Alina Iliescu | University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest (original) (raw)

Papers by Alina Iliescu

2017 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB), 2017

In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due... more In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due to friction processes, a mathematical model of the forces at work has been developed.

European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

iNtroductioN: the complexity of spasticity requires a continuous effort in terms of more adapted ... more iNtroductioN: the complexity of spasticity requires a continuous effort in terms of more adapted treatments for patients, and accurate management. through this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (EsWt) with botulinum toxin type a (boNt-a) on reducing spasticity both in children and adults. EVidENcE acQuisitioN: an electronic search of pubMed/Medline, scopus, ovid Medline(r), and search engine of Google scholar was performed. publications ranging from January 2010 to January 2021, published in the English language and available as full-texts were eligible for inclusion and they were searched without any country restriction. the study was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (prisMa) Guidelines. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of five studies were included in the present systematic review. Screening of the references, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent authors. the methodological quality and risk of bias were conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale. The primary outcome was spasticity grade assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and/or Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Additional outcomes were active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), upper extremity fugl-Meyer assessment (uE-fMa), pain intensity assessed through Visual analogue scale (Vas), spasm frequency scale (sfs), sonographic parameters, between-group comparison, and treatment response rate. CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial effect on spasticity was found for both treatments: evidence showed that ESWT and BoNT-A can ameliorate spasticity considering parameters such as Mas, Mts, aroM, proM, uE-fMa, Vas and sfs in post-stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy patients. further research is required to strengthen the evidence, and more suitable study protocols are highly needed.

2022 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB)

Lecture notes in networks and systems, 2022

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity

Following the publication of the original article [1] the authors reported that given name of one... more Following the publication of the original article [1] the authors reported that given name of one of the PAIR study group members Nikolay Toselli is not correct. The correct name is "Stefania Toselli". The original article [1] has been updated. Reference 1. Mooiweer Y, Stevens M, van den Akker-Scheek I, et al. Being active with a total hip or knee prosthesis: a systematic review into physical activity and sports recommendations and interventions to improve physical activity behavior.

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 2022

Objectives Regular physical activity (PA) is considered important after total hip and knee arthro... more Objectives Regular physical activity (PA) is considered important after total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). Objective was to systematically assess literature on recommendations given by healthcare professionals to persons after THA and TKA and to provide an overview of existing interventions to stimulate PA and sports participation. Methods A systematic review with a narrative synthesis including articles published between January 1995 and January 2021 reporting on recommendations and interventions. The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo databases were systematically searched for original articles reporting on physical activity and sports recommendations given by healthcare professionals to persons after THA and TKA, and articles reporting on interventions/programs to stimulate a physically active lifestyle after rehabilitation or explicitly defined as part of the rehabilitation. Methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The review was...

2021 International Conference on e-Health and Bioengineering (EHB), 2021

The ability to control pelvis movements is very important during gait. However, the pelvis mechan... more The ability to control pelvis movements is very important during gait. However, the pelvis mechanism is an underdeveloped component of gait rehabilitation systems. Any blocked or reduced pelvis degree-of-motion leads to abnormal gait patterns. The RELIVE system is an overground gait training system that includes a mechatronic subsystem for vertical alternative oscillation of the pelvic girdle, which provides assistance for pelvic movements, by allowing rotational and translational movements of the pelvis during the walking cycle. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence on pelvic angular motions in order to identify the strong and the weak points of the subsystem, for future development. We recorded data regarding tilt, obliquity, transverse rotation and symmetry index, using BTS G-Walk. The RELIVE system has proven to reduce the amplitude of angular movements and therefore, to partially provide control of the center of mass, by reducing the trajectory excursions. The RELIVE system has huge potential in controlling pelvic motions and center-of-mass trajectories, but more research is needed for future development.

2021 International Conference on e-Health and Bioengineering (EHB), 2021

In a society that is continuously ageing is a priority to design and develop technologies that as... more In a society that is continuously ageing is a priority to design and develop technologies that assist the elder ones in the daily life. This paper presents the design consideration of a novel mechatronic device for efficient gait rehabilitation using commercial off-the-shelf components to ensure a competitive and affordable solution for the rising number of patients that need this type of therapy. The advantages of the current design and the design assumption are stated in the paper with experimental validation to be performed in the future. Three degrees of freedom actuators perform the moves necessary to re-educate the gait, packed in a rolling walker design. The device is built on the concept of an adaptable design that can morph around the patient to serve it’s needs and lead to a highly efficient treatment. The problem of different patient recovery pace and degree of disability was addressed by designing a device highly customizable at both mechanical and electronical level.

Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 2018

Most gait training systems are designed for acute and subacute neurological inpatients. Many syst... more Most gait training systems are designed for acute and subacute neurological inpatients. Many systems are used for relearning gait movements (nonfunctional training) or gait cycle training (functional gait training). Each system presents its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of functional outcomes. However, training gait cycle movements is not sufficient for the rehabilitation of ambulation. There is a need for new solutions to overcome the limitations of existing systems in order to ensure individually tailored training conditions for each of the potential users, no matter the complexity of his or her condition. There is also a need for a new, integrative approach in gait rehabilitation, one that encompasses and addresses all aspects of physical as well as psychological aspects of ambulation in real-life multitasking situations. In this respect, a multidisciplinary multinational team performed an overview of the current technology for gait rehabilitation and reviewed the pri...

Health, Sports Rehabilitation Medicine

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the app... more Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the application of electric current through electrodes, leading to the depolarization of the motoneuron, thus eliciting a muscular contraction (stimulation over the motor threshold). Although its beneficial effects on strength training are widely recognized, some controversial aspects concerning the underlying physiological mechanisms of this strength gain still persist. This paper reviews the main aspects of motor unit recruitment in NMES versus Voluntary Muscular Contraction (VMC) and of the involvement of the Central Nervous System -through spinal and supraspinal mechanisms -in the muscle strength gain during NMES. Key words: electrical stimulation, muscle, strength, nervous system. Rezumat Electrostimularea neuromusculară (ESNM) reprezintă o formă de electrostimulare care constă în aplicarea unui curent electric prin intermediul unor electrozi, ceea ce determină depolarizarea motoneuronului...

2017 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB), 2017

Whole-Body Vibration Therapy (WBVT) is known as “biomechanical stimulation” or “biomechanical osc... more Whole-Body Vibration Therapy (WBVT) is known as “biomechanical stimulation” or “biomechanical oscilation”. Application of WBVT in recreational or therapeutic framework is used in order to increase muscle strength and athletic performance. Despite the rich history of this therapy, the mechanisms underlying its efficiency and advantages remain unclear. To develop a new WBVT device intended to improve muscle and bone condition, a bibliographical research has been performed, in order to provide a comprehensive image of the technology used nowadays for WBVT and its therapeutic benefits.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the app... more Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the application of electric current through electrodes, leading to the depolarization of the motoneuron, thus eliciting a muscular contraction (stimulation over the motor threshold). Although its beneficial effects on strength training are widely recognized, some controversial aspects concerning the underlying physiological mechanisms of this strength gain still persist. This paper reviews the main aspects of motor unit recruitment in NMES versus Voluntary Muscular Contraction (VMC) and of the involvement of the Central Nervous System - through spinal and supraspinal mechanisms - in the muscle strength gain during NMES.

Maedica, 2013

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), two major causes of... more Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), two major causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality have important systemic components, affecting additional tissues, other than the lung or the heart, such as the skeletal muscle. Muscle function (or dysfunction) may not only influence the symptoms that limit exercise, but may contribute directly to the poor exercise performance, health status and increased healthcare utilization.The present review tries to summarize the muscular abnormalities in COPD and CHF and the mechanisms underlying these alterations, which are strikingly similar, despite the obvious differences concerning the primary impairment in these two chronic diseases.The muscles therefore represent a potential site to improve patients' functioning level and quality of life of COPD and CHF. Only one practical therapeutic intervention currently exists that can reverse some of the muscle abnormalities observed in COPD and CHF, namely exer...

The hip vertical movement (HVM) mechatronic system presented in this paper is a worldwide premier... more The hip vertical movement (HVM) mechatronic system presented in this paper is a worldwide premiere and will be an important aid designed for medical recovery of the patients with neurological affections. The system simulates the patient’s alternate side hip vertical movement during gait. No actual recovery mechatronic systems have the property of moving alternatively the patient’s hips. The vertical movement is transmitted to the patient’s hips with the help of any known body weight support system; therefore HVM system can be easily adapted to the existing recovery systems. Recovery is achieved by the patient’s active or passive motion (walking). The need of the design and execution of this new system follow the conclusions subsequently to an extended state-ofthe-art research in the domain. The hip vertical movement (HVM) mechatronic system is currently proposed to be patented.

2017 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB), 2017

In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due... more In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due to friction processes, a mathematical model of the forces at work has been developed.

Health, Sports & Rehabilitation Medicine

Health, Sports & Rehabilitation Medicine

Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2015

2017 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB), 2017

In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due... more In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due to friction processes, a mathematical model of the forces at work has been developed.

European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

iNtroductioN: the complexity of spasticity requires a continuous effort in terms of more adapted ... more iNtroductioN: the complexity of spasticity requires a continuous effort in terms of more adapted treatments for patients, and accurate management. through this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (EsWt) with botulinum toxin type a (boNt-a) on reducing spasticity both in children and adults. EVidENcE acQuisitioN: an electronic search of pubMed/Medline, scopus, ovid Medline(r), and search engine of Google scholar was performed. publications ranging from January 2010 to January 2021, published in the English language and available as full-texts were eligible for inclusion and they were searched without any country restriction. the study was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (prisMa) Guidelines. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of five studies were included in the present systematic review. Screening of the references, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent authors. the methodological quality and risk of bias were conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale. The primary outcome was spasticity grade assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and/or Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Additional outcomes were active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), upper extremity fugl-Meyer assessment (uE-fMa), pain intensity assessed through Visual analogue scale (Vas), spasm frequency scale (sfs), sonographic parameters, between-group comparison, and treatment response rate. CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial effect on spasticity was found for both treatments: evidence showed that ESWT and BoNT-A can ameliorate spasticity considering parameters such as Mas, Mts, aroM, proM, uE-fMa, Vas and sfs in post-stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy patients. further research is required to strengthen the evidence, and more suitable study protocols are highly needed.

2022 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB)

Lecture notes in networks and systems, 2022

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity

Following the publication of the original article [1] the authors reported that given name of one... more Following the publication of the original article [1] the authors reported that given name of one of the PAIR study group members Nikolay Toselli is not correct. The correct name is "Stefania Toselli". The original article [1] has been updated. Reference 1. Mooiweer Y, Stevens M, van den Akker-Scheek I, et al. Being active with a total hip or knee prosthesis: a systematic review into physical activity and sports recommendations and interventions to improve physical activity behavior.

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 2022

Objectives Regular physical activity (PA) is considered important after total hip and knee arthro... more Objectives Regular physical activity (PA) is considered important after total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). Objective was to systematically assess literature on recommendations given by healthcare professionals to persons after THA and TKA and to provide an overview of existing interventions to stimulate PA and sports participation. Methods A systematic review with a narrative synthesis including articles published between January 1995 and January 2021 reporting on recommendations and interventions. The PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo databases were systematically searched for original articles reporting on physical activity and sports recommendations given by healthcare professionals to persons after THA and TKA, and articles reporting on interventions/programs to stimulate a physically active lifestyle after rehabilitation or explicitly defined as part of the rehabilitation. Methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The review was...

2021 International Conference on e-Health and Bioengineering (EHB), 2021

The ability to control pelvis movements is very important during gait. However, the pelvis mechan... more The ability to control pelvis movements is very important during gait. However, the pelvis mechanism is an underdeveloped component of gait rehabilitation systems. Any blocked or reduced pelvis degree-of-motion leads to abnormal gait patterns. The RELIVE system is an overground gait training system that includes a mechatronic subsystem for vertical alternative oscillation of the pelvic girdle, which provides assistance for pelvic movements, by allowing rotational and translational movements of the pelvis during the walking cycle. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence on pelvic angular motions in order to identify the strong and the weak points of the subsystem, for future development. We recorded data regarding tilt, obliquity, transverse rotation and symmetry index, using BTS G-Walk. The RELIVE system has proven to reduce the amplitude of angular movements and therefore, to partially provide control of the center of mass, by reducing the trajectory excursions. The RELIVE system has huge potential in controlling pelvic motions and center-of-mass trajectories, but more research is needed for future development.

2021 International Conference on e-Health and Bioengineering (EHB), 2021

In a society that is continuously ageing is a priority to design and develop technologies that as... more In a society that is continuously ageing is a priority to design and develop technologies that assist the elder ones in the daily life. This paper presents the design consideration of a novel mechatronic device for efficient gait rehabilitation using commercial off-the-shelf components to ensure a competitive and affordable solution for the rising number of patients that need this type of therapy. The advantages of the current design and the design assumption are stated in the paper with experimental validation to be performed in the future. Three degrees of freedom actuators perform the moves necessary to re-educate the gait, packed in a rolling walker design. The device is built on the concept of an adaptable design that can morph around the patient to serve it’s needs and lead to a highly efficient treatment. The problem of different patient recovery pace and degree of disability was addressed by designing a device highly customizable at both mechanical and electronical level.

Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 2018

Most gait training systems are designed for acute and subacute neurological inpatients. Many syst... more Most gait training systems are designed for acute and subacute neurological inpatients. Many systems are used for relearning gait movements (nonfunctional training) or gait cycle training (functional gait training). Each system presents its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of functional outcomes. However, training gait cycle movements is not sufficient for the rehabilitation of ambulation. There is a need for new solutions to overcome the limitations of existing systems in order to ensure individually tailored training conditions for each of the potential users, no matter the complexity of his or her condition. There is also a need for a new, integrative approach in gait rehabilitation, one that encompasses and addresses all aspects of physical as well as psychological aspects of ambulation in real-life multitasking situations. In this respect, a multidisciplinary multinational team performed an overview of the current technology for gait rehabilitation and reviewed the pri...

Health, Sports Rehabilitation Medicine

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the app... more Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the application of electric current through electrodes, leading to the depolarization of the motoneuron, thus eliciting a muscular contraction (stimulation over the motor threshold). Although its beneficial effects on strength training are widely recognized, some controversial aspects concerning the underlying physiological mechanisms of this strength gain still persist. This paper reviews the main aspects of motor unit recruitment in NMES versus Voluntary Muscular Contraction (VMC) and of the involvement of the Central Nervous System -through spinal and supraspinal mechanisms -in the muscle strength gain during NMES. Key words: electrical stimulation, muscle, strength, nervous system. Rezumat Electrostimularea neuromusculară (ESNM) reprezintă o formă de electrostimulare care constă în aplicarea unui curent electric prin intermediul unor electrozi, ceea ce determină depolarizarea motoneuronului...

2017 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB), 2017

Whole-Body Vibration Therapy (WBVT) is known as “biomechanical stimulation” or “biomechanical osc... more Whole-Body Vibration Therapy (WBVT) is known as “biomechanical stimulation” or “biomechanical oscilation”. Application of WBVT in recreational or therapeutic framework is used in order to increase muscle strength and athletic performance. Despite the rich history of this therapy, the mechanisms underlying its efficiency and advantages remain unclear. To develop a new WBVT device intended to improve muscle and bone condition, a bibliographical research has been performed, in order to provide a comprehensive image of the technology used nowadays for WBVT and its therapeutic benefits.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the app... more Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a form of electrical stimulation that uses the application of electric current through electrodes, leading to the depolarization of the motoneuron, thus eliciting a muscular contraction (stimulation over the motor threshold). Although its beneficial effects on strength training are widely recognized, some controversial aspects concerning the underlying physiological mechanisms of this strength gain still persist. This paper reviews the main aspects of motor unit recruitment in NMES versus Voluntary Muscular Contraction (VMC) and of the involvement of the Central Nervous System - through spinal and supraspinal mechanisms - in the muscle strength gain during NMES.

Maedica, 2013

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), two major causes of... more Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF), two major causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality have important systemic components, affecting additional tissues, other than the lung or the heart, such as the skeletal muscle. Muscle function (or dysfunction) may not only influence the symptoms that limit exercise, but may contribute directly to the poor exercise performance, health status and increased healthcare utilization.The present review tries to summarize the muscular abnormalities in COPD and CHF and the mechanisms underlying these alterations, which are strikingly similar, despite the obvious differences concerning the primary impairment in these two chronic diseases.The muscles therefore represent a potential site to improve patients' functioning level and quality of life of COPD and CHF. Only one practical therapeutic intervention currently exists that can reverse some of the muscle abnormalities observed in COPD and CHF, namely exer...

The hip vertical movement (HVM) mechatronic system presented in this paper is a worldwide premier... more The hip vertical movement (HVM) mechatronic system presented in this paper is a worldwide premiere and will be an important aid designed for medical recovery of the patients with neurological affections. The system simulates the patient’s alternate side hip vertical movement during gait. No actual recovery mechatronic systems have the property of moving alternatively the patient’s hips. The vertical movement is transmitted to the patient’s hips with the help of any known body weight support system; therefore HVM system can be easily adapted to the existing recovery systems. Recovery is achieved by the patient’s active or passive motion (walking). The need of the design and execution of this new system follow the conclusions subsequently to an extended state-ofthe-art research in the domain. The hip vertical movement (HVM) mechatronic system is currently proposed to be patented.

2017 E-Health and Bioengineering Conference (EHB), 2017

In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due... more In order to assess the wearing of polyethylene with high molecular density in knee prosthesis due to friction processes, a mathematical model of the forces at work has been developed.

Health, Sports & Rehabilitation Medicine

Health, Sports & Rehabilitation Medicine

Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2015