or other type of sEMG interventions.
PubMed: 35669202
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.897870 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Jun 2022Ophthalmoplegic migraine, renamed "Recurrent Painful Ophthalmoplegic Neuropathy" (RPON) in 2013 by the International Headache Society is a rare neurologic disorder...
BACKGROUND
Ophthalmoplegic migraine, renamed "Recurrent Painful Ophthalmoplegic Neuropathy" (RPON) in 2013 by the International Headache Society is a rare neurologic disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of ophthalmoplegia associated to ipsilateral headache. The etiology is still unknown. Typical magnetic resonance imaging findings show a focal nerve thickening and contrast enhancement. In the majority of cases, there is a full recovery within days or weeks. There is no evidence supporting a specific treatment. The review defines the characteristics of the recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy in patients within 2 years of age underlying the importance of the role of magnetic resonance imaging even in presence of the first attack. Thus, an emblematic case report is presented.
CASE PRESENTATION
The authors present a case of third cranial nerve paresis in a 17-month-old male child, presenting a neuroradiological pattern highly suggestive of schwannoma, aneurism or recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy. Thus, a review of the literature with the pediatric casuistry of recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy occurred within 2 years of age focusing on diagnostic considerations is presented. The authors highlight the importance to consider recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy in presence of magnetic resonance imaging findings and clinical symptoms referable to aneurysm or schwannoma. Thus, the review defines the characteristics and the neuroradiological findings at the first RPON attack occurred under 2 years of age.
CONCLUSION
Although two attacks are necessary, the review strongly suggests to consider recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy even at the first attack, in presence of described characteristics and the aforementioned magnetic resonance imaging findings.
Topics: Child; Headache; Humans; Infant; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neurilemmoma; Ophthalmoplegia; Ophthalmoplegic Migraine; Pain; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Rare Diseases; Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome
PubMed: 35659705
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01274-x -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2022To create a systematic overview of the available reconstructive techniques, facial nerve grading scales, physical evaluation, the reversibility of paralysis,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To create a systematic overview of the available reconstructive techniques, facial nerve grading scales, physical evaluation, the reversibility of paralysis, non-reconstructive procedures and medical therapy, physical therapy, the psychological aspect of facial paralysis, and the prevention of facial nerve injury in order to elucidate the gaps in the knowledge and discuss potential research aims in this area. A further aim was to propose an algorithm simplifying the selection of reconstructive strategies, given the variety of available reconstructive methods and the abundance of factors influencing the selection.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH
A total of 2439 papers were retrieved from the Medline/Pubmed and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar. Additional research added 21 articles. The primary selection had no limitations regarding the publication date. We considered only papers written in English. Single-case reports were excluded. Screening for duplicates and their removal resulted in a total of 1980 articles. Subsequently, we excluded 778 articles due to the language and study design. The titles or abstracts of 1068 articles were screened, and 134 papers not meeting any exclusion criterion were obtained. After a full-text evaluation, we excluded 15 papers due to the lack of information on preoperative facial nerve function and the follow-up period. This led to the inclusion of 119 articles.
CONCLUSIONS
A thorough clinical examination supported by advanced imaging modalities and electromyographic examination provides sufficient information to determine the cause of facial palsy. Considering the abundance of facial nerve grading scales, there is an evident need for clear guidelines regarding which scale is recommended, as well as when the postoperative evaluation should be carried out. Static procedures allow the restoral of facial symmetry at rest, whereas dynamic reanimation aims to restore facial movement. The modern approach to facial paralysis involves neurotization procedures (nerve transfers and cross-facial nerve grafts), muscle transpositions, and microsurgical free muscle transfers. Rehabilitation provides patients with the possibility of effectively controlling their symptoms and improving their facial function, even in cases of longstanding paresis. Considering the mental health problems and significant social impediments, more attention should be devoted to the role of psychological interventions. Given that each technique has its advantages and pitfalls, the selection of the treatment approach should be individualized in the case of each patient.
PubMed: 35629016
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102890 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2022Bilateral arm training (BAT) presents as a promising approach in upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation after a stroke as it may facilitate neuroplasticity. However, the...
Bilateral arm training (BAT) presents as a promising approach in upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation after a stroke as it may facilitate neuroplasticity. However, the effectiveness of BAT is inconclusive, and no systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the impact of different factors on the outcomes of BAT. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) compare the effects of bilateral arm training (BAT) with unilateral arm training (UAT) and conventional therapy (CT) on the upper limb (UL) motor impairments and functional performance post-stroke, and (2) investigate the different contributing factors that may influence the success of BAT. A comprehensive literature search was performed in five databases. Randomized control trials (RCTs) that met inclusion criteria were selected and assessed for methodological qualities. Data relating to outcome measures, characteristics of participants (stroke chronicity and severity), and features of intervention (type of BAT and dose) were extracted for meta-analysis. With 25 RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria, BAT demonstrated significantly greater improvements in motor impairments as measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) than CT ( = 3.94, = < 0.001), but not in functional performance as measured by the pooled outcomes of Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block Test (BBT), and the time component of Motor Function Test (WMFT-time) ( = 0.28, = 0.313). The superior motor impairment effects of BAT were associated with recruiting mildly impaired individuals in the chronic phase of stroke ( = 6.71, < 0.001), and applying a higher dose of intervention ( = 6.52, < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that bilateral functional task training (BFTT) improves both motor impairments ( = 7.84, < 0.001) and functional performance ( = 1.02, = 0.049). No significant differences were detected between BAT and UAT for motor impairment ( = -0.90, = 0.681) or functional performance ( = -0.09, = 0.457). Thus, our meta-analysis indicates that BAT may be more beneficial than CT in addressing post-stroke UL motor impairment, particularly in the chronic phase with mild UL paresis. The success of BAT may be dose-dependent, and higher doses of intervention may be required. BFTT appears to be a valuable form of BAT that could be integrated into stroke rehabilitation programs. BAT and UAT are generally equivalent in improving UL motor impairments and functional performance.
PubMed: 35547621
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.875794 -
Current Journal of Neurology Apr 2022Over the past decades, wearable robotic gloves due to their positive features are used by clinicians to improve motor function in the upper extremity. This systematic... (Review)
Review
Over the past decades, wearable robotic gloves due to their positive features are used by clinicians to improve motor function in the upper extremity. This systematic review aims to evaluate the studies that investigated the therapeutic effects of wearable robotic gloves to improve hand function in stroke patients. The most related databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, IEEE, and Google Scholar were systematically searched and studies were collected up to September 2021. The methodological quality assessment was done using an adapted version of the Downs and Black checklist. Of the 2674 articles searched, 5 studies were recognized as being relevant in this systematic review. The methodological quality of all included studies was between 7 to 10 points of adapted 12-point score of Downs and Black checklist. All studies concluded that the introduced robotic device had a good therapeutic effect on investigated patients' hand function. The studies had limitations in terms of the level of evidence, sample size, stroke patient groups, and therapeutic process. There is no standard approach with definite intervention timing to evaluate the effect of such devices. Therefore, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic effects of wearable robotic gloves on improving hand function after a stroke.
PubMed: 38011474
DOI: 10.18502/cjn.v21i2.10496 -
Archives of Rehabilitation Research and... Mar 2022(1) To elucidate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) toward improving activities of daily living (ADL) and functional motor ability post... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
(1) To elucidate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) toward improving activities of daily living (ADL) and functional motor ability post stroke and (2) to investigate the influence of paresis severity and the timing of treatment initiation for the effectiveness of NMES.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Cochrane Library searched for relevant articles from database inception to May 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials exploring the effect of NMES toward improving ADL or functional motor ability in survivors of stroke. The search identified 6064 potential articles with 20 being included.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers conducted the data extraction. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Data from 428 and 659 participants (mean age, 62.4 years; 54% male) for outcomes of ADL and functional motor ability, respectively, were pooled in a random-effect meta-analysis. The analysis revealed a significant positive effect of NMES toward ADL (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.14-0.67; =.003), whereas no effect on functional motor ability was evident. Subgroup analyses showed that application of NMES in the subacute stage (SMD, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.09-0.78; =.01) and in the upper extremity (SMD, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.04-0.64; =.02) improved ADL, whereas a beneficial effect was observed for functional motor abilities in patients with severe paresis (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.12-0.70; =.005).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present meta-analysis are indicative of potential beneficial effects of NMES toward improving ADL post stroke, whereas the potential for improving functional motor ability appears less clear. Furthermore, subgroup analyses indicated that NMES application in the subacute stage and targeted at the upper extremity is efficacious for ADL rehabilitation and that functional motor abilities can be positively affected in patients with severe paresis.
PubMed: 35282150
DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2021.100167 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Feb 2022This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of mecobalamin combined with vestibular rehabilitation training in acute vestibular neuritis and to improve the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of mecobalamin combined with vestibular rehabilitation training in acute vestibular neuritis and to improve the clinical therapeutic effect in vestibular nerve disease.
METHODS
We performed a literature search of the PubMed, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and other databases from the date of establishment of the database until the present. The search terms included "mecobalamin", "vestibular rehabilitation training", "vestibular rehabilitation therapy", and "vestibular neuritis". References of the comparative study of vestibular rehabilitation training and vestibular rehabilitation training combined with mecobalamin were screened. Boolean logic retrieval was adopted, and Review Manager software was employed.
RESULTS
Meta-analysis was conducted on a total of four studies with a low risk of bias. The activities specific balance confidence scale (ABC) scores of the two groups were heterogeneous (Chi2=8.56, I2=88%, P=0.003), and a fixed-effect model (FEM) analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the ABC between the groups after treatment (Z=0.67, P=0.50). It may be that mecobalamin combined with vestibular rehabilitation training effectively alleviated the symptoms of vestibular neuritis in the experimental group, thereby reducing the canal paresis (CP) value. In addition, there was no heterogeneous dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) between the groups after treatment (Chi2=20.75, I2=86%, P=0.0001); finite element method (FEM) analysis showed that the DHI of the experimental group after 6 months of treatment was notably lower compared to that of the control group (Z=3.20, P=0.001).
DISCUSSION
Mecobalamin combined with vestibular rehabilitation training can effectively improve vertigo and other symptoms of acute vestibular neuritis patients, with high effectiveness and safety.
Topics: Dizziness; Humans; Vertigo; Vestibular Neuronitis; Vitamin B 12
PubMed: 35249325
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-3171 -
Medicine Dec 2021To investigate prognosis prediction of motor outcome in anterior choroidal artery (AChA) infarction patients using radiologic and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prognosis prediction of motor outcome in hemiparetic patients with anterior choroidal artery infarction: Radiologic and transcranial magnetic stimulation prognostic validation studies (STROBE).
To investigate prognosis prediction of motor outcome in anterior choroidal artery (AChA) infarction patients using radiologic and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies.Twenty six patients with complete weakness of the affected hand were recruited. The Motricity Index (MI), Medical Research Council (MRC) scores for the affected finger extensors, Modified Brunnstrom classification (MBC) and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) were evaluated twice: at onset and the chronic stage (3-4 months after onset). Patients were assigned according to the presence of infarction at the corona radiata (CR); the CR-positive group (infarct presence at the CR and posterior limb of internal capsule [PLIC], 11 patients) and CR-negative group (infarct presence at the PLIC, 15 patients), and the presence of motor evoked potentials at the affected hand muscle: the TMS-positive group (11 patients) and the TMS-negative group (15 patients).At the second evaluation, the MI scores were significantly different between the CR-positive (45.10 ± 7.06) and CR-negative groups (57.90 ± 11.56), and between the TMS-positive (60.37 ± 11.53) and TMS-negative groups (46.70 ± 7.99) (P < .05). The MRC scores for the finger extensors were also significantly different between the CR-positive (0.95 ± 1.01) and CR-negative (2.57 ± 1.33) groups and between the TMS-positive (3.05 ± 0.88) and TMS-negative (1.03 ± 1.14) groups (P < .05). Fourteen (53.85%) of the 26 patients recovered to have a functional hand score (MBC ≥5) and 19 (73.07%) of the 26 patients recovered to have an independent gait score (FAC ≥3) on their second evaluation.The results show that CR involvement in addition to the presence of a PLIC lesion and a TMS-negative response were related to poor motor outcomes in patients with an AChA infarction. Consequently, radiologic and TMS studies can be considered for motor outcome prognosis prediction in patients with an AChA infarction.
Topics: Aged; Cerebral Infarction; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paresis; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
PubMed: 34941175
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028397