Neuroplasticity at Home: Improving Home-Based Motor Learning Through Technological Solutions. A Review (original) (raw)
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Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, 2021
Background: Home-based rehabilitation of arm function is a significant gap in service provision for adult stroke. The EDNA-22 tablet is a portable virtual rehabilitation-based system that provides a viable option for home-based rehabilitation using a suite of tailored movement tasks, and performance monitoring via cloud computing data storage. The study reported here aimed to compare use of the EDNA system with an active control (Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program-GRASP training) group using a parallel RCT design. Methods: Of 19 originally randomized, 17 acute-care patients with upper-extremity dysfunction following unilateral stroke completed training in either the treatment (n = 10) or active control groups (n = 7), each receiving 8-weeks of in-home training involving 30-min sessions scheduled 3-4 times weekly. Performance was assessed across motor, cognitive and functional behaviour in the home. Primary motor measures, collected by a blinded assessor, were the Box and Blocks Task (BBT) and 9-Hole Pegboard Test (9HPT), and for cognition the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Functional behaviour was assessed using the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) and Neurobehavioural Functioning Inventory (NFI). Results: One participant from each group withdrew for personal reasons. No adverse events were reported. Results showed a significant and large improvement in performance on the BBT for the more-affected hand in the EDNA training group, only (g = 0.90). There was a mild-to-moderate effect of training on the 9HPT for EDNA (g = 0.55) and control (g = 0.42) groups, again for the more affected hand. In relation to cognition, performance on the MoCA improved for the EDNA group (g = 0.70). Finally, the EDNA group showed moderate (but non-significant) improvement in functional behaviour on the SIS (g = 0.57) and NFI (g = 0.49). Conclusion: A short course of home-based training using the EDNA-22 system can yield significant gains in motor and cognitive performance, over and above an active control training that also targets upper-limb function. Intriguingly, these changes in performance were corroborated only tentatively in the reports of caregivers. We suggest that future research consider how the implementation of home-based rehabilitation technology can be optimized. We
Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2016
Advances in technology show promise as tools to optimize functional mobility, independence, and participation in infants and children with motor disability due to brain injury. Although technologies are often used in adult rehabilitation, these have not been widely applied to rehabilitation of infants and children. In October 2015, the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy sponsored Research Summit IV, "Innovations in Technology for Children With Brain Insults: Maximizing Outcomes." The summit included pediatric physical therapist researchers, experts from other scientific fields, funding agencies, and consumers. Participants identified challenges in implementing technology in pediatric rehabilitation including accessibility, affordability, managing large data sets, and identifying relevant data elements. Participants identified 4 key areas for technology development: to determine (1) thresholds for learning, (2) appropriate transfer to independence, (3) optimal measurement of subtle changes, and (4) how to adapt to growth and changing abilities.
Innovative Devices for Motor Learning Programs
Two mechatronics prototypes, useful for robotic neurotreatments and new clinical trainings, are here presented. P.I.G.R.O. (pneumatic interactive gait rehabilitation orthosis) is an active exoskeleton with an electropneumatic control. It imposes movements on lower limbs in order to produce in the patient's brain proper motor cortex activation. Bra.Di.P.O. (brain discovery pneumatic orthosis) is an MR-compatible device, designed to improve fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) analysis. The two devices are presented together because both are involved in the study of new robotic treatments of patients affected by ictus or brain stroke or in some motor learning experimental investigations carried out on healthy subjects.
Computerized Training for Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Improvement
The research area of brain plasticity studies indicates that indi- viduals can train and improve their cognitive abilities throughout life. In addi- tion, more and more computerized training tools are presented in recent studies. The purpose of this study is to review studies of the last decade in the field of cognitive training using Information and Communication Technologies, to rec- ord the cognitive improvement techniques used, as well as to evaluate the effec- tiveness of these intervention programs. As indicated by the literature review, computer-based tools, mobile training apps and video games could be used in intervention studies for cognitive improvement. In addition, cognitive training techniques seem to be significantly effective for the cognitive improvement of healthy or cognitive impaired individuals.
The Effects of Internet-Based Home Training on Upper Limb Function in Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 2010
Background: While adults with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) can have significant upper limb dysfunction, the effects of movement-based training has not been investigated. Objective: This uncontrolled trial assessed the effects of a home and internet-based upper limb intervention program targeting motor and sensory function. Methods: Twelve adults, aged 21 to 57 yrs, GMFCS levels I-III with asymmetric upper limb involvement participated in the Upper Limb Training and Assessment (ULTrA) program. Clinical and functional measures included the Motor Activity Log (MAL), the Nine-Hole Peg test, and grip strength. An upper limb training system consisting of a laptop, webcam, target light board, and hand manipulation/ discrimination devices was installed in each participant’s home. Training occurred 40 min/day, 5 days/wk for 8 wks and included both unilateral and bilateral reach movements as well as a series of hand sensorimotor tasks such as card turning, stereognosis, and tactile discrimi...
Tele-rehabilitation service delivery: Journey from prototype to robust in-home use
2015 International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation (ICVR), 2015
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a retrospective study on clients with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) enrolled in a tele-motion-rehabilitation service program for two or more months. Methods: Data from 82 clients (46 males; 74 with ABI), aged 22-85 years, are reported. The Kinect-based CogniMotion System (ReAbility Online, Gertner Institute, Tel Hashomer, Israel) provided services that included 30-min biweekly sessions. Participants were evaluated prior to and 2 months following the commencement of service with clinical assessments that measured movements and function of the weaker upper extremity and cognitive abilities. Results: Clients enrolled in the service had intact or mild cognitive impairment, mild-moderate motor impairment but little use of their weak upper extremity for daily activities. They were satisfied with the service and reported high levels of system usability. Post-intervention clinical assessments were performed on about half of the participants after 2 months; significant improvements in active movements of the weak upper extremity, shoulder flexion range of motion and in the Trail Making Test were found (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The service appears to be feasible for people with ABI and effective in important clinical outcomes related to improvements in upper extremity function. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Tele-rehabilitation provided with Microsoft Kinect 3D sensor virtual reality tracking system is feasible for people with Acquired Brain Injury. People with Acquired Brain Injury in the chronic stage were satisfied with the tele-rehabilitation service and perceived it as beneficial to improve their motor and cognitive abilities The CogniMotion System service appears to be effective in important clinical outcomes related to improvements in upper extremity function.
Application of motor learning in neurorehabilitation: a framework for health-care professionals
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2018
Learning motor skills is an essential part of most rehabilitation processes. Facilitating and supporting motor learning is particularly challenging in neurological rehabilitation: patients who suffer from neurological diseases experience both physical limitations and difficulties of cognition and communication that affect and/or complicate the motor learning process. Therapists (e.g. physiotherapists and occupational therapists) who work in neurorehabilitation are therefore continuously searching for the best way to facilitate patients during these intensive learning processes. To support therapists in the application of motor learning, a framework was developed, integrating knowledge from the literature and the opinions and experiences of international experts. This article presents the framework, illustrated by cases from daily practice. The framework may assist therapists working in neurorehabilitation in making choices, implementing motor learning in routine practice, and supporting communication of knowledge and experiences about motor learning with colleagues and students. The article discusses the framework and offers suggestions and conditions given for its use in daily practice.
Journal of neurologic physical therapy : JNPT, 2014
This special interest article provides a historical framework with a contemporary case example that traces the infusion of the science of motor learning into neurorehabilitation practice. The revolution in neuroscience provided the first evidence for learning-dependent neuroplasticity and presaged the role of motor learning as critical for restorative therapies after stroke. The scientific underpinnings of motor learning have continued to evolve from a dominance of cognitive or information processing perspectives to a blend with neural science and contemporary social-cognitive psychological science. Furthermore, advances in the science of behavior change have contributed insights into influences on sustainable and generalizable gains in motor skills and associated behaviors, including physical activity and other recovery-promoting habits. For neurorehabilitation, these insights have tremendous relevance for the therapist-patient interactions and relationships. We describe a principle-based intervention for neurorehabilitation termed the Accelerated Skill Acquisition Program that we developed. This approach emphasizes integration from a broad set of scientific lines of inquiry including the contemporary fields of motor learning, neuroscience, and the psychological science of behavior change. Three overlapping essential elements-skill acquisition, impairment mitigation, and motivational enhancements-are integrated. Video Abstract available (See Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A71) for more insights from the authors.
Home based training for dexterity in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 2017
Background: Patients with Parkinson's disease exhibit disturbed manual dexterity. This impairment leads to difficulties in activities of daily, such as buttoning a shirt or handwriting. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a home-based dexterity program on fine motor skills in a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: One hundred and three patients with Parkinson's disease (aged between 48-80 years, Hoehn & Yahr stage I-IV) were randomized to either a home-based dexterity program (HOMEDEXT) or Thera-band program. All patients trained over a period of 4 weeks, 5 times/week, 30 minutes for each session. A baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up assessment (12 weeks later, time period without intervention) were done. The primary outcome measure was dexterity as measured with the Nine Hole peg test (9-HPT). Secondary outcome measures included strength, motor parkinsonian symptoms, dexterity-related activities of daily living (ADL) and Health-related Quality of Life (HrQoL). Results: There was a significant difference in favor of the HOMEDEXT group as compared to the Thera-band group on the primary outcome 9-HPT (p = 0.006) and dexterity-related ADL (p = 0.02) at post intervention. No significant differences were found for the other outcome, nor at follow-up. Conclusion: This is the first randomized controlled trial showing that an intensive, task specific home-based dexterity program significantly improved fine motor skills in Parkinson's disease. The effect generalized to dexterity-related ADL functions. As these improvements did not sustain, the finding suggest that continuous training is required to maintain the benefit.