Identifying best fall-related balance factors and robotic-assisted gait training attributes in 105 post-stroke patients using clinical machine learning models.

Background: Despite the promising effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on balance and gait in post-stroke rehabilitation, the optimal predictors of fall-related balance and effective RAGT attributes remain unclear in post-stroke patients at a high risk of fall.

Objective: We aimed to determine the most accurate clinical machine learning (ML) algorithm for predicting fall-related balance factors and identifying RAGT attributes.

Methods: We applied five ML algorithms- logistic regression, random forest, decision tree, support vector machine (SVM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGboost)- to a dataset of 105 post-stroke patients undergoing RAGT.

Sustainable effectiveness of kinetic chain stretching on active hip flexion movement and muscle activation for hamstring tightness: A preliminary investigation.

Background: Conventional hamstring (HAM) stretching therapeutic effects are not substantiable in neuromusculoskeletal conditions with HAM tightness or shortness. We developed a kinetic chain stabilization exercise to provide a more sustainable effectiveness in adults with HAM tightness. However, its therapeutic effects and underlying motor mechanisms remain unknown.

Immediate effects of multimodal cognitive therapy in mild cognitive impairment.

Background: Current therapeutic evidence suggests limited efficacy of the cognitive and exercise training in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on depression, anxiety, memory retention, comprehension, calculation, concentration, orientation, dual-task performance, and sleep disorders. Nevertheless, the immediate effects of multimodal cognitive therapy (MCT) have recently developed and its individual effects remains unknown in MCI.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of MCT on cognitive and psychological measures between young healthy and older adults with MCI.

Bolstering Cognitive and Locomotor Function in Post-Stroke Dementia Using Human-Robotic Interactive Gait Training.

Studies have reported inconclusive results regarding the effectiveness and clinical indications of the exclusive use of human-robotic interactive gait training (HIT) in patients with post-stroke dementia (PSD). This study aimed to compare the effects of human-robotic interactive gait training (HIT) and conventional physiotherapy (CPT) on cognitive and sensorimotor functions, trunk balance and coordination, dynamic and static balance, and activities related to daily living performance in patients with PSD. Forty-eight patients with PSD who received 60-minute therapy sessions three times per week for 6 weeks were assigned to either the CPT ( = 25) or HIT ( = 23) group.

The Effectiveness of a Multimodal Brain Empowerment Program in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Single-Blind, Quasi-Randomized Experimental Study.

The present study aimed to determine a multimodal brain empowerment (MBE) program to mitigate the modifiable risk factors in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and its therapeutic effects are unknown. MBE encompassing (1) tDCS, light therapy, computerized cognitive therapy (TLC) and (2) robot-assisted gait training, music therapy, and core exercise (REM) interventions were randomly assigned to 20 healthy young adults and 20 older adults with MCI. The electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum and topographic event-related synchronization (ERS) analysis were used to assess intervention-related changes in neural activity during the MBE program.

Self-perception and anticipated efficacy of the anti-dementia multimodal program in 100 older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Background: Effective and sustainable interventions are clearly needed for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Despite the clinical importance of the multimodal intervention approach, only one study using a multimodal approach demonstrated promising improvements in memory, attention, and executive functions, which also correlated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) changes in cerebral activation in 50 MCI patients.

Objective: To investigate the self-perception and anticipated efficacy of each element of the BRAIN-FIT multimodal intervention program (robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT), computerized cognitive therapy, music, light, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and diaphragmatic breathing exercises) and the correlation between memory, concentration, depression, and sleep in older adults with MCI.

Effects of Integrative Autism Therapy on Multiple Physical, Sensory, Cognitive, and Social Integration Domains in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 4-Week Follow-Up Study.

This study aimed to compare the effects of conventional autism therapy (CAT) and integrative autism therapy (IAT) in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A convenience sample of 24 children with ASD was recruited and underwent either CAT or IAT for 60 min/day, twice a week, for 20 sessions over 10 weeks. Outcome measures included the following: (1) physical domain (pediatric balance scale, PBS), (2) sensory domain (short sensory profile), (3) cognitive domains (functional independence measure, FIM; and childhood autism rating scale), and (4) social integration domain (Canadian occupational performance measure, COPM; short falls efficacy scale; and pediatrics quality of life questionnaire).

Optimal Intervention Timing for Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in Hemiplegic Stroke.

This study was designed to determine the best intervention time (acute, subacute, and chronic stages) for Walkbot robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) rehabilitation to improve clinical outcomes, including sensorimotor function, balance, cognition, and activities of daily living, in hemiparetic stroke patients. Thirty-six stroke survivors (acute stage group (ASG), = 11; subacute stage group (SSG), = 15; chronic stage group (CSG), = 10) consistently received Walkbot RAGT for 30 min/session, thrice a week, for 4 weeks. Six clinical outcome variables, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and Mini-Mental State Examination, were examined before and after the intervention.

Concurrent validity, test-retest reliability, and sensitivity of a PostureRite system measurement on dynamic postural sway and risk of fall in cerebral palsy.

Background: Accurately diagnosing dynamic postural sway (DPS) is essential for effective and sustainable intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We developed an accurate, inexpensive, and wearable DPS measurement system to measure DPS accurately and consistently during walking and functional activities of daily living.

Objective: We investigated the validity and reliability of this PostureRite system in children with CP, and the link between PostureRite and clinical measures including gross motor function measure (GMFM), pediatric balance scale (PBS), and fall efficacy scale (FES).

Stage 2: Who Are the Best Candidates for Robotic Gait Training Rehabilitation in Hemiparetic Stroke?

We aimed to compare the effects of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) in patients with FAC < 2 (low initial functional ambulation category [LFAC]) and FAC ≥ 2 (high initial functional ambulation category [HFAC]) on sensorimotor and spasticity, balance and trunk stability, the number of steps and walking distance in subacute hemiparetic stroke. Fifty-seven patients with subacute hemiparetic stroke (mean age, 63.86 ± 12.

Effects of core-postural stabilisation on fluoroscopy diaphragmatic measurement and dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized single-blinded clinical trial.

Background: While respiratory and core-postural stabilisation has recently gained a widespread acceptance to improve pulmonary function and dyspena, the therapeutic effects of and rationale underlying the use of respiratory and core-postural stabilisation in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not been investigated.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of abdominal breathing and respiratory and core-postural stabilisation on diaphragmatic movement and pulmonary function.

Methods: Fourteen patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly assigned to either the respiratory and core-postural stabilisation or abdominal breathing group.

Multiple relationships between Tardieu, Kinematic data, and Wolf Motor Function Test with children with cerebral palsy.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model in order to provide a theoretical foundation of physical therapy diagnosis and intervention. However, the multidirectional relationships between the body structure/function domain variables (spasticity and movement kinematics) and the activity domain variables (e.g.

Effects of Walkbot gait training on kinematics, kinetics, and clinical gait function in paraplegia and quadriplegia.

Background: The robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) system has gained recognition as an innovative, effective paradigm to improve functional ambulation and activities of daily living in spinal cord injury and stroke. However, the effects of the Walkbot robotic-assisted gait training system with a specialized hip-knee-ankle actuator have never been examined in the paraplegia and quadriplegia population.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effects of Walkbot training on clinical for hips and knee stiffness in individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia.

Adaptive locomotor network activation during randomized walking speeds using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Background: An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying locomotor networks has the potential to benefit the neurorehabilitation of patients with neurological locomotor deficits. However, the specific locomotor networks that mediate adaptive locomotor performance and changes in gait speed remain unknown.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine patterns of cortical activation associated with the walking speeds of 1.