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Neurol Genet 2018 Dec 24;4(6):e279. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

Academic Directorate of Neurosciences (C.A.A.H., R.O'.M., M.K.R., S.P., Z.P., S.B., C.J.M., P.J.S., M.H.), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital; Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) (C.A.A.H., R.S., T.R., C.J.M., P.J.S., M.H.), University of Sheffield; Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service (N.J.B., J.M.), Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology (G.R., P.S.), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital; Academic Unit of Radiology (N.H.), University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital; and Sheffield NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience (C.A.A.H., N.H., R.S., P.S., S.B., C.J.M., P.J.S., M.H.), United Kingdom.

Objective: To clinically, genetically, and radiologically characterize a large cohort of patients.

Methods: We used data from next-generation sequencing panels for ataxias and hereditary spastic paraplegia to identify a characteristic phenotype that helped direct genetic testing for variations in . We analyzed MRI. Read More

PLoS One 2018 10;13(12):e0208609. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used to improve muscle strength and decrease spasticity of the ankle joint in stroke patients. However, it is unclear how NMES could influence dynamic spasticity of ankle plantarflexors and gait asymmetry during walking. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of applying NMES over ankle dorsiflexors or plantarflexors on ankle control during walking and gait performance in chronic stroke patients. Read More

PLoS One 2018 7;13(12):e0208811. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Muscle spasticity is characterized by exaggerated stretch reflexes and affects about 85% of the children with cerebral palsy. However, the mechanisms underlying spasticity and its influence on gait are not well understood. Here, we first aimed to model the response of spastic hamstrings and gastrocnemii in children with cerebral palsy to fast passive stretches. Read More

Semin Neurol 2018 Dec 6;38(6):654-664. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.

In the United States, there is a prescription medication misuse crisis including increases in unintentional drug overdose deaths, medications obtained on the illicit market (i.e., diversion), and in the number of individuals seeking treatment for addiction to prescription medications. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2018 Dec 3:1-8. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

d Neurology Unit , Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan , Italy.

Objective: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) represents a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive spasticity and lower limb weakness. We assessed the effects of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) in HSP.

Design: A double-blind, randomized, crossover and sham-controlled study. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2018 Dec 3:1-8. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

b University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gaziosmanpasa Taksim Training and Research Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey.

Objective: To assess the impact of spasticity severity as well as socio-demographic and clinical factors on quality of life (QOL) and to identify factors predicting poor QOL among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting: Tertiary care clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.

Participants: A total of 110 patients with SCI (mean (SD) age: 43. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2018 Dec 3:1-9. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada.

Context/Objectives: To determine the impact of spasticity presenting during the acute care hospitalization on the rehabilitation outcomes following a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: A single Level 1 trauma center specialized in SCI care. Read More

Dev Med Child Neurol 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Newcomen Developmental Service, Paediatric Neurosciences, Evelina London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, King's Health Partners, London, UK.

Aim: We explored factors associated with pain and its severity in a population cohort of young people with bilateral cerebral palsy, comparing parent/carer and young people self-reports.

Method: Of 278 survivors (mean age 16y 8mo, SD 1y 4mo, range 13y 8mo-19y 3mo) from the South Thames in the Study of Hips and Physical Experience cohort of 338 young people with bilateral cerebral palsy, 212 parents/carers and 153 young people completed questionnaires on the presence, severity, timing, site, associated factors, impact, and treatment of pain.

Results: Seventy per cent of parents/carers reported pain within 3 months, 59% the previous week, and 50% the previous day with 56% reporting 'regularly experienced'. Read More

Nurse Educ Today 2018 Nov 24;73:54-59. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, Department of Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). Electronic address:

Background: Considering the prevalence and complexity of a stroke, it is necessary to think about how undergraduate nursing students are developing knowledge for stroke care.

Aim: To obtain a vision of nursing students' learning, exploring difficulties concerning understanding stroke care delivery.

Design: A phenomenographic research approach. Read More

Mult Scler Relat Disord 2018 Nov 20;27:383-390. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 East 19th Ave, B182, Aurora, CO 80045, United States. Electronic address:

Background: Studies suggest cannabis may improve symptoms like pain and muscle spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Despite cannabis' new-found legality and availability, few studies have explored the profile of PwMS cannabis users and characteristics of their use, particularly in a state where cannabis is legal both for recreational and medicinal use. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate cannabis use among PwMS at a large academic multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic, specifically: (1) prevalence, (2) products used (e. Read More

Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Service de rééducation neurolocomotrice, EA 7377 BIOTN, laboratoire analyse et restauration du mouvement, université Paris-Est Créteil, hôpitaux universitaires Henri-Mondor, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 51, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France.

This paper revisits the taxonomy of the neurophysiological consequences of a persistent impairment of motor command execution in the classic environment of sensorimotor restriction and muscle hypo-mobilization in short position. Around each joint, the syndrome involves 2 disorders, muscular and neurologic. The muscular disorder is promoted by muscle hypo-mobilization in short position in the context of paresis, in the hours and days after paresis onset: this genetically mediated, evolving myopathy, is called spastic myopathy. Read More

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018 ;118(10):108-114

Military Medical Academy n.a. S.M. Kirov, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.

The article presents modern views on the pathophysiology of spasticity, which is a frequent disabling consequence to the upper motor neuron (UMN) damage. Morphological and functional system of motion organization and the changes after the UMN damage is considered. The authors analyze existing definitions of spasticity. Read More

Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult 2018 ;95(6):4-12

The Siberian Federal Research and Clinical Center of the Russian Federal Medical Biological Agency, Seversk, Tomsk region, Russia.

Background: When choosing the algorithm of rehabilitative measures, the localization of the stroke, brain reserve, and neuroplasticity as well as clinical characteristics (motor, postural, speech, cognitive impairments), etc. are taken into consideration. Monitoring the health status of the patients is an integral component of and an important condition for the successful post-stroke rehabilitation. Read More

Front Neurol 2018 15;9:956. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.

Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a rare, progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by ataxia, spasticity and polyneuropathy. First described in the French-Canadian population of Quebec in 1978, ARSACS has since been identified in multiple patients worldwide. In this clinical case report, we describe the evaluation of an 11-years-old African-American male who presented to neuromuscular clinic for assessment of a gait abnormality. Read More

BMC Neurol 2018 Nov 29;18(1):196. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1277, Jiefang avenue, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.

Background: Autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegias (ARHSPs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases with progressive spasticity and weakness in the lower limbs. Mutations in the Spastic Paraplegia gene 7 (SPG7) account for about 5-21% of ARHSP cases. However, in Asians, few reports about the mutations exist. Read More

Eur J Neurol 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

Introduction: SPAST mutations are the most common cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP), which is characterized by progressive lower limb weakness, spasticity and hyperreflexia. There are few studies about non-motor manifestations in this disease and none about autonomic involvement. Therefore, our aim was to determine the frequency and pattern of autonomic complaints in patients with SPG4-HSP, as well as to determine the clinical relevance and the possible factors associated with these manifestations. Read More

J Child Neurol 2018 Nov 28:883073818811223. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

1 Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

AIMP1/p43, is a noncatalytic component of the mammalian multi-tRNA synthetase complex that catalyzes the ligation of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs. AIMP1 is largely expressed in the central nervous system, where it is part of the regulatory machine of the neurofilament assembly, playing a crucial role in neuronal development and function. To date, nonsense mutations in AIMP1 have been associated with a primary neurodegenerative disorder consisting of cerebral atrophy, hypomyelination, microcephaly and epilepsy, whereas missense mutations have recently been linked to intellectual disability without neurodegeneration. Read More

Adv Ther 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

University of Nevada at Reno, Reno, NV, USA.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated incobotulinumtoxinA injections for the treatment of upper-limb post-stroke spasticity in adults.

Methods: Adults 18-80 years of age with post-stroke upper-limb spasticity who completed the 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled main period (MP) of a phase 3 trial (NCT01392300) were eligible to enrol in the 36-week open-label extension period (OLEX). The OLEX included three treatment cycles at fixed 12-week injection intervals; subjects were injected with 400 U incobotulinumtoxinA into the affected upper limb. Read More

J Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Physiotherapy Department, Epworth Healthcare, Australia.

Objective: To establish the variability of fast testing velocity and joint range of motion and position when assessing lower-limb spasticity in individuals following neurological injury.

Design: Observational study of people with lower-limb spasticity.

Subjects: Patients with an upper motor neurone lesion (n = 35) and clinicians experienced in spasticity assessment (n = 34) were included. Read More

Brain Dev 2018 Oct 25. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Osaka, Japan.

Background: The human GATA zinc finger domain containing 2B (GATAD2B) encodes a subunit of the MeCP1-Mi-2/nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex, which is involved in chromatin modification and transcription. Recently, patients with severe intellectual disabilities and characteristic features associated with GATAD2B mutations have been identified.

Case Report: The patient was a 4-year-old male with dysmorphic features, including frontal bossing, hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, down-slanting palpebral fissures, a flat nasal bridge, a high arched palate, and micrognathia. Read More

Handb Clin Neurol 2018 ;159:323-336

Physiotherapy Department, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifespan motor disorder arising from damage to the developing brain before or shortly after birth. People with CP may experience problems with muscle coordination and difficulties with the organization and processing of sensory information. Functional mobility is impaired and commonly influenced by spasticity and musculoskeletal system problems such as contractures or bony torsion. Read More

Handb Clin Neurol 2018 ;159:237-250

Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and the most widespread nontraumatic cause of disability in young adults around the world. MS occurs in people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. MS is characterized by clinical symptoms resulting from lesions in the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerves that can affect balance, gait, and fall risk. Read More

Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018 Apr 3;20:138-144. Epub 2018 Feb 3.

National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, P.O. Box 22002, Albany, NY 12201, USA.

Operant conditioning of the spinal stretch reflex (SSR) or its electrical analog, the H-reflex, is a valuable experimental paradigm for studying the acquisition and maintenance of a simple motor skill. The CNS substrate of this skill consists of brain and spinal cord plasticity that operates as a hierarchy-the learning experience induces plasticity in the brain that guides and maintains plasticity in the spinal cord. This is apparent in the two components of the skill acquisition: task-dependent adaptation, reflecting brain plasticity; and long-term change, reflecting gradual development of spinal plasticity. Read More

Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018 Nov 17;5(11):1415-1420. Epub 2018 Sep 17.

Department of Neurology Peking University People's Hospital Beijing China.

Mutations in the kinesin family member 5A () gene are mainly associated with autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia 10 (SPG10). The additional complicated symptoms of SPG10 commonly include a wide spectrum. However, cerebellar ataxia is only noticed in a very few patients. Read More

Top Stroke Rehabil 2018 Nov 26:1-9. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

a Department of Physical Therapy , University of Tabuk (UT) , Tabuk , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Background: As clinicians, muscles stretching approaches are one of the most commonly used interventions in rehabilitation. However, there is a need for an in-depth evaluation of research on prolonged stretching in terms of the features of the stretching approaches, such as duration and frequency, as well as the compatible measures of a successful stretching approach.

Objective: This review is an effort to synthesize findings from studies on "prolonged" stretching approaches in patients with UMNs including stroke, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Read More

J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2019 Jan;78(1):3-9

Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

Hypomyelination with atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum (H-ABC) is a rare hypomyelinating leukodystrophy characterized by infantile or childhood onset of motor developmental delay, progressive rigidity and spasticity, with hypomyelination and progressive atrophy of the basal ganglia and cerebellum due to a genetic mutation of the TUBB4A gene. It has only been recognized since 2002 and the full spectrum of the disorder is still being delineated. Here, we review a case report of a severely affected girl with a thorough neuropathological evaluation demonstrating novel clinical and pathological findings. Read More

Eur J Neurol 2018 Nov 25. Epub 2018 Nov 25.

Research Center of Neurology (RCN), Russian Federation, Moscow, Volokolamskoe road, 80.

Background: The spasticity phenomenon is a significant factor in the development of disability. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising treatment method for this disorder.

Aims: Our aim was to compare the effects of two protocols of rTMS - the high-frequency (HF) rTMS (20 Hz) and the intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) - on the level of spasticity and concomitant symptoms in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) with an analysis of the duration of the effects up to 12 weeks after the stimulation course. Read More

BMJ Open 2018 Nov 21;8(11):e026620. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University, London, UK.

Introduction: Effective interventions to promote upper-limb recovery poststroke are characterised by intensive and repetitive movements. However, the repetitive nature of practice may adversely impact on adherence. Therefore, the development of rehabilitation devices that can be used safely and easily at home, and are motivating, enjoyable and affordable is essential to the health and well-being of stroke survivors. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Sarah Network Rehabilitation Hospitals, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address:

Background And Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate heterotopic ossification (HO) prevalence after stroke, describing clinical features and investigating predictors of HO and its severity.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 7 rehabilitation centers (Sarah Network) from 2004 to 2013.

Results: Among 17,794 stroke cases, 235 patients (1. Read More

Neurology 2018 Nov 21. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

From the Department of Neurology (P.A., A.J., J.-I.L., M.M., M.R., O.A., H.-P.H., H.H.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; and Toxogen GmbH (D.R., H.B.), Hannover, Germany.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies (NABs) against botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) during long-term BoNT/A treatment in different neurologic indications.

Methods: In this monocentric, observational cross-sectional study, 596 outpatients treated with BoNT/A for different indications were tested for BoNT/A binding antibodies by ELISA. Positive samples were investigated for NABs with the mouse hemidiaphragm test. Read More

Hum Genet 2018 Dec 21;137(11-12):911-919. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.

Mutations in the SACS gene have been initially reported in a rare autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia syndrome featuring prominent cerebellar atrophy, spasticity and peripheral neuropathy as well as retinal abnormalities in some cases (autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, ARSACS). In the past few years, the phenotypic spectrum has broadened, mainly owing to the availability and application of high-throughput genetic testing methods. We identified nine patients (three sib pairs, three singleton cases) with isolated, non-syndromic hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) who carried pathogenic SACS mutations, either in the homozygous or compound heterozygous state. Read More

Neurotherapeutics 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Division of Neurosurgery, Grootte Schuur Hospital, OMB H53, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a key technique in the surgical management of spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy. The technique evolved from the late 1800s when pioneers like Dana and Abbe performed dorsal rhizotomy in their treatment of refractory pain. These surgeons noted a reduction in muscle tone associated with the operation. Read More

Exp Brain Res 2018 Nov 20. Epub 2018 Nov 20.

Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of lower limbs elicits muscle contractions through the activation of efferent fibers and concomitant recruitment of afferent fibers, which can modulate excitability of the central nervous system. However, neural mechanisms of NMES and how unilateral stimulation of the soleus affects spinal reflexes in multiple lower limb muscles bilaterally remains unknown. Twelve able-bodied participants were recruited, and spinal reflex excitability changes were tested after four interventions, each applied for 60 s, on the right plantar flexors: (1) motor-level NMES; (2) sensory-level NMES; (3) voluntary contraction; (4) rest. Read More

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2018 3;24(4):353-362. Epub 2018 May 3.

Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.

Spasticity is a common secondary complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), which can severely impact functional independence and quality of life. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) is a potassium channel blocker that has been studied as an intervention for spasticity in individuals with SCI. To conduct a systematic review of the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of 4-AP for the management of spasticity in individuals with SCI. Read More

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2018 7;24(4):336-342. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

Rusk Rehabilitation, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York.

Secondary impairments associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) limit one's independent functionality and negatively impact quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to explore changes in secondary health conditions that may result from using a powered exoskeleton as well as their potential impact on QoL. Forty-five participants presenting with SCI ranging from T3-L2 were included in this study. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018 Nov 16. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India; Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research (CCSRR), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India.

Objectives: 1. To determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on post-stroke spasticity. 2a. Read More

Front Neurol 2018 2;9:935. Epub 2018 Nov 2.

Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

The spinal cord spinal cord has in the past been considered a hardwired system which responds to inputs in a stereotyped way. A growing body of data have instead demonstrated its ability to retain information and modify its effector capabilities, showing activity-dependent plasticity. Whereas, plasticity in the spinal cord is well documented after different forms of physical exercise, whether exogenous stimulation can induce similar changes is still a matter of debate. Read More

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med 2018 Nov 28;2(4):330-333. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles, California.

We present a case of new-onset bulbar muscle weakness in the setting of therapeutic botulinum injections for spasticity in a teenaged patient with cerebral palsy. Through a careful history, a systemic effect of the local injections was suspected, and the patient's symptoms improved with a decrease in the dosing of the botulinum injections. Read More

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018 Jul;2018:4693-4696

Botulinum toxin (BT) is widely prescribed by physicians for managing spasticity post stroke. In an ongoing study, we examine the spatial pattern of muscle activity in biceps brachii of stroke survivors before and after receiving BT, examined over the course of 11 weeks (2 weeks before - 9 weeks after). We hypothesize that BT alters muscle electrophysiology by disrupting fiber neuromuscular transmission in an inhomogeneous manner and we seek to detect these changes using grid surface electromyography (sEMG). Read More

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018 Jul;2018:2788-2792

This paper describes the effects of a novel functional electrical stimulation (FES) system which has been integrated in a powered exoskeleton to provide up to 10 channels of stimulation to users with paraplegia via surface electrodes. Experimental data collected from three users with spinal cord injury (SCI) indicate the system reduced the exoskeleton motor torques necessary to perform sit-to-stand transitions in the exoskeleton. All subjects exhibited reduced muscle spasticity immediately after walking in the exoskeleton with FES. Read More

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018 Jul;2018:2260-2263

A method of blocking neural signal for spasticity which is based on the antimissile strategy was proposed. When the pathological nerve action potential signal is detected at the proximal end of the nerve, such a potential signal that is opposite to the signal of the primary neural activity is applied at the distal end of the nerve at a proper delay so as to block the pathological nerve signal. Preliminary tests were performed on toad sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius specimens. Read More

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018 Jul;2018:1701-1707

In a dual arm therapeutic regime aiming to rehabilitate motor functions post stroke, both the affected arm (paretic) and the unaffected (non-paretic) arm are involved. In this context, the leading idea is that motor functions of the affected arm during a reaching task may be improved if the unaffected arm has already reached the target. As part of this pilot study, one chronic post-stroke patient with weakness and spasticity on his right arm conducted reaching tasks to virtual targets arranged in a $5\times 3$ matrix located parallel to his frontal plane, in two different configurations: (1) affected arm only (without assistance from the exoskeleton); (2) unaffected arm first followed by the affected arm (2a) without, and (2b) with assistance. Read More

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2018 Jul;2018:388-391

Spasticity of the elbow was generally assessed by repeated passive stretch movement, including the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) from physiotherapist, and biomechanics analysis of the movement. The MAS-based method depends on the subjective evaluations and the performance of biomechanics analysis assessment is affected by the individual difference. Therefore, the normalization to reduce the individual difference for the assessment of spasticity is very important. Read More

Chin Med J (Engl) 2018 Nov;131(22):2763-2764

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018 Nov 11;15(11). Epub 2018 Nov 11.

Research, Health and Podiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, 15403 Ferrol, Spain.

Quantitative ultrasound imaging of the muscle tissue may be applied in the neurology field, due to B-mode grayscale pixels values could be used as potential biomarkers for disease progression and intervention effects in poststroke patients. Thus, the study aim was to compare and analyze the ultrasound imaging B-mode pixels differences between the intrinsic plantar muscles cross-sectional area (CSA) in hemiparetic and contralateral feet from poststroke patients by means of the Image J software. A case-control design and a convenience sampling method were used in order to recruit 22 feet from 11 poststroke patients. Read More