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Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation
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Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Intelligent Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2023) | Viewed by 30542

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Andreia Sousa

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Guest Editor
Department of Physiotherapy, Center for Rehabilitation Research – Human Movement System (Re)habilitation Area, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200 - 072 Porto, Portugal
Interests: biomechanics; rehabilitation; human movement; postural control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After a central nervous system injury, the presence of impairments that interfere with functional independence tasks is common. Therefore, motor control function recovery is the primary purpose of neurorehabilitation. However, despite several rehabilitation strategies having been adopted, a high percentage of patients do not reach functional independence.

The recovery of motor function after neural damage is difficult to predict. Patients with similar initial motor impairment may achieve widely disparate levels of motor function and independence. Being able to predict functional motor outcomes could help clinicians, patients, and families to set appropriate rehabilitation goals and make suitable plans for the level of support the patient is likely to need after discharge from hospital. However, making accurate predictions for individual patients based on clinical experience or on actual clinical assessment tools alone can be difficult.

This Special Issue is addressed to all types of neurophysiology and neurorehabilitation sensors designed for motor control assessment and monitoring that could help the establishment of motor control dysfunction diagnosis and recovery prognosis and could also assist or guide the rehabilitation process in cases of central nervous system injury. Other conditions that lead to motor control impairment could also be considered.

This topic fits in the following scope of Sensors:

  • Smart/intelligent sensors;
  • Biosensors;
  • Wearable sensors, devices and electronics;
  • MEMS/NEMS;
  • Remote sensors.

Dr. Andreia Sousa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Sensors 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 2600 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

  • motor-control impairment
  • assessment
  • monitoring
  • assistance
  • rehabilitation
  • smart/intelligent sensors
  • biosensors
  • wearable sensors, devices, and electronics
  • MEMS/NEMS
  • remote sensors

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

10 pages, 1833 KiB  
Article
Electromyographic Activity of the Pelvic Floor Muscles and Internal Oblique Muscles in Women during Running with Traditional and Minimalist Shoes: A Cross-Over Clinical Trial
by María García-Arrabé, Pablo García-Fernandez, María José Díaz-Arribas, Jose Javier López-Marcos, Ángel González-de-la-Flor, Cecilia Estrada-Barranco and Jean-Sébastien Roy
Sensors 2023, 23(14), 6496; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23146496 - 18 Jul 2023
Viewed by 967
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the effects of footwear on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and internal oblique (IO) muscles during running at different speeds. The study also aimed to explore the correlation between EMG activity of PFMs and [...] Read more.
The study aimed to investigate the effects of footwear on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and internal oblique (IO) muscles during running at different speeds. The study also aimed to explore the correlation between EMG activity of PFMs and IO muscles and participants’ morphological characteristics. Ten nulliparous female runners were included in the study. The participants ran for 90 s at speeds of 9, 11, and 13 km/h wearing both traditional and minimalist shoes. EMG outcomes were presented as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Comparative analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank test. Correlational analysis was performed using the Rho–Spearman correlation coefficient. The %MVC for the IO muscles was significantly lower when using minimalist shoes compared to traditional shoes (p = 0.04). No statistically significant differences were found for the PFMs (p > 0.05). The study also observed large correlations between age and %MVC of the PFMs and IO muscles (rho = −0.64; p = 0.04). Minimalist shoes decreased the activity of IO muscles in female runners. However, no significant differences in EMG activity of PFMs were found when comparing traditional and minimalist footwear. The long-term effects of minimalist footwear on EMG activity of PFMs and IO muscles, as well as their relationship to morphological characteristics, require further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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0 pages, 1715 KiB  
Article
Could Electromyographic and Pressure Related Signals Identify Differences in Abdominal Activity and Postural Control between Women with and without C-Section?
by Ana Figueiredo, Maria Lopes, Ana Pereira, Andreia S. P. Sousa, Cláudia Silva and Andreia Noites
Sensors 2023, 23(10), 4878; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23104878 - 18 May 2023
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Background: Scars interfere with the motor system; however, the influence of c-section scars has not been described yet. The aim of this study is to relate the presence of abdominal scars from a caesarean section with changes in postural control—stability and orientation and [...] Read more.
Background: Scars interfere with the motor system; however, the influence of c-section scars has not been described yet. The aim of this study is to relate the presence of abdominal scars from a caesarean section with changes in postural control—stability and orientation and abdominal and lumbar neuromuscular control in the orthostatic position. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical observational study comparing healthy primiparous women with caesarean delivery (n = 9) and physiologic delivery (n = 12) who have delivered more than one year before. The relative electromyographic activity of the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis/oblique internus and lumbar multifidus muscles, antagonist co-activation, the ellipse area, amplitude, displacement, velocity, standard deviation, and spectral power of the centre of pressure, and thoracic and lumbar curvatures, were evaluated in the standing position in both groups, through an electromyographic system, a pressure platform and spinal mouse system. In the “caesarean delivery” group, scar mobility was evaluated using a modified adheremeter. Results: Significant differences in CoP medial-lateral velocity and mean velocity were observed between groups (p < 0.050), while no significant differences were in the level of muscle activity, antagonist co-activation, and thoracic and lumbar curvatures (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The information provided by the pressure signal seems to identify postural impairments in women with c-sections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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15 pages, 1912 KiB  
Article
Neurophysiological Evaluation of Neural Transmission in Brachial Plexus Motor Fibers with the Use of Magnetic versus Electrical Stimuli
by Agnieszka Wiertel-Krawczuk, Juliusz Huber, Agnieszka Szymankiewicz-Szukała and Agnieszka Wincek
Sensors 2023, 23(8), 4175; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23084175 - 21 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1345
Abstract
The anatomical complexity of brachial plexus injury requires specialized in-depth diagnostics. The clinical examination should include clinical neurophysiology tests, especially with reference to the proximal part, with innovative devices used as sources of precise functional diagnostics. However, the principles and clinical usefulness of [...] Read more.
The anatomical complexity of brachial plexus injury requires specialized in-depth diagnostics. The clinical examination should include clinical neurophysiology tests, especially with reference to the proximal part, with innovative devices used as sources of precise functional diagnostics. However, the principles and clinical usefulness of this technique are not fully described. The aim of this study was to reinvestigate the clinical usefulness of motor evoked potential (MEP) induced by a magnetic field applied over the vertebrae and at Erb’s point to assess the neural transmission of brachial plexus motor fibers. Seventy-five volunteer subjects were randomly chosen to participate in the research. The clinical studies included an evaluation of the upper extremity sensory perception in dermatomes C5–C8 based on von Frey’s tactile monofilament method, and proximal and distal muscle strength by Lovett’s scale. Finally, 42 healthy people met the inclusion criteria. Magnetic and electrical stimuli were applied to assess the motor function of the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity and magnetic stimulus was applied to study the neural transmission from the C5–C8 spinal roots. The parameters of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recorded during electroneurography and MEP induced by magnetic stimulation were analyzed. Because the conduction parameters for the groups of women and men were comparable, the final statistical analysis covered 84 tests. The parameters of the potentials generated by electrical stimulus were comparable to those of the potentials induced by magnetic impulse at Erb’s point. The amplitude of the CMAP was significantly higher following electrical stimulation than that of the MEP following magnetic stimulation for all the examined nerves, in the range of 3–7%. The differences in the potential latency values evaluated in CMAP and MEP did not exceed 5%. The results show a significantly higher amplitude of potentials after stimulation of the cervical roots compared to potentials evoked at Erb’s point (C5, C6 level). At the C8 level, the amplitude was lower than the potentials evoked at Erb’s point, varying in the range of 9–16%. We conclude that magnetic field stimulation enables the recording of the supramaximal potential, similar to that evoked by an electric impulse, which is a novel result. Both types of excitation can be used interchangeably during an examination, which is essential for clinical application. Magnetic stimulation was painless in comparison with electrical stimulation according to the results of a pain visual analog scale (3 vs. 5.5 on average). MEP studies with advanced sensor technology allow evaluation of the proximal part of the peripheral motor pathway (between the cervical root level and Erb’s point, and via trunks of the brachial plexus to the target muscles) following the application of stimulus over the vertebrae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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0 pages, 387 KiB  
Article
Repeatability and Temporal Consistency of Lower Limb Biomechanical Variables Expressing Interlimb Coordination during the Double-Support Phase in People with and without Stroke Sequelae
by Ana G. B. Couto, Mário A. P. Vaz, Liliana Pinho, José Félix, Juliana Moreira, Francisco Pinho, Inês Albuquerque Mesquita, António Mesquita Montes, Carlos Crasto and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Sensors 2023, 23(5), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23052526 - 24 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1323
Abstract
Reliable biomechanical methods to assess interlimb coordination during the double-support phase in post-stroke subjects are needed for assessing movement dysfunction and related variability. The data obtained could provide a significant contribution for designing rehabilitation programs and for their monitorisation. The present study aimed [...] Read more.
Reliable biomechanical methods to assess interlimb coordination during the double-support phase in post-stroke subjects are needed for assessing movement dysfunction and related variability. The data obtained could provide a significant contribution for designing rehabilitation programs and for their monitorisation. The present study aimed to determine the minimum number of gait cycles needed to obtain adequate values of repeatability and temporal consistency of lower limb kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic parameters during the double support of walking in people with and without stroke sequelae. Eleven post-stroke and thirteen healthy participants performed 20 gait trials at self-selected speed in two separate moments with an interval between 72 h and 7 days. The joint position, the external mechanical work on the centre of mass, and the surface electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior, soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus muscles were extracted for analysis. Both the contralesional and ipsilesional and dominant and non-dominant limbs of participants with and without stroke sequelae, respectively, were evaluated either in trailing or leading positions. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used for assessing intra-session and inter-session consistency analysis. For most of the kinematic and the kinetic variables studied in each session, two to three trials were required for both groups, limbs, and positions. The electromyographic variables presented higher variability, requiring, therefore, a number of trials ranging from 2 to >10. Globally, the number of trials required inter-session ranged from 1 to >10 for kinematic, from 1 to 9 for kinetic, and 1 to >10 for electromyographic variables. Thus, for the double support analysis, three gait trials were required in order to assess the kinematic and kinetic variables in cross-sectional studies, while for longitudinal studies, a higher number of trials (>10) were required for kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
10 pages, 878 KiB  
Article
Deficits of Sensory Integration and Balance as Well as Scoliotic Changes in Young Schoolgirls
by Jacek Wilczyński, Natalia Habik Tatarowska and Marta Mierzwa Molenda
Sensors 2023, 23(3), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031172 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1387
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between sensory integration and balance deficits as well as scoliotic changes in young schoolgirls. The study comprised 54 girls aged 11 years with scoliotic changes. The Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between sensory integration and balance deficits as well as scoliotic changes in young schoolgirls. The study comprised 54 girls aged 11 years with scoliotic changes. The Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance of the Biodex Balance System platform were used to analyze the deficits in sensory integration and balance. Scoliotic changes were assessed using the Diers Formetric III 4D optoelectronic method. In the present study, there was a significant relationship between sensory integration and balance deficits as well as spine curvature angle (°) (p = 0.01), vertebral surface rotation (°) (p = 0.03), pelvic tilt (°) (p = 0.02), and lateral deviation (mm) (p = 0.04). The integration of the sensory systems has a positive effect on the structure of the intended and controlled movement as well as body posture and the development of the spine. In the treatment of scoliotic changes, one should also consider exercises that improve sensory integration as well as position and balance reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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14 pages, 1737 KiB  
Communication
A Method for Estimating Longitudinal Change in Motor Skill from Individualized Functional-Connectivity Measures
by Nader Riahi, Ryan D’Arcy and Carlo Menon
Sensors 2022, 22(24), 9857; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22249857 - 15 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
Pragmatic, objective, and accurate motor assessment tools could facilitate more frequent appraisal of longitudinal change in motor function and subsequent development of personalized therapeutic strategies. Brain functional connectivity (FC) has shown promise as an objective neurophysiological measure for this purpose. The involvement of [...] Read more.
Pragmatic, objective, and accurate motor assessment tools could facilitate more frequent appraisal of longitudinal change in motor function and subsequent development of personalized therapeutic strategies. Brain functional connectivity (FC) has shown promise as an objective neurophysiological measure for this purpose. The involvement of different brain networks, along with differences across subjects due to age or existing capabilities, motivates an individualized approach towards the evaluation of FC. We advocate the use of EEG-based resting-state FC (rsFC) measures to address the pragmatic requirements. Pertaining to appraisal of accuracy, we suggest using the acquisition of motor skill by healthy individuals that could be quantified at small incremental change. Computer-based tracing tasks are a good candidate in this regard when using spatial error in tracing as an objective measure of skill. This work investigates the application of an individualized method that utilizes Partial Least Squares analysis to estimate the longitudinal change in tracing error from changes in rsFC. Longitudinal data from participants yielded an average accuracy of 98% (standard deviation of 1.2%) in estimating tracing error. The results show potential for an accurate individualized motor assessment tool that reduces the dependence on the expertise and availability of trained examiners, thereby facilitating more frequent appraisal of function and development of personalized training programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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12 pages, 2167 KiB  
Article
Discriminating Free Hand Movements Using Support Vector Machine and Recurrent Neural Network Algorithms
by Christoph Reichert, Lisa Klemm, Raghava Vinaykanth Mushunuri, Avinash Kalyani, Stefanie Schreiber, Esther Kuehn and Elena Azañón
Sensors 2022, 22(16), 6101; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166101 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2088
Abstract
Decoding natural hand movements is of interest for human–computer interaction and may constitute a helpful tool in the diagnosis of motor diseases and rehabilitation monitoring. However, the accurate measurement of complex hand movements and the decoding of dynamic movement data remains challenging. Here, [...] Read more.
Decoding natural hand movements is of interest for human–computer interaction and may constitute a helpful tool in the diagnosis of motor diseases and rehabilitation monitoring. However, the accurate measurement of complex hand movements and the decoding of dynamic movement data remains challenging. Here, we introduce two algorithms, one based on support vector machine (SVM) classification combined with dynamic time warping, and the other based on a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, which were designed to discriminate small differences in defined sequences of hand movements. We recorded hand movement data from 17 younger and 17 older adults using an exoskeletal data glove while they were performing six different movement tasks. Accuracy rates in decoding the different movement types were similarly high for SVM and LSTM in across-subject classification, but, for within-subject classification, SVM outperformed LSTM. The SVM-based approach, therefore, appears particularly promising for the development of movement decoding tools, in particular if the goal is to generalize across age groups, for example for detecting specific motor disorders or tracking their progress over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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Graphical abstract

18 pages, 2468 KiB  
Article
Improving Data Glove Accuracy and Usability Using a Neural Network When Measuring Finger Joint Range of Motion
by James Connolly, Joan Condell, Kevin Curran and Philip Gardiner
Sensors 2022, 22(6), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22062228 - 14 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3255
Abstract
Data gloves capable of measuring finger joint kinematics can provide objective range of motion information useful for clinical hand assessment and rehabilitation. Data glove sensors are strategically placed over specific finger joints to detect movement of the wearers’ hand. The construction of the [...] Read more.
Data gloves capable of measuring finger joint kinematics can provide objective range of motion information useful for clinical hand assessment and rehabilitation. Data glove sensors are strategically placed over specific finger joints to detect movement of the wearers’ hand. The construction of the sensors used in a data glove, the number of sensors used, and their positioning on each finger joint are influenced by the intended use case. Although most glove sensors provide reasonably stable linear output, this stability is influenced externally by the physical structure of the data glove sensors, as well as the wearer’s hand size relative to the data glove, and the elastic nature of materials used in its construction. Data gloves typically require a complex calibration method before use. Calibration may not be possible when wearers have disabled hands or limited joint flexibility, and so limits those who can use a data glove within a clinical context. This paper examines and describes a unique approach to calibration and angular calculation using a neural network that improves data glove repeatability and accuracy measurements without the requirement for data glove calibration. Results demonstrate an overall improvement in data glove measurements. This is particularly relevant when the data glove is used with those who have limited joint mobility and cannot physically complete data glove calibration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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Review

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0 pages, 551 KiB  
Review
Home-Based Rehabilitation of the Shoulder Using Auxiliary Systems and Artificial Intelligence: An Overview
by Bruno Cunha, Ricardo Ferreira and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Sensors 2023, 23(16), 7100; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23167100 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1752
Abstract
Advancements in modern medicine have bolstered the usage of home-based rehabilitation services for patients, particularly those recovering from diseases or conditions that necessitate a structured rehabilitation process. Understanding the technological factors that can influence the efficacy of home-based rehabilitation is crucial for optimizing [...] Read more.
Advancements in modern medicine have bolstered the usage of home-based rehabilitation services for patients, particularly those recovering from diseases or conditions that necessitate a structured rehabilitation process. Understanding the technological factors that can influence the efficacy of home-based rehabilitation is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. As technologies continue to evolve rapidly, it is imperative to document the current state of the art and elucidate the key features of the hardware and software employed in these rehabilitation systems. This narrative review aims to provide a summary of the modern technological trends and advancements in home-based shoulder rehabilitation scenarios. It specifically focuses on wearable devices, robots, exoskeletons, machine learning, virtual and augmented reality, and serious games. Through an in-depth analysis of existing literature and research, this review presents the state of the art in home-based rehabilitation systems, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Furthermore, this review proposes hypotheses and potential directions for future upgrades and enhancements in these technologies. By exploring the integration of these technologies into home-based rehabilitation, this review aims to shed light on the current landscape and offer insights into the future possibilities for improving patient outcomes and optimizing the effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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0 pages, 806 KiB  
Review
Health-Related Telemonitoring Parameters/Signals of Older Adults: An Umbrella Review
by José Félix, Juliana Moreira, Rubim Santos, Elina Kontio, Ana Rita Pinheiro and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Sensors 2023, 23(2), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23020796 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2685
Abstract
Aging is one of the greatest challenges in modern society. The development of wearable solutions for telemonitoring biological signals has been viewed as a strategy to enhance older adults’ healthcare sustainability. This study aims to review the biological signals remotely monitored by technologies [...] Read more.
Aging is one of the greatest challenges in modern society. The development of wearable solutions for telemonitoring biological signals has been viewed as a strategy to enhance older adults’ healthcare sustainability. This study aims to review the biological signals remotely monitored by technologies in older adults. PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Web of Science, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports were systematically searched in December 2021. Only systematic reviews and meta-analyses of remote health-related biological and environmental monitoring signals in older adults were considered, with publication dates between 2016 and 2022, written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Studies referring to conference proceedings or articles with abstract access only were excluded. The data were extracted independently by two reviewers, using a predefined table form, consulting a third reviewer in case of doubts or concerns. Eighteen studies were included, fourteen systematic reviews and four meta-analyses. Nine of the reviews included older adults from the community, whereas the others also included institutionalized participants. Heart and respiratory rate, physical activity, electrocardiography, body temperature, blood pressure, glucose, and heart rate were the most frequently measured biological variables, with physical activity and heart rate foremost. These were obtained through wearables, with the waist, wrist, and ankle being the most mentioned body regions for the device’s placement. Six of the reviews presented the psychometric properties of the systems, most of which were valid and accurate. In relation to environmental signals, only two articles presented data on this topic. Luminosity, temperature, and movement were the most mentioned variables. The need for large-scale long-term health-related telemonitoring implementation of studies with larger sample sizes was pointed out by several reviews in order to define the feasibility levels of wearable devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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12 pages, 872 KiB  
Review
Immersion Therapy with Head-Mounted Display for Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb after Stroke—Review
by Klaudia Marek, Igor Zubrycki and Elżbieta Miller
Sensors 2022, 22(24), 9962; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22249962 - 17 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2352
Abstract
Immersive virtual therapy technology is a new method that uses head-mounted displays for rehabilitation purposes. It offers a realistic experience that puts the user in a virtual reality. This new type of therapy is used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Many patients [...] Read more.
Immersive virtual therapy technology is a new method that uses head-mounted displays for rehabilitation purposes. It offers a realistic experience that puts the user in a virtual reality. This new type of therapy is used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Many patients after this disease have complications related to the upper extremities that limit independence in their everyday life, which affects the functioning of society. Conventional neurological rehabilitation can be supplemented by the use of immersive virtual therapy. The system allows patients with upper limb dysfunction to perform a motor and task-oriented training in virtual reality that is individually tailored to their performance. The complete immersion therapy itself is researched and evaluated by medical teams to determine the suitability for rehabilitation of the upper limb after a stroke. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the latest research (2019–2022) on immersive virtual reality with head-mounted displays using in rehabilitation of the upper extremities of stroke patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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19 pages, 2136 KiB  
Review
Scapular Dynamic Muscular Stiffness Assessed through Myotonometry: A Narrative Review
by Ana S. C. Melo, Eduardo B. Cruz, João Paulo Vilas-Boas and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Sensors 2022, 22(7), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22072565 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3564
Abstract
Several tools have been used to assess muscular stiffness. Myotonometry stands out as an accessible, handheld, and easy to use tool. The purpose of this review was to summarize the psychometric properties and methodological considerations of myotonometry and its applicability in assessing scapular [...] Read more.
Several tools have been used to assess muscular stiffness. Myotonometry stands out as an accessible, handheld, and easy to use tool. The purpose of this review was to summarize the psychometric properties and methodological considerations of myotonometry and its applicability in assessing scapular muscles. Myotonometry seems to be a reliable method to assess several muscles stiffness, as trapezius. This method has been demonstrated fair to moderate correlation with passive stiffness measured by shear wave elastography for several muscles, as well as with level of muscle contraction, pinch and muscle strength, Action Research Arm Test score and muscle or subcutaneous thickness. Myotonometry can detect scapular muscles stiffness differences between pre- and post-intervention in painful conditions and, sometimes, between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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16 pages, 613 KiB  
Review
Methodological Considerations in Assessing Interlimb Coordination on Poststroke Gait: A Scoping Review of Biomechanical Approaches and Outcomes
by Ana G. B. Couto, Mário A. P. Vaz, Liliana Pinho, José Félix, Sandra Silva, Augusta Silva and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Sensors 2022, 22(5), 2010; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22052010 - 4 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1782
Abstract
Objective: To identify and summarize biomechanical assessment approaches in interlimb coordination on poststroke gait. Introduction: Interlimb coordination involves complex neurophysiological mechanisms that can be expressed through the biomechanical output. The deepening of this concept would have a significant contribution in gait rehabilitation in [...] Read more.
Objective: To identify and summarize biomechanical assessment approaches in interlimb coordination on poststroke gait. Introduction: Interlimb coordination involves complex neurophysiological mechanisms that can be expressed through the biomechanical output. The deepening of this concept would have a significant contribution in gait rehabilitation in patients with an asymmetric neurological impairment as poststroke adults. Inclusion criteria: Poststroke adults (>19 years old), with assessment of interlimb coordination during gait, in an open context, according to the Population, Concept, Context framework. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science™, Scopus, and gray literature in Google Scholar™, according to the PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Studies written in Portuguese or English language and published between database inception and 14 November 2021 were included. Qualitative studies, conference proceedings, letters, and editorials were excluded. The main conceptual categories were “author/year”, “study design”, “participant’s characteristics”, “walking conditions”, “instruments” and “outcomes”. Results: The search identified 827 potentially relevant studies, with a remaining seven fulfilling the established criteria. Interlimb coordination was assessed during walking in treadmill (n = 3), overground (n = 3) and both (n = 1). The instruments used monitored electromyography (n = 2), kinetics (n = 2), and kinematics (n = 4) to assess spatiotemporal parameters (n = 4), joint kinematics (n = 2), anteroposterior ground reaction forces (n = 2), and electromyography root mean square (n = 2) outcomes. These outcomes were mostly used to analyze symmetry indices or ratios, to calculate propulsive impulse and external mechanical power produced on the CoM, as well as antagonist coactivation. Conclusions: Assessment of interlimb coordination during gait is important for consideration of natural auto-selected overground walking, using kinematic, kinetic, and EMG instruments. These allow for the collection of the main biomechanical outcomes that could contribute to improve better knowledge of interlimb coordination assessment in poststroke patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

0 pages, 1313 KiB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review on the Applicability of Principal Component Analysis for the Study of Movement in the Older Adult Population
by Juliana Moreira, Bruno Silva, Hugo Faria, Rubim Santos and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Sensors 2023, 23(1), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23010205 - 25 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2740
Abstract
Principal component analysis (PCA) is a dimensionality reduction method that has identified significant differences in older adults’ motion analysis previously not detected by the discrete exploration of biomechanical variables. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence regarding PCA use in the [...] Read more.
Principal component analysis (PCA) is a dimensionality reduction method that has identified significant differences in older adults’ motion analysis previously not detected by the discrete exploration of biomechanical variables. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence regarding PCA use in the study of movement in older adults (kinematics and kinetics), summarizing the tasks and biomechanical variables studied. From the search results, 1685 studies were retrieved, and 19 studies were included for review. Most of the included studies evaluated gait or quiet standing. The main variables considered included spatiotemporal parameters, range of motion, and ground reaction forces. A limited number of studies analyzed other tasks. Further research should focus on the PCA application in tasks other than gait to understand older adults’ movement characteristics that have not been identified by discrete analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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20 pages, 938 KiB  
Systematic Review
Indicators and Instruments to Assess Components of Disability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
by Juliana Santos Moreira, Ana Melo, Rubim Santos and Andreia S. P. Sousa
Sensors 2022, 22(21), 8270; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22218270 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1947
Abstract
The epidemiological demands of aging point to the need for characterizing older adults regarding health and disability. This systematic review aims to summarize the indicators (instruments) identifying different components of disability as a result of aging exposition in community-dwelling older adults, considering the [...] Read more.
The epidemiological demands of aging point to the need for characterizing older adults regarding health and disability. This systematic review aims to summarize the indicators (instruments) identifying different components of disability as a result of aging exposition in community-dwelling older adults, considering the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework. Taking the PRISMA 2020 recommendations as a reference, studies with community-dwelling older adults, reporting the development and/or age disability modifications were included. Two reviewers analyzed the observational studies searched in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. Of the 137 potentially eligible studies, 49 were included in this review. Several indicators (instruments) demonstrated older adults’ disabilities according to the different domains of the ICF. Objective measures assessed Body Structures, Body Functions, and Environmental Factors and included handgrip strength (dynamometry, n = 8), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State examination, n = 7), gait speed (walk test, n = 6), and endurance (Chair stand-test, n = 4). Self-reported measures assessed Activities and Participation, but not the Body Structures, and included the basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (the Katz Index of ADL, n = 4 studies, the Lawton and Brody Instrumental ADL, n = 4 studies). The summary of the measures gathered can guide researchers and health professionals to select indicators (instruments) to assess and monitor older adults’ disabilities resulting from aging exposition, to support the development of new wearables, and to provide improvements to the existing ones, allowing the tailored assessment of different health and disability dimensions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors in Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation)
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