Could aerobic exercise applied before constraint-induced movement therapy change circulating molecular biomarkers in chronic post-stroke?

Background: Integrating aerobic exercise (AE) into rehabilitation programs for post-stroke individuals could enhance motor recovery and cardiovascular health by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the myokine irisin. Chronic stroke survivors typically exhibit elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, which is negatively correlated with steps and time in medium cadence, although the impact of AE on this biomarker remains unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of high-intensity AE training prior to modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on BDNF and irisin concentration, and on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in chronic post-stroke individuals and to associate these results with functional improvements.

Prognostic molecular markers for motor recovery in acute hemorrhagic stroke: A systematic review.

Background And Aims: Molecular biomarkers are associated with poor prognosis in ischemic stroke individuals. However, it might not be generalizable to post-acute hemorrhagic stroke since the underlying mechanisms of this brain damage differ from those found in ischemic stroke. The main purpose of this review was to synthesize the potential predictive molecular biomarkers for motor recovery following acute hemorrhagic stroke.

Serum activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 is increased in chronic post-stroke individuals: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

Background: High concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) are associated with inflammation early after stroke. In chronic stages, the elevation of some cytokines is related to the presence of co-morbid conditions in these individuals. In addition to this, some characteristics such as sensorimotor impairment, atrophy, and sedentary lifestyle predispose the system to an inflammatory response.

Adiponectin Concentration and Chronic Stroke Individuals, Associations with Body Composition, Physical Activity Levels and Lipid Profile: A Cross-Sectional Explorative Study.

Objective: Higher adiponectin concentration has been associated with the presence of sarcopenia in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. Post-stroke individuals presented higher adiponectin concentrations than non-stroke ones. However, no previous study has investigated the association between the adiponectin concentration and skeletal muscle mass in post-stroke individuals.

Decreased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Concentrations in Chronic Post-Stroke Subjects.

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in sensorimotor recovery after a stroke. However, few studies have assessed the circulating BDNF levels in post-stroke humans to understand its changes. This study was conducted to measure BDNF serum concentrations in subjects with chronic hemiparesis, as well as to correlate serum concentrations with age, post-stroke time, total score of Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL), mobility subscale score, and motor function of SS-QOL.

Torque steadiness and muscle activation are bilaterally impaired during shoulder abduction and flexion in chronic post-stroke subjects.

Objective: To characterize sensorimotor control and muscle activation in the shoulder of chronic hemiparetic during abduction and flexion in maximal and submaximal isometric contractions. Furthermore, to correlate submaximal sensorimotor control with motor impairment and degree of shoulder subluxation.

Methods: Thirteen chronic hemiparetic post-stroke age-gender matched with healthy were included.

Joint position sense is bilaterally reduced for shoulder abduction and flexion in chronic hemiparetic individuals.

Background: The stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the world. One of the main complaints of individuals post-stroke refers to the loss of function of the upper limb, as evidenced during the performance of activities of daily living. This difficulty may be related to an important component of sensorimotor control, joint position sense, a submodality of proprioception.

Intrinsic properties and functional changes in spastic muscle after application of BTX-A in children with cerebral palsy: systematic review.

Objective: This article aimed to review the literature to verify the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on the intrinsic properties of spastic muscles and functionality in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: A literature search was conducted in the following databases: CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and PubMed. Database searches were limited to the period from January 1993 to March 2014.