AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy (VRT) Armeo Spring® upper limb exoskeleton (Armeo), in early post-stroke rehabilitation with a focus on the elderly. CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: Convalescence from a stroke is a complex process driven by a spontaneous recovery supported by multifactorial activation. Novel technology-based rehabilitation methods are being introduced to support brain plasticity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a randomised controlled study design, participants within 30 days after stroke with arm paresis were, in addition to a daily rehabilitation programme, assigned to an intervention group (45 minutes Armeo IG n = 25; mean age 66.5 years) performing VRT, or to a conventional physiotherapy (45 minutes) control group (Armeo CG, n = 25, mean age 68.1 years). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Fugl Mayer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE) were performed before and after the three-week therapy with 12 therapeutic sessions. Results of participants < 65 and ≥ 65 years old were compared. RESULTS: Paretic upper arm function improved significantly in both the IG and CG groups, the improvement in FMA-UE was significantly higher in the IG compared to the CG (p = 0.02), and patients ≥ 65 years old presented an equal magnitude of improvement in paretic arm function compared to younger patients. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Early post-stroke rehabilitation strategies using, in addition to the daily rehabilitation programme, VRT with visual biofeedback is more effective on upper extremity motor performance than conventional physiotherapy, and the effectiveness does not diminish with patient age. This may be a promising addition to conventional physiotherapy in older stroke patients as well as in younger.

• Keywords
• early neurorehabilitation, elderly, exoskeleton, stroke, upper limb, virtual reality,
• MeSH
• Stroke * complications   MeSH
• Exoskeleton Device * MeSH
• Upper Extremity MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Recovery of Function MeSH
• Stroke Rehabilitation * MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Virtual Reality * MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

Alien limb phenomenon is a rare syndrome associated with a feeling of non-belonging and disowning toward one's limb. In contrast, anarchic limb phenomenon leads to involuntary but goal-directed movements. Alien/anarchic limb phenomena are frequent in corticobasal syndrome (CBS), an atypical parkinsonian syndrome characterized by rigidity, akinesia, dystonia, cortical sensory deficit, and apraxia. The structure-function relationship of alien/anarchic limb was investigated in multi-centric structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Whole-group and single-subject comparisons were made in 25 CBS and eight CBS-alien/anarchic limb patients versus controls. Support vector machine was used to see if CBS with and without alien/anarchic limb could be distinguished by structural MRI patterns. Whole-group comparison of CBS versus controls revealed asymmetric frontotemporal atrophy. CBS with alien/anarchic limb syndrome versus controls showed frontoparietal atrophy including the supplementary motor area contralateral to the side of the affected limb. Exploratory analysis identified frontotemporal regions encompassing the pre-/and postcentral gyrus as compromised in CBS with alien limb syndrome. Classification of CBS patients yielded accuracies of 79%. CBS-alien/anarchic limb syndrome was differentiated from CBS patients with an accuracy of 81%. Predictive differences were found in the cingulate gyrus spreading to frontomedian cortex, postcentral gyrus, and temporoparietoocipital regions. We present the first MRI-based group analysis on CBS-alien/anarchic limb. Results pave the way for individual clinical syndrome prediction and allow understanding the underlying neurocognitive architecture.

• Keywords
• Alien limb syndrome, Anarchic limb syndrome, Corticobasal syndrome, Diagnosis prediction, Support vector machine,
• MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
• Brain diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Parkinsonian Disorders diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Alien Limb Phenomenon diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

It is currently unknown whether speech and limb motor effectors in Parkinson's disease (PD) are controlled by similar underlying brain processes. Based on computerized objective analysis, the aim of this study was to evaluate potential correlation between speech and mechanical tests of upper limb motor function. Speech and upper limb motor tests were performed in 22 PD patients and 22 healthy controls. Quantitative acoustic analyses of eight key speech dimensions of hypokinetic dysarthria, including quality of voice, sequential motion rates, consonant articulation, vowel articulation, average loudness, loudness variability, pitch variability, and number of pauses, were performed. Upper limb movements were assessed using the motor part of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, contactless three-dimensional motion capture system, blinded expert evaluation, and the Purdue Pegboard Test. Significant relationships were observed between the quality of voice assessed by jitter and amplitude decrement of finger tapping (r = 0.61, p = 0.003), consonant articulation evaluated using voice onset time and expert rating of finger tapping (r = 0.60, p = 0.003), and number of pauses and Purdue Pegboard Test score (r = 0.60, p = 0.004). The current study supports the hypothesis that speech impairment in PD shares, at least partially, similar pathophysiological processes with limb motor dysfunction. Vocal fold vibration irregularities appeared to be influenced by mechanisms similar to amplitude decrement during repetitive limb movements. Consonant articulation deficits were associated with decreased manual dexterity and movement speed, likely reflecting fine motor control involvement in PD.

• Keywords
• Bradykinesia, Hypokinetic dysarthria, Limb function, Motion capture, Parkinson’s disease, Speech and voice disorders,
• MeSH
• Antiparkinson Agents therapeutic use   MeSH
• Upper Extremity physiopathology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Speech Production Measurement MeSH
• Parkinson Disease complications   drug therapy   physiopathology   MeSH
• Motor Activity * physiology   MeSH
• Speech Disorders etiology   physiopathology   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Severity of Illness Index MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antiparkinson Agents MeSH

BACKGROUND: Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type R1/2A (LGMDR1/LGMD2A) is a progressive myopathy caused by deficiency of calpain 3, a calcium-dependent cysteine protease of skeletal muscle, and it represents the most frequent type of LGMD worldwide. In the last few years, muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a tool for identifying patterns of muscular involvement in genetic disorders and as a biomarker of disease progression in muscle diseases. In this study, 57 molecularly confirmed LGMDR1 patients from a European cohort (age range 7-78 years) underwent muscle MRI and a global evaluation of functional status (Gardner-Medwin and Walton score and ability to raise the arms). RESULTS: We confirmed a specific pattern of fatty substitution involving predominantly the hip adductors and hamstrings in lower limbs. Spine extensors were more severely affected than spine rotators, in agreement with higher incidence of lordosis than scoliosis in LGMDR1. Hierarchical clustering of lower limb MRI scores showed that involvement of anterior thigh muscles discriminates between classes of disease progression. Severity of muscle fatty substitution was significantly correlated with CAPN3 mutations: in particular, patients with no or one "null" alleles showed a milder involvement, compared to patients with two null alleles (i.e., predicting absence of calpain-3 protein). Expectedly, fat infiltration scores strongly correlated with functional measures. The "pseudocollagen" sign (central areas of sparing in some muscle) was associated with longer and more severe disease course. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that skeletal muscle MRI represents a useful tool in the diagnostic workup and clinical management of LGMDR1.

• Keywords
• CAPN3 mutations, LGMDR1/LGMD2A, Mercuri score, Muscle MRI,
• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Muscle, Skeletal diagnostic imaging   pathology   physiopathology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Muscular Dystrophies, Limb-Girdle diagnostic imaging   genetics   pathology   physiopathology   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion uses therapeutic effect of hyperthermia in the bounded compartment of the limb together with increased concentration of chemotherapy effect than what would be achieved in systemic application. Gold standard was melphalan (Alkeran) in combination with tasonermin (Beromun, tumor necrosis factor alpha). The efficacy of this combination has been demonstrated in limb soft tissue sarcomas and in patients with limb isolated bulky disease of malignant melanoma. CASE: We describe a case of a 65-year-old female patient with undifferentiated spindle-cell sarcoma treated by a multidisciplinary team at the 2nd Surgical Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery and Clinic of Oncology General University Hospital in Prague and at the Department of Orthopaedics Na Bulovce Hospital with the aim of preserving the limb despite the advanced disease. The patient underwent hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with tasonermin and melphalan with partial response on magnetic resonance imaging. Subsequent wide resection was done with complete pathological remission according to histological examination maintaining a fully functional limb. The patient is followed without signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with tasonermin and melphalan is an important part of a multimodal approach in the treatment of extremity sarcomas with a high percentage of responses that increase the percentage of limbs retaining resections. Multidisciplinary team should consider this option in patients with localized limb sarcomas and should be performed in specialized centers with experience in this procedure. This work was supported by project Progres Q28-LF1. The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.

• Keywords
• complete remission, hypertermic isolated perfusion, lower limb, soft tissue sarcoma, tasonermin,
• MeSH
• Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion methods   MeSH
• Lower Extremity MeSH
• Hyperthermia, Induced methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
• Melphalan administration & dosage   MeSH
• Neoadjuvant Therapy MeSH
• Sarcoma diagnostic imaging   pathology   therapy   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha administration & dosage   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Melphalan MeSH
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha MeSH

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to: i) determine the contractile properties of the major lower limb muscles in female soccer players using tensiomyography; ii) investigate inter-limb differences; and iii) compare inter-limb differences between different selections and playing positions. METHODS: A total of 52 female soccer players (A team; U19 and U17) were recruited. The vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), lateralis (GL) and tibialis anterior (TA) of both lower limbs were evaluated. RESULTS: When the entire sample was assessed regardless of selection or playing position, there were significant inter-limb differences in all measured muscles except BF. Compared to the non-dominant limb, the dominant limb had higher delay time in VL (p=0.008), while showing lower values in VM (p=0.023), GL (p=0.043) and GM (p=0.006). Contraction time was lower in the RF of the dominant limb (p=0.005) and VM (p=0.047), while showing higher values in VL (p=0.036) and TA (p<0.001) as compared to the non-dominant limb. CONCLUSION: Given the differences found between the limbs in the whole sample studied, it is necessary to examine both limbs to gather a more in-depth understanding of underlying mechanisms related to neuromuscular functions in female soccer players. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level II.

• Keywords
• Asymmetry, Neuromuscular Function, Skeletal Muscle, TMG, Women’s Football,
• MeSH
• Quadriceps Muscle MeSH
• Lower Extremity physiology   MeSH
• Soccer * physiology   MeSH
• Muscle, Skeletal physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Muscle Contraction physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

In this study, we compared the long-term efficacy and tolerability of two dosage regimens of the potent botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A; Dysport; Ipsen Ltd, Slough, UK) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and lower-limb spasticity. Children aged 1 to 8 years with diplegic CP who were able to walk (aided or unaided) were randomized (1:1) to 30 LD(50) units/kg total body weight of BoNT-A (injected into gastrocnemius muscles) every 4 months or once yearly for 2 years in this multicentre, assessor-blinded, parallel-group study. In the 4-monthly group (n=110, 39 males, 71 females), mean age was 3 years 8 months (SD 1 y 6 mo, range 1-8 y). In the yearly group (n=104, 47 males, 57 females), mean age was 4 years 4 months (SD 1 y 6 mo, range 2-8 y). Both treatment groups had similar baseline Gross Motor Function Measure scores. At month 28 (primary endpoint; intention-to-treat group), median maximum passive ankle dorsiflexion was 12.00 degrees in the 4-monthly and 11.00 degrees in the yearly group. Between-group difference of 1.67 degrees was not statistically significant (p=0.055). Other efficacy endpoints showed no significant difference between the regimens. The results of the study do not allow a clear conclusion of the preferred injection regimen.

• MeSH
• Leg MeSH
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A administration & dosage   adverse effects   MeSH
• Gait MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Contracture surgery   MeSH
• Muscle, Skeletal MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cerebral Palsy drug therapy   MeSH
• Neuromuscular Agents administration & dosage   adverse effects   MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Drug Administration Schedule MeSH
• Muscle Spasticity drug therapy   MeSH
• Trauma Severity Indices MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A MeSH
• Neuromuscular Agents MeSH

BACKGROUND: Resistance from antagonistic muscle groups might be a crucial factor reducing function in chronic hemiparesis. The resistance due to spastic co-contraction might be reduced by botulinum toxin injections. We assessed the effects of abobotulinumtoxinA injection in the upper limb muscles on muscle tone, spasticity, active movement, and function. METHODS: In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, we enrolled adults (aged 18-80 years) at least 6 months after stroke or brain trauma from 34 neurology or rehabilitation clinics in Europe and the USA. Eligible participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio with a computer-generated list to receive a single injection session of abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U or 1000 U or placebo into the most hypertonic muscle group among the elbow, wrist, or finger flexors (primary target muscle group [PTMG]), and into at least two additional muscle groups from the elbow, wrist, or finger flexors or shoulder extensors. Patients and investigators were masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was the change in muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS]) in the PTMG from baseline to 4 weeks. Secondary endpoints were Physician Global Assessment (PGA) at week 4 and change from baseline to 4 weeks in the perceived function (Disability Assessment Scale [DAS]) in the principal target of treatment, selected by the patient together with physician from four functional domains (dressing, hygiene, limb position, and pain). Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01313299. FINDINGS: 243 patients were randomly allocated to placebo (n=81), abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U (n=81), or abobotulinumtoxinA 1000 U (n=81). Mean change in MAS score from baseline at week 4 in the PTMG was -0·3 (SD 0·6) in the placebo group (n=79), -1·2 (1·0) in the abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U group (n=80; difference -0·9, 95% CI -1·2 to -0·6; p<0·0001 vs placebo), and -1·4 (1·1) in the abobotulinumtoxinA 1000 U group (n=79; -1·1, -1·4 to -0·8; p<0·0001 vs placebo). Mean PGA score at week 4 was 0·6 (SD 1·0) in the placebo group (n=78), 1·4 (1·1) in the abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U group (n=80; p=0·0003 vs placebo), and 1·8 (1·1) in the abobotulinumtoxinA 1000 U group (n=78; p<0·0001 vs placebo). Mean change from baseline at week 4 in DAS score for the principal target of treatment was -0·5 (0·7) in the placebo group (n=79), -0·7 (0·8) in the abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U group (n=80; p=0·2560 vs placebo), and -0·7 (0·7) in the abobotulinumtoxinA 1000 U group (n=78; p=0·0772 vs placebo). Three serious adverse events occurred in each group and none were treatment related; two resulted in death (from pulmonary oedema in the placebo group and a pre-existing unspecified cardiovascular disorder in the abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U group). Adverse events that were thought to be treatment related occurred in two (2%), six (7%), and seven (9%) patients in the placebo, abobotulinumtoxinA 500 U, and abobotulinumtoxinA 1000 U groups, respectively. The most common treatment-related adverse event was mild muscle weakness. All adverse events were mild or moderate. INTERPRETATION: AbobotulinumtoxinA at doses of 500 U or 1000 U injected into upper limb muscles provided tone reduction and clinical benefit in hemiparesis. Future research into the treatment of spastic paresis with botulinum toxin should use active movement and function as primary outcome measures. FUNDING: Ipsen.

• MeSH
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A administration & dosage   adverse effects   pharmacology   MeSH
• Stroke complications   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Double-Blind Method MeSH
• Upper Extremity physiopathology   MeSH
• Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors administration & dosage   adverse effects   pharmacology   MeSH
• Injections, Intramuscular MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Paresis drug therapy   etiology   MeSH
• Brain Injuries complications   MeSH
• Muscle Spasticity drug therapy   etiology   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
• Names of Substances
• abobotulinumtoxinA MeSH Browser
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A MeSH
• Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors MeSH

Due to the ever-increasing proportion of older people in the total population and the growing awareness of the importance of protecting workers against physical overload during long-time hard work, the idea of supporting exoskeletons progressed from high-tech fiction to almost commercialized products within the last six decades. Sensors, as part of the perception layer, play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of exoskeletons by providing as accurate real-time data as possible to generate reliable input data for the control layer. The result of the processed sensor data is the information about current limb position, movement intension, and needed support. With the help of this review article, we want to clarify which criteria for sensors used in exoskeletons are important and how standard sensor types, such as kinematic and kinetic sensors, are used in lower limb exoskeletons. We also want to outline the possibilities and limitations of special medical signal sensors detecting, e.g., brain or muscle signals to improve data perception at the human-machine interface. A topic-based literature and product research was done to gain the best possible overview of the newest developments, research results, and products in the field. The paper provides an extensive overview of sensor criteria that need to be considered for the use of sensors in exoskeletons, as well as a collection of sensors and their placement used in current exoskeleton products. Additionally, the article points out several types of sensors detecting physiological or environmental signals that might be beneficial for future exoskeleton developments.

• Keywords
• exoskeletons, lower limbs, powered orthosis, sensors, wearable robots,
• MeSH
• Biomechanical Phenomena MeSH
• Lower Extremity physiology   MeSH
• Exoskeleton Device * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Movement physiology   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

The research described in this study focuses on the development of an innovative upper-limb adapter for young children aged 1-3 years who have congenital upper-limb defects. The objective was to create a functional and affordable solution that allows children to engage more safely and actively in physical activities such as cycling. The adapter was designed within the DESIGN+ project at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen in collaboration with the German company Ottobock. The development included a detailed analysis of hand movements during cycling, modelling using CAD software (NX 1888), prototype manufacturing through 3D printing, and subsequent testing. The result is an adapter that allows 360° rotation around the arm axis, provides natural hand movement while turning, and is made of soft material to enhance safety. Despite initial challenges and necessary prototype adjustments, a functional and reliable design was achieved. This adapter will contribute to improving the quality of life for children with upper-limb disabilities, supporting their coordination, strength, and confidence in daily activities.

• Keywords
• 3D printed, bicycle adapter, children adapter, prototyping product design, upper-limb adapter, upper-limb prosthesis,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH