Functional Reorganization and Recovery After Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Subacute Stroke: Case Reports

Preliminary assessments of the feasibility, safety, and effects on neuronal reorganization measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) from Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) of the upper extremity were made in eight cases of subacute stroke. Within fourteen days of their stroke, patients were randomly assigned to two weeks of CIMT or traditional therapy. Baseline motor performance and cortical/subcortical representation for movement with TMS were assessed before treatment. Post-treatment assessments were made at the end of treatment and at three months after the stroke. The TMS mapping showed a larger motor representation in the lesioned hemisphere of the CIMT patients as compared to the controls at the three-month follow-up assessment. The enlarged motor representation in the lesioned hemisphere for hand movement correlated with improved motor function of the affected hand, suggesting a link between movement representation size as measured with TMS and functionality. These results suggest that TMS can be safely and effectively used to assess brain function in subacute stroke and further suggest that CIMT may enhance cortical/subcortical motor reorganization and accelerate motor recovery when started within the first two weeks after stroke.     

Effect of Task-Based Mirror Therapy on Motor Recovery of the Upper Extremity in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: Mirror therapy (MT) is an alternative therapeutic intervention that uses the interaction of visuomotor-proprioception inputs to enhance movement performance of the impaired limb. Despite strong evidence for task-specific training in stroke, MT has been investigated using nontask movements. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of task-based MT on motor recovery of the upper extremity in chronic stroke patients. Method: In a pretest-posttest single-group design, a convenience sample of 13 chronic stroke patients at an occupational therapy department of a rehabilitation institute was assessed on a task-based MT intervention. Participants received a task-based MT program, performing various tasks by the less affected upper extremity and observing in the mirror box along with conventional management, 4 days per week for 4 weeks. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), which includes subsection upper extremity (FMA-UE) and subpart upper arm (FMA-UA) and hand (FMA-WH), was used as an outcome measure. Results: Participants showed no significant improvement for FMA-UE and FMA-UA at postassessment. FMA-UE changed from 43% to 51%. Post FMA-UA score showed only 2% improvement. However, there was statistically significant improvement on mean scores of FMA-WH at postassessment (16.21 ± 3.06) as compared with the prescores (12.29 ± 3.1; P < .05). FMA-WH improved from 41% to 54%. Conclusions: The preliminary findings suggest that task-based MT is effective in improving wrist and hand motor recovery in chronic stroke patients. Further studies in the form of randomized trials are needed to validate its effectiveness.     

Alterations in cortical excitability in chronic stroke after constraint-induced movement therapy

Abstract

Objective: Cerebral stroke is a major cause for long-term disability in the elderly and it is often manifested in hemiparesis of the upper extremity. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), an intensive 2 week rehabilitation program, improves affected upper limb motor abilities in subjects with stroke. Intensive training has also been suggested to modify neural function. We wanted to find out if there are changes in cortical excitability in subjects with chronic stroke after CIMT.

Methods: Participants were 13 subjects with stroke who fulfilled the entry criteria for the CIMT program. The motor function of the affected arm and hand was assessed using a structured motor behavior test (WMFT). The cortical excitability changes were assessed in regard to involuntary and voluntary motor control, former with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and latter with movement-related cortical potentials (MRCP).

Results: The motor abilities of the affected arm improved after 2 week rehabilitation (total time in WMFT shortened 36%). The motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were unchanged following the stimulation of the non-affected hemisphere; however, the MEP amplitudes of lateral stimulation locations increased significantly in the affected side after the intervention. The power spectra of MRCPs revealed reduced peak frequency over the supplementary motor area when the affected hand was moved. However, no changes occurred when the healthy hand was moved.

Discussion: We show changes in cortical electrical excitability while performing both involuntary and voluntary movements after 2 weeks of CIMT in subjects with chronic stroke. These changes may be seen as a sign of neural reorganization instigated by the intervention.     

Early transcranial direct current stimulation with modified constraint-induced movement therapy for motor and functional upper limb recovery in hospitalized patients with stroke: A randomized,multicentre, double-blind,clinical trial

BackgroundConstraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are used to reduce interhemispheric imbalance after stroke, which is why the combination of these therapies has been used for neurological recovery, but not in the acute phase.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of combining active or sham bihemispheric tDCS with modified CIMT (mCIMT) for the recovery of the Upper Limb (UL) in hospitalized patients with acute and subacute stroke.MethodsThis randomized controlled, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group clinical trial was executed between September 2018 to March 2021 recruited 70 patients. The patients were randomized to one of two groups to receive treatment for 7 consecutive days, which included 20 min of active or sham bihemispheric tDCS daily (anodal ipsilesional and cathodal contralesional), with an mCIMT protocol. The primary outcome was the difference in the evolution of motor and functional upper limb recovery with assessment on days 0, 5, 7, 10 and 90. The secondary outcomes were independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life.ResultsThe active group presented a statistically significant gap compared to the simulated group throughout the trend in the scores of the FMA (motor function and joint pain) and WMFT (functional ability and weight to box) (p < 0.05) and showed a minimal clinically important difference (FMA: difference between groups of 4.9 points [CI: 0.007- 9.799]; WMFT: difference between groups of 6.54 points [CI: 1.10-14.15]). In the secondary outcomes, there was a significant difference between the groups in ADL independence (Functional Independence Measure: difference of 8.63 [CI: 1.37-18.64]) and perceived recovery of quality of life evaluated at 90 days (p = 0.0176).ConclusionsCombining mCIMT with bihemispheric tDCS in patients hospitalized with acute-subacute stroke allows us to maximize the motor and functional recovery of the paretic upper limb in the early stages and independence in ADL, maintaining the effects over time.     

Robot-Assisted Therapy Combined with Trunk Restraint in Acute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundReducing the compensatory mechanism by restraining unnecessary trunk movements may help enhance the effectiveness of robot-assisted therapy.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted therapy in combination with trunk restraint on upper extremity function and on daily activities in patients with acute stroke (≤ 30days of onset).MethodsThirty-six acute stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=18) or control (n=18) group. The experimental group performed robot-assisted therapy combined with trunk restraint, while the control group performed only robot-assisted therapy. Both groups were treated for 30 min, 5 days a week, for a total of 3 weeks. The outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, wolf motor function test, motor activity log, upper extremity muscle strength, and modified Barthel index.ResultsAfter the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, wolf motor function test, motor activity log, elbow extensor muscle strength, and modified Barthel index (p < 0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group exhibited greater changes in the Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, motor activity log, and elbow extensor muscle strength (p < 0.05).ConclusionOur study suggests that robot-assisted therapy in combination with trunk restraint is more effective for improving upper extremity function than only robot-assisted therapy in acute stroke patients.     

Effects of Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients: A randomized Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study

Background and PurposeTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a treatment used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients aiming to improve functionality of the plegic upper extremity. Currently, tDCS is not routinely used in post stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of bihemspheric tDCS combined with physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) on upper extremity motor function.MethodsThirty-two stroke inpatients were randomised into 2 groups. All patients received 15 sessions of conventional upper extremity PT and OT over 3 weeks. The tDCS group (n = 16) also received 30 minutes of bihemispheric tDCS and the sham group (n = 16) 30 minutes of sham bihemispheric tDCS simultaneously to OT. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment using the Fugl Meyer upper extremity (FMUE), functional independence measure (FIM), and Brunnstrom stages of stroke recovery (BSSR) by a physiatrist blind to the treatment groupResultsThe improvement in FIM was higher in the tDCS group compared to the sham group (P = .001). There was a significant within group improvement in FMUE, FIM and BSSR in those receiving tDCS (P = .001). There was a significant improvement in FIM in the chronic (> 6months) stroke sufferers who received tDCS when compared to those who received sham tDCS and when compared to subacute stroke (3-6 months) sufferers who received tDCS/sham.ConclusionsUpper extremity motor function in hemiplegic stroke patients improves when bihemispheric tDCS is used alongside conventional PT and OT. The improvement in functionality is greater in chronic stroke patients.     

Motor recovery and cortical reorganization after constraint-induced movement therapy in stroke patients: a preliminary study

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a physical rehabilitation regime that has been previously shown to improve motor function in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. However, the neural mechanisms supporting rehabilitation-induced motor recovery are poorly understood. The goal of this study was to assess motor cortical reorganization after CIMT using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In a repeated-measures design, 4 incompletely recovered chronic stroke patients treated with CIMT underwent motor function testing and fMRI. Five age-matched normal subjects were also imaged. A laterality index (LI) was determined from the fMRI data, reflecting the distribution of activation in motor cortices contralateral compared with ipsilateral to the moving hand. Pre-intervention fMRI showed a lower LI during affected hand movement of stroke patients (LI = 0.23+/-0.07) compared to controls (LI unaffected patient hand = 0.65+/-0.10; LI dominant normal hand = 0.65+/-0.11; LI nondominant normal hand = 0.69+/-0.11; P < 0.05) due to trends toward increased ipsilateral motor cortical activation. Motor function testing showed that patients made significant gains in functional use of the stroke-affected upper extremity (detected by the Motor Activity Log) and significant reductions in motor impairment (detected by the Fugl-Meyer Stroke Scale and the Wolf Motor Function Test) immediately after CIMT, and these effects persisted at 6-month follow-up. The behavioral effects of CIMT were associated with a trend toward a reduced LI from pre-intervention to immediately post-intervention (LI = -0.01+/-0.06, P = 0.077) and 6 months post-intervention (LI = -0.03+/-0.15). Stroke-affected hand movement was not accompanied by mirror movements during fMRI, and electromyographic measures of mirror recruitment under simulated fMRI conditions were not correlated with LI values. These data provide preliminary evidence that gains in motor function produced by CIMT in chronic stroke patients may be associated with a shift in laterality of motor cortical activation toward the undamaged hemisphere.     

Combination of early constraint-induced movement therapy and fasudil enhances motor recovery after ischemic stroke in rats

Purpose: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a promising technique for the recovery of upper extremity movement in chronic stroke patients. However, the effectiveness of its use in acute ischemia has not been confirmed. Myelin-associated inhibitors, which have upregulated functions in tissues affected by acute focal infarction, limit axonal regeneration via activation of the Rho–Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. The present study examined whether early CIMT combined with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil promotes motor recovery after acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: Rats were trained to perform the skilled-reach test and then subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), producing a stroke affecting the preferred forelimb. Rats were assigned to one of four groups (N = 6/group): (nontreated) Control, CIMT, Fasudil, or CIMT+fasudil. CIMT and/or intraperitoneal infusion of fasudil were initiated 1 day postMCAO. Skilled reach and foot fault test data were collected once before and repeatedly over 4 weeks after the operation. Infarct volumes were calculated. Results: All four groups showed similar forelimb impairment before treatment. The performance of CIMT alone group was similar to that of controls on both tests. Fasudil alone facilitated recovery in the foot-fault test, but not in the skilled-reach test. Rats in the CIMT+fasudil group demonstrated enhanced recovery in both tests, including better performance over time than the Fasudil group on the foot-fault test. Infarct size did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions: Early CIMT promotes motor recovery after acute ischemic stroke when it is administered with fasudil pharmacotherapy, but not without it.     

镜像训练对脑卒中患者上肢运动功能和心理状态的影响

目的 观察镜像训练对脑卒中患者上肢运动功能和心理状态的影响。方法 采用随机数字表将64例恢复期脑卒中偏瘫患者分为治疗组和对照组,每组各32例; 2组患者均给予相同常规康复治疗(偏瘫肢体功能综合训练、作业治疗、中低频电刺激治疗和气压泵治疗),对照组在此基础上增加2次/d,20min/次的镜像训练治疗; 以上治疗均5次/周,连续治疗4周; 2组患者均于治疗前和治疗4周后采用Fugl-Meyer量表上肢部分(FMA-UE)、Wolf运动功能测试量表(WMFT)、贝克抑郁量表(BDS)以及改良Barthel指数(MBI)进行评估。结果 治疗前2组FMA-UE评分、WMFT评分、BDS评分、MBI评分比较无明显差异(P>0.05); 治疗4周后除对照组BDS评分无明显变化,其余组别各评分均较治疗前有明显进步(P<0.05),且治疗组FMA-UE、WMFT、BDS、MBI评分与对照组比较有明显差异(P<0.05)。结论 镜像训练可明显提高脑卒中患者上肢运动功能,改善心理状态,提高生活质量。     

Predicting shoulder function after constraint-induced movement therapy: a retrospective cohort study

Background Several predictors have been associated with upper extremity (UE) recovery after stroke, but characteristics that predict shoulder function after constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) have not yet been identified.

Objectives To identify predictors associated with satisfactory shoulder function in patients with reduced shoulder function at admission to CIMT.

Methods One hundred and seventy five patients were treated using CIMT while in a specialized inpatient hospital. Satisfactory shoulder function was defined according to the functional ability scale of the Wolf Motor Function test. Predictors of satisfactory shoulder function after CIMT were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

Results Better distal arm function and good proximal shoulder function on admission to CIMT were strong predictors of satisfactory shoulder function, while age and time of admission to CIMT since stroke were not. Seventeen percent of all CIMT-participants with reduced shoulder function pre-CIMT reached a level of satisfactory shoulder function after CIMT.

Discussion A substantial part of patients with reduced shoulder function reached a level of satisfactory shoulder function after CIMT. Intensive CIMT training, comprising tasks that require both distal and proximal UE function, may increase shoulder function in patients with a potential functional reserve.     

三种康复治疗对脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动功能的改善情况

目的 比较改良强制性使用运动疗法(modified constraint-induced movement therapy,mCIMT)、强制性使用运动疗法(constraint-induced movement therapy,CIMT)和神经发育疗法(Bobath 技术)3种治疗方法 对脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动功能的康复疗效.方法 选取符合入选标准的脑卒中偏瘫患者57例,随机分为3组,常规组治疗以Bobath技术为主,2 h/d,每周训练5 d,连续6周;强制组和改良组采用健侧穿戴吊带和夹板限制肢体动作,CIMT组6 h/d,每周训练5 d,连续2周;mCIMT组在治疗环境中进行,1 h/d,每周3次,其他时间在日常生活中训练,不少于2 h/d,连续10周.在治疗前和治疗后的第2周、第6周、第10周后,3组患者同时采用简易Fugl-Meyer运动功能评价量表(Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment,FMA)测定上肢的运动模式、简易上肢功能检查量表(Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function,STEF)测定上肢的运动速度、Barthel指数(Barthel Index,BI)测定日常生活能力.结果 治疗前3组患者3项评分均无统计学意义;FMA治疗前的评分为45.2±5.1(F=1.107,P=0.382),BI评分为63.1±10.3(F=0.930,P=0.401),STEF评分为63.4±8.6(F=1.843,P=0.168).2周后,CIMT组疗效达到高峰,FMA评分为53.9±5.0(F=11.666,P=0.000),BI评分为77.4±9.6(F=4.139,P=0.021),STEF评分为78.9±4.7(F=13.893,P=0.000),优于mCIMT组和Bobath组;6周后,Bobath组疗效达到高峰,FMA评分为50.4±3.7(F=123.770,P=0.000),STEF评分为78.7±6.2(F=8.372,P=0.000),BI评分为78.7±7.9(F=4.373,P=0.017),优于mCIMT组;到10周时,mCIMT组和CIMT组FMA评分为60.1±3.4和59.7±4.1(F=64.287,P=0.000),STEF评分为89.8±4.7和88.7±5.0(F=63.641,P=0.000),优于Bobath组.10周时,mCIMT组的BI评分为91.7±3.7(F=46.774,P=0.000),优于Bobath组和CIMT组.结论 与Bobath技术相比,mCIMT和CIMT有利于改善偏瘫患者上肢的运动功能;同时,与其他两种疗法相比,mCIMT更有利于提高患者的日常生活活动能力.     

镜像疗法对偏瘫患者上肢功能康复疗效的观察

目的 观察镜像疗法对卒中后偏瘫患者上肢功能康复的疗效。方法 选择30例入选卒中后8周内偏瘫患者随机分为两组：镜像疗法组和对照组,分别于治疗前及治疗后4周采用Fugl-Meyer运动评价（Fugl-Meyer motor assessment,FMA）（上肢部分）,上肢运动研究测试（the action research arm test,ARAT）、运动功能评估量表（motor assessment scale,MAS）对上肢运动功能进行评分,同时评定患者的视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale/score,VAS）、痉挛程度以及改良Barthel指数,以观察镜像疗法对偏瘫患者上肢功能康复的疗效。结果 治疗4周后,两组上肢运动能力FMA评分、ARAT评分、MAS评分、改良Barthel指数均较治疗前提高（P＜0.01）;治疗组FMA评分、ARAT评分高于对照组（P＜0.05）,两组间MAS评分、改良Barthel指数提高,但差别无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。治疗组VAS评分较治疗前有下降（P＜0.05）,但对照组治疗前后,VAS评分差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,治疗后两组间的VAS差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。两组治疗前后及治疗后组间痉挛改善差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 镜像疗法能提高偏瘫患者的上肢运动功能,且能减轻患者偏瘫上肢的疼痛,但对患者日常生活活动能力（activity of daily living scale,ADL）及患肢痉挛程度的改善无明显影响。     

Cortical neural activity evoked by bilateral and unilateral mirror therapy after stroke

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the differential effects of bilateral and unilateral mirror therapy (MT) on motor cortical activations in stroke patients by magnetoencephalography (MEG).MethodsSixteen stroke patients and 16 right-handed healthy volunteers were recruited. All participants were required to perform 4 conditions: resting, no mirror with bilateral hand movements (Bilateral-No mirror), mirror with bilateral hand movements (Bilateral-Mirror) and mirror with unilateral hand movements (Unilateral-Mirror). Beta oscillatory activities in the primary motor cortex (M1) were collected during each condition using MEG. The percentage change of beta oscillatory activity was calculated for each condition to correct the baseline differences.ResultsIn the stroke group, the percentage change of M1 beta oscillatory activity significantly decreased more in the Bilateral-Mirror condition than in the Bilateral-No mirror and Unilateral-Mirror conditions. In the healthy group, no significant differences in the percentage change of beta oscillatory activity were found among the 3 conditions. Further, a significant difference in the percentage change of beta oscillatory activity only in the Bilateral-Mirror condition was found between the 2 groups.ConclusionsThis study provides new information on the differential cortical activations modulated by bilateral and unilateral MT.SignificanceBilateral MT led to greater M1 neural activities than unilateral MT and bilateral movements without a mirror in stroke patients.     

Functional reorganization and recovery after constraint-induced movement therapy in subacute stroke: case reports

Preliminary assessments of the feasibility, safety, and effects on neuronal reorganization measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) from Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) of the upper extremity were made in eight cases of subacute stroke. Within fourteen days of their stroke, patients were randomly assigned to two weeks of CIMT or traditional therapy. Baseline motor performance and cortical/subcortical representation for movement with TMS were assessed before treatment. Post-treatment assessments were made at the end of treatment and at three months after the stroke. The TMS mapping showed a larger motor representation in the lesioned hemisphere of the CIMT patients as compared to the controls at the three-month follow-up assessment. The enlarged motor representation in the lesioned hemisphere for hand movement correlated with improved motor function of the affected hand, suggesting a link between movement representation size as measured with TMS and functionality. These results suggest that TMS can be safely and effectively used to assess brain function in subacute stroke and further suggest that CIMT may enhance cortical/subcortical motor reorganization and accelerate motor recovery when started within the first two weeks after stroke.     

Influence of constraint‐induced movement therapy upon evoked potentials in rats with cerebral infarction

Constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an effective treatment promoting motor recovery of upper extremity function in stroke patients. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of CIMT on the evoked potentials in rats with focal cerebral cortical ischemia induced by endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). Thirty rats were randomly assigned to the sham, infarct or CIMT groups. ET‐1 was injected stereotaxically into the forelimb area of the cerebral cortex in the dominant hemisphere. Custom‐made constraint jackets were applied to limit movement of the unaffected forelimb in the CIMT group. Motor and sensory function of the forelimb was evaluated by a pellet retrieval task and forearm asymmetry test. Electrophysiologic changes were evaluated by motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) and somatosensory‐evoked potentials (SEPs). The location and extent of cerebral ischemia were confirmed and compared histologically. The CIMT group showed better recovery in the pellet retrieval task. Forelimb use was more symmetrical in the CIMT group. The waveform of the SEP was reversed and delayed in the infarct group, but it was preserved in the CIMT group with amplitude decrease only. The estimated volume of infarction was smaller in the CIMT group, although statistically not significant. The results demonstrate that CIMT can promote recovery of motor function in focal cerebral cortical infarcts, and that recovery may be related to reorganization of the cerebral neuronal network in the somatosensory pathway.     

Combination of Exoskeletal Upper Limb Robot and Occupational Therapy Improve Activities of Daily Living Function in Acute Stroke Patients

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested that upper limb rehabilitation using therapeutic robots improves motor function of stroke patients. However, the effect of upper limb robotic rehabilitation on improving functioning in activities of daily living (ADL) remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether upper limb rehabilitation using single joint Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL-SJ) affects ADL function and the use of a hemiparetic arm in ADLs of acute stroke patients. Materials and Methods: Twelve acute stroke patients participated in the study and were randomly divided into group A or group B. The patients in group A followed an A-B-A-B design and those in group B followed a B-A-B-A design. The patients received combination HAL-SJ and occupational therapy during A and conventional occupational therapy during B. Results: Upper limb motor function and ADLs, in particular, dressing the upper body, were improved during combination HAL-SJ and occupational therapy. Interestingly, the use of a hemiparetic arm in daily life evaluated using the motor activity log was also significantly improved during A in group A. Conclusions: Combination HAL-SJ and occupational therapy affects ADL function and real use of a hemiparetic arm in the daily life of acute stroke patients.     

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy as a Rehabilitative Strategy for Ischemic Stroke—Linking Neural Plasticity with Restoration of Skilled Movements

BackgroundStroke leads to devastating impact on health as well as quality of life making it one of the leading causes of disability. Restoring the functions of upper extremities after ischemic (ISC) stroke is one of the challenges for rehabilitation. Lack of trained professionals and accessibility to rehabilitation centers are limited in many counties. Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been practiced in regaining the functional activity following stroke. CIMT can be practiced with minimum clinical set up which makes it cost effective. However, the neural plasticity mechanism underlying the recovery with CIMT is not well understood.MethodsIn the current study, we sought to investigate the extent to which CIMT helps in ameliorating neurological deficits in rat model of ISC stroke, induced by Endothelin-1 (ET-1). As well as to understand the cortical plasticity with Golgi-Cox staining and interhemispheric interaction with biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) following CIMT. Neurological deficits were identified within 24 hours of ET-1 infusion.ResultsCIMT restored the impaired skilled movements after ISC stroke and improved the quality of fine movements. Golgi-Cox staining showed significant decrease in dendritic arborization in the injured motor cortex following ISC stroke. CIMT was efficient in reversing this effect as indicated by increased dendritic arborization especially in layer III pyramidal neurons. Also, the stroke induced asymmetry in dendritic length across both hemispheres was found to be reduced with CIMT. BDA tracing showed a re-establishment of the axonal connections between the hemispheres after CIMT.ConclusionsImplications of CIMT can be one of the promising and low cost rehabilitative technique for the individuals with upper limb movement deficits.     

镜像训练引导的运动想象疗法对急性缺血性脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢功能的康复效果

目的:本研究旨在对镜像训练引导的运动想象疗法是否能够更有效地改善急性缺血性脑卒中后偏瘫患者的上肢功能以及日常生活能力进行评价。方法:研究对象为2014年1月1日—2016年6月30日符合病例选择标准的76例急性缺血性脑卒中后偏瘫患者。将76例患者随机分入镜像训练引导的运动想象疗法组(38例)和单纯的运动想象疗法组(38例),在常规康复训练的基础上,分别接受镜像训练引导的运动想象疗法和单纯的运动想象疗法,共治疗4周。对2组治疗前后的美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institute of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分、Barthel指数、上肢动作研究量表(Action Research Arm Test,ARAT)评分和Fugl-Meyer上肢运动功能评分进行比较。结果:2组患者治疗后的NIHSS评分、Barthel指数、ARAT评分和Fugl-Meyer上肢运动功能评分均较治疗前显著改善(P值均0.05)。镜像训练引导的运动想象疗法组治疗后的NIHSS评分、Barthel指数、ARAT评分和Fugl-Meyer上肢运动功能评分的改善幅度均显著大于单纯的运动想象疗法组(P值均0.05)。结论:镜像训练引导的运动想象疗法应用于急性缺血性脑卒中后偏瘫患者上肢功能的康复治疗,与单纯的运动想象疗法相比,可以更好地改善患者的上肢功能和生活自理能力。     

How does upper extremity Fugl-Meyer motor score relate to resting-state EEG in chronic stroke? A power spectral density analysis

ObjectiveWe investigated the potential added value of high-density resting-state EEG by addressing differences with healthy individuals and associations with Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of the upper extremity (FM-UE) scores in chronic stroke.MethodsTwenty-one chronic stroke survivors with initial upper limb paresis and eleven matched controls were included. Group differences regarding resting-state EEG parameters (Delta Alpha ratio (DAR) and pairwise-derived Brain Symmetry Index (BSI)) and associations with FM-UE were investigated, as well as lateralization of BSI and the value of different frequency bands.ResultsChronic stroke survivors showed higher BSI compared to controls (p < 0.001), most pronounced in delta and theta frequency bands (p < 0.0001; p < 0.001). In the delta and theta band, BSI was significantly negatively associated with FM-UE (both p = 0.008) corrected for confounding factors. DAR showed no differences between groups nor association with FM-UE. Directional BSI showed increased power in the affected versus the unaffected hemisphere.ConclusionsAsymmetry in spectral power between hemispheres was present in chronic stroke, most pronounced in low frequencies and related to upper extremity motor function deficit.SignificanceBSI is related to motor impairment and higher in chronic stroke patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that BSI may be a marker of selective motor control.     

New design of dynamic orthoses for neurological conditions

Repetitive task-specific training appears to improve upper extremity function among individuals with neurological injuries. However, treatment options are limited for neurological patients who cannot effectively incorporate their hand consistently for functional grasp and release/prehension activities. Traditional therapy approaches are not considered to be effective in controlled clinical trials. However, constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) has shown to be a successful treatment approach for patients who exhibit some wrist and finger extension. The vast majority of stroke survivors, head injury and incomplete spinal cord Injury patients do not exhibit sufficient wrist and/or finger extension to qualify for CIMT. Patients with moderate to severe upper extremity hemiparesis are therefore unable to benefit from the latest advances in neuro-rehabilitation. The SaeboFlex and SaeboReach Functional Dynamic Orthoses have the biomechanical advantage in allowing prehension/grasp and release activities for individuals with moderate to severe hemiparesis. These orthoses are designed to position the neurological wrist and fingers into extension for proper functional training. This article describes Saebo's functional dynamic orthoses--the SaeboFlex, SaeboReach, and the SaeboStretch dynamic resting hand splint for contracture prevention--and summarizes developing evidence for the orthoses in the clinic/rehabilitation environment. This is a review article.