Submit to Applied Sciences Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2022) | Viewed by 31194

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elena Amaricai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Research Center for Assessment of Human Motion, Functionality and Disability, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: pediatric rehabilitation; scoliosis; plantar pressure assessment; stabilometry; functional capacity assessment; quality of life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Roxana Miclaus

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
Interests: physical medicine and rehabilitation; stroke rehabilitation; assessment and physical examination; kinesiology; clinical examination; physical medicine; applied kinesiology; neurologic gait disorders; ICF
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Oana Suciu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Research Center for Assessment of Human Motion, Functionality and Disability, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: orthopedic rehabilitation; gait analysis; plantar pressure assessment; quality of life; patient reported outcomes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Roxana Ramona Onofrei

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Research Center for Assessment of Human Motion, Functionality and Disability, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: balance assessment; dual-task performance; injury prevention; sports rehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, medicine technology plays an important part in the rehabilitation management of patients suffering from a wide range of pathologies (amputations of the upper or lower limb, stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases, vestibular impairments, etc.).

Assessment tools using advanced technologies can be addressed to upper or lower limbs function, posture, balance or gait evaluation. Moreover, when referring to rehabilitation medicine, the regaining of lost or impaired functions can be achieved by the increasing use of modern technologies such as assistive technologies, virtual motion and robotic-assisted systems or interactive wearable systems. Physical and occupational therapy can be also delivered through telerehabilitation; this can include motor training exercises, virtual reality or robotic therapy. Adjustments of the living environment by the use of technology should represent a reachable target in the healthcare of people with different disabilities.

Dr. Elena Amaricai
Dr. Roxana Miclaus
Dr. Oana Suciu
Dr. Roxana Onofrei
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

postural/balance assessment
gait analysis
robotic therapy
virtual reality
assistive technologies
exoskeletons
neuroprostheses
telerehabilitation
environmental interventions
ergonomics

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 2208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Rehabilitation Programs Using Balneary Treatments in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

by Doinita Oprea, Madalina Gabriela Iliescu, Elena Valentina Ionescu, Liliana Elena Stanciu, Lucian Petcu, Sorin Chiriac, Andra Maria Stefan, Diana Victoria Gidu, Antoanela Oltean, Viorela Mihaela Ciortea and Carmen Oprea

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(18), 9341; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12189341 - 18 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1626

Abstract

The rehabilitation tools that are designed to improve the function of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have various effects. The goals of rehabilitation are to prevent secondary complications, maximize physical functioning, and integrate them into the community. The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional and neurological outcomes of patients with SCI after in-patient rehabilitation in a balneary unit. Methods: one hundred forty-two patients, admitted for primary rehabilitation in a two-year period (2020–2021), aged ≥18 years with SCI, divided into traumatic SCI (T-SCI) and nontraumatic SCI (NT-SCI). The following demographic information was collected: gender, age, studies, occupation, and environment. All patients underwent an initial clinical examination which included diagnosis, causes of SCI, medication, Carmeli score, fall risk, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Functional Independence Measure Motor (FIMm), Functional Independence Measure Cognitive (FIMc), and Functional Independence Measure Total (FIMt). At discharge, the fall risk, VAS, FIMm, FIMc, and FIMt were analyzed. We compared the results between the two groups. Results: T-SCI group was 65 (45.77%) and the NT-SCI group was 77 (54.23%). The study analyzed the effects of rehabilitation on the functional presentation of patients with SCI. It also compared the effects of rehabilitation on T-SCI versus NT-SCI on different outcomes such as age, gender, and clinical–functional impairment. Conclusions: Physical medicine and rehabilitation increase the autonomy of patients. Neurological improvement begins in the first 10 days of complex rehabilitation treatment and is not significantly different between the two groups. The cause of the injury in SCI does not affect the results of the rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 736 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Cadence Feedback and Video-Based Engagement Improves Motivation and Performance during Pedalling in Stroke Patients

by Mukesh Soni, Tissa Wijeratne and David Ackland

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7281; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12147281 - 20 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1215

Abstract

Video and music as a dissociative attention stimulus during exercise is known to distract from the discomfort of physical exertion and improve exercise adherence; however, the influence of video-based feedback and engagement during pedalling on the performance and motivation of pedalling in stroke patients is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to employ a novel video-based engagement paradigm for pedalling in stroke patients and evaluate its capacity to influence the cadence control, physiological output, and perceived motivation and enjoyment. Thirteen stroke patients were recruited with low-to-moderate lower-limb disability (mean age: 64.0 yrs.). A reference group of 18 healthy young adult subjects (mean age: 27.7 yrs.) was also recruited to assess the broad applicability of the techniques to a contrasting non-pathological cohort. The participants pedalled at a slow (60 RPM) and fast (100 RPM) target speed with constant resistance in 15 min pedalling bouts that included (i) baseline pedalling with real-time visual feedback of cadence deviation from the target provided only in the first 20 s (ii) real-time visual feedback of cadence data over the entire pedalling session, and (iii) real-time engagement to maintain the playback rate of a prerecorded video by pedalling at the target speed. During low speed pedalling, stroke patients demonstrated significantly smaller absolute cadence deviation during pedalling with feedback (mean difference: 1.8 RPM, p = 0.014) and video-based engagement (mean difference: 2.4 RPM, p = 0.006) compared to the baseline pedalling. For the healthy adults, feedback and video-based engagement reduced cadence deviation significantly at all speeds (p < 0.05). All but one stroke patient either enjoyed or really enjoyed the video engagement during pedalling and felt motivated to undertake this form of exercise in therapy in the future. This proof-of-concept study showed that feedback and video-based engagement may improve the targeted pedalling performance in stroke patients, and by helping dissociate subjects from physical cues associated with fatigue, may ultimately improve exercise motivation and compliance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Roboethics in Remote Human Interactions and Rehabilitative Therapeutics

by Ali Maddahi, Tracy R. Leach, Mohammad Saeedi, Pruthvinath R. Dhannapuneni, Yaser Maddahi, Mohamed-Amine Choukou and Kourosh Zareinia

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 6033; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12126033 - 14 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

Global aging, the need for continuous high-quality services, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have caused many sectors to reduce in-person contact between individuals where possible, and to instead use remote communication technology. With increased robot use replacing in-person interventions, ethical considerations arise. The benefits of robotic technology must be weighed against the possibility of harm to humans. The first rules of roboethics were written by Isaac Asimov in 1942, but these pre-date the range of robotic applications used today. There is no central agency for oversight in Canada, although universities and funding organizations have developed guidelines. Roboethical considerations include data use and privacy, the common good, and safety. Humans may potentially form emotional bonds with robots. Loss of jobs to automation is also a concern, particularly when many workers have suffered job losses due to the pandemic. Some health care services have switched to a remote care model, to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Remote hand rehabilitation of patients with brain injury is possible with iManus. Using a portable smart-glove technology, patients practice rehabilitative hand movements that are analyzed remotely through a sensor that offers instantaneous feedback. A therapist monitors their patient’s progress remotely and designs individualized programs. This technology benefits humanity by improving access to care for patients globally. The importance of data security and privacy is emphasized. As patient progress will be monitored by a human (a therapist), the safety of iManus is not a concern. The principles discussed in this paper can help researchers and engineers design ethical robotics in remote health care settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 21398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasound Protects Human Chondrocytes from Biochemical and Ultrastructural Changes Induced by Oxidative Stress

by Rodica Ana Ungur, Adriana Muresan, Diana Elena Olteanu, Adrian Florea, Viorela Mihaela Ciortea, Laszlo Irsay, Ileana Monica Borda, Răzvan Andrei Codea, Ciprian Andrei Ober, Ștefana Bâlici, Simona Căinap, Eleonora Dronca, Georgiana Smaranda Martiș (Petruț), Ioana Anamaria Onac and Şoimiţa Mihaela Suciu

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2334; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052334 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of therapeutic ultrasound (US) on oxidative stress (OS)-induced changes in cultured human chondrocytes (HCH). For this, monolayer HCH were randomized in three groups: a control group (CG), a group exposed to OS (OS group), and a group exposed to US and OS (US-OS group). US exposure of the chondrocytes was performed prior to OS induction by hydrogen peroxide. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the chondrocytes ultrastructure. OS and inflammatory markers were recorded. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the OS group than in CG. In the US-OS group MDA and TNF-α were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the OS group. Finally, in the US-OS group MDA and TNF-α were lower than in CG, but without statistical significance. TEM showed normal chondrocytes in CG. In the OS group TEM showed necrotic chondrocytes and chondrocytes with a high degree of vacuolation and cell organelles damages. In the US-OS group the chondrocytes ultrastructure was well preserved, and autophagosomes were generated. In conclusion, US could protect chondrocytes from biochemical (lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers synthesis) and ultrastructural changes induced by OS and could stimulate autophagosomes development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of High-Intensity Electromagnetic Stimulation on Reducing Upper Limb Spasticity in Post-Stroke Patients

by Viorela Mihaela Ciortea, Irina Motoașcă, Ileana Monica Borda, Rodica Ana Ungur, Cosmina Ioana Bondor, Mădălina Gabriela Iliescu, Alina Deniza Ciubean, Izabela Lazăr, Eliza Bendea and Laszlo Irsay

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2125; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12042125 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4715

Abstract

Super Inductive System (SIS) stimulation of spastic limbs by tissue-induced electromagnetic field may have the effect of reducing spasticity and improving functionality in patients with post-stroke spasticity. The aim of the study was to evaluate two different protocols for the application of SIS on upper limb spasticity after stroke. We included 60 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity, who were randomized into two groups: the study group, with a 9 min application protocol (1 min for agonist muscles, 8 min for antagonistic muscles); and the control group, with an 8 min protocol applied only to the antagonistic muscles. The duration of therapy was 10 days, and the results were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and the Barthel Index. Both the MAS and the Barthel Index improved significantly after 10 days of treatment (p < 0.001), but 30 days after the completion of therapy, there was an attenuation of the effects in both study groups. The study group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with improved MAS after 10 days (p = 0.004) and within 30 days (p < 0.001) than the control group. An SIS protocol applied on both agonist and antagonist muscles has a more pronounced and longer lasting spasticity-reducing and improved functionality effect than its application on only antagonistic muscles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 2871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Patient to Musician: A Multi-Sensory Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Tool for Spatial Neglect

by Joris Heyse, Stéphanie Carlier, Ewoud Verhelst, Catharine Vander Linden, Femke De Backere and Filip De Turck

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031242 - 25 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3088

Abstract

Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN) commonly results from a stroke or acquired brain injury. USN affects multiple modalities and results in failure to respond to stimuli on the contralesional side of space. Although USN is a heterogeneous syndrome, present-day therapy methods often fail to consider multiple modalities. Musical Neglect Therapy (MNT) is a therapy method that succeeds in incorporating multiple modalities by asking patients to make music. This research aimed to exploit the immersive and modifiable aspect of VR to translate MNT to a VR therapy tool. The tool was evaluated in a 2-week pilot study with four clinical users. These results are compared to a control group of four non-clinical users. Results indicated that patients responded to triggers in their entire environment and performance results could be clearly differentiated between clinical and non-clinical users. Moreover, patients increasingly corrected their head direction towards their neglected side. Patients stated that the use of VR increased their enjoyment of the therapy. This study contributes to the current research on rehabilitation for USN by proposing the first system to apply MNT in a VR environment. The tool shows promise as an addition to currently used rehabilitation methods. However, results are limited to a small sample size and performance metrics. Future work will focus on validating these results with a larger sample over a longer period. Moreover, future efforts should explore personalisation and gamification to tailor to the heterogeneity of the condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 5786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Symmetrical Exercises in Scoliosis by Using Thermal Scanning

by Ana-Maria Vutan, Erwin-Christian Lovasz, Corina-Maria Gruescu, Carmen Sticlaru, Elena Sîrbu, Nicolae-Adrian Jurjiu, Ion-Silviu Borozan and Călin Vutan

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020721 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1938

Abstract

(1) Background: Scoliosis affects about 3% of the population and the number of children diagnosed with this condition is increasing. Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years to observe the effectiveness of rehabilitation specific exercises for this condition. In the present study we aim to observe if symmetrical exercises activate the back muscles in the same way in the case of children with mild scoliosis and those without postural deviations; (2) Methods: We used the thermal imaging camera, which allows a non-invasive, painless investigation that provides real-time information about muscle activity. The study qualitatively assessed muscle activation during exercises. In this study, 30 children were divided into two groups: 15 children diagnosed with mild scoliosis and 15 children without postural deviations; (3) Results: Acquisition of images after each exercise revealed an imbalance in the functioning of the back muscles in children with scoliosis, with areas of higher temperature after exercise on the convexity side of the scoliotic curve. In the second experiment in which children with scoliosis performed the required exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist, they showed a symmetrical activation of the back muscles on the right and left side of the back; (4) Conclusions: In children without postural deviations, symmetrical exercises activate the muscles equally on the right and left sides of the back. In the case of children with scoliosis, the symmetrical exercises indicated in the rehabilitation programs should be performed only under the supervision of a physiotherapist to properly activate the back muscles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User-Centered Design and Evaluation of an Upper Limb Rehabilitation System with a Virtual Environment

by Monserrat Ríos-Hernández, Juan Manuel Jacinto-Villegas, Otniel Portillo-Rodríguez and Adriana Herlinda Vilchis-González

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9500; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209500 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2167

Abstract

Virtual environments (VEs) and haptic devices increase patients’ motivation. Furthermore, they observe their performance during rehabilitation. However, some of these technologies present disadvantages because they do not consider therapists’ needs and experience. This research presents the development and usability evaluation of an upper limb rehabilitation system based on a user-centered design approach for patients with moderate or mild stroke that can perform active rehabilitation. The system consists of a virtual environment with four virtual scenarios and a developed haptic device with vibrotactile feedback, and it can be visualized using a monitor or a Head-Mounted Display (HMD). Two evaluations were carried out; in the first one, five therapists evaluated the system’s usability using a monitor through the System Usability Scale, the user experience with the AttrakDiff questionnaire, and the functionality with customized items. As a result of these tests, improvements were made to the system. The second evaluation was carried out by ten volunteers who evaluated the usability, user experience, and performance with a monitor and HMD. A comparison of the therapist and volunteer scores has shown an increase in the usability evaluation (from 78 to >85), the hedonic score rose from 0.6 to 2.23, the pragmatic qualities from 1.25 to 2.20, and the attractiveness from 1.3 to 2.95. Additionally, the haptic device and the VE showed no relevant difference between their performance when using a monitor or HMD. The results show that the proposed system has the characteristics to be a helpful tool for therapists and upper limb rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessReview

Telerehabilitation—A Viable Option for the Recovery of Post-Stroke Patients

by Viorela Mihaela Ciortea, Irina Motoașcă, Rodica Ana Ungur, Ileana Monica Borda, Alina Deniza Ciubean and Laszlo Irsay

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10116; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110116 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3120

Abstract

As the number of stroke survivors is continuously growing, with an important number suffering from consequent functional deficits, the rehabilitation field is facing more complex demands. Technological progress gives us the opportunity to remotely assist patients while they exercise at home through telerehabilitation (TR), addressing the problems of limited medical resources and staff, difficult transportation, or living a long distance from rehabilitation centers. In addition, TR is a way to provide continuity in long-term post-stroke recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limits traveling and human interaction. While the implementation of TR is increasing, the biggest challenges are to raise patients’ acceptability of the new method and their motivation and engagement during the program. In this review, we aimed to find methods to address these challenges by identifying the patients who benefit the most from this therapy and efficiently organizing the space and technology used for telerehabilitation. User-friendly technologies and devices along with therapists’ constant support and feedback are some of the most important aspects that make TR an efficient intervention and an alternative to conventional therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 644 KiB

Open AccessReview

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation and Exergames—Physical and Psychological Impact on Fall Prevention among the Elderly—A Literature Review

by Joanna Piech and Krzysztof Czernicki

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4098; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094098 - 30 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7495

Abstract

The present review is aimed at the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) and exergames in the prevention of falls among the elderly. Falls become a significant problem in the aging population and lead to psychological, social, and physical impairment. Prevention of falls is crucial to the well-being of the elderly population and is one of the challenges of contemporary rehabilitation. Recently, in view of the threat of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, contactless methods of rehabilitation, including telerehabilitation, appear as valuable rehabilitation tools. This review is based on the PRISMA guidelines and was carried out in five databases: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro. Twenty-one randomized controlled trials, focused on the application of VR and exergames in the prevention of falls, were included. This review suggests that VR training in rehabilitation appears to be a promising complement to traditional techniques of physiotherapy to improve specific physical outcomes. VR and exergames could be considered as a complement of standard physiotherapy and its possible continuation at home for elderly. However, further high-quality studies, with carefully designed protocols and proper blinding, are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Assessment and Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine)

► Show Figures