Efficacy of brain-computer interface training with motor imagery-contingent feedback in improving upper limb function and neuroplasticity among persons with chronic stroke: a double-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology can enhance neural plasticity and motor recovery in persons with stroke. However, the effects of BCI training with motor imagery (MI)-contingent feedback versus MI-independent feedback remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the contingent connection between MI-induced brain activity and feedback influences functional and neural plasticity outcomes.

Ultrasonography for Assessment and Intervention With Botulinum Toxin Injection for Tremors.

Objective: Tremors are caused by contractions of reciprocally innervated muscles. The role of ultrasound in diagnosing tremors has not yet been investigated, although it appears to be promising because it can visualize muscle movements. In the present study, we report four cases of tremor (Holmes' tremor, extremity tremor associated with palatal myoclonus, dystonic tremor, and tremor associated with dystonia), which were evaluated using ultrasound and treated with botulinum toxin injections.

Virtual reality-based music attention training for acquired brain injury: A randomized crossover study.

This single-blind randomized crossover study aimed to explore the effectiveness of virtual reality-based music attention training (VR-MAT) on cognitive function and examine its potential as a cognitive assessment tool in people with acquired brain injury (ABI). Overall, 24 participants with cognitive impairment secondary to a first-ever ABI underwent VR-MAT and conventional cognitive training (CCT) 3 months after onset. This was performed in two 4-week phases, over 8 weeks.

Brain-computer interface on wrist training with or without neurofeedback in subacute stroke: a study protocol for a double-blinded, randomized control pilot trial.

Background: After a stroke, damage to the part of the brain that controls movement results in the loss of motor function. Brain-computer interface (BCI)-based stroke rehabilitation involves patients imagining movement without physically moving while the system measures the perceptual-motor rhythm in the motor cortex. Visual feedback through virtual reality and functional electrical stimulation is provided simultaneously.

Effectiveness of mixed reality-based rehabilitation on hands and fingers by individual finger-movement tracking in patients with stroke.

Background: Mixed reality (MR) is helpful in hand training for patients with stroke, allowing them to fully submerge in a virtual space while interacting with real objects. The recognition of individual finger movements is required for MR rehabilitation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of updated MR-board 2, adding finger training for patients with stroke.

Attitude Toward Virtual Rehabilitation and Active Video Games Among Therapists in Korea: A Nationwide Survey.

In this study, we conducted a survey targeting 191 physical therapists (PTs) and 159 occupational therapists (OTs) in South Korea to explore attitudes toward virtual rehabilitation. Utilizing the Korean version of the ADOPT VR by Glegg et al., OT exhibited significantly more experience with virtual reality (VR) and active video games (AVG) than PT.

Resistive versus active assisted robotic training for the upper limb after a stroke: A randomized controlled study.

Background: Selection of a suitable training modality according to the status of upper limb function can maximize the effects of robotic rehabilitation; therefore, it is necessary to identify the optimal training modality.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare robotic rehabilitation approaches incorporating either resistance training (RET) or active-assisted training (AAT) using the same rehabilitation robot in people with stroke and moderate impairment.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we randomly allocated 34 people with stroke who had moderate impairment to either the experimental group (RET, n = 18) or the control group (AAT, n = 16).

Feasibility of Isokinetic Training to Modify Coupling of Upper Limb Muscle Synergy Activation in Stroke-affected Upper Limb.

Abnormal intermuscular coordination in stroke-affected upper limbs contributes to motor deficits after stroke. In particular, abnormalities in the activation of upper limb muscle synergies after stroke were demonstrated for endpoint force control during isokinetic exercises. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of isokinetic training to alter these abnormal synergy activations and improve motor control.

Relevance of Upper Limb Muscle Synergies to Dynamic Force Generation: Perspectives on Rehabilitation of Impaired Intermuscular Coordination in Stroke.

This study investigated the impact of stroke on the control of upper limb endpoint force during isokinetic exercise, a dynamic force-generating task, and its association with stroke-affected muscle synergies. Three-dimensional upper limb endpoint force and electromyography of shoulder and elbow muscles were collected from sixteen chronic stroke survivors and eight neurologically intact adults. Participants were instructed to control the endpoint force direction during three-dimensional isokinetic upper limb movements.

Functional MRI Assessment of Brain Activity During Hand Rehabilitation with an MR-Compatible Soft Glove in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Preliminary Study.

Brain plasticity plays a significant role in functional recovery after stroke, but the specific benefits of hand rehabilitation robot therapy remain unclear. Evaluating the specific effects of hand rehabilitation robot therapy is crucial in understanding how it impacts brain activity and its relationship to rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the brain activity pattern during hand rehabilitation exercise using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and to compare it before and after 3-week hand rehabilitation robot training.

Virtual reality-based music attention training for acquired brain injury: A protocol for randomized cross-over trial.

Attention training is the primary step in the rehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). While active music performance has been reported to aid neural and functional recovery, its efficacy for patients with ABI remains uncertain due to methodological concerns. The purpose of the study is to develop a virtual reality-based music attention training (VR-MAT), which utilizes a visually guided, bilateral drumming in an immersive environment to train attention and executive functions.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea-Part 1: Rehabilitation for Motor Function (2022).

This clinical practice guideline (CPG) is the fourth edition of the Korean guideline for stroke rehabilitation, which was last updated in 2016. The development approach has been changed from a consensus-based approach to an evidence-based approach using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method. This change ensures that the guidelines are based on the latest and strongest evidence available.

Feasibility of hemispatial neglect rehabilitation with virtual reality-based visual exploration therapy among patients with stroke: randomised controlled trial.

Background: Hemispatial neglect (HSN) was diagnosed using a virtual reality-based test (FOPR test) that explores the field of perception (FOP) and field of regard (FOR). Here, we developed virtual reality-visual exploration therapy (VR-VET) combining elements from the FOPR test and visual exploration therapy (VET) and examined its efficacy for HSN rehabilitation following stroke.

Methods: Eleven participants were randomly assigned to different groups, training with VR-VET first then waiting without VR-VET training (TW), or vice versa (WT).

Cardiopulmonary Response to Robot-Assisted Tilt Table With Regard to Its Components.

Cardiopulmonary function is exceptionally critical during the early stages of rehabilitation after neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease. This study aimed to demonstrate how robot-assisted and tilt table exercises affect cardiopulmonary function. In this study, ten healthy young adults performed six combinations of conditions according to robot-assisted mode (on/off), angle of tilt table (20°/60°), and functional electrical stimulation (FES) mode (on/off).

Attitude Toward Telerehabilitation Among Physical and Occupational Therapists in Korea: A Brief Descriptive Report.

The attitude toward telerehabilitation (TR) among therapists (191 physical therapists and 159 occupational therapists) in Korea was surveyed. The survey consisted of 15 questions in the following 8 domains: awareness(AW), attitude (AT), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived behavioral control (PBC), self-efficacy (SE), facilitating conditions (FC), barriers (B), and behavioral intention (BI). Therapists with experience in TR responded with higher scores in all domains except B, regardless of their specialty.

Assessment of Upper Extremity Function in People With Stroke Based on the Framework of the ICF: A Narrative Review.

Although there are many assessment tools for upper extremity (UE) function, it is still difficult to select an appropriate outcome measurement for the rehabilitation process of individuals with stroke. This review aims to classify each tool within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework and provide an overview of UE assessments. Through a comprehensive understanding of assessments based on ICF, health care professionals will be able to choose suitable measurement tools for individuals, facilitating their rehabilitation.

Erratum: Assessment of Upper Extremity Function in People With Stroke Based on the Framework of the ICF: A Narrative Review.

[This corrects the article e16 in vol. 15.].

Subjective Memory Complaints and Their Relationship with the Objective Cognitive Performance of Stroke Patients.

Introduction: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are common among patients with stroke, significantly affect long-term disability, and contribute to poor functional outcomes. We explored changes in the subjective memory complaints questionnaire (SMCQ) score of stroke patients, correlations among SMCs, objective cognitive performance (OCP), and functional status. We also explored whether participants could be divided into groups based on the presence or absence of SMCs and OCP impairment, which could be related to rehabilitation outcomes.

The feasibility of mixed reality-based upper extremity self-training for patients with stroke-A pilot study.

Unlabelled: Mixed reality (MR), which combines virtual reality and tangible objects, can be used for repetitive training by patients with stroke, allowing them to be immersed in a virtual environment while maintaining their perception of the real world. We developed an MR-based rehabilitation board (MR-board) for the upper limb, particularly for hand rehabilitation, and aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of the MR-board as a self-training rehabilitation tool for the upper extremity in stroke patients. The MR-board contains five gamified programs that train upper-extremity movements by using the affected hand and six differently shaped objects.

EEG-EMG hybrid real-time classification of hand grasp and release movements intention in chronic stroke patients.

Rehabilitation of the hand motor function is essential for stroke patients to resume activities of daily living. Recent studies have shown that wearable robot systems, like a multi degree-of-freedom soft glove, have the potential to improve hand motor impairment. The rehabilitation system, which is intuitively controlled according to the user's intention, is expected to induce active participation of the user and further promote brain plasticity.

Does electrical stimulation synchronized with ankle movements better improve ankle proprioception and gait kinematics in chronic stroke? A randomized controlled study.

Background: Individuals with stroke have impaired sensorimotor function of ankle.

Objective: To investigate the effects of passive biaxial ankle movement training synchronized with electrical stimulation therapy (AMT-EST) on ankle proprioception, passive range of motion (pROM), and strength, balance, and gait of chronic stroke patients.

Methods: Thirty-five stroke patients were randomized.

Dementia Epidemiology Fact Sheet 2022.

This dementia epidemiology fact sheet 2022 is aimed at providing an overview of the epidemiology of dementia in Korea using representative government-led data. This review summarizes the prevalence and incidence of this condition using various types of data. The prevalence and incidence of dementia have increased and are predicted to continue to do so.

Efficiency and usability of a modified pegboard incorporating computerized technology for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with stroke.

Background: Traditionally, a pegboard has been commonly used as a useful training and assessment tool for patients with stroke. However, training using pegboards could be monotonous and may discourage motivation in patients with stroke, as it requires only repetitive movements without feedback.

Objectives: We aimed to demonstrate the efficiency and usability of a novel rehabilitation instrument (Rapael Smart Pegboard; SP), which integrates computerized technology into a traditional pegboard.