Article
Clinical Neurology
Erin M. Edwards, Nora E. Fritz, Amanda S. Therrien
Summary: Cerebellar pathology is common in persons with multiple sclerosis, leading to enhanced motor impairment and disability progression. However, the differential effects of cerebellar dysfunction on rehabilitation outcomes in this population are still unknown. Future research should focus on rehabilitation interventions targeting cerebellar dysfunction in persons with multiple sclerosis.
NEUROREHABILITATION AND NEURAL REPAIR
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Rossitza Draganova, Frank Konietschke, Katharina M. Steiner, Naveen Elangovan, Meltem Guemues, Sophia M. Goericke, Thomas M. Ernst, Andreas Deistung, Thilo van Eimeren, Juergen Konczak, Dagmar Timmann
Summary: The study found that cerebellar patients can improve motor performance through practice, but the impact of different types of feedback on learning remains unclear. After training, differences in gray matter volume changes were observed between the control group and cerebellar patients, indicating that compensatory remodeling manifests differently in different brain regions.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Amanda S. Therrien, Matthew A. Statton, Amy J. Bastian
Summary: Damage to the cerebellum causes movement disorders like ataxia, but patients can significantly improve reaching movements through binary reinforcement training, suggesting benefits beyond mere repetition or reduced visual control.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Chi-Ying R. Lin, Nadia Amokrane, Serena Chen, Tiffany X. Chen, Ruo-Yah Lai, Paula Trinh, Michael J. Minyetty, Haidyn Emmerich, Ming-Kai Pan, Daniel O. Claassen, Sheng-Han Kuo
Summary: This study describes the development and validation of a new scale (CIA) to assess impulsive and compulsive behaviors (ICBs) in cerebellar ataxia patients. The findings show that patients with ICBs have three times higher total CIA scores than those without ICBs, and CIA demonstrates good internal consistency across all items.
ANNALS OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Takeru Honda, Ken Matsumura, Yuji Hashimoto, Takanori Yokota, Hidehiro Mizusawa, Soichi Nagao, Kinya Ishikawa
Summary: By evaluating 40 patients with degenerative diseases, it was found that the decrease in motor learning (AI) occurred earlier and at a faster rate than the increase in ataxia scores (SARA). The progression of ataxia can be monitored by examining motor learning, especially in the early stages. Therefore, evaluating a patient's motor learning ability is crucial for detecting cerebellar impairment.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Roderick P. P. W. M. Maas, Dennis J. L. G. Schutter, Ivan Toni, Dagmar Timmann, Bart P. C. van de Warrenburg
Summary: This study investigated whether repeated sessions of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modify the acquisition and/or timing of conditioned eyeblink responses (CRs) in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). The results showed that cerebellar tDCS had a significant treatment effect on the timing parameters of CRs, but did not affect CR acquisition. It was also found that the severity of disease measures and the duration of the disease were associated with the timing of CRs.
Review
Neurosciences
Miwako Yamasaki, Atsu Aiba, Masanobu Kano, Masahiko Watanabe
Summary: The Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex play crucial roles in controlling cerebellar functions through triggering signaling pathways via mGluR1. Studies suggest that mGluR1 and its related signaling molecules form microdomains that are essential for physiological functions. Altered mGluR1 signaling is associated with cerebellar dysfunction such as ataxias in both human patients and mouse models.
Article
Neurosciences
Owen P. Morgan, Mitchell B. Slapik, Katherine G. Iannuzzelli, Stephen M. LaConte, Jonathan M. Lisinski, Peg C. Nopoulos, Ashley M. Cochran, Sharif Kronemer, Liana S. Rosenthal, Cherie L. Marvel
Summary: The cerebellum is crucial for sequencing within the implicit domain, while it may not be critical for cognitive sequencing that could be accomplished using explicit strategies. Individuals with cerebellar ataxia are able to compensate for cognitive sequencing by utilizing extra-cerebellar mechanisms, preserving resources for motor function. This highlights the complex role of the cerebellum in different types of sequencing tasks.
Article
Neurosciences
Rossitza Draganova, Viktor Pfaffenrot, Katharina M. Steiner, Sophia L. Goericke, Naveen Elangovan, Dagmar Timmann, Juergen Konczak
Summary: Neurodegeneration of the cerebellum primarily affects cerebellar cortex and leads to a loss of control and coordination of movement. However, compensatory changes in gray matter volume in the cerebellar output nuclei and secondary motor cortex may play a role in addressing this motor deficit.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Annika Thierfelder, Jens Seemann, Natalie John, Florian Harmuth, Martin Giese, Rebecca Schule, Ludger Schols, Dagmar Timmann, Matthis Synofzik, Winfried Ilg
Summary: This longitudinal study aimed to identify quantitative motor biomarkers in degenerative ataxias in real-life turning movements that are sensitive to longitudinal changes and the preataxic stage. The results showed that measures of dynamic balance during turning were able to differentiate ataxic subjects from healthy controls in real life, with high sensitivity to longitudinal differences in ataxia severity and the preataxic stage.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Yi-Heng Zeng, Shi-Rui Gan, Wan-Jin Chen
Summary: Pellerin et al. reported a dominant FGF14 GAA repeat expansion in individuals with late-onset cerebellar ataxia. They also identified individuals who were homozygous or compound heterozygous for expansions of at least 250 GAA repeats (GAA>=250), suggesting codominance at this locus. Here, we present two siblings from a consanguineous Chinese family with early-onset cerebellar ataxia who carried biallelic FGF14 GAA repeat expansions. One sibling initially presented with episodic gait imbalance at 21 years of age and subsequently developed progressive dysarthria, postural tremor, spasticity, and downbeat nystagmus...
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Adriana P. Rebelo, Ilse Eidhof, Vivian P. Cintra, Lena Guillot-Noel, Claudia Pereira, Dagmar Timmann, Andreas Traschutz, Ludger Schols, Giulia Coarelli, Alexandra Durr, Mathieu Anheim, Christine Tranchant, Bart van de Warrenburg, Claire Guissart, Michel Koenig, Jack Howell, Carlos T. Moraes, Annette Schenck, Giovanni Stevanin, Stephan Zuechner, Matthis Synofzik
Summary: PRDX3, a protective antioxidant enzyme, may cause cerebellar ataxia and other neurodegenerative diseases through recessive mutations, primarily related to oxidative stress.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Joshua J. White, Laurens W. J. Bosman, Francois G. C. Blot, Catarina Osorio, Bram W. Kuppens, Wilhelmina H. J. J. Krijnen, Charlotte Andriessen, Chris De Zeeuw, Dick Jaarsma, Martijn Schonewille
Summary: Purkinje cells in a mouse model expressing human ATXN1 with a polyQ expansion show relative sparing of certain subpopulations, maintaining normal physiological function. The absence of mutant ATXN1 protein expression in less affected Purkinje cells may explain their relative resistance to pathology. The study suggests that specific subpopulations of Purkinje cells can be spared in a model of widespread degeneration, preserving normal behaviors within the cerebellum's modular map.
Article
Neurosciences
Ted Maldonado, Trevor Bryan Jackson, Jessica A. Bernard
Summary: This study investigated the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on cerebellar and cortical activation. The findings showed that anodal stimulation worsened task performance and increased cortical activation in parietal and frontal regions.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Lianjun Yin, Xiaoyu Wang, Lianghua Chen, Dandan Liu, Haihong Li, Zhaoxing Liu, Yong Huang, Junqi Chen
Summary: This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating cerebellar ataxia (CA). The results showed that rTMS significantly improved various measures of ataxia in CA patients compared to sham stimulation. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of the small sample size and inconsistent approach and target of rTMS treatment.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Mike Salvato, Sophia R. Williams, Cara M. Nunez, Xin Zhu, Ali Israr, Frances Lau, Keith Klumb, Freddy Abnousi, Allison M. Okamura, Heather Culbertson
Summary: This study investigates whether a sparse representation of human touch is enough to convey social touch signals. By using a soft wearable pressure sensor array, the researchers collected data and developed an algorithm to map the data to an array of actuators, generating signals that can convey social meaning. This technology can potentially improve distant socializing and empathetic remote human-human interaction.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Caitlyn Seim, Bingxian Chen, Chuzhang Han, David Vacek, Alexis Lowber, Maarten Lansberg, Allison M. Okamura
Summary: The study aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of the VTS Glove in reducing spastic hypertonia. The results showed that daily use of the VTS Glove significantly reduced spasticity, and for patients using BTX-A, the VTS Glove provided equal or greater symptom relief compared to medication.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zonghe Chua, Allison M. M. Okamura
Summary: This study presents a modular 3DoF force sensor that can easily integrate with existing RMIS tools, providing indirect sensing and haptic feedback for bimanual telesurgical manipulation. The sensor achieves acceptable measurement accuracy and errors, making it suitable for bimanual haptic feedback and robotic force control in delicate tissue telemanipulation.
Article
Neurosciences
Caitlyn Seim, Bingxian Chen, Chuzhang Han, David Vacek, Laura Song Wu, Maarten Lansberg, Allison Okamura
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of different approaches of vibrotactile stimulation in reducing spastic hypertonia in post-stroke patients. The results show that cutaneous stimulation of the hand is the most effective method in reducing spastic hypertonia, compared to muscle stimulation and antagonist muscle stimulation.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Robotics
Margaret Koehler, Thor Morales Bieze, Alexandre Kruszewski, Allison M. Okamura, Christian Duriez
Summary: In this article, a new approach for haptic rendering and comanipulation in continuum robotics using a robotic interface with deformable beams and bending sensors is proposed and demonstrated. A nonlinear finite element mechanical model is utilized for real-time computation of the robot's motion, which enables accurate estimation of the user's force on the end effector. Additionally, a higher frequency control loop is implemented to achieve sensing and control at high rates, allowing for haptic rendering of stiffer virtual walls and successful comanipulation tasks.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ROBOTICS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Robotics
Alexander M. Kubler, Sebastian Urdaneta Rivera, Frances B. Raphael, Julian Forster, Roland Siegwart, Allison M. Okamura
Summary: This work presents a multi-segment vine robot that can navigate complex paths without interacting with its environment. The robot uses a new steering method that selectively actuates each single pouch at the tip, providing high degrees of freedom with few control inputs. The proposed method can be extended to other soft continuum robot designs.
2023 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOFT ROBOTICS, ROBOSOFT
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Robotics
Rianna Jitosho, Sofia Simon-Trench, Allison M. Okamura, Brian H. Do
Summary: Shape change allows for new capabilities in robots. This paper introduces a soft growing vine robot that can achieve dramatic shape change and utilizes a passive tip mount with hook-and-loop fasteners for shape locking without pneumatic or electrical input. Experimental results demonstrate the robot's kinematics, its ability to hold locked bends, and the effect of the fasteners on beam and joint stiffness. The passive shape locking design is a step towards lightweight, low-cost, and low-power reconfigurable robots.
2023 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOFT ROBOTICS, ROBOSOFT
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Elizabeth D. Vasquez, Cole S. Simpson, Genggeng Zhou, Maarten Lansberg, Allison M. Okamura
Summary: Post-stroke upper extremity function can be improved using wearable devices that support shoulder abduction. Researchers have developed a passive, lightweight device that consists of an aluminum frame and elastic bands to aid in shoulder abduction. The device can be adjusted to provide supportive forces to the affected arm. The study showed that the device increased reachable workspace area and improved functional and timing scores in the Wolf Motor Function Test.
2023 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON REHABILITATION ROBOTICS, ICORR
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Hojung Choi, Dane Brouwer, Michael A. Lin, Kyle T. Yoshida, Carine Rognon, Benjamin Stephens-Fripp, Allison M. Okamura, Mark R. Cutkosky
Summary: This study presents the use of a soft, flexible skin with tri-axial tactile sensors to collect touch gesture data and train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The addition of shear force data improved the accuracy of gesture classification.
2022 IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS (IROS)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Zonghe Chua, Allison M. Okamura
Summary: Force estimation using neural networks is a promising approach for haptic feedback in minimally invasive surgical robots. The transparency and stability of real-time force feedback from these networks were evaluated using different input types. Results showed that networks with state inputs had higher transparency than vision-only networks, but experienced instability during lateral manipulations. In contrast, the vision-only network demonstrated consistent stability in all directions.
2022 IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS (IROS)
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Cara Gonzalez Welker, Steven H. Collins, Allison M. Okamura
Summary: This study measured wrist torque discrimination using a backdrivable wrist exoskeleton and found that participants were able to detect small changes in torque even during walking and moving wrist conditions.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Rachel A. G. Adenekan, Alexis J. Lowber, Bryce N. Huerta, Allison M. Okamura, Kyle T. Yoshida, Cara M. Nunez
Summary: This study proposes using vibrations from a smartphone to assess vibrotactile sensory perception, demonstrating that smartphones have more consistent vibrations compared to tuning forks. They develop an app and conduct a validation study to show that smartphones can precisely measure a user's absolute threshold. This finding motivates future research on using smartphones to assess vibrotactile perception, allowing for increased monitoring and widespread accessibility.
HAPTICS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, APPLICATIONS, EUROHAPTICS 2022
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Ryo Eguchi, David Vacek, Cole Godzinski, Silvia Curry, Max Evans, Allison M. Okamura
Summary: This paper presents a method of generating illusory vibration locations using dynamic tactile stimuli. By adjusting the vibration amplitudes of adjacent motors, it is possible to accurately display between-tactor locations.
HAPTICS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, APPLICATIONS, EUROHAPTICS 2022
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Cybernetics
Sreela Kodali, Allison M. Okamura, Thomas C. Bulea, Alexander T. Chesler, Carsten G. Bonnemann
Summary: Researchers have proposed a sensory substitution device that uses detectable haptic stimuli to communicate proprioceptive feedback for individuals with PIEZO2 loss of function. They developed a wearable prototype that maps measurements of elbow movement to deep pressure applied to the forearm. Future work includes testing the device on healthy individuals and those with PIEZO2 loss of function, as well as improving the design of the device.
HAPTICS: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, APPLICATIONS, EUROHAPTICS 2022
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Caitlyn E. Seim, Brandon Ritter, Thad E. Starner, Kara Flavin, Maarten G. Lansberg, Allison M. Okamura
Summary: Vibratory stimulation shows potential in improving post-stroke symptoms, and a wearable device can provide a more mobile form of this stimulation. However, there are challenges in device design, such as difficulties in finger donning and concerns about social comfort.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2022)