Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiao-Na Xiang, Hui-Yan Zong, Yi Ou, Xi Yu, Hong Cheng, Chun-Ping Du, Hong-Chen He
Summary: The study findings indicate that exoskeleton-assisted walking significantly improves pulmonary function parameters in spinal cord injury patients, showing potential benefits for individuals with lower thoracic neurological levels of SCI. Additionally, robotic exoskeletons help facilitate walking.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Angel Gil-Agudo, Alvaro Megia-Garcia, Jose Luis Pons, Isabel Sinovas-Alonso, Natalia Comino-Suarez, Vicente Lozano-Berrio, Antonio J. del-Ama
Summary: This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of using the HANK exoskeleton for walking rehabilitation, and investigate its effects on walking function. The results showed that the use of HANK exoskeleton in clinical settings is safe and well-tolerated by the patients. Patients receiving treatment with the exoskeleton improved their walking independence as measured by the WISCI-II.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Christopher C. H. Yip, Chor-Yin Lam, Kenneth M. C. Cheung, Yat Wa Wong, Paul A. Koljonen
Summary: In addition to helping individuals with SCI regain ambulation, robotic exoskeletons offer biophysical benefits that can reduce complications from immobilization. These benefits include improved upper body fitness, circulatory response, bowel movement regularity, and reduced pain and spasticity. Exoskeleton use has also been suggested to improve quality of life and increase participation in day-to-day activities. However, there is a lack of large-scale and conclusive studies on the effects of exoskeleton use.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiao-Na Xiang, Li-Ming Zhang, Hui-Yan Zong, Yi Ou, Xi Yu, Yan Liu, Hong-Ying Jiang, Hong Cheng, Hong-Chen He, Cheng-Qi He
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) could improve pulmonary ventilation function, motor function, and related body structure and activities for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) equivalent to conventional exercise programs. Results showed that after EAW training, participants demonstrated significant improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC), predicted FVC%, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, basic activities of daily living (BADL), and distal femoral cartilage compared to the control group. There was no difference observed in trunk and lower extremity motor function, bone mineral density, and adverse events. Therefore, EAW training has the potential to benefit individuals with lower thoracic SCI by facilitating pulmonary ventilation function, walking ability, BADL, and cartilage thickness, and can be used in conjunction with conventional exercise programs to reduce the burden on therapists.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jae Hyeon Park, Hyeon Seong Kim, Seong Ho Jang, Dong Jin Hyun, Sang In Park, JuYoung Yoon, Hyunseop Lim, Mi Jung Kim
Summary: The study investigated the cardiorespiratory responses to 10 weeks of exoskeleton-assisted walking training in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings showed that the exercise intensity remained moderate according to METs, while the average %HRR significantly decreased after training. Additionally, walking efficiency progressively improved after the 10-week training period.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nicola Postol, Neil J. Spratt, Andrew Bivard, Jodie Marquez
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of therapy with a free-standing exoskeleton for individuals with SCI and found potential health benefits for a small subset of patients. Participants showed positive trends in function and other outcomes, and the intervention was highly acceptable to all. Further research is needed to determine the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit from this intervention.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Paul Aarne Koljonen, Anna Sternin Virk, Yoon Jeong, Michael McKinley, Juan Latorre, Amaya Caballero, Yong Hu, Yat Wa Wong, Kenneth Cheung, Homayoon Kazerooni
Summary: The study examined the safety and efficacy of ambulation utilizing a semi-passive and lightweight powered exoskeleton for SCI patients. Results showed that participants reported high levels of comfort and confidence while using the device, especially those with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Charlotte Werner, Meltem Gonel, Irina Lerch, Armin Curt, Laszlo Demko
Summary: This study presents a data-driven approach using wearable inertial sensors to assess walking patterns in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The results show that patients can be categorized into four groups based on walking speed and other gait parameters, and sensor-derived data can accurately predict future walking capacity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Federica Tamburella, Matteo Lorusso, Marco Tramontano, Silvia Fadlun, Marcella Masciullo, Giorgio Scivoletto
Summary: Overground powered lower limb exoskeletons have proven to be effective in gait rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury. This systematic review provides a general overview of the effects of commercial exoskeletons for medical purposes in individuals with SCI. However, due to the limitations in study quality and heterogeneity in outcome measures, protocols, and SCI features, it is not possible to draw general conclusions about the effects of exoskeleton usage.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Amrei Zieriacks, Mirko Aach, Alexis Brinkemper, Daniela Koller, Thomas Armin Schildhauer, Dennis Grasmuecke
Summary: The study showed that 12 weeks of HAL-assisted BWSTT can improve gait performance in SCI patients, with greater benefits observed in acute participants. Chronic participants also benefitted from the training, although to a lesser extent than acute participants, but still showing significant improvement compared to baseline.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROROBOTICS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Andrew Q. Tan, Won Joon Sohn, Avantika Naidu, Randy D. Trumbower
Summary: Persons with incomplete spinal cord injuries often struggle to regain independent walking due to deficits in walking mechanics. Recent studies have shown that daily bouts of breathing low oxygen prior to locomotor training can lead to persistent improvement in overground walking speed and endurance. However, the effect on intralimb coordination remains untested.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Yury Ivanenko, Elena Y. Shapkova, Daria A. Petrova, Daria F. Kleeva, Mikhail A. Lebedev
Summary: Neuromodulation through spinal cord electrical stimulation (SCES) is effective in restoring function, but its effectiveness can be enhanced by combining it with exoskeleton gait training (EGT) that promotes activity-dependent plasticity. Assessing individual characteristics of spinal cord function is important for developing personalized SCES and EGT therapies. Combining SCES and EGT can have a synergistic rehabilitative effect on restoring multiple functions in paralyzed individuals.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alicja Widuch-Spodyniuk, Beata Tarnacka, Bogumil Korczynski, Justyna Wisniowska
Summary: Innovative rehabilitation methods, such as robotic-assisted gait therapy (RAGT), have shown positive effects on the improvement of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Adrian Cathomen, Laura Sirucek, Tim Killeen, Rainer Abel, Doris Maier, Norbert Weidner, Rudiger Rupp, Torsten Hothorn, John D. Steeves, Armin Curt, Marc Bolliger
Summary: This study used URP-CTREE to analyze data from 309 SCI patients, identifying homogeneous outcome cohorts, which were validated by an internal validation group. This method can help design clinical trials with broad inclusion criteria and improve the quality of research design.
NEUROREHABILITATION AND NEURAL REPAIR
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexis Brinkemper, Dennis Grasmuecke, Emre Yilmaz, Thomas Armin Schildhauer, Mirko Aach
Summary: This review summarizes the use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) in spinal cord injured patients over the past 10 years. A total of 21 articles including 344 participants were reviewed, and were categorized into clinical trials and single-case or two-case reports. The majority of patients showed functional improvement in terms of increased walking distances, walking speeds, and endurance. Other advances such as temporary decrease in spasticity, improvement in bladder and bowel management, pain reduction, and change in muscle activity were also reported. The current study situation suggests that many patients could benefit from this innovative training.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Alfonso Gastelum Strozzi, Ingris Pelaez-Ballestas, Ysabel Granados, Ruben Burgos-Vargas, Rosana Quintana, John Londono, Sergio Guevara, Oscar Vega-Hinojosa, Jose Alvarez-Nemegyei, Vicente Juarez, Cesar Pacheco-Tena, Ligia Cedeno, Mario Garza-Elizondo, Ana Maria Santos, Maria Victoria Goycochea-Robles, Astrid Feican, Hazel Garcia, Flor Julian-Santiago, Maria Elena Crespo, Jacqueline Rodriguez-Amado, Juan Camilo Rueda, Adriana Silvestre, Jorge Esquivel-Valerio, Celenia Rosillo, Susana Gonzalez-Chavez, Everardo Alvarez-Hernandez, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Eduardo Navarro-Zarza, Marco Maradiaga, Julio Casasola-Vargas, Natalia Sanatana, Imelda Garcia-Olivera, Mario Goni, Luz Helena Sanin, Rocio Gamboa, Mario Humberto Cardiel, Bernardo A. Pons-Estel
CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Ingris Pelaez-Ballestas, Lynden Crowshoe, Diane Lacaille, Rita Henderson, Ana Rame, Tessa Linkert, Tyler White, Cheryl Barnabe
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Rheumatology
Glen S. Hazlewood, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Vivian Bykerk, Pauline M. Hull, Deborah Marshall, Tram Pham, Claire E. H. Barber, Cheryl Barnabe, Alexandra Sirois, Janet Pope, Orit Schieir, Dawn Richards, Laurie Proulx, Susan J. Bartlett
Summary: This study explored the perspectives of patients and rheumatologists on tapering disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results revealed ambivalent attitudes towards tapering DMARDs in both groups, with concerns about disease control and potential positive outcomes. Patient preferences were influenced by various factors, while rheumatologists' perspectives varied based on data and clinical experience. Shared decision-making and close monitoring during tapering were desired by patients, and rheumatologists were generally open to tapering upon patient request. The study highlights the importance of regular discussions and monitoring in the tapering process.
Correction
Rheumatology
Glen S. Hazlewood, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Vivian Bykerk, PaulineM. Hull, Deborah Marshall, Tram Pham, Claire E. H. Barber, Cheryl Barnabe, Alexandra Sirois, Janet Pope, Orit Schieir, Dawn Richards, Laurie Proulx, Susan J. Bartlett
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Valerie Umaefulam, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Valene Bear Chief, Ana Rame, Louise Crane, Tessa Kleissen, Lynden Crowshoe, Tyler White, Diane Lacaille, Cheryl Barnabe
Summary: A patient care facilitator model of care named arthritis liaison was developed to support culturally relevant patient-centered care plans, and it was well-received by both patients and healthcare providers. The arthritis liaison served as a bridge between clinicians and patients, promoting continuity and coordinated care within the community.
HEALTH PROMOTION AND CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION IN CANADA-RESEARCH POLICY AND PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katelyn Brehon, Jay Carriere, Katie Churchill, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Petra O'Connell, Elisavet Papathanassoglou, Rob MacIsaac, Mahdi Tavakoli, Chester Ho, Kiran Pohar Manhas
Summary: This study evaluates the short- and long-term impacts and sustainability of two virtual modalities aimed at advancing self-management, connectedness, and rehabilitation needs during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed-methods evaluation approach, including interviews, surveys, secondary data analyses, and analysis of call data and webinar poll questions, is utilized. Results show the importance of understanding the effectiveness of telehealth modalities and the need for data to improve resource allocation in uncertain times, with efforts focused on ensuring best practices in virtual care.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Hardeep Kainth
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Rheumatology
Megan Thomas, Deborah A. Marshall, Adalberto Loyola Sanchez, Susan J. Bartlett, Annelies Boonen, Liana Fraenkel, Laurie Proulx, Marieke Voshaar, Nick Bansback, Rachelle Buchbinder, Francis Guillemin, Mickael Hiligsmann, Dawn P. Richards, Pamela Richards, Beverley Shea, Peter Tugwell, Marie Falahee, Glen S. Hazlewood
Summary: The study explores the perceptions of stakeholders in rheumatology regarding the use of preference elicitation methods in clinical trial design. The findings suggest that preference elicitation studies can improve trial design, but various considerations need to be taken into account. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive guidance for incorporating patient preferences in rheumatology trial design.
SEMINARS IN ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ysabel Granados, Alfonso Gastelum Strozzi, Jose Alvarez-Nemegyei, Rosana Quintana, Flor Julian-Santiago, Ana M. Santos, Sergio Guevara-Pacheco, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Maria Victoria Goycochea-Robles, Vicente Juarez, Mario Alberto Garza-Elizondo, Juan Camilo Rueda, Ruben Burgos-Vargas, John Londono, Bernardo A. Pons-Estel, Ingris Pelaez-Ballestas
Summary: Syndemics framework is an effective approach for assessing health inequities and vulnerabilities in populations with rheumatic diseases. In Latin America, a syndemic approach was used to estimate health inequity and vulnerability among Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD).
Article
Rehabilitation
Katelyn Brehon, Jay Carriere, Katie Churchill, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Elizabeth Papathanassoglou, Rob MacIsaac, Mahdi Tavakoli, Chester Ho, Kiran Pohar Manhas
Summary: In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a telehabilitation service was developed by community rehabilitation stakeholders in a provincial health system. The service aimed to improve access to care for individuals with musculoskeletal concerns, neurological conditions, or post-COVID-19 recovery needs. The study evaluated the efficiency of the service using various methods, including call metric analysis, AI/ML analysis of clinical notes, and qualitative interviews.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TELEREHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Ruben Burgos-Vargas, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Sofia Ramiro, Arturo Reding-Bernal, Everardo Alvarez-Hernandez, Desiree van der Heijde, Janitzia Vazquez-Mellado
Summary: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of infliximab in treating patients with juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis. The results showed that infliximab significantly reduced active joints and demonstrated sustained favorable outcomes in multiple indicators. Adverse events of infliximab included infections and infusion reactions, but no serious adverse events were observed.
ARTHRITIS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Rheumatology
Megan Thomas, Deborah Marshall, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Susan Bartlett, Annelies Boonen, Liana Fraenkel, Laurie Proulx, Marieke Voshaar, Nick Bansback, Rachelle Buchbinder, Francis Guillemin, Mickael Hiligsmann, Dawn Richards, Pamela Richards, Beverly Shea, Peter Tugwell, Marie Falahee, Glen Hazlewood
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Katelyn Brehon, Jay Carriere, Katie Churchill, Adalberto Loyola-Sanchez, Petra O'Connell, Elisavet Papathanasoglou, Rob MacIsaac, Mahdi Tavakoli, Chester Ho, Kiran Pohar Manhas
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of a novel telerehabilitation service on quality of life, self-efficacy, and social support. The results show significant associations between self-efficacy and these outcomes, as well as the quick restoration of productivity. The findings provide insights into the potential impact of telerehabilitation services during pandemic restrictions.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Megan Thomas, Deborah A. Marshall, Daksh Choudhary, Susan J. Bartlett, Adalberto Loyola Sanchez, Glen S. Hazlewood
Summary: This scoping review examined the use of preference elicitation methods in designing clinical trials. It found that such methods were applied to various aspects of trial design, leading to different decisions being made that could influence the evidence generated. However, these methods are not frequently used in clinical trial design, indicating the need for further exploration and consideration of measurement challenges and stakeholder perceptions in future research.
PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2022)
