This pilot study suggested that anodal tDCS on the leg motor cortex in the impaired hemisphere may facilitate the effect of RAGT on functional ambulation in chronic stroke patients. Larger clinical trials will be needed to confirm the effect of RAGT combined with tDCS in chronic stroke patients based on the present study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate swallowing kinematics and explore kinematic factors related with penetration-aspiration in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. Videofluoroscopic images of 68 patients with post-stroke dysphagia and 34 sex- and age-matched healthy controls swallowing a thin liquid were quantitatively analyzed using two-dimensional motion digitization. The measurements included the movement distances and velocities of the hyoid and larynx, and the maximal tilt angles and angular velocities of the epiglottis. All velocity variables were significantly decreased in the stroke patients compared to the controls. There was a significant difference in the maximal horizontal displacement of the larynx, but there were no significant differences in other displacements of the larynx, the maximal displacements of the hyoid bone, and the maximum tilt angle of the epiglottis between the two groups. The maximal tilt angle of the epiglottis was lower in the aspiration subgroup than in the no penetration/aspiration and penetration subgroups as well as the controls. The maximal tilt angle from the y axis showed a dichotomous pattern at 90° of the angle, and all 11 patients with an angle <90° showed either penetration or aspiration. In the ROC curve of the angle for prediction of aspiration, the area under the curve was 0.725 (95 % CI 0.557-0.892, P = 0.008). This study suggested that sluggish rather than decreased hyolaryngeal movements during swallowing are a remarkable feature of post-stroke dysphagia. The association of reduced epiglottic movement with the risk of aspiration in patients with post-stroke dysphagia was supported by the quantitative analysis.

Background Rehabilitation therapy using a virtual reality (VR) system for stroke patients has gained attention. However, few studies have investigated fully immersive VR using a head‐mount display (HMD) for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients. Objective To investigate the feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and usability of a fully immersive VR rehabilitation program using a commercially available HMD for upper‐limb rehabilitation in stroke patients. Design A feasibility study. Setting Two rehabilitation centers. Participants Twelve stroke patients with upper extremity weakness. Interventions Five upper extremity rehabilitation tasks were implemented in a virtual environment, and the participants wore an HMD (HTC Vive) and trained with appropriate tasks. Participants received a total of 10 sessions two to three times a week, consisting of 30 minutes per session. Main Outcome Measures Both patient participation and adverse effects of VR training were monitored. Primary efficacy was assessed using functional outcomes (Action Research Arm Test, Box and Block Test, and modified Barthel Index), before and after the intervention. Usability was assessed using a self‐reported questionnaire. Results Three patients discontinued VR training, and nine patients completed the entire training sessions and there were no adverse effects due to motion sickness. The patients who received all sessions showed significant functional improvement in all outcome measures after training (P < .05 for all measures). The overall satisfaction was 6.3 ± 0.8 on a 7‐point Likert scale in all participants. Conclusions A fully immersive VR rehabilitation program using an HMD for rehabilitation of the upper extremities following stroke is feasible and, in this small study, no serious adverse effects were identified. Level of Evidence IV.

Background Cognitive training using virtual reality (VR) may result in motivational and playful training for patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. Fully immersive VR sets patients free from external interference and thus encourages patients with cognitive impairment to maintain selective attention. The enriched environment, which refers to a rich and stimulating environment, has a positive effect on cognitive function and mood. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and usability of cognitive training using fully immersive VR programs in enriched environments with physiatrists, occupational therapists (OTs), and patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. Methods The VR interface system consisted of a commercialized head-mounted display and a custom-made hand motion tracking module. We developed the virtual harvest and cook programs in enriched environments representing rural scenery. Physiatrists, OTs, and patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia received 30 minutes of VR training to evaluate the feasibility and usability of the test for cognitive training. At the end of the test, the usability and feasibility were assessed by a self-report questionnaire based on a 7-point Likert-type scale. Response time and finger tapping were measured in patients before and after the test. Results Participants included 10 physiatrists, 6 OTs, and 11 patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. The mean scores for overall satisfaction with the program were 5.75 (SD 1.00) for rehabilitation specialists and 5.64 (SD 1.43) for patients. The response time of the dominant hand in patients decreased after the single session of cognitive training using VR, but this was not statistically significant (P=.25). There was no significant change in finger tapping in either the right or left hand (P=.48 and P=.42, respectively). None of the participants reported headaches, dizziness, or any other motion sickness after the test. Conclusions A fully immersive VR cognitive training program may be feasible and usable in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia based on the positive satisfaction and willingness to use the program reported by physiatrists, OTs, and patients. Although not statistically significant, decreased response time without a change in finger tapping rate may reflect a temporary increase in attention after the test. Additional clinical trials are needed to investigate the effect on cognitive function, mood, and physical outcomes.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of the chin-tuck maneuver on the movements of swallowing-related structures in healthy subjects and formulate standard instructions for the maneuver. A total of 40 healthy volunteers (20 men and 20 women) swallowed 10 mL of diluted barium solution in a “normal and comfortable” position (NEUT), a comfortable chin-down position (DOWN), and a strict chin-tuck position (TUCK). Resting state anatomy and kinematic changes were analyzed and compared between postures. Although angles of anterior cervical flexion were comparable between DOWN (46.65 ± 9.69 degrees) and TUCK (43.27 ± 12.20), the chin-to-spine distance was significantly shorter in TUCK than in other positions. Only TUCK showed a significantly shorter anteroposterior diameter of the laryngeal inlet (TUCK vs. NEUT, 14.0 ± 4.3 vs. 16.3 ± 5.0 mm) and the oropharynx (18.8 ± 3.1 vs. 20.5 ± 2.8 mm) at rest. The maximal horizontal displacement of the hyoid bone was significantly less in TUCK (9.6 ± 3.0 mm) than in NEUT (12.6 ± 2.6 mm; p < 0.01) or DOWN (12.1 ± 3.0 mm; p < 0.01). TUCK facilitated movement of the epiglottic base upward (TUCK vs. NEUT, 15.8 ± 4.7 vs. 13.3 ± 4.5 mm; p < 0.01). In contrast, DOWN increased the horizontal excursion of the epiglottic base and reduced movement of the vocal cords. These results quantitatively elucidated the biomechanical influences of the chin-tuck maneuver including reduced horizontal movement of the hyoid bone, facilitation of vertical movement of the epiglottic base, and narrowing of the airway entrance. Comparing DOWN and TUCK, only TUCK induced significant changes in the airway entrance, hyoid movement, and epiglottic base retraction.