Kazuki Ushizawa

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of robot-assisted hand movement training using a novel end-effector robot in individuals after stroke. METHODS: Eleven individuals with subacute stroke with hand motor impairment underwent robot-assisted repetitive finger flexion/extension for 20 min daily and repeated this training on 7 non-consecutive days. The robot was designed to allow the flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the index to the little fingers, and to provide assistive torque if the movement did not reach the target angle within a limited time. We assessed the co-contraction index (CCI) of the flexor digitorum superficialis and extensor digitorum muscles and assessed the active range of motion (AROM) of the index finger before and after training each day (intra-day effect). We performed clinical assessments of motor function and spasticity and evaluated the CCI and AROM before and immediately after the 7-day training (inter-day effect). RESULTS: Ten participants completed the 7-day training. For the intra-day effect, the CCI was significantly decreased immediately after training, particularly during active finger flexion, and the AROM tended to improve from the middle of the training days. For the inter-day effect, there were no significant changes in the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set for Finger Function, modified Ashworth scale, CCI, or AROM after the 7-day training. CONCLUSIONS: Repetitive finger movement training with the assistance of the novel robot improves muscle activation patterns, reducing co-activation between the agonist and antagonist muscles immediately after training.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the time course of longitudinal changes in the independence level of toileting-related subtasks in post-stroke patients. DESIGN: Single-institution, prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: A total of 101 consecutive patients with stroke admitted to subacute rehabilitation wards who urinated/defecated in bathrooms using wheelchairs upon admission. METHODS: Occupational therapists assessed the independence level of patients in each of the 24 toileting subtasks on a 3-level rating scale using the Toileting Tasks Assessment Form every 2-4 weeks from admission to the endpoint (achieving independent toileting or discharge). Patients were classified based on admission and endpoint assessment form scores using a two-step cluster analysis. RESULTS: Patients were classified into Cluster 1 (30 patients who exhibited a greater independence level in all subtasks upon admission [46.7-100% of patients performed each subtask independently] to the endpoint [73.3-100%]), Cluster 2 (41 patients who showed less independence upon admission [0-26.8%] but gained greater independence at the endpoint [34.1-73.2%]), and Cluster 3 (30 patients whose independence levels remained low in many subtasks from admission [0-26.7%] to the endpoint [3.3-26.7%]). CONCLUSION: Changes in toileting independence levels could be classified into 3 time courses. Effective intervention strategies may differ between each group.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the percentage of stroke patients who are independent in performing tasks involved in public transportation use and problems faced while doing so. DESIGN: Single-institution retrospective study. PATIENTS: A total of 237 post-stroke patients utilized public transportation during their hospitalization in subacute rehabilitation wards. METHODS: Participants' actual performance in 14 tasks involving public transportation use was assessed using the Public Transportation Use Assessment Form. For each task, the percentage of participants who could perform the task independently was calculated and identified performance problems were categorized. RESULTS: The task with the lowest percentage of independent participants was "Walking in crowds", with 146 of 236 (61.9%) participants performing this independently, followed by "Selecting departure time and platform" (149 of 229, 65.1%), and "Getting on and off trains" (162 of 230, 70.4%). Problems faced when "Walking in crowds" included the "Risk of colliding with others" (n = 34), "Stopping abruptly" (n = 16), "Lack of attention to surroundings" (n = 14), and "Unable to walk with the flow of people" (n = 11). CONCLUSION: A significant number of patients could not perform tasks independently and faced various performance problems. These issues should be addressed during rehabilitation to enable patients to use public transportation.