Exploring unsupervised feature extraction of IMU-based gait data in stroke rehabilitation using a variational autoencoder.

Background: Variational AutoEncoders (VAE) might be utilized to extract relevant information from an IMU-based gait measurement by reducing the sensor data to a low-dimensional representation. The present study explored whether VAEs can reduce IMU-based gait data of people after stroke into a few latent features with minimal reconstruction error. Additionally, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the latent features in comparison to gait speed, by assessing 1) their reliability; 2) the difference in scores between people after stroke and healthy controls; and 3) their responsiveness during rehabilitation.

Beyond gait speed: exploring the added value of Inertial Measurement Unit-based measurements of gait in the estimation of the walking ability in daily life.

Background: Gait speed is often used to estimate the walking ability in daily life in people after stroke. While measuring gait with inertial measurement units (IMUs) during clinical assessment yields additional information, it remains unclear if this information can improve the estimation of the walking ability in daily life beyond gait speed.

Objective: We evaluated the additive value of IMU-based gait features over a simple gait-speed measurement in the estimation of walking ability in people after stroke.

Reliability of IMU-based balance assessment in clinical stroke rehabilitation.

Background: Balance is often affected after stroke, severely impacting activities of daily life. Conventional testing methods to assess balance provide limited information, as they are subjected to floor and ceiling effects. Instrumented tests, for instance using inertial measurement units, offer a feasible and promising alternative.

Reliability of IMU-Based Gait Assessment in Clinical Stroke Rehabilitation.

Background: Gait is often impaired in people after stroke, restricting personal independence and affecting quality of life. During stroke rehabilitation, walking capacity is conventionally assessed by measuring walking distance and speed. Gait features, such as asymmetry and variability, are not routinely determined, but may provide more specific insights into the patient's walking capacity.

Treatment of knee hyperextension in post-stroke gait. A systematic review.

Background: Post-stroke, patients exhibit considerable variations in gait patterns. One of the variations that can be present in post-stroke gait is knee hyperextension in the stance phase.

Research Question: What is the current evidence for the effectiveness of the treatment of knee hyperextension in post-stroke gait?

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library were searched for relevant controlled trials.

Decision-Making on Referral to Primary Care Physiotherapy After Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation.

Objective: This study aimed to acquire insight into the decision-making processes of healthcare professionals concerning referral to primary care physiotherapy at the time of discharge from inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

Design: A generic qualitative study using an inductive thematic analysis was performed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted following an interview guide.