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

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

Novel knit fabric rehabilitation equipment for finger impairment

[Purpose] Intensive training can at least partially improve finger movement dysfunction observed after stroke or any neurodegenerative disease. Wearable equipment can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. However, long-term use of conventional training gloves containing metal can injure joints. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel, metal-free, wearable strength-building device. [Participants and Methods] We enrolled 20 healthy participants in whom we measured grip and pinch strength before and while the equipment was worn. Additionally, we investigated the adverse effects and discomfort experienced while participants wore the equipment. [Results] The grip strength was reduced by approximately 20% while participants wore the equipment. We did not observe any serious adverse events. [Conclusion] The knitting equipment described in this study resists movements associated with gripping the hand and acts on all fingers, and may be useful for rehabilitation to improve finger function during routine activities.     

指部徒手感觉刺激前后脑卒中偏瘫患者手指屈、伸肌张力及超声剪切波弹性成像的变化北大核心CSCD

目的观察指部徒手感觉刺激(MDSS)前后脑卒中患者偏瘫侧手指屈、伸肌张力以及超声剪切波弹性成像(SWE)的变化规律。方法2020年4月至6月,选取在安徽医科大学第二附属医院康复医学科住院的51例脑卒中偏瘫患者,对偏瘫侧5个手指的甲床、末节指骨两侧进行MDSS,刺激强度为能引起伸指但不致明显疼痛的最小强度,两次刺激间隔5~10 s。分别于MDSS前、MDSS后即刻采用改良Ashworth量表(MAS)评估偏瘫侧指浅屈肌、指深屈肌、拇长屈肌、指伸肌肌张力,低肌张力记作-1级;同时以SWE技术检测上述四组肌群中的剪切波速度(SWV)。结果MDSS后,脑卒中患者四组肌群的MAS评级均显著降低(|Z|>2.843,P<0.001)。各肌群初始MAS评级为0和-1时,MDSS前后SWV均无显著性差异(t<1.052,P>0.05)。各肌群初始MAS评级为1~3时,MDSS后SWV均降低(t>2.672,P<0.05)。MDSS前后各肌群SWV与MAS评级均呈正相关(r>0.334,P<0.05)。结论MDSS可有效、迅速、安全地降低脑卒中患者偏瘫侧手部肌群痉挛并促进主动伸指。SWE可客观、定量评估脑卒中偏瘫患者手部肌群肌张力。     

手指活动量控制板在脑卒中手功能障碍患者中应用效果

目的探讨自制手指活动量控制板对脑卒中肢体偏瘫患者手挛缩预防及功能恢复的效果。方法便利抽样法选取2012年1月至2013年4月在长征医院神经内科住院的脑卒中肢体偏瘫患者100例为研究对象,按入院日的单、双号分为试验组和对照组,每组各50例。两组患者均给予脑卒中临床路径常规治疗护理及10~30min/d被动康复锻炼;试验组患者在此基础上给予佩戴手指活动量控制板2h/次,期间30min松解,并详细填写"手指活动量控制板使用记录表"。1、3个月后比较两组患者康复训练的主要效果指标[患侧手关节总主动活动度(total activemovement,TAM)及肌力恢复情况]及次要效果指标(患者使用手指活动量控制板的使用意愿及舒适度)。结果干预1个月和3个月时,试验组研究对象的TAM优良率为28.0%和48.0%,明显大于对照组的12.0%和26.0%,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。且试验组肌力恢复明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。94%~98%的患者愿意使用,96%~98%的患者感觉佩戴舒适。结论手指活动量控制板对脑卒中手功能障碍患者预防手挛缩、关节僵硬、肌腱粘连及肌力恢复中起到了一定的作用,可在临床推广使用。     

Comparison of Task Performance,Hand Power,and Dexterity with and without a Cock-up Splint

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in task performance, grip and pinch strength, and dexterity with and without cock-up splints, which are widely used in occupational therapy practice. [Methods] Twenty-three participants performed Jebsen-Taylor hand function test and grooved pegboard for task performance and dexterity. The power grip and pinch strength was measured using Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer and pinch gauge. [Results] In the result of the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, task performance with the cock-up splint was slower compared to without the splint for all items. Men’s grip power with the cock-up splint was found to be significantly decreased compared to without the splint. Women’s grip and palmar pinch strength with the splint decreased significantly compared to without the splint. In the grooved pegboard test, the dexterity of both men and women with the cock-up splint decreased significantly compared to without the splint. [Conclusion] To assist patients to make wise decisions regarding the use of splints, occupational therapists must have empirical knowledge of the topic as well as an understanding of the theoretical, technical, and related research evidence. The results of this study will be useful in the analysis and understanding of changes in hand function in splint applications for people with hand dysfunction.Key words: Dexterity, Hand power, Splint     

The effects of aquatic trunk exercise on gait and muscle activity in stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle activity and gait function following aquatic trunk exercise in hemiplegic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] This study’s participants included thirteen hemiplegic patients (ten males and three females). The aquatic therapy consisted of administering concentrative aquatic therapy for four weeks in a therapeutic pool. Gait parameters were measured using a gait analysis system adjusted to each subject’s comfortable walking speed. Electromyographic signals were measured for the rectus abdominis, external abdominal oblique, transversus abdominis/internal-abdominal oblique, and erector spine of each patients. [Results] The pre- and post-training performances of the transversus abdominis/internal-abdominal oblique were compared statistically. There was no statistical difference between the patients’ pre- and post-training values of maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the rectus abdominis, but the external abdominal oblique values tended to improve. Furthermore, gait factors improved significantly in terms of walking speeds, walking cycles, affected-side stance phases, affected-stride lengths, and stance-phase symmetry indices, respectively. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the trunk exercise during aquatic therapy may in part contribute to clinically relevant improvements in muscle activities and gait parameters.Key words: Aquatic trunk exercise, Gait, Muscle activity     

Strength Training of the Nonhemiplegic Side Promotes Motor Function Recovery in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of strength training of the nonhemiplegic side (NHS) on balance function, mobility, and muscle strength of patients with stroke.DesignA single-blinded (evaluator) randomized controlled trial.SettingA tertiary hospital rehabilitation center.Participants139 patients with first stroke (N=139) were recruited and randomly separated into a trial (n=69) or control group (n=70).InterventionsThe control group underwent usual rehabilitation training, including step training and trunk control training in standing position. The trial group underwent strength training of NHS on the basis of usual rehabilitation training. The strength training of NHS included lower limb stepping training with resisting elastic belt and upper limb pulling elastic belt training in standing position. The training for both groups was 45 min, once a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresBalance evaluation was done with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS); mobility assessment with the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT); activities of daily life was examined via the modified Barthel Index (MBI); muscle strengths of the biceps brachii, iliopsoas, and quadriceps were measured via the isokinetic muscle strength testing system. All assessments were performed at baseline (T0) and after intervention (T1).ResultsThe trial group performed better than control group in BBS scores (adjusted mean difference: 6.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.71-8.94) and 6-MWT (adjusted mean difference: 50.32; 95% CI: 40.58-60.05) after intervention. In terms of muscle strength of the hemiplegic side, the trial group displayed greater gains in biceps brachii, iliopsoas, and quadriceps than control group after intervention.ConclusionStrength training of the NHS can promote recovery of balance, mobility, and muscle strength of the paretic side of patients with stroke.     

The Effect of Treadmill-based Incremental Leg Weight Loading Training on the Balance of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of treadmill-based gait training using incremental weight loading on the ankle of the affected side on hemiplegic stroke patients’ balance. [Subjects] In this study, 30 hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into an incremental weight load group (IWLG, n=15) and a no-load group (NLG, n=15). [Methods] The IWLG performed gait training on treadmills for four weeks wearing a sandbag weighing 3% of the body weight on the affected side ankle, followed by wearing a sandbag weighing 5% of the body weight from the 5th week. The NLG performed similar training without sandbags. [Results] Both the IWLG and the NLG showed significant improvements in balance ability. The IWLG showed a larger decrease in the area and length of movement of the center of pressure in static standing positions after the experiment although the difference was not significant. [Conclusion] We recommend, utilizing the treadmill-based gait training using incremental weight loading on the affected side ankle as a clinical intervention for improving hemiplegic stroke patients’ balance ability.Key words: Stroke, Incremental weight load, Treadmill     

Approaches for improving the toileting problems of hemiplegic stroke patients with poor standing balance

[Purpose] Our objective was to evaluate the residual dynamic and static functionality in the sitting position of hemiplegic stroke patients who require help to pull their lower garments up and down during toileting. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 11 hemiplegic patients. We gathered data on the patients’ motor paralysis, sensory capacity, lower extremity muscle strength, trunk control, ability to roll and sit up from a lying position, sitting balance, and ability to pull the lower garments up and down. We then compared 2 groups: those able to pull the lower garments up and down independently while standing (the “independent group”), and those who were unable to do so (the “non-independent group”). [Results] Though the non-independent group had severely and significantly reduced trunk control and abilities as a whole, there was no significant difference from the independent group in static and dynamic sitting balance. [Conclusion] We conclude that, to enable hemiplegic patients with poor standing balance to pull their lower garments up and down, it is necessary to do these maneuvers in a sitting, rather than a standing, position, or to develop garments that are easier to put on and take off.Key words: Sitting position, Toileting approach, Stroke patients with poor standing balance     

Hemiplegic gait after stroke: is measurement of maximum speed required?

OBJECTIVES: To study the relation between comfortable and maximum walking speed in stroke rehabilitation and to determine which parameters are predictive in this relation and increase the relations' precision. DESIGN: One-year prospective cohort study. Longitudinal information was obtained for 10-m comfortable and maximum walking speeds, hemiplegic limb muscle strength, and balance. In addition, subjects' ages and the type of rehabilitation they received were registered. SETTING: Stroke service facilities. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one acute stroke patients. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Ten-meter maximum walking speed. RESULTS: We found a progressive improvement in walking speed and a mean systematic difference between comfortable and maximum walking speeds. An overall mean intraclass correlation coefficient for consistency of rho equal to .96 and a within- and between-subject regression coefficient of 1.32 were demonstrated for the relation between comfortable and maximum walking speeds. None of the covariables included were statistically significant in the final linear regression prediction model. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of time after onset of stroke, maximum walking speed can be predicted by comfortable walking speed with considerable accuracy. The precision of this estimation is not increased by considering patients' age, hemiplegic muscle strength, balance, or therapeutic intervention.     

Differences in Rheobase and Chronaxie between the Paretic and Non-Paretic Sides of Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: a Pilot Study

[Purpose] Rheobase and chronaxie are used to confirm muscle degeneration. For stroke patients, however, the uses of rheobase and chronaxie in determining paretic side muscle degeneration is not yet fully understood. Thus, in this study, we examined the electrical properties of the quadriceps muscles of stroke patients’ paretic side and compared them with their respective values on the non-paretic side. [Method] The subjects were six stroke patients (three females, three males). The pad of an electrical stimulator was applied to the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis regions to measure rheobase and chronaxie until the contractive muscle response to electrical stimulation became visible. [Result] Rheobase was significantly increased on the paretic side compared to that of the non-paretic side of hemiplegic stroke patients. Furthermore, chronaxie was significantly increased on the paretic side compared to the non-paretic side of hemiplegic stroke patients. [Conclusion] These results suggest that stroke affects the sensitivity of skeletal muscle contraction. Therefore, this data may contribute to our understanding of the muscle status of stroke patients.Key words: Rheobase, Chronaxie, Hemiplegic stroke patients     

镜像疗法对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢肌肉表面肌电的影响

目的 探讨镜像疗法对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢肌肉表面肌电的影响。 方法 将62例脑卒中偏瘫患者按分层随机分组法分为镜像组和对照组,每组31例。两组患者均进行常规康复训练,镜像组在此基础上增加镜像疗法。于治疗前和治疗4周后（治疗后）,采用无线表面肌电系统采集并分析患侧股直肌、股二头肌、胫骨前肌的最大收缩力量（MVC）及随意收缩时的积分肌电值（iEMG）、均方根值（RMS）,比较上述指标治疗前、后的变化情况,评估训练效果。 结果 治疗前,两组患者患侧下肢胫骨前肌、股二头肌、股直肌的MVC、iEMG及RMS比较,差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。治疗后,两组患者患侧下肢胫骨前肌、股二头肌、股直肌的MVC、iEMG及RMS均较组内治疗前改善（P<0.05）。治疗后,与对照组比较,镜像组患者患侧下肢胫骨前肌、股直肌、股二头肌MVC、iEMG及RMS的提高幅度较大,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论 镜像疗法能增强脑卒中偏瘫患者患侧下肢肌肉运动过程中运动单位的募集及同步化程度,增加参与运动的运动单位数量及放电总量,并促进下肢肌肉力量恢复。     

Effects of electromyography-driven robot-aided hand training with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on hand control performance after chronic stroke

Purpose: An electromyography-driven robot system integrated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was developed to investigate its effectiveness on post-stroke rehabilitation. Methods: The performance of this system in assisting finger flexion/extension with different assistance combinations was evaluated in five stroke subjects. Then, a pilot study with 20-sessions training was conducted to evaluate the training’s effectiveness. Results: The results showed that combined assistance from the NMES–robot could improve finger movement accuracy, encourage muscle activation of the finger muscles and suppress excessive muscular activities in the elbow joint. When assistances from both NMES and the robot were 50% of their maximum assistances, finger-tracking performance had the best results, with the lowest root mean square error, greater range of motion, higher voluntary muscle activations of the finger joints and lower muscle co-contraction in the finger and elbow joints. Upper limb function improved after the 20-session training, indicated by the increased clinical scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test and Wolf Motor Function Test. Muscle co-contraction was reduced in the finger and elbow joints reflected by the Modified Ashworth Scale. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that an electromyography-driven NMES–robot used for chronic stroke improved hand function and tracking performance. Further research is warranted to validate the method on a larger scale.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• The hand robotics and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) techniques are still separate systems in current post-stroke hand rehabilitation. This is the first study to investigate the combined effects of the NMES and robot on hand rehabilitation.

• The finger tracking performance was improved with the combined assistance from the EMG-driven NMES–robot hand system. The assistance from the robot could improve the finger movement accuracy and the assistance from the NMES could reduce the muscle co-contraction on finger and elbow joints.

• The upper limb functions were improved on chronic stroke patients after the pilot study of 20-session hand training with the combined assistance from the EMG-driven NMES–robot. The muscle spasticity on finger and elbow joints was reduced after the training.

     

Relationship between walking capacity and maximal exercise capacity, strength and motor deficiency in adult hemiplegic stroke patients]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relation between walking capacity and maximal exercise capacity, strength and motor deficiency in hemiplegic stroke patients. DESIGN: Uncontrolled observational study. SETTING: Physical medicine and rehabilitation unit in a teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty hemiplegic stroke patients (17 men and 3 women) aged 18-70 years, whose stroke occurred more than 3 months before the study and who could walk independently with or without walking aids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)), maximal power output walking capacity (6-min walk test) and motor deficiency (Fugl-Meyer scale). RESULTS: Walking capacity was correlated with both VO(2peak) and maximal power output (Pmax) [r=0.609, P<0.003 and r=0.868, P<0.0001, respectively] but also with strength (from r=0.640 to r=0.734; P=0.0018 to P=0.0001) and motor deficiency (r=0.6; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic capacity and walking capacity are correlated and decreased in hemiplegic stroke patients. These results underscore the need for future studies to confirm the role of fitness in relation to walking capacity and to evaluate the benefit of integrating aerobic training into more traditional rehabilitation programs after stroke.     

早期康复护理干预对脑卒中偏瘫患者日常生活活动能力的影响

目的:探讨早期康复护理干预对脑卒中偏瘫患者日常生活活动能力(ADL)的影响。方法:将118例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为康复组和对照组各59例,对照组按神经内科护理常规进行护理,康复组由责任护士按护理程序实施系统化早期康复护理干预,包括基础护理、心理护理、早期患肢康复锻炼、语言功能锻炼、吞咽功能锻炼、日常生活能力训练。采用Barthel指数对两组患者干预前后ADL进行评定比较。结果:两组干预后Barthel指数均较干预前明显升高(P<0.01),康复组干预后Barthel指数明显高于对照组(P<0.01)。结论:早期康复护理干预能提高脑卒中偏瘫患者ADL,降低致残率,改善生活质量。     

Dynamic biomechanical effect of lower body positive pressure treadmill training for hemiplegic gait rehabilitation after stroke: A case report

BACKGROUNDLower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmill has potential applications for improving the gait of patients after stroke, but the related mechanism remains unclear.CASE SUMMARYA 62-year-old male patient suffered from ischemic stroke with hemiplegic gait. He was referred to our hospital because of a complaint of left limb weakness for 2 years. The LBPP training was performed one session per day and six times per week for 2 wk. The dynamic plantar pressure analysis was taken every 2 d. Meanwhile, three-digital gait analysis and synchronous electromyography as well as clinical assessments were taken before and after LBPP intervention and at the 4-wk follow-up. During LBPP training, our patient not only improved his lower limb muscle strength and walking speed, but more importantly, the symmetry index of various biomechanical indicators improved. Moreover, the patient’s planter pressure transferring from the heel area to toe area among the LBPP training process and the symmetry of lower body biomechanical parameters improved.CONCLUSIONIn this study, we documented a dynamic improvement of gait performance in a stroke patient under LBPP training, which included lower limb muscle strength, walking speed, and symmetry of lower limb biomechanics. Our study provides some crucial clues about the potential dynamic mechanism for LBPP training on gait and balance improvement, which is related to rebuilding foot pressure distribution and remodeling symmetry of biomechanics of the lower limb.     

脑卒中偏瘫患者早期康复护理研究进展

康复训练的早期介入可促进脑卒中偏瘫患者肢体运动功能的恢复,降低致残率。对脑卒中所致偏瘫早期康复的机制、意义,训练介入的时间以及护理具体内容等方面进行综述。     

Effects of Training Using Video Games on the Muscle Strength,Muscle Tone, and Activities of Daily Living of Chronic Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training using video games played on the Xbox Kinect on the muscle strength, muscle tone, and activities of daily living of post-stroke patients. [Subjects] Fourteen stroke patients were recruited. They were randomly allocated into two groups; the experimental group (n=7) and the control group (n=7). [Methods] The experimental group performed training using video games played on the Xbox Kinect together with conventional occupational therapy for 6 weeks (1 hour/day, 3 days/week), and the control group received conventional occupational therapy only for 6 weeks (30 min/day, 3 days/week). Before and after the intervention, the participants were measured for muscle strength, muscle tone, and performance of activities of daily living. [Results] There were significant differences pre- and post-test in muscle strength of the upper extremities, except the wrist, and performance of activities of daily living in the experimental group. There were no significant differences between the two groups at post-test. [Conclusion] The training using video games played on the Xbox Kinect had a positive effect on the motor function and performance of activities of daily living. This study showed that training using video games played on the Xbox Kinect may be an effective intervention for the rehabilitation of stroke patients.Key words: Video game, Stroke, Motor function     

Effects of adjustment of transcranial direct current stimulation on motor function of the upper extremity in stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the cerebral cortex motor area on the upper extremity functions of hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty four Patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke were divided into two groups: a tDCS group that received tDCS and physical therapy and a control group that received only physical therapy. A functional evaluation of the two groups was performed, and an electrophysiological evaluation was conducted before and after the experiment. Statistical analyses were performed to verify differences before and after the experiment. All statistical significance levels were set at 0.05. [Results] The results showed that functional evaluation scores for the elbow joint and hand increased after the treatment in both the experimental group and the control group, and the increases were statistically significantly different. [Conclusion] tDCS was effective in improving the upper extremity motor function of stroke patients. Additional research is warranted on the usefulness of tDCS in the rehabilitation of stroke patients in the clinical field.Key words: TDCS, Upper extremity and hand motor function, Stroke patients     

Addition of intensive repetition of facilitation exercise to multidisciplinary rehabilitation promotes motor functional recovery of the hemiplegic lower limb.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the intensive repetition of movements elicited by the facilitation technique to improve voluntary movement of a hemiplegic lower limb in patients with brain damage. DESIGN: A multiple-baseline design (A-B-A-B: A without specific therapy, B with specific therapy) across individuals. PATIENTS: The sample comprised 22 subjects with stroke and 2 brain tumour-operated subjects (age: 50.7 +/- 9.6 years, time after onset: 7.1 +/- 2.6 weeks). They were selected from among 165 patients with stroke who were admitted to our rehabilitation centre from September 1, 1995 to March 31, 1997. METHODS: Two 2-week facilitation technique sessions (more than 100 repetitions a day for each of 5 kinds of movement) were applied at 2-week intervals in patients with hemiplegia, who were being treated with continuous conventional rehabilitation exercise without the facilitation technique for hemiplegia. Motor function of the affected lower limb (Brunnstrom Recovery Stage of hemiplegia, the foot-tap test and the strength of knee extension/flexion) and walking velocity were evaluated at 2-week intervals. RESULTS: Significant improvements in Brunnstrom Stage, foot-tapping and the strength of knee extension/flexion of the affected lower limb were seen after the first conventional rehabilitation exercise session and after the first and second facilitation technique and conventional rehabilitation exercise sessions. The improvements after facilitation technique and conventional rehabilitation exercise sessions were significantly greater than those after the preceding conventional rehabilitation exercise sessions. CONCLUSION: Intensive repetition of movement elicited by the facilitation technique (chiefly proprioceptive neuromuscural facilitation pattern, stretch reflex and skin-muscle reflex) improved voluntary movement of a hemiplegic lower limb in patients with brain damage.