Socially Assistive Robot for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Long-Term in-the-Wild Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Socially assistive robots (SARs) have been suggested as a platform for post-stroke training. It is not yet known whether long-term interaction with a SAR can lead to an improvement in the functional ability of individuals post-stroke. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the changes in motor ability and quality of life following a long-term intervention for upper-limb rehabilitation of post-stroke individuals using three approaches: 1) training with a SAR in addition to usual care; 2) training with a computer in addition to usual care; and 3) usual care with no additional intervention.

Spatiotemporal variability after stroke reflects more than just slow walking velocity.

Background: Increased spatiotemporal gait variability is considered a clinical biomarker of ageing and pathology, and a predictor of future falls. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the increased spatiotemporal variability observed in persons with stroke is directly related to the pathology or simply reflects their choice of walking velocity.

Research Question: Does increased spatiotemporal gait variability directly relate to motor coordination deficits after stroke?

Methods: Forty persons with stroke participated in this cross-sectional study.

A robot goes to rehab: a novel gamified system for long-term stroke rehabilitation using a socially assistive robot-methodology and usability testing.

Background: Socially assistive robots (SARs) have been proposed as a tool to help individuals who have had a stroke to perform their exercise during their rehabilitation process. Yet, to date, there are no data on the motivating benefit of SARs in a long-term interaction with post-stroke patients.

Methods: Here, we describe a robot-based gamified exercise platform, which we developed for long-term post-stroke rehabilitation.

Minimizing treatment complexity of combat-related soft tissue injuries using a dedicated tension relief system and negative pressure therapy augmented by high-dose antibiotic therapy and oxygen delivery: a retrospective study.

Background: Following combat-related, extensive soft tissue injury from gunshot wounds or blasts, prolonged duration from injury to full wound closure is associated with infection, increased morbidity and mortality, failure to mobilize, poor functional outcome and increased cost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel treatment enabling early primary closure of combat wounds.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of 10 soldiers and civilians with extensive combat-related soft tissue limb injuries (5 gunshot wounds, 5 blasts) treated using the TopClosure Tension Relief System (TRS) with simultaneous administration of regulated oxygen-enriched and irrigation negative pressure-assisted wound therapy (ROINPT) via the Vcare α device.

[STENOSING FLEXOR TENOSYNOVITIS - COMMON PRACTICE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS, ORTHOPEDIC AND HAND SURGEONS].

Background: The trigger finger is a common condition of the hand that is treated by family physicians, orthopedic and hand surgeons. The patients suffer from pain, triggering of the finger and may develop a flexion contracture of the finger, causing significant functional limitations.

Aim: The objectives of this study were to evaluate factors involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, as well as the differences in treatment between specialists.