Pilot study for use of a virtual model for analyse paretic upper limb functional outcome evolution in acute stroke patients

Abstracts from the 9th World Congress of International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. June 19-23, 2015, Berlin, GermanyPostprint (published version

How common is immobilization hypercalcaemia on a brain injury rehabilitation unit? a review of 337 patients

Abstracts from the 9th World Congress of International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. June 19-23, 2015, Berlin, GermanyPostprint (published version

Intra-rater reliability and diagnostic accuracy of a new vaginal dynamometer to measure pelvic floor muscle strength in women with urinary incontinence

The first choice treatment in urinary incontinence (UI) is rehabilitation of the pelvic floor in order to improve muscle strength. However, no entirely reliable instruments for quantifying pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength are currently available. Our aim was to test the intra-rater reliability and diagnostic accuracy of a new vaginal dynamometer for measuring PFM strength. Methods: Test-retest reliability study. One hundred and four women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were recruited. Patients were excluded if they had a history consistent with urge urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy, previous urogynecological surgery, severe vaginal atrophy, or neurological conditions. The examination comprised digital palpation quantified by the modified Oxford scale and by two consecutive dynamometry measurements obtained using a new prototype dynamometer. This instrument comprises a speculum in which an inductive displacement sensor LVDTSM210.10.2.KTmodel, Schreiber) is attached to a spring of known stiffness constant (k). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intra-rater reliability. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves analysis. Results: Of the 104 subjects included, 59.6% presented scores between 0–2 on the Oxford scale. Intra-rater reliability was 0.98 (95%CI: 0.97– 0.99). In the Bland & Altman plot, the distribution of disagreements was similar in the lowest and the highest strength values. The diagnostic accuracy of the dynamometer with regard to digital palpation showed an area under the curve of 0.85 (95%CI: 0.77–0.93). Conclusions: Our results suggest that this new vaginal dynamometer is a reliable and valid instrument for quantifying PFM strength.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Exoesqueleto para mano discapacitada con movimiento y sensibilidad, pero sin fuerza

Personas con ciertas patologías tienen limitaciones en sus actividades de la vida diaria, tales como coger un vaso de agua o mover un objeto. Las ortesis ayudan a mejorar y/o restaurar la funcionalidad del sistema muscoesquelético en pacientes que tienen las limitaciones descritas. Este artículo presenta una de estas ortesis, un exoesqueleto para la mano discapacitada, con el fin de ayudar a mejorar sus actividades de la vida diaria. La novedad de este exoesqueleto patentado es que no necesita ningún tipo de energía externa para su activación. Un movimiento de la muñeca hace que se active, creando una cadena cinemática de movimientos que ayuda a agarrar el objeto.Postprint (published version

The efficacy of a supervised exercise training programme on readmission rates in patients with myocardial ischemia: results from a randomised controlled trial

Background: The results of research into the outcomes of physical rehabilitation and its relationship with post-myocardial ischaemia survival and readmissions are inconclusive. Our primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a supervised exercise training programme in terms of decreasing hospital cardiac readmission in patients with myocardial ischaemia. Methods: We conducted a randomised controlled trial including patients with myocardial ischaemia. Eligible patients were assigned to a control group receiving standard care or to an intervention group that took part in a supervised exercise training programme. The follow-up period was 12 months after hospital discharge. Results: Of 478 patients assessed for eligibility, 86 were randomised to the control group (n=44) or the intervention group (n=42). Cardiac readmission rates were 14% versus 5% (p=0.268) in the control and intervention groups, respectively, and all-cause readmission rates were 23% versus 15% (p=0.34). There were no deaths in either group. More control patients were treated in the emergency services (50% vs. 24%; p= 0.015). In terms of health-related quality of life, patients in the intervention group presented with significant increases in functional capacity and mobility. More intervention patients returned to work (77.3% vs. 36.0%; p=0.005). Conclusions: The supervised physical exercise programme was effective at reducing the number of emergency room visits and at increasing the percentage of patients who returned to work. It also improved patients exercise capacity and increased their health-related quality of life. Although the results were promising, the programme was not associated with a significant reduction in cardiac and all-cause readmission rates.Funding Agencies|Collegi de Fisioterapeutes de Catalunya [R01/08-09]</p

Grasping simulation with a new device for a hand

People with disabilities have limitations in activities of daily life such as grasping a glass of water or moving an object. Orthotic products that improve or restore the functionality of the musculoskeletal system of a patient contribute to some extent to overcome the limitations described. So does the hand brace, used to treat musculoskeletal disorders caused by various diseases (rheumatic disorders, neurological, orthopedic and others). The paper simulates a novel exoskeleton to grasp any object. The novelty of this mechanism is that works without external energy, it works with a wrist movement that generates a kinetic movement and helps to grasp objects with an extra force. Objectives: The aim of this work is to simulate a novel exoskeleton to grasp any object. The orthosis (external devices attached on the hand of a user disabled) facilitate the functionality, being comfortable and easy to be used by the patient. It is adaptable to hand size and finger length of the patient and needs no power source for operation.Postprint (published version

Grasping simulation with a new device for a hand

People with disabilities have limitations in activities of daily life such as grasping a glass of water or moving an object. Orthotic products that improve or restore the functionality of the musculoskeletal system of a patient contribute to some extent to overcome the limitations described. So does the hand brace, used to treat musculoskeletal disorders caused by various diseases (rheumatic disorders, neurological, orthopedic and others). The paper simulates a novel exoskeleton to grasp any object. The novelty of this mechanism is that works without external energy, it works with a wrist movement that generates a kinetic movement and helps to grasp objects with an extra force. Objectives: The aim of this work is to simulate a novel exoskeleton to grasp any object. The orthosis (external devices attached on the hand of a user disabled) facilitate the functionality, being comfortable and easy to be used by the patient. It is adaptable to hand size and finger length of the patient and needs no power source for operation

Grasping simulation with a new device for a hand

People with disabilities have limitations in activities of daily life such as grasping a glass of water or moving an object. Orthotic products that improve or restore the functionality of the musculoskeletal system of a patient contribute to some extent to overcome the limitations described. So does the hand brace, used to treat musculoskeletal disorders caused by various diseases (rheumatic disorders, neurological, orthopedic and others). The paper simulates a novel exoskeleton to grasp any object. The novelty of this mechanism is that works without external energy, it works with a wrist movement that generates a kinetic movement and helps to grasp objects with an extra force. Objectives: The aim of this work is to simulate a novel exoskeleton to grasp any object. The orthosis (external devices attached on the hand of a user disabled) facilitate the functionality, being comfortable and easy to be used by the patient. It is adaptable to hand size and finger length of the patient and needs no power source for operation