Measurement properties of movement smoothness metrics for upper limb reaching movements in people with moderate to severe subacute stroke.

Background: Movement smoothness is a potential kinematic biomarker of upper extremity (UE) movement quality and recovery after stroke; however, the measurement properties of available smoothness metrics have been poorly assessed in this group. We aimed to measure the reliability, responsiveness and construct validity of several smoothness metrics.

Methods: This ancillary study of the REM-AVC trial included 31 participants with hemiparesis in the subacute phase of stroke (median time since stroke: 38 days).

Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: Expectations Regarding Treatment and Information, and Utility of the SEA-MS-F Questionnaire.

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint in female with multiple sclerosis (MS), however this problem is not often considered in the medical and psychological care.

Aim: To evaluate expectations regarding treatment and information for sexual dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis using the SEA-MS-F (Sexual Dysfunction Management and Expectations Assessment in Multiple sclerosis - Female) questionnaire, and to gain an understanding of the relationship between their expectations, demographic factors and medical factors known to promote sexual dysfunction.

Methods: A prospective epidemiological, descriptive, analytical, multicentre study was carried out over 15 months on adult women suffering from MS.

Additional, Mechanized Upper Limb Self-Rehabilitation in Patients With Subacute Stroke: The REM-AVC Randomized Trial.

Background And Purpose: Additional therapy may improve poststroke outcomes. Self-rehabilitation is a useful means to increase rehabilitation time. Mechanized systems are usual means to extend time for motor training.

Validity and reliability of radiological methods to assess proximal hip geometry in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the current validity and reliability of radiological methods used to measure proximal hip geometry in children with cerebral palsy.

Method: A search was conducted using relevant keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria of the MEDLINE, CINALH Plus, Embase, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, The Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO databases.

Results: The migration percentage using X-rays showed excellent reliability and concurrent validity with three-dimensional (3D) measurements from computed tomography (CT) scans.

Constraint therapy versus intensive training: implications for motor control and brain plasticity after stroke.

Many studies have demonstrated that constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) improves upper limb motor impairment following stroke. This rehabilitation method combines constraint of the less-affected upperlimb with intensive training of the paretic limb. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in a single case study, the respective effects of each of these two therapeutic interventions.

What's new in new technologies for upper extremity rehabilitation?

Purpose Of Review: The field of new technologies for upper-limb rehabilitation is exploding. The review presents new trends and studies of effectiveness from recent literature regarding robots, virtual reality and telerehabilitation for neurorehabilitation of the upper limb.

Recent Findings: There appears to be a greater focus on technological developments than on clinical trials or studies to evaluate the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of these systems.