bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trunk muscle activity during walking in persons with multiple sclerosis: The influence of body weight support
Authors: Swinnen Eva , Baeyens Jean-Pierre , Pintens Seppe , Van Nieuwenhoven Johan , Ilsbroukx Stephan , Clijsen Ron , Buyl Ronald , Goossens Maggie , Meeusen Romain , Kerckhofs Eric 
Published: December 2019

Background: Although the trunk is important for maintaining balance during walking only very limited information about the trunk muscle activity during walking with body weight support (BWS) is reported in literature. Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the effect of BWS on the trunk muscle activity during treadmill walking. Methods: 14 persons with multiple sclerosis and 14 healthy persons walked on a treadmill with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50% and 70% BWS. Bilateral EMG measurements (surface electrodes) on the m. rectus abdominis, m. obliquus externus, m. erector spinae and m. multifidus were performed. The maximal muscle activation was presented as a percentage of a performance related reference contraction. A repeated measures ANOVA with simple contrasts was applied (SPSS20). Results: In general when comparing walking with BWS with walking with 0% BWS there is an increase in m. obliquus externus activity and a decrease in back muscle activity. With increasing percentages of BWS an increase in activity of the abdominal muscles and a decrease in back muscle activity was found, with most changes in high percentages BWS. Conclusion: Based on the results, it is recommended to decrease the percentage BWS as fast as possible beneath 30% BWS.
The effects of speed-dependent treadmill training and rhythmic auditory-cued overground walking on gait function and fall risk in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Harro Cathy C. , Shoemaker Michael J. , Frey Oksana J. , Gamble April C. , Harring Kendra B. , Karl Katherine L. , McDonald Jeffrey D. , Murray Carolyn J. , Tomassi Erika M. , Van Dyke Jasmine M. , VanHaistma Rachel J. 
Published: December 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to examine and compare the immediate and retention effects of speed-dependent treadmill training (SDTT) and rhythmic auditory-cued (RAC) overground walking on gait function and fall risk in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Twenty participants (mean age 66.1 yrs) with idiopathic PD were randomized into either SDTT (n = 10) or RAC (n = 10) progressive, interval-based locomotor training protocols. Immediate and retention training effects on gait function and fall risk were measured by comfortable and fast gait speed (CGS, FGS), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Results: Immediate within-group training effects revealed significant gains in CGS, 6MWT, and FGA for the RAC group, and in FGS, 6-MinuteWalk Test, and FGA for the SDTT group. Retention effects were found at 3-month follow-up for all gait measures in the RAC group, and for FGS and FGA in the SDTT group. No statistically significant differences in immediate or retention training effects on gait measures were found between groups. Conclusions: Externally-cued locomotor training with progressive and interval-based speed challenges, either with RAC overground or on a treadmill, produced significant improvements in walking speed, endurance, and dynamic balance during walking.
Positive psychology in rehabilitation medicine: A brief report
Authors: Bertisch Hilary , Rath Joseph , Long Coralynn , Ashman Teresa , Rashid Tayyab 
Published: December 2019

Background: The field of positive psychology has grown exponentially within the last decade. To date, however, there have been few empirical initiatives to clarify the constructs within positive psychology as they relate to rehabilitation medicine. Character strengths, and in particular resilience, following neurological trauma are clinically observable within rehabilitation settings, and greater knowledge of the way in which these factors relate to treatment variables may allow for enhanced treatment conceptualization and planning. Objective: The goal of this study was to explore the relationships between positive psychology constructs (character strengths, resilience, and positive mood) and rehabilitation-related variables (perceptions of functional ability post-injury and beliefs about treatment) within a baseline data set, a six-month follow-up data set, and longitudinally across time points. Methods: Pearson correlations and supplementary multiple regression analyses were conducted within and across these time points from a starting sample of thirty-nine individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) in an outpatient rehabilitation program. Results: Positive psychology constructs were related to rehabilitation-related variables within the baseline data set, within the follow-up data set, and longitudinally between baseline positive psychology variables and follow-up rehabilitation-related data. Conclusions: These preliminary findings support relationships between character strengths, resilience, and positive mood states with perceptions of functional ability and expectations of treatment, respectively, which are primary factors in treatment success and quality of life outcomes in rehabilitation medicine settings. The results suggest the need for more research in this area, with an ultimate goal of incorporating positive psychology constructs into rehabilitation conceptualization and treatment planning.
Where are we in terms of poststroke functional outcomes and risk factors
Authors: Caglar Nil Sayiner , Akin Turkan , Erdem Ibrahim Halil , Ozgonenel Levent , Aytekin Ebru , Tutun Sule , Akar Nezihe , Aysar Ozcan 
Published: December 2019

Background: Stroke is acute vascular deterioration of cerebral functions and 2nd leading cause of death. As population gets older, as well as the increasing prevalence of stroke and disability from chronic disease, the demand for rehabilitation care will continue to rise. There is need for evidence based rehabilitation approaches and rehabilitation outcomes should be proved by objective questionnairres to qualify the process. Objective: To present the functional outcomes of stroke rehabilitation process among functional impairment measure evaluation. Determine the contributing factors on functional gain. Material-methods: Retrospectively assessment of data of 142 posttroke patients performed. In addition to demographical and clinical properties, functional outcomes with functional impairment measurement (FIM) and motor evaluation by Brunnstrom Motricitiy Index were recorded. Risk factors for stroke were questionned also. Results: The mean of ages was 64.30 ± 11.9 years, male/female ratios were 47.2%/ 52.8%. The functional gain was 20.4% in M-FIM, 14.7% in C-FIM. Better outcomes gained by the patients who stayed longer than 15 days (ANOVA, p: 0.000) and who had hemorrhagic etiology (MannWhitney U, p: 0.048), meanwhile there was no significant difference in gender and plegic side groups on both Motor-FIM and Cognitive-FIM gains (p > 0.05, MannWhitney U). Regression models exhibited highest impact on the M-FIM gain were the admission M-FIM scores and DM (adjusted Rsquare: 0.173, p: 0.000). Admission C-FIM scores had positive correlation with discharge C-FIM scores (r: 0.917, p: 0.000). Although older age was the negative determinant of C-FIM gain (r: −0.202, p: 0.016). We obtained the risk factor distribution 71.8% for HT, 29.6% for CAD, 25.6% for smoking, 16.2% for TIA and 33.1% for DM. All had negative impact on functional outcomes but DM had significantly (regression analysis p < 0.05). Conclusion: Improvement by rehabilitation programme determined by FIM scores. Data provided about the poststroke patients and present risk factors. Still there exists similar ratios of risk factors as studies before eventhough prevention recommendations.
Physical capacity and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kerling A. , Keweloh K. , Tegtbur U. , Kück M. , Grams L. , Horstmann H. , Windhagen A. 
Published: December 2019

Background: Physical capacity (PC) and quality of life (QoL) are both reduced in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: Aim of our study was to investigate limitations in PC and QoL in response to the severity of MS. Methods: The study involved 60 patients (PG) (Expanded Disability Status Scale EDSS 0–3:38, EDSS 3.5–6:22) and 48 healthy controls (CG). Endurance capacity was assessed as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT). Maximum force was measured in isokinetic testing. QoL was assessed using the SF-36-questionnaire and HALEMS. Results: Patients with MS showed reduced VO2peak and QoL in comparison with CG. Patients with an EDSS >3 showed reduced VO2peak, and maximum force, however at the VAT there was no significant difference independent of the EDSS. The MS-specific QoL HALEMS and subscales 1, 4, 6, 8 and the physical sum score of the SF-36-questionnaire were evaluated to be better in patients with an EDSS ≤3. Conclusions: There are limitations within PC in patients with MS in comparison with a healthy CG; within the PG there are notes on a similar aerobic capacity but worsened anaerobic capacity in patients with an EDSS >3. This should be taken into account in future treatment strategies for training therapy.
Brief report: Effects of exercise and self-affirmation intervention after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lee Yuen Shan Christine , Ashman Teresa , Shang Andrea , Suzuki Wendy 
Published: December 2019

Background: Physical exercise has been proven to be an effective method for improving cognition and mood, but little is known about its benefits among individuals with traumatic brain injury. Objective: This pilot study investigated the feasibility of a combined exercise and self-affirmation intervention (IntenSati) for enhancing cognition and mood in individuals with TBI. It was hypothesized that this intervention would improve individuals' cognition and mood following the completion of the program. Method: This intervention was held at an outpatient rehabilitation department in an urban medical center. A wait-list control design was conducted. Twenty-one adult participants—at least 12-months post-TBI—enrolled in the study. Twelve of them completed the study. Assessment was conducted at three time-points throughout the study using neuropsychological and self-report measures to evaluate participants' cognition and mood. Following initial evaluation, participants were assigned into either the immediate intervention group or the waitlist control group. During the intervention, participants attended the program twice a week over the course of 8 weeks. Debriefing was conducted following the completion of the program. Results: Both independent t tests and paired t tests were utilized. Results indicated that the intervention group experienced less depressive symptoms following the completion of the IntenSati program compared to the waitlist control group. Participants also reported having less depressive symptoms, experienced more positive affect, and had a higher quality of life following the completion of the program. Moderate-to-large effect sizes were found on decrease in negative affect. However, results associated with cognitive benefits were mixed. The participants tolerated the program well and reported satisfaction with the program. Conclusions: Results from this study indicated that the IntenSati exercise program is a feasible and beneficial intervention for individuals with TBI as supported by the positive impact on their mood and quality of life.
Comparison of the immediate effect of the training with a virtual reality game in stroke patients according side brain injury
Authors: Fernandes Aline Braga Galvão Silveira , Oliveira dos Passos Jacilda , Paiva de Brito Deyvson , Fernandes Campos Tania 
Published: December 2019

Background: Stroke is a major cause of motor disability in adults and needs interventions that contribute to motor recovery. Objective: This study aimed to compare the immediate effect of the training with virtual reality game in stroke patients according side brain injury. Methods: The participants included 20 patients (10 right brain injury), mean age of 50.6 ± 9.2 years, and 20 healthy subjects of 50.9 ± 8.8 years. All participants made a kinematic evaluation of drinking a cup of water before and after training with the table tennis game of the XBOX 360 Kinect®, in two series of 10 tries of 45 s, with 15 minutes rest between them, a total of 30 minutes. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: There was a significant difference in the number of hits between patients and healthy subjects groups, in which patients had a lower performance in all the trials (p = 0.008). After the training, only patients with right brain injury improved their shoulder and elbow angles, approaching the left upper limb movement pattern of healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with right brain injury responded better to the virtual reality game, suggesting introduction of new treatment techniques that promote neurorehabilitation.
The Four Square Step Test in individuals with Parkinson's disease: Association with executive function and comparison with older adults
Authors: McKee Kathleen E. , Hackney Madeleine E. 
Published: December 2019

Background: In Parkinson's disease (PD), motor and cognitive impairments interact to affect functional performance adversely. A valid mobility test, the Four Square Step Test (FSST) involves multidirectional stepping over obstacles. FSST performance may also be associated with cognitive performance. Objectives: This study determined the feasibility and reliability of an obstacle-based FSST in older individuals with versus without PD, and evaluated the association of PD performance of FSST with tests of cognition. Methods: Thirty-one individuals with mild-moderate PD, evaluated while ON medications, completed the obstacle-based FSST, other mobility and cognitive measures. FSST performance was compared between a PD participant sub-set (n = 24) and 24 age-matched older adults. Data were analyzed with independent t-tests, correlations, and linear regression. Results: Obstacle-based FSST was feasible and reliable within sessions in those with PD. Median best FSST time among individuals with PD was 11.72 s (9.99, 13.98) and FSST had concurrent validity with tests of mobility, and cognitive dual-tasking. Among cognitive tests, Trails Making Test B, which evaluates executive function, emerged as a sole contributor (49%) of variance. FSST performance did not differ between those with PD and older adults. Conclusion: The obstacle-based FSST is feasible and reliable in those with PD. The relationship between cognitive status and performance on the FSST did not appear to be strongly disease-stage dependent. Using FSST in the clinic may help assess the health status of a motor-cognitive interaction in individuals with PD.
Maintenance of treatment effects of an occupation-based intervention with video feedback for adults with TBI
Authors: Schmidt Julia , Fleming Jennifer , Ownsworth Tamara , Lannin Natasha A. 
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND: Video feedback interventions have been found to improve self-awareness and occupational performance to a greater extent than other feedback interventions after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, it is unclear whether the effects of video feedback are maintained over time. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the maintenance of gains in self-awareness achieved with a video feedback intervention in people with TBI. METHODS: There were 32 participants with TBI and impaired self-awareness who had completed a randomized controlled trial with three feedback conditions (video plus verbal, verbal and experiential). Eight to ten weeks after the final feedback intervention session, a follow-up assessment was conducted. The primary outcome was maintenance of gains in online awareness measured by the number of errors made during a meal preparation task. Group outcomes were compared using an unstructured linear mixed regression model. RESULTS: The video plus verbal feedback group continued to demonstrate significantly greater gains in online awareness compared to the verbal feedback group (mean difference 20.6, 95% CI 8.8 to 32.3) and the experiential feedback group (mean difference 14.4, 95% CI 3.1 to 25.6). There was no significant impact of the interventions on participants’ emotional status at the 8 to 10 week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of video plus verbal feedback is an effective technique for achieving maintained gains in self-awareness in people with TBI.
Effects of constraint-induced movement therapy on hand skills and muscle recruitment of children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Stearns Ginny E. , Burtner Patricia , Keenan Kristina M. , Qualls Clifford , Phillips John 
Published: December 2019

Background: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a therapeutic intervention using constraint of the less-affected limb and intensive use of the hemiplegic extremity in individuals with hemiplegia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether children with cerebral palsy (CP) who have undergone a 2-week function-based CIMT show improved hand function and underlying muscle activation changes associated with functional gains. Methods: Six children with hemiplegic CP participated in the study, receiving 4 hours of therapy 5 days a week coupled with bi-valve casts worn 8–12 hours for 14 days. Outcome measures of grip strength, pinch strength, dexterity tests and electromyography (EMG) were compared before, immediately post- and 3 months post-intervention. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc paired t-tests showed significant group improvements in all strength and dexterity measures ( p < 0.05). EMG analysis showed significant increases in muscle activation on pinch measures ( p = 0.05). Visual inspection of the EMG data suggested increased muscle activation during grip and a decrease in the muscle activation required during dexterity tasks. Conclusions: Our preliminary results support CIMT for improving strength and dexterity in children with hemiplegic CP. Further studies with greater sample sizes and longer study periods are recommended to determine muscle activation changes post CIMT.
Measuring processing speed after traumatic brain injury in the outpatient clinic
Authors: Fong Kenneth N.K. , Chan Marko K.L. , Ng Peggie P.K. , Ng Serena S.W. 
Published: December 2019

Objectives: To evaluate processing speed performance in outpatients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Prospective cross-sectional observational study. Participants: Twenty outpatients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were compared with 20 matched healthy subjects. Measure: Measurement by six instruments in the domains of simple reaction time (SRT), movement time (MT), and mental processing speed at a single time occasion. Results: Significant differences were found in speed but not accuracy of work between outpatients with TBI and healthy subjects. Simple reaction time was sensitive to predicting patients with moderate-to-severe TBI as opposed to healthy counterparts. Conclusion: Outpatient clinics should consider measuring SRT.
Orthostatic hypotension following spinal cord injury: Impact on the use of standing apparatus
Authors: Chelvarajah Ramesh 
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Upright posture confers numerous medical and social benefits to a spinal cord injured (SCI) patient. Doing so is limited by symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. This is a common secondary impairment among tetraplegic sufferers. Objective: Establish the proportion of SCI patients who are restricted from using standing apparatus, such as standing frames and standing wheelchairs, because of inducing symptomatic orthostatic hypotension or the fear of developing these disabling symptoms. Study Design: Survey conducted by Internet-accessible electronic questionnaire. Questionnaire validated for reliability and accuracy. Results: 293 respondents. Mean age 44.6; 76% male. Median time from injury: 7 years. 38% suffered with orthostatic hypotension; majority were complete injuries and all (except one – T12) were T5 or above level. 52% replied that they were using standing wheelchairs or frames. Of these, 59 (20% of total) stated that orthostatic hypotension symptoms were limiting the use of their upright apparatus. Of those who did not use standing wheelchairs or frames, 16 (5.5% of total) reported that this was because of the fear of worsening their orthostatic hypotension. Conclusion: Orthostatic hypotension restricts standing apparatus use in a large proportion (a total of 25.5% of respondents in this survey) of SCI patients.
An ultrasound study of brain tissue biomechanics in patients following craniectomy
Authors: Trnovec Svorad , Halatsch Marc-Eric , Behnke-Mursch Julianne , Mursch Kay 
Published: December 2019

So far, little attention has been paid to the biomechanical aspects of decompressive craniectomy. The brain tissue deformation occurring in these patients is difficult to quantify. Twenty-six patients suffering from a large bone defect after craniectomy were examined in supine position. The third ventricle's axial diameter was measured by transcranial ultrasound. Subsequently, the patient was brought into a sitting position. After 5 minutes, another measurement was taken. This procedure was repeated about 7 days after cranioplasty. The patients were grouped according to “early cranioplasty” (cranioplasty within 40 days after craniectomy, median 30 days) and “late cranioplasty”, (cranioplasty more than 40 days, median 80 days). Data of 13 healthy volunteers were used as a reference standard. In the healthy volunteers, the third ventricle was enlarging after reaching the sitting position. The median diameter was 2.35 mm in the lying and 2.9 mm in the sitting position ( p > 0.05). In the patients before early cranioplasty, a decrease of the diameter after reaching the sitting position was observed. The mean diameter was 7.0 mm in the lying and 5.9 mm in the sitting position ( p > 0.01). This difference was not significant in patients before late cranioplasty (9.7 vs. 9.4 mm). After cranioplasty, the mean diameter was 6.6 and 6.2 mm in the early cranioplasty group and 9.2 mm and 9.4 mm in the late cranioplasty group (lying and sitting position, respectively). This data demonstrate for the first time that unphysiological orthostatic brain tissue deformation occurs in patients after craniectomy.
Effects of vocalization on elbow motion during reaching in persons with hemiparetic stroke
Authors: Park Ji-Hyuk , Yoo Eunyoung , Chung Boin , Jung Minye 
Published: December 2019

Aim: To observe the effect of self-vocalization on the quality of movement of each arm during a reaching task in people with left hemiparetic stroke. Method: The design of this study is a single-blinded, within subject, repeated measures design. Fourteen right-handed participants with left hemiparetic stroke were requested to perform a reaching task with each arm, with and without self-vocalization. A 3-D motion analysis system measured the peak angular velocity, time to peak angular velocity, and movement unit in elbow motion. Results: In the unaffected dominant right arm, movements during the reaching task with vocalization were faster, smoother, and more efficient than without vocalization. The peak angular velocity ( p < 0.05) and time to peak angular velocity ( p > 0.05) increased. The movement unit decreased significantly ( p < 0.05). However, in the affected non-dominant left arm, the movement with vocalization was slower, rougher, and less efficient. The peak angular velocity decreased ( p > 0.05). Time to peak angular velocity ( p < 0.05) and the movement unit increased significantly ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Self-vocalization provided a positive effect on reaching movement of the dominant side but a negative effect on reaching movement of the non-dominant side in right handed persons with left hemiparetic stroke.