Self-Paced Reaching after Stroke: A Quantitative Assessment of Longitudinal and Directional Sensitivity Using the H-Man Planar Robot for Upper Limb Neurorehabilitation.

Technology aided measures offer a sensitive, accurate and time-efficient approach for the assessment of sensorimotor function after neurological insult compared to standard clinical assessments. This study investigated the sensitivity of robotic measures to capture differences in planar reaching movements as a function of neurological status (stroke, healthy), direction (front, ipsilateral, contralateral), movement segment (outbound, inbound), and time (baseline, post-training, 2-week follow-up) using a planar, two-degrees of freedom, robotic-manipulator (H-Man). Twelve chronic stroke (age: 55 ± 10.

A pilot clinical trial on a Variable Automated Speed and Sensing Treadmill (VASST) for hemiparetic gait rehabilitation in stroke patients.

Introduction: Impairments in walking speed and capacity are common problems after stroke which may benefit from treadmill training. However, standard treadmills, are unable to adapt to the slower walking speeds of stroke survivors and are unable to automate training progression. This study tests a Variable Automated Speed and Sensing Treadmill (VASST) using a standard clinical protocol.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of EEG-Based Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface Robotic Rehabilitation for Stroke.

Electroencephalography (EEG)-based motor imagery (MI) brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has the potential to restore motor function by inducing activity-dependent brain plasticity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an EEG-based MI BCI system coupled with MIT-Manus shoulder-elbow robotic feedback (BCI-Manus) for subjects with chronic stroke with upper-limb hemiparesis. In this single-blind, randomized trial, 26 hemiplegic subjects (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery After Stroke [FMMA] score, 4-40; 16 men; mean age, 51.

Health of people with spinal cord injury in Singapore: implications for rehabilitation planning and implementation.

Purpose: This study aimed to provide a broad overview of the health of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Singapore, so as to highlight areas of potential need. These areas could then guide future research and rehabilitation programme development.

Methods: Demographic data, injury information and information about SCI-related secondary impairments, chronic conditions and their associated risk factors, medical and hospital utilisation, participation (Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique) and life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale) were collected via interviews from people living with traumatic SCI.

Evaluation of robotic-assisted locomotor training outcomes at a rehabilitation centre in Singapore.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether robotic-assisted locomotor training, a new clinical service introduced at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) Rehabilitation Centre, Singapore is effective at improving the ability to transfer and the ambulatory status of patients with an acquired brain injury.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of data collected from patients with an acquired brain injury, before and after robotic-assisted locomotor training from September 2008 to May 2009. The primary outcome measures used were the functional independence measure (FIM) for transfer and ambulation, and the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA) gross function subscale.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase II pilot study to investigate the potential efficacy of the traditional chinese medicine Neuroaid (MLC 601) in enhancing recovery after stroke (TIERS).

Background And Objective: Previous clinical studies have shown that Neuroaid (MLC 601) may be beneficial in post-stroke rehabilitation. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of Neuroaid on motor recovery in ischemic stroke patients using rehabilitation endpoints in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization/Good Clinical Practice guidelines, in order to provide predictive information for further larger trials.

Methods: This is a phase II double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of 40 subjects admitted with a recent (less than 1 month) ischemic stroke.

Prevalence of chronic pain and its impact on health-related quality of life in stroke survivors.

Objectives: To document the prevalence of chronic pain and to evaluate the effect of pain on quality of life (QOL) in patients 6 months or more after a stroke.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Outpatient clinic of a rehabilitation center.

Incidence and outcome of orthostatic hypotension in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Objectives: To document the incidence and outcome of orthostatic hypotension in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation and to determine clinical variables associated with it.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Inpatient setting of a tertiary rehabilitation center.