Innovative Technology in Rehabilitation

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 11504

Special Issue Editors

PRISMATICS Lab (Predictive Research in Spine/Neuromodulation Management and Thoracic Innovation/Cardiac Surgery), Poitiers University Hospital, Poitiers, France
Interests: rehabilitation; mobility; postural control; motor control; pain; complementary and alternative medicine; spinal cord stimulation; sensorimotor integration; neuromuscular plasticity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
HAVAE Laboratory, UR20217, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
Interests: rehabilitation; mobility; postural control; motor control; pain; complementary and alternative medicine; spinal cord stimulation; sensorimotor integration; neuromuscular plasticity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

From ankle sprains to stroke, pathological conditions represent a considerable challenge in the rehabilitation to preserve and/or restore mobility. In an attempt to improve the therapeutic approach, researchers and clinicians have proposed innovative approaches, including the use of new devices. Innovative technology is nowadays considered a key approach to designing a rehabilitation program to recover walking ability/capacity, postural balance, motor learning, etc., and to consequently improve the quality of life of patients. Given the rising use of innovative devices in rehabilitation, it is more necessary than ever to determine the efficacy/effectiveness (or not) of the devices available in the market. Studies will help clinicians choose the therapy, and ultimately provide the best treatment for a given patient/pathology/condition. This Special Issue of Medicine (Kaunas) aims to highlight the efficacy of different innovative technologies, such as virtual reality, robot-assisted gait training, functional electrical stimulation, etc., in a rehabilitation program for various pathologies, including stroke, low back pain, ankle sprain, knee arthroplasty, etc. The goal is to share valuable knowledge and the most recent developments in innovative technology for rehabilitation. 

Original research, reviews, and brief papers are welcome to this Special Issue. All the articles will be subject to peer review to ensure quality publications.

Dr. Maxime Billot
Prof. Dr. Anaick Perrochon
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • virtual reality
  • robot-assisted gait training
  • functional electrical stimulation
  • point-light display
  • connected device
  • walking ability
  • mobility
  • postural control
  • balance
  • gait analysis

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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11 pages, 1782 KiB  
Article
Immersive Virtual Reality during Robot-Assisted Gait Training: Validation of a New Device in Stroke Rehabilitation
by Charles Morizio, Maxence Compagnat, Arnaud Boujut, Ouiddad Labbani-Igbida, Maxime Billot and Anaick Perrochon
Medicina 2022, 58(12), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58121805 - 07 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2020
Abstract
Background and objective: Duration of rehabilitation and active participation are crucial for gait rehabilitation in the early stage after stroke onset. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool providing engaging and playful environments that could promote intrinsic motivation and higher active participation for [...] Read more.
Background and objective: Duration of rehabilitation and active participation are crucial for gait rehabilitation in the early stage after stroke onset. Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool providing engaging and playful environments that could promote intrinsic motivation and higher active participation for non-ambulatory stroke patients when combined with robot-assisted gait training (RAGT). We have developed a new, fully immersive VR application for RAGT, which can be used with a head-mounted display and wearable sensors providing real-time gait motion in the virtual environment. The aim of this study was to validate the use of this new device and assess the onset of cybersickness in healthy participants before testing the device in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven healthy participants were included and performed two sessions of RAGT using a fully immersive VR device. They physically walked with the Gait Trainer for 20 min in a virtual forest environment. The occurrence of cybersickness, sense of presence, and usability of the device were assessed with three questionnaires: the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), the Presence Questionnaire (PQ), and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results: All of the participants completed both sessions. Most of the participants (78.4%) had no significant adverse effects (SSQ < 5). The sense of presence in the virtual environment was particularly high (106.42 ± 9.46). Participants reported good usability of the device (86.08 ± 7.54). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the usability of our fully immersive VR device for gait rehabilitation and did not lead to cybersickness. Future studies should evaluate the same parameters and the effectiveness of this device with non-ambulatory stroke patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technology in Rehabilitation)
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12 pages, 1382 KiB  
Article
Innovative Use of Biodex Balance System to Improve Dynamic Stabilization and Function of Upper Quarter in Recreational Weightlifters: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Osama R. Abdelraouf, Amr A. Abdel-aziem, Shahesta A. Ghally, Lamis A. Osama, Reem S. Dawood, Amr M. Yehia, Emad M. Eed, Amira M. EI-Gendy and Rafik E. Radwan
Medicina 2022, 58(11), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58111631 - 11 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2284
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Following an injury, upper-body strength and proprioception training is typically suggested. To our understanding, no prior research has looked into the impact of balance training on upper-body strength and stability. So, this study investigated the effects of Biodex balance [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Following an injury, upper-body strength and proprioception training is typically suggested. To our understanding, no prior research has looked into the impact of balance training on upper-body strength and stability. So, this study investigated the effects of Biodex balance training on enhancing the dynamic stability, strength, and function of the upper quarter (UQ) in recreational weightlifters. Materials and Methods: Fifty male weightlifters were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group received an upper-extremity Biodex balance training program three times/week for eight weeks, while the control group underwent a regular weightlifting training routine. Pre- and post-test scores of the upper-quarter dynamic stability, strength, and function were measured for both groups using the shoulder active repositioning accuracy test, two-minute push-up test, and the upper-quarter Y-balance test (UQ-YBT) and one-arm hop test, respectively. Results: Post-test values were significantly greater for the normalized UQ-YBT test than pre-test values in both groups (p < 0.05). Post-test values of the experimental group were significantly greater than the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding the shoulder active repositioning accuracy test and the time of the one-arm hop test, post-test values were significantly lower than pre-test values for both groups (p < 0.05), and post-test values of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The post-test value of the two-minute push-up test of each group was significantly higher than the pre-test value (p < 0.05), without any significant difference between both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Adding upper-body Biodex balance training to a regular weightlifting training routine was effective in enhancing the upper quarter′s dynamic stability and function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technology in Rehabilitation)
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13 pages, 1222 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Novel Proprioceptive Rehabilitation Device on Shoulder Joint Position Sense, Pain and Function
by Alexandra Camelia Gliga, Nicolae Emilian Neagu, Septimiu Voidazan, Horatiu Valeriu Popoviciu and Tiberiu Bataga
Medicina 2022, 58(9), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58091248 - 09 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1939
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Shoulder disorders are associated with pain, restricted range of motion and muscular strength, moderate disability and diminished proprioception. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an innovative technology-supported and a classical therapist-based proprioceptive training program in addition to [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Shoulder disorders are associated with pain, restricted range of motion and muscular strength, moderate disability and diminished proprioception. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an innovative technology-supported and a classical therapist-based proprioceptive training program in addition to conventional physiotherapy, on joint position sense (JPS), pain and function, in individuals with different musculoskeletal shoulder disorders, such as rotator cuff tear, subacromial impingement syndrome and superior labrum anterior and posterior tear. The innovative element of the proprioceptive training programme consists of the use of the Kinesimeter, a device created for both training and assessing shoulder JPS. Materials and Methods: The shoulder JPS test and the DASH outcome questionnaire were applied to fifty-five individuals (28 females, 27 males, mean age 56.31 ± 6.75), divided into three groups: 17 in the conventional physiotherapy group (control group); 19 in the conventional physiotherapy + classical proprioceptive training program group (CPT group); and 19 in the conventional physiotherapy + innovative proprioceptive training program group (KPT group). Assessments were performed before and after a four-week rehabilitation program, with five physiotherapy sessions per week. Results: When baseline and post-intervention results were compared, the value of the shoulder JPS and DASH outcome questionnaire improved significantly for the KPT and CPT groups (all p < 0.001). Both KPT and CPT groups showed statistically significant improvements in JPS, pain and function, compared to the control group which received no proprioceptive training (all p < 0.05). However, the KPT group showed no significant benefits compared to the CPT group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that using the Kinesimeter device as a novel, innovative proprioceptive training tool has similar effects as the classical proprioceptive training programs among individuals with different non-operated musculoskeletal shoulder disorders such as: rotator cuff tear, subacromial impingement syndrome, and superior labrum anterior and posterior tear. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technology in Rehabilitation)
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13 pages, 2520 KiB  
Article
The Added Value of Point-Light Display Observation in Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Program: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
by Christel Bidet-Ildei, Quentin Deborde, Victor Francisco, Elise Gand, Yannick Blandin, Anne Delaubier, Anne Jossart, Philippe Rigoard, Maxime Billot and Romain David
Medicina 2022, 58(7), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58070868 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1846
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the potential benefit of the observation of rehabilitation-related point-light display in addition to a conventional 3-week rehabilitation program, the objective being to improve functional capacity in patients having undergone total knee arthroplasty. Materials [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the potential benefit of the observation of rehabilitation-related point-light display in addition to a conventional 3-week rehabilitation program, the objective being to improve functional capacity in patients having undergone total knee arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Patients randomized in the control group had conventional rehabilitation treatment with two sessions per day 5 days a week of physical therapy (90 min), whereas patients in the experimental group had a program of conventional rehabilitation combined with a point-light display observation two times per day (5 min) and 3 days a week. Results: The patients of both groups had improved their performances by the end of the program, and the pre- and post-test improvement were superior for the experimental group over the control group concerning the total WOMAC score (p = 0.04), the functional WOMAC score (p = 0.03), and correct recognition of point-light displays (p = 0.003). Conclusions: These findings provide new insight favoring systematic point-light display observation to improve functional recovery in patients with total knee arthroplasty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technology in Rehabilitation)
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24 pages, 744 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Virtual Reality on the Limb Motor Function, Balance, Gait, and Daily Function of Patients with Stroke: Systematic Review
by Bohan Zhang, Ka-Po Wong and Jing Qin
Medicina 2023, 59(4), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59040813 - 21 Apr 2023
Viewed by 2359
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This systematic review aimed to clarify the effectiveness of virtual reality rehabilitation on physical outcomes for people with stroke. Materials and Methods: Articles were searched through PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL, Web of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This systematic review aimed to clarify the effectiveness of virtual reality rehabilitation on physical outcomes for people with stroke. Materials and Methods: Articles were searched through PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, from inception to 30 April 2022. Methodological quality was scored using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 tool. Each systematic review for the outcome of interest was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Results: Twenty-six articles were selected. These studies evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality on limb motor function, balance, gait, and daily function in patients with stroke. The findings suggested a beneficial effect of virtual reality; there was a “very low” to “moderate” quality of evidence for improved limb extremity function, balance, and daily function, and a “very low” to “moderate” quality of evidence for improved gait. Conclusions: Despite widespread interest in the use of virtual reality rehabilitation, high-quality evidence for its routine use in stroke treatment is lacking. Further research is needed to determine the treatment modality, duration, and long-term effects of virtual reality on stroke populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technology in Rehabilitation)
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