Background/objectives: Spasticity commonly occurs in individuals after experiencing a stroke, impairing their hand function and limiting activities of daily living (ADLs). In this paper, we introduce an exoskeletal aid, combined with a set of augmented reality (AR) games consisting of the Rehabotics rehabilitation solution, designed for individuals with upper limb spasticity following stroke.
Methods: Our study, involving 60 post-stroke patients (mean ± SD age: 70.
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a preferred treatment for primary osteoarthritis (OA) or secondary degenerative arthropathy due to developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). Gait analysis is considered a gold standard for evaluating post-arthroplasty walking patterns. This study compared post-THA spatiotemporal gait parameters (SGPs) between OA and DDH patients and explored correlations with demographic and clinical variables.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA popular and widely suggested measure for assessing unilateral hand motor skills in stroke patients is the box and block test (BBT). Our study aimed to create an augmented reality enhanced version of the BBT (AR-BBT) and evaluate its correlation to the original BBT for stroke patients. Following G-power analysis, clinical examination, and inclusion-exclusion criteria, 31 stroke patients were included in this study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The study of physiotherapy is challenging and can affect the students' well-being and quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe and compare factors that could affect well-being among students across Europe.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire survey, students of bachelor's physiotherapy programs from 23 European faculties, from 8 countries, were interviewed on mental health and stress burden, sleep quality, dietary habits, and physical activity.
Classical ballet dancers are exposed daily to physically demanding movements. Among these, the Grand Plié stands out for its biomechanical complexity, particularly the stress applied to the knee joint. This study investigates the knee kinematics of healthy professional classical ballet dancers performing the Grand Plié.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomedicines
April 2023
Hip fractures are a major health concern, particularly for older adults, as they can reduce life quality, mobility loss, and even death. Current evidence reveals that early intervention is recommended for endurance in patients with hip fractures. To our knowledge, preoperative exercise intervention in patients with hip fractures remains poorly researched, and no study has yet applied aerobic exercise preoperatively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHemostatic balance refers to the dynamic balance between blood clot formation (coagulation), blood clot dissolution (fibrinolysis), anticoagulation, and innate immunity. Although regular habitual exercise may lower the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) by improving an individual's hemostatic profile at rest and during exertion, vigorous exercise may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death and venous thromboembolism (VTE). This literature review aims to investigate the hemostatic system's acute and chronic adaptive responses to different types of exercise in healthy and patient populations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLumbar muscle atrophy, diminished strength, stamina, and increased fatigability have been associated with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). When evaluating patients with LBP, trunk or core stability, provided by the performance and coordination of trunk muscles, appears to be essential. Several clinical tests have been developed to identify deficiencies in trunk performance, demonstrating high levels of validity and reproducibility.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The recurrence rate of lumbar spine microdiscectomies (rLSMs) is estimated to be 5-15%. Lumbar spine flexion (LSF) of more than 10° is mentioned as the most harmful load to the intervertebral disc that could lead to recurrence during the first six postoperative weeks. The purpose of this study is to quantify LSFs, following LSM, at the period of six weeks postoperatively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn vitro measurements are widely used to implement gait kinematic and kinetic parameters to predict THA wear rate. Clinical tests of materials and designs are crucial to prove the accuracy and validate such measurements. This research aimed to examine the effect of CoC and CoXLPE kinematics and kinetics on wear during gait, the essential functional activity of humans, by comparing in vivo data to in vitro results.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFElectrical injury can affect any system and organ. Central nervous system (CNS) complications are especially well recognised, causing an increased risk of morbidity, while peripheral nervous system (PNS) complications, neurourological and cognitive and psychological abnormalities are less predictable after electrical injuries. PubMed was searched for English language clinical observational, retrospective, review and case studies published in the last 30 years using the key words: electrical injury, electrocution, complications, sequelae, neurological, cognitive, psychological, urological, neuropsychological, neurourological, neurogenic, and bladder.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGait analysis using external skin markers provides scope for the study of kinematic and kinetic parameters shown on different total knee arthroplasties (TKA). Thus an appropriate methodology is of great importance for the collection and correlation of valid data. Calibration of equipment is of great importance before measurements, to assure accuracy.
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