BackgroundTechnology-mediated neurorehabilitation is suggested to enhance training intensity and therefore functional gains. Here, we used a novel virtual reality (VR) system for task-specific upper extremity training after stroke. The system offers interactive exercises integrating motor priming techniques and embodied visuomotor feedback. In this pilot study, we examined (i) rehabilitation dose and training intensity, (ii) functional improvements, and (iii) safety and tolerance when exposed to intensive VR rehabilitation.MethodsTen outpatient stroke survivors with chronic (>6 months) upper extremity paresis participated in a ten-session VR-based upper limb rehabilitation program (2 sessions/week).ResultsAll participants completed all sessions of the treatment. In total, they received a median of 403 min of upper limb therapy, with 290 min of effective training. Within that time, participants performed a median of 4713 goal-directed movements. Importantly, training intensity increased progressively across sessions from 13.2 to 17.3 movements per minute. Clinical measures show that despite being in the chronic phase, where recovery potential is thought to be limited, participants showed a median improvement rate of 5.3% in motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity; FMA-UE) post intervention compared to baseline, and of 15.4% at one-month follow-up. For three of them, this improvement was clinically significant. A significant improvement in shoulder active range of motion (AROM) was also observed at follow-up. Participants reported very low levels of pain, stress and fatigue following each session of training, indicating that the intensive VR intervention was well tolerated. No severe adverse events were reported. All participants expressed their interest in continuing the intervention at the hospital or even at home, suggesting high levels of adherence and motivation for the provided intervention.ConclusionsThis pilot study showed how a dedicated VR system could deliver high rehabilitation doses and, importantly, intensive training in chronic stroke survivors. FMA-UE and AROM results suggest that task-specific VR training may be beneficial for further functional recovery both in the chronic stage of stroke. Longitudinal studies with higher doses and sample sizes are required to confirm the therapy effectiveness.Trial registrationThis trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database (registration number NCT03094650) on 14 March 2017.

Background It was suggested that robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) should not be routinely provided to disabled patients in place of conventional over-ground walking training (CGT). There exist several randomised controlled trials reporting on RAGT for people with multiple sclerosis. However, the effectiveness of RAGT varies between studies with the effectiveness pointing in different directions. It might be possible that the effectiveness of RAGT and CGT depends on the disease related disabilities of the people included in the clinical studies. We aimed to systematically search RCTs and to perform a meta-regression to compare the effects of robot-assisted gait training in people with less and higher disease related disabilities. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were used to classify level of disability. Methods A systematic search was developed to search four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE and CINAHL) for eligible articles. A random effects model was applied to meta-analyse the effects of the interventions. Meta-regression was performed with an uni-variable random effects model using baseline walking speed and EDSS to predict the between group effect. Results The search on databases resulted in 596 records and finally nine studies were included into the review. The pooled estimates of the effects for performance over short and long distance tests were small and non-significant: -0.08 SMD (95% CI: -0.51 to 0.35) and − 0.24 SMD (95% CI: -0.67 to 0.19). Neither baseline walking speed or disease related disability were related to the mean effect size. Discussion Future studies are needed to help clinicians to decide, which intervention should be allocated to the individual patient. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-019-1321-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Contractures influence walking depending on the location (muscle) and the contracture level (muscle-tendon length). After giving a definition of contracture, this review identified some contracture alterations, such as plantarflexion, knee flexion and hip flexion contractures, with a kinematic description and presented possible different compensations.

Purpose: To identify which of the socio-environmental factors of patients with stroke are predictive for discharge to their home after inpatient rehabilitation. Because discharge planning is a key component of rehabilitation, it is important to recognize the predictive factors for a discharge home. Other systematic reviews demonstrated the value of functional outcome measures. This review adds to the current literature by assessing the predictive value of socio-environmental factors, which shape the context in which a person lives. Methods: We performed a systematic search in seven databases. Two independent reviewers selected studies and assessed them for methodological quality. We extracted data to estimate pooled odds ratio for household situation, social support, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Results: Forty studies were included. Significant estimates were found for living with others (OR 2.60; 95%CI 1.84-3.68), having support at home (OR 11.48; 95%CI 6.52-20.21), being married (OR 2.05; 95%CI 1.80-2.33) and living at home before stroke (OR 31.01;. Conclusion:Living at home and benefiting from social support, including living with others, are important factors to consider during discharge planning after stroke. Further research should consider the impact of socioeconomic status. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONEvaluating the social and environmental factors of patients with stroke plays an important role in discharge planning. Next to functional status, caregiver availability (support at home) is among the strongest predictive factors for discharge home. To assess caregiver availability, the presence of a willing and able caregiver should be surveyed at admission. Further predictive factors for discharge home are cohabitation and marital status.