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Changes in leg cycling muscle synergies after training augmented by functional electrical stimulation in subacute stroke survivors: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Muscle synergies analysis can provide a deep understanding of motor impairment after stroke and of changes after rehabilitation. In this study, the neuro-mechanical analysis of leg cycling was used to longitudinally investigate the motor recovery process coupled with cycling training augmented by Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in subacute stroke survivors. METHODS:Subjects with ischemic subacute stroke participated in a 3-week training of FES-cycling with visual biofeedback plus usual care. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention through clinical scales, gait spatio-temporal parameters derived from an instrumented mat, and a voluntary pedaling test. Biomechanical metrics (work produced by the two legs, mechanical effectiveness and symmetry indexes) and bilateral electromyography from 9 leg muscles were acquired during the voluntary pedaling test. To extract muscles synergies, the Weighted Nonnegative Matrix Factorization algorithm was applied to the normalized EMG envelopes. Synergy complexity was measured by the number of synergies required to explain more than 90% of the total variance of the normalized EMG envelopes and variance accounted for by one synergy. Regardless the inter-subject differences in the number of extracted synergies, 4 synergies were extracted from each patient and the cosine-similarity between patients and healthy weight vectors was computed. RESULTS:Nine patients (median age of 75?years and median time post-stroke of 2?weeks) were recruited. Significant improvements in terms of clinical scales, gait parameters and work produced by the affected leg were obtained after training. Synergy complexity well correlated to the level of motor impairment at baseline, but it did not change after training. We found a significant improvement in the similarity of the synergy responsible of the knee flexion during the pulling phase of the pedaling cycle, which was the mostly compromised at baseline. This improvement may indicate the re-learning of a more physiological motor strategy. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings support the use of the neuro-mechanical analysis of cycling as a method to assess motor recovery after stroke, mainly in an early phase, when gait evaluation is not yet possible. The improvement in the modular coordination of pedaling correlated with the improvement in motor functions and walking ability achieved at the end of the intervention support the role of FES-cycling in enhancing motor re-learning after stroke but need to be confirmed in a controlled study with a larger sample size. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02439515. Registered on May 8, 2015, .

SUBMITTER: Ambrosini E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7047376 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Changes in leg cycling muscle synergies after training augmented by functional electrical stimulation in subacute stroke survivors: a pilot study.

Ambrosini Emilia E Parati Monica M Peri Elisabetta E De Marchis Cristiano C Nava Claudia C Pedrocchi Alessandra A Ferriero Giorgio G Ferrante Simona S

Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation 20200227 1

<h4>Background</h4>Muscle synergies analysis can provide a deep understanding of motor impairment after stroke and of changes after rehabilitation. In this study, the neuro-mechanical analysis of leg cycling was used to longitudinally investigate the motor recovery process coupled with cycling training augmented by Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in subacute stroke survivors.<h4>Methods</h4>Subjects with ischemic subacute stroke participated in a 3-week training of FES-cycling with visua ...[more]

PMID: 32106874

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Project description:Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a sensitive assessment for neuromuscular diseases to detect muscle inherent properties, whereas surface electromyography (sEMG) is a common technique for monitoring muscle activation. However, the application of EIM in detecting training effects on stroke survivors is relatively few. This study aimed to evaluate the muscle inherent properties and muscle activation alteration after functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted cycling training to chronic stroke survivors. Fifteen people with chronic stroke were recruited for 20 sessions of FES-assisted cycling training (40 min/session, 3-5 sessions/week). The periodically stimulated and assessed muscle groups were quadriceps (QC), tibialis anterior (TA), hamstrings (HS), and medial head of gastrocnemius (MG) on the paretic lower extremity. EIM parameters [resistance (R), reactance (X), phase angle (θ), and anisotropy ratio (AR)], clinical scales (Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and 6-min walking test (6MWT)] and sEMG parameters [including root-mean square (RMS) and co-contraction index (CI) value] were collected and computed before and after the training. Linear correlation analysis was conducted between EIM and clinical scales as well as between sEMG and clinical scales. The results showed that motor function of the lower extremity, balance, and walking performance of subjects improved after the training. After training, θ value of TA (P = 0.014) and MG (P = 0.017) significantly increased, and AR of X (P = 0.004) value and AR of θ value (P = 0.041) significantly increased on TA. The RMS value of TA decreased (P = 0.022) and a significant reduction of CI was revealed on TA/MG muscle pair (P < 0.001). Significant correlation was found between EIM and clinical assessments (AR of X value of TA and FMA-LE: r = 0.54, P = 0.046; X value of TA and BBS score: 0.628, P = 0.016), and between sEMG and clinical scores (RMS of TA and BBS score: r = -0.582, P = 0.029). This study demonstrated that FES-assisted cycling training improved lower limb function by developing coordinated muscle activation and facilitating an orderly myofiber arrangement. The current study also indicated that EIM can jointly evaluate lower extremity function alteration with sEMG after rehabilitation training. Clinical Trail Registration: The study was registered on the Clinical Trial Registry (trial registration number: NCT03208439, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03208439).

Project description:BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of serious gait impairments and restoring walking ability is a major goal of physical therapy interventions. Soft robotic exosuits are portable, lightweight, and unobtrusive assistive devices designed to improve the mobility of post-stroke individuals through facilitation of more natural paretic limb function during walking training. However, it is unknown whether long-term gait training using soft robotic exosuits will clinically impact gait function and quality of movement post-stroke.ObjectiveThe objective of this pilot study was to examine the therapeutic effects of soft robotic exosuit-augmented gait training on clinical and biomechanical gait outcomes in chronic post-stroke individuals.MethodsFive post-stroke individuals received high intensity gait training augmented with a soft robotic exosuit, delivered in 18 sessions over 6-8 weeks. Performance based clinical outcomes and biomechanical gait quality parameters were measured at baseline, midpoint, and completion.ResultsClinically meaningful improvements were observed in walking speed ([Formula: see text] < 0.05) and endurance ([Formula: see text] < 0.01) together with other traditional gait related outcomes. The gait quality measures including hip ([Formula: see text] < 0.01) and knee ([Formula: see text] < 0.05) flexion/extension exhibited an increase in range of motion in a symmetric manner ([Formula: see text] < 0.05). We also observed an increase in bilateral ankle angular velocities ([Formula: see text] < 0.05), suggesting biomechanical improvements in walking function.ConclusionsThe results in this study offer preliminary evidence that a soft robotic exosuit can be a useful tool to augment high intensity gait training in a clinical setting. This study justifies more expanded research on soft exosuit technology with a larger post-stroke population for more reliable generalization. Trial registration This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04251091).

Project description:IntroductionChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) experience declines in gross motor ability as they transition from childhood to adolescence, which can result in the loss of ability to perform sit-to-stand transfers, ambulate or participate in leisure activities such as cycling. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is a novel technology that may provide opportunities for children with CP to strengthen their lower limbs, improve functional independence and increase physical activity participation. The proposed randomised controlled trial will test the efficacy of a training package of FES cycling, adapted cycling and goal-directed functional training to usual care in children with CP who are susceptible to functional declines.Methods and analysisForty children with CP (20 per group), aged 6-8 years and classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II-IV will be recruited across South East Queensland. Participants will be randomised to either an immediate intervention group, who will undertake 8?weeks of training, or a waitlist control group. The training group will attend two 1?hour sessions per week with a physiotherapist, consisting of FES cycling and goal-directed, functional exercises and a 1?hour home exercise programme per week, consisting of recreational cycling. Primary outcomes will be the gross motor function measure and Canadian occupational performance measure, and secondary outcomes will include the five times sit-to-stand test, habitual physical activity (accelerometry), power output during cycling and Participation and Environment Measure-Children and Youth. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, postintervention (8 weeks) and 8 weeks following the intervention (retention).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from Griffith University (2018/037) and the Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CHQHHS) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/17/QRCH/88). Site-specific approval was obtained from CHQHHS research governance (SSA/17/QRCH/145). Results from this trial will be disseminated via publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12617000644369p.

Project description:BackgroundStroke rehabilitation often uses the motor relearning concept that require patients to perform active practice of skill-specific training and to receive feedback. Treadmill training augmented with real-time visualisation feedback and functional electrical stimulation may have a beneficial synergistic effect on motor recovery. This study aims to determine the feasibility of this kind of enhanced treadmill training for gait rehabilitation among patients after stroke. A system for dynamic visualisation of lower-limb movement based on 3-dimentional motion capture and a computer timed functional electrical stimulation system was developed. Participants received up to 20-min enhanced treadmill training instead of their over-ground gait training once or twice a week for 6 weeks at Coathill hospital, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom. Number of training sessions attended, and training duration were used to assess feasibility. Ankle kinematics in the sagittal plane of walking with and without functional electrical stimulation support of the pre-tibial muscles were also compared and used to confirm the functional electrical stimulation was triggered at the targeted time.ResultsSix patients after stroke participated in the study. The majority of participants were male (5/6) with a age range from 30 to 84 years and 4/6 had left hemiplegia. All participants suffered from brain infarction and were at least 3 months after stroke. Number of training sessions attended ranged from 5 to 12. The duration of training sessions ranged from 11 to 20 min. No serious adverse events were reported. The computerised functional electrical stimulation to the pre-tibial muscles was able to reduce plantarflexion angle during the swing phase with statistical significance (p = 0.015 at 80%; p = 0.008 at 90 and 100% of the gait cycle).ConclusionsIt is safe and feasible to use treadmill gait training augmented with real-time visual feedback and computer-controlled functional electrical stimulation with patients after stroke in routine clinical practice.Trial registrationNCT03348215. Registered 20 November 2017.

Project description:ImportanceEarly in-bed cycling and electrical muscle stimulation may improve the benefits of rehabilitation in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).ObjectiveTo investigate whether early in-bed leg cycling plus electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscles added to standardized early rehabilitation would result in greater muscle strength at discharge from the ICU.Design, setting, and participantsSingle-center, randomized clinical trial enrolling critically ill adult patients at 1 ICU within an 1100-bed hospital in France. Enrollment lasted from July 2014 to June 2016 and there was a 6-month follow-up, which ended on November 24, 2016.InterventionsPatients were randomized to early in-bed leg cycling plus electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscles added to standardized early rehabilitation (n = 159) or standardized early rehabilitation alone (usual care) (n = 155).Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was muscle strength at discharge from the ICU assessed by physiotherapists blinded to treatment group using the Medical Research Council grading system (score range, 0-60 points; a higher score reflects better muscle strength; minimal clinically important difference of 4 points). Secondary outcomes at ICU discharge included the number of ventilator-free days and ICU Mobility Scale score (range, 0-10; a higher score reflects better walking capability). Functional autonomy and health-related quality of life were assessed at 6 months.ResultsAmong 314 randomized patients, 312 (mean age, 66 years; women, 36%; receiving mechanical ventilation at study inclusion, 78%) completed the study and were included in the analysis. The median global Medical Research Council score at ICU discharge was 48 (interquartile range [IQR], 29 to 58) in the intervention group and 51 (IQR, 37 to 58) in the usual care group (median difference, -3.0 [95% CI, -7.0 to 2.8]; P = .28). The ICU Mobility Scale score at ICU discharge was 6 (IQR, 3 to 9) in both groups (median difference, 0 [95% CI, -1 to 2]; P = .52). The median number of ventilator-free days at day 28 was 21 (IQR, 6 to 25) in the intervention group and 22 (IQR, 10 to 25) in the usual care group (median difference, 1 [95% CI, -2 to 3]; P = .24). Clinically significant events occurred during mobilization sessions in 7 patients (4.4%) in the intervention group and in 9 patients (5.8%) in the usual care group. There were no significant between-group differences in the outcomes assessed at 6 months.Conclusions and relevanceIn this single-center randomized clinical trial involving patients admitted to the ICU, adding early in-bed leg cycling exercises and electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscles to a standardized early rehabilitation program did not improve global muscle strength at discharge from the ICU.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02185989.

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Changes in leg cycling muscle synergies after training augmented by functional electrical stimulation in subacute stroke survivors: a pilot study.

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Changes in leg cycling muscle synergies after training augmented by functional electrical stimulation in subacute stroke survivors: a pilot study.

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