Innovative computed tomography based mapping of the surgical posterior tympanotomy: An exploratory study.

Robotic devices have recently enhanced cochlear implantation by improving precision resulting in reduced intracochlear damage during electrode insertion. This study aimed to gain first insights into the expected dimensions of the cone-like workspace from the posterior tympanotomy towards the round window membrane. This retrospective chart review analyzed ten postoperative CT scans of adult patients who were implanted with a CI in the past ten years.

Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Atlas of the Human Cochlear Hook Region.

Advancements in intracochlear diagnostics, as well as prosthetic and regenerative inner ear therapies, rely on a good understanding of cochlear microanatomy. The human cochlea is very small and deeply embedded within the densest skull bone, making nondestructive visualization of its internal microstructures extremely challenging. Current imaging techniques used in clinical practice, such as MRI and CT, fall short in their resolution to visualize important intracochlear landmarks, and histological analysis of the cochlea cannot be performed on living patients without compromising their hearing.

Assessing life balance of European people with multiple sclerosis: A multicenter clinimetric study within the RIMS network.

Background: Life balance is defined as "a satisfying pattern of daily activity that is healthful, meaningful, and sustainable to an individual within the context of his or her current life circumstances". To assess life balance, the self-report instrument Life Balance Inventory (LBI) has been developed in the US. The aim of this study was to evaluate cross-cultural, construct validity and test-retest reliability of translated versions of the LBI in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) within different European cultures (Dutch, Flemish, Slovenian, and Spanish).

Intensity-dependent clinical effects of an individualized technology-supported task-oriented upper limb training program in Multiple Sclerosis: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Task-oriented training promotes functional recovery in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Know-how to determine an individualized training intensity and intensity-dependent effects are, however, unknown. The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility and the clinical effects of a task-oriented upper limb training program at different individualized training intensities with conventional occupational therapy.

Investigation of Fatigability during Repetitive Robot-Mediated Arm Training in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are encouraged to engage in exercise programs but an increased experience of fatigue may impede sustained participation in training sessions. A high number of movements is, however, needed for obtaining optimal improvements after rehabilitation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated whether people with MS show abnormal fatigability during a robot-mediated upper limb movement trial.

Robot-supported upper limb training in a virtual learning environment : a pilot randomized controlled trial in persons with MS.

Background: Despite the functional impact of upper limb dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS), effects of intensive exercise programs and specifically robot-supported training have been rarely investigated in persons with advanced MS.

Aim: To investigate the effects of additional robot-supported upper limb training in persons with MS compared to conventional treatment only.

Methods: Seventeen persons with MS (pwMS) (median Expanded Disability Status Scale of 8, range 3.

Hand grip fatigability in persons with multiple sclerosis according to hand dominance and disease progression.

Background: Hand grip strength in both the dominant and non-dominant hands is often used to assess upper limb impairment. Excessive hand grip fatigability is another important measure, as fatigability may also influence activities of daily living.

Objective: To investigate to what extent hand grip fatigability in multiple sclerosis is dependent on hand dominance, muscle strength and disease progression.

Assessment of upper limb motor function in patients with multiple sclerosis using the Virtual Peg Insertion Test: a pilot study.

Quantifying and tracking upper limb impairment is of key importance to the understanding of disease progress, establishing patient-tailored therapy protocols and for optimal care provision. This paper presents the results of a pilot study on the assessment of upper limb motor function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with the Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT). The test consists in a goal-directed reaching task using a commercial haptic display combined with an instrumented handle and virtual environment, and allows for the extraction of objective kinematic and dynamic parameters.

Self-reported use of the upper limbs related to clinical tests in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between self-reported use of the upper limbs and clinical tests in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 25 pwMS with upper limb dysfunction. The Motor Activity Log (MAL) was bilaterally applied to investigate the self-reported use of both upper limbs.

Perceived and actual arm performance in multiple sclerosis: relationship with clinical tests according to hand dominance.

Background: The real-life relevance of frequently applied clinical arm tests is not well known in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: This study aimed to determine the relation between real-life arm performance and clinical tests in MS.

Methods: Thirty wheelchair-bound MS patients and 30 healthy controls were included.

Visualizing the third dimension in virtual training environments for neurologically impaired persons: beneficial or disruptive?

Background: Many contemporary systems for neurorehabilitation utilize 3D virtual environments (VEs) that allow for training patients' hand or arm movements. In the current paper we comparatively test the effectiveness of two characteristics of VEs in rehabilitation training when utilizing a 3D haptic interaction device: Stereo Visualization (monoscopic vs stereoscopic image presentation) and Graphic Environment (2.5D vs 3D).

The Armeo Spring as training tool to improve upper limb functionality in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Background: Few research in multiple sclerosis (MS) has focused on physical rehabilitation of upper limb dysfunction, though the latter strongly influences independent performance of activities of daily living. Upper limb rehabilitation technology could hold promise for complementing traditional MS therapy. Consequently, this pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility of an 8-week mechanical-assisted training program for improving upper limb muscle strength and functional capacity in MS patients with evident paresis.