Assistive technology: opportunities for societal inclusion of persons with disabilities and independence of the elderly.

Assistive technology (AT) development worldwide aims to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities and elderly, yet its development and commercialization may face challenges. This collection aims at obtaining a better understanding of the hurdles that various stakeholders may face in the successful development and commercialization of AT.

Targeted muscle reinnervation in managing post-amputation related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Limb amputation can cause residual limb pain (RLP) and/or phantom limb pain (PLP). Although targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) was initially introduced to facilitate the control of prosthetic limbs, it has been noted that these patients experience less pain and improved prosthetic functional outcomes. As a result, the use of TMR in managing neuroma-related RLP is increasing.

Are internal lengthening devices effective and associated with less complications compared to other lengthening devices? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Internal lengthening devices became more popular than external fixators. This was attributed to their effectiveness and lower complication rates. However, this is an assumption that is not on the basis of solid scientific evidence.

Validity and reliability of smartphones in measuring joint position sense among asymptomatic individuals and patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Quantifying proprioception deficit in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) may be important in evaluating treatment effectiveness. This study investigated the concurrent and known-groups validity as well as test-retest reliability of a smartphone application in assessing joint position sense (JPS) in asymptomatic individuals and patients with knee OA.

Methods: Sixty-four knees, from 16 asymptomatic controls and 16 patients with bilateral OA, were assessed twice with a 1-week interval in between.

Validity and Reliability of Interactive Virtual Reality in Assessing the Musculoskeletal System: a Systematic Review.

Purpose Of Review: Assessment of the musculoskeletal system requires consideration of its integrated function with the nervous system. This may be assisted by using valid and reliable methods that simulate real-life situations. Interactive virtual reality (VR) technology may introduce various auditory and visual inputs that mimic real-life scenarios.

Psychometric properties of chronic low back pain diagnostic classification systems: a systematic review.

Objectives: To identify and critically appraise studies evaluating psychometric properties of functionally oriented diagnostic classification systems for Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain (NS-CLBP).

Methods: This review employed methodology consistent with PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases and journals: (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, PEDro, CINAHL, Index to chiropractic literature, ProQuest, Physical Therapy, Journal of Physiotherapy, Canadian Physiotherapy and Physiotherapy Theory and Practice) were searched from inception until January 2020.

Validity and reliability of smartphone use in assessing balance in patients with chronic ankle instability and healthy volunteers: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with defective posture control and balance; thus, a proper assessment of these impairments is necessary for effective clinical decision-making. There is a need for portable, valid, and reliable methods to facilitate the easy collection of real-world data, such as mobile phones.

Research Question: Is the smartphone "MyAnkle" application valid and reliable in assessing balance in patients with CAI and healthy volunteers?

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the Core Outcome Measures Index for the back (COMI-back) in patients with non-specific low back pain.

Purpose: To cross-culturally adapt the Core Outcome Measures Index for the back (COMI-back) for the Arabic language and to test its reliability and validity in Egyptian patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP).

Methods: COMI-back was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Arabic according to standard guidelines. Its construct validity was assessed in 85 patients with chronic LBP (mean (± SD) age, 41.

A proposed soft pneumatic actuator control based on angle estimation from data-driven model.

This article proposes a bending angle controller for soft pneumatic actuators, which could be implemented in soft robotic rehabilitation gloves to assist patients with hand impairment, such as stroke survivors. A data-driven model is used to estimate the angle as pneumatic pressure is applied to the actuator. Furthermore, a finite element model was used to manually optimize the dimensions of the actuator.

Is Virtual Reality Effective in Orthopedic Rehabilitation? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive technology that allows customized treatment and may help in delivering effective person-centered rehabilitation.

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to systematically review and critically appraise the controlled clinical trials that investigated VR effectiveness in orthopedic rehabilitation.

Data Sources: Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, REHABDATA, and Sage publications were searched up to September 2018.

Design and validation of a smart wearable device to prevent recurrent ankle sprain.

Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common ankle injuries, especially in sports. When not treated properly, chronic ankle instability (CAI) may develop causing recurrent sprains and permanent damage to ankle ligaments. In this study, the design, implementation and validation of a smart wearable device connected to a smartphone application is described.

Time to recovery of sciatic function index after induced tibialis anterior strain in rats.

Background: Muscle strain is a common injury with a high recurrence rate. Due to the heterogeneity of strain injuries, experimental animals provide controlled and reproducible models to investigate such injuries. Sciatic Function Index (SFI) is a clinically feasible method to assess hind limb recovery in rodents after induced injuries.

Validity and reliability of smartphone applications for clinical assessment of the neuromusculoskeletal system.

Clinicians increasingly use smartphone medical applications. There is no evidence to support the validity and reliability of applications used to assess the neuromusculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to systematically review the quality of studies as well as the validity and reliability of using a smartphone as a clinical assessment tool for the neuromusculoskeletal system.

The effectiveness of manual versus algometer pressure release techniques for treating active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius.

Manual pressure release (MPR) is a popular treatment of trigger points. Yet, treatment response may be influenced by inconsistent application of pressure. Further, it may contribute to increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the wrist and hand in therapists.

Changes in contractile properties of muscles receiving repeat injections of botulinum toxin (Botox).

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a frequently used therapeutic tool to denervate muscles in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Although considered safe by the US Food and Drug Administration, BTX-A can produce adverse effects in target and non-target muscles. With an increased use of BTX-A for neuromuscular disorders, the effects of repeat injections of BTX-A on strength, muscle mass and structure need to be known.