Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Modern Rehabilitation Training Improves the Spasticity and Motor Function of Hemiplegia after Stroke

Objective:To analyze the impact of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)(based on modern rehabilitation training)on the spasticity and motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods:Seventy-nine stroke and hemiplegia patients admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a control group(39 cases)using modern rehabilitation training,and an observation group combined with comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy(40 cases),over 1 month.The clinical index data of the two groups were compared.Results:There were differences in the clinical index data between the two groups.The total effective rate after 2 treatment in the observation group(92.50%)was higher than that of the control group(74.36%)(χ^(2)=4.727,P<0.05).All central sensitization inventory(CSI)and stroke quality of life(PRO)scores in both groups were lower after treatment,with the observation group having lower scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).The scores of FMA(upper limbs,lower limbs),Barthel index scores,and Functional Ambulation Categories(FAC)scores of both groups increased after treatment,with the observation group having higher scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy had a significant therapeutic effect on patients with hemiplegia after stroke.It improved the patient’s spasticity,limb movement,and walking function.Their daily living abilities and quality of life were also enhanced.

The Promoting Role of TCM Nursing in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Hemiplegia Patients

Objective: To explore the promoting function of TCM nursing in the rehabilitation of hemiplegia patients with stroke. Methods: 78 stroke hemiplegic patients admitted from April 2022 to April 2024 were randomly divided into a control group of 38 cases who received routine care, and an experimental group of 40 cases who received routine nursing basis plus traditional Chinese medicine nursing;the nursing effects of the two groups of patients were compared. Results: After 12 days of nursing care, the experimental group showed better psychological status [SAS score (21.71 ± 3.21), SDS score (22.18 ± 2.31)], limb motor function, daily living ability, and neurological function [NIHSS score (12.23 ± 2.21)] than the control group, with significant differences in data (P Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicine nursing for stroke hemiplegia patients is more conducive to promoting rehabilitation than routine nursing.

Effects of Acupuncture and Tuina Combined with Rehabilitation Therapy on Oxidative Stress Response and Motor Function in Stroke Hemiplegia Patients

Objective:To explore the effects of acupuncture and tuina combined with rehabilitation therapy on oxidative stress response and motor function in stroke hemiplegia patients.Methods:Sixty stroke hemiplegia patients were randomly divided into observation and control groups,with 30 cases each.The control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy,while the observation group also underwent acupuncture and tuina.After 8 weeks of treatment,oxidative stress indicators[malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)],neurological deficit scores(NIHSS),Fugl-Meyer motor function scores(FMA),and activities of daily living(Barthel Index)were compared between the two groups.Results:Before treatment,there were no significant differences in MDA,NIHSS scores,FMA scores,and Barthel Index between the two groups(P>0.05).After 8 weeks,the observation group had lower MDA and NIHSS scores,but higher SOD,GSH-Px,FMA scores,and Barthel Index compared to the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture and tuina combined with rehabilitation therapy can effectively improve oxidative stress levels,promote neurological recovery,enhance motor function,and improve daily living activities in stroke hemiplegia patients.This combined therapy is recommended for clinical application.

Hemiplegia Patients Treatment Should Combine Acupuncture with Rehabilitation Treatment

The acupuncturetherapy for hemiplegiapatients is popular insome Asian countries,and it has been graduallyaccepted in the rehabili-tative medical field ofsome developed countries.Although numer-ous clinical and experimental studies have beendone,many doctors usu-

Early Rehabilitation Nursing for Stroke Patients with Hemiplegia in Neurology Department

Objective:To study the clinical nursing effect of early rehabilitation nursing on stroke patients with hemiplegia in neurology department.Methods:Stroke patients with hemiplegia treated in our hospital from March 2018 to March 2020 were selected for the present study.Twenty patients in each group were divided into two groups by random number table method,either in experimental group or control group.Routine nursing was used in the control group,while early rehabilitation nursing was carried out in the experimental group.The clinical nursing effect of the two groups of patients was compared.Results:After nursing,the neurological function of the patients was significantly improved(P<0.05),the improvement of the experimental group was better than that of the control group(P<0.01),the daily activities of the patients in the experimental group were significantly improved,and the score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,anxiety and depression scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and the recovery of limb function in the experimental group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The implementation of early rehabilitation nursing measures plays an important role in the recovery of stroke patients with hemiplegia by promoting the recovery of neurological function,improving the psychological state of patients,and promoting the recovery of limbs.

Application of cross-migration theory in limb rehabilitation of stroke patients with hemiplegia

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common cause of neurological dysfunction,often resulting in hemiplegia.Thus,rehabilitation of limb function in stroke patients is an important step towards accelerating recovery and improving quality of life.AIM To investigate whether unilateral strength training in hemiplegic stroke patients could lead to cross-migration,an increase in bilateral muscle strength,and an improvement in lower limb motor function.METHODS We randomly divided 120 patients with hemiplegic stroke into two groups:Eexperimental and control groups,with 60 patients in each group.Both groups received routine rehabilitation treatment,while the experimental group additional-ly received ankle dorsiflexion resistance training on the healthy side for 6 wk.We measured the maximum voluntary contract(MVC),changes in surface electromyography(EMG),and the lower limb motor function using the simplified Fugl Meyer Motor Function Assessment Scale(FMA)before and within 1 wk after training.RESULTS The FMA score in the experimental group improved significantly compared to both their pre-training score and the control group's post-training score(P<0.05).The integrated EMG of the anterior tibialis muscle and pulmonary intestine muscle in the experimental group were significantly different after training than before(P<0.05).Furthermore,the MVC of the anterior tibialis muscle on both the healthy and affected sides and the MVC of the pulmonary intestine muscle on both sides showed significant improvement compared with before training and the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ankle dorsiflexion resistance training on the healthy side in hemiplegic stroke patients can increase strength in the opposite tibialis anterior muscle and antagonist's muscle,indicating a cross-migration phenomenon of strength training.Furthermore,this type of training can also improve lower limb motor function,providing a new exercise method for improving early ankle dorsiflexion dysfunction.

Effect of six-month standardized tertiary rehabilitation program on the activities of daily living in stroke patients with hemiplegia

BACKGROUND： At present, there are many studies on the rehabilitation therapy of stroke patients with hemiplegia, but there is deficiency of corresponding standardized rehabilitation program. OBJECTIVE： To explore the effects of standardized tertiary rehabilitation on the activities of daily living in stroke patients with hemiplegia within 6 months after attack. DESIGN： A clinical observation. SETTING： Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University. PARTICIPANTS： Eighty-two outpatients and inpatients with acute stroke were selected from the Department of Neurology, Shanghai Huashan Hosptial from January 1999 to June 2003, including 49 males and 33 females, 40 - 80 years of age, with a mean age of （65 ±11） years old. Inclusive criteria： According to the diagnostic standards for cerebrovascular diseases set by Fourth National Academic Meeting for Cerebrovascular Disease in 1995, the patients were diagnosed as new attack of cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, and confirmed by CT or MRI to be initial patients; They should be accorded with the following conditions, including within 1 week after stabilization of life signs, Glasgow coma score 〉 8 points, 40 - 80 years of age, with disturbance of limb function. Informed consents were obtained from all the patients or their relatives. Exclusive criteria： Patients were excluded due to active liver disease, liver and kidney malfunction, congestive heart failure, malignant tumor, history of dementia, failure in respiratory function, tetraplegia; cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage for more than 3 weeks; unable to be followed up due to in other cities and provinces; psychiatric history; deafness and muteness. According to the will of the patients or their relatives, the patients who accepted the standardized rehabilitation program were enrolled as the treatment group （n =42）, and the others as the control group （n =40）. Approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the hospital. METHODS： All the patients were given routine therapies of internal medicine after admission. According to the conditions of Brunnstom recovery 6-phase evaluation, the patients in the treatment group were trained with the pre-designed comprehensive standardized rehabilitation program for corresponding period. At early period （within about 1 month after attack）, the patients received rehabilitative interventions in the Department of Emergency or Department of Neurology, once a day, 45 minutes for each time, 5 times a week; At middle period （about 1 - 3 months after attack）, the patients received rehabilitative interventions in the rehabilitation ward or center, once to twice a day, 30 - 45 minutes for each time, 4 - 5 days a week; At late period （about 3 - 6 months after attack）, the patients received rehabilitative intervention mainly assisted by rehabilitation physician in the community, relatives and volunteers, 3 - 4 times a week, and they were followed in the house or outpatient department once every two weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The patients were evaluated blindly by the same rehabilitation physician using scale of modified Barthel index at admission and 1, 3 and 6 months after attack respectively. RESULTS： Totally 82 patients with acute stroke were enrolled, and 3 cases in the treatment group missed, including 2 cases died at 1 month after admission, and 1 case refused the follow up l0 days later, all the others were involved in the analysis of results. The scores of modified Barthel index at corresponding time points after admission in the treatment group were all obviously higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0,01）, and the score differences were also obviously higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0,01）. The activities of daily living at admission and 1, 3 and 6 months after admission in the treatment group were 22,50%, 46.43%, 75,95% and 89,52% of that of normal people respectively, and those in the control group were 17.09%, 25,77%, 43,38% and 55,00% respectively, The activities of daily Diving at admission and 1, 3 and 6 months in the treatment group were 131.66%, 180.17%, 175.08% and 162.76% of those in the controlgroup. As compared with at admission, the percentage of the score difference to the total score at the ends of the 1^st, 3^rd and 6^th months were 23.93%, 53.45% and 67.02% in the treatment group, while 8.67%, 25.36% and 36.98% in the control group. CONCLUSION： Standardized tertiary rehabilitation can obviously promote the activities of daily living in stroke patients with hemiplegia.

Effects of core stability exercise on rehabilitation in stroke patients with hemiplegia： a meta-analysis

Objective： To evaluate the effects of core stability exercise （CST） on rehabilitation in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods： Randomly controlled trials about the effects of CST on rehabilitation in stroke patients with hemiplegia were searched in the database, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CBM and VIP. Search terms include “core stability training / core stability exercise / core stabilization training / core stabilization exercise/ core strength training / core strength exercise” and “stroke / brain ischemia / cerebral infarction / cerebral hemorrhage / intracranial thrombosis / brain hemorrhage / cerebrovascular disorder /cerebrovascular accident, cerebrovascular disease / hemiplegia / hemiparesis/ stroke rehabilitation”. Study screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two researchers independently. Data was analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results： Totally 11 studies and 704 patients were included with 352 patients in experiment group and 352 in control group. Results of meta-analysis showed that combination of CST and conventional rehabilitation had better effects on trunk control [MD = 10.44, 95% CI （8.83-12.04）, P 〈 0.001], banlace [MD = 5.6, 95% CI （4.81-6.39）, P 〈 0.001], activities of daily living [MD = 12.06, 95% CI （7.65-16.46）, P 〈 0.001], ambulation functional [MD = 0.72, 95% CI （0.32-1.12）, P 〈 0.001] and walking speed [MD = 3.39, 95% CI （2.03-4.76）, P 〈 0.001] than conventional rehabilitation, but there is no clear difference on walking stride [MD = 2.52, 95% CI （-0.25-5.29）, P = 0.07] between two groups. Conclusion： CST together with conventional rehabilitation can better improve trunk control, banlace, activities of daily living, ambulation functional and walking speed in stroke patients compared with conventional rehabilitation, but can not make the walking stride better significantly. However, since the conclusion of this meta-analysis was drawn based on middle quality RCTs, future high quality researchs should be conducted to confirm its positive intervention effects.

Effects of Personalized Ultra-early Limb Function Rehabilitation on Neurological Impairment and Satisfaction of Inpatients with Hemiplegia after Ischemic Stroke

[Objectives]To investigate the effects of personalized ultra-early limb function rehabilitation on neurological impairment and satisfaction of inpatients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke.[Methods]From November 2020 to November 2021,66 ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegia in the Neurology Department of a Grade A hospital were randomly divided into experimental group and control group,with 33 cases in each group.The experimental group received personalized ultra-early limb function rehabilitation,and the control group adopted routine rehabilitation nursing.The neurological function defect and nursing service satisfaction of inpatients were compared between the two groups at discharge.[Results]After intervention,the neurological impairment in the experimental group was lighter than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the nursing service satisfaction of the inpatients in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]Personalized ultra-early limb function rehabilitation can improve the neurological deficit of inpatients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke and improve the satisfaction of inpatients.

Effects of acupuncture and balance facilitation of muscular tension on the early rehabilitationof patients with stroke and hemiplegia

Objective To explore the effects of acupuncture and balance facilitation of muscular tension on the early rehabilitation of patients with stroke and hemiplegia.Methods Divided the 96 patients with acute stroke hemiplegia into group A and B randomly (group B as control). Evaluate the rehabilitation before and after therapy, and deal with the data in statistics. The courses are 26 to 28 days. In group A, stab negative channel and points of upper limb as well as positive channel and points of lower limb of paralysis side in flaccid paralysis stage. After the muscular tension resumed, stab positive points of upper limb and negative points of lower limb, and try to recover the balance of muscular tension, and avoid muscular spasm to establish normal moving pattern. Results Compared with control group, group A had prominent difference on the process of muscular tension resuming, incidence rate of muscular spasm, the ratio of reducing of neurologic impairment scores and increasing of motor function integral (FMA), MBI of the ability of daily life (ADL) as well as index of quality of life (QLI), P<0.01. Conclusion Acuppuncture and balance facillitation of muscular tension are useful in the early rehabilitation in hemiplegia.

Influence of early rehabilitation intervention on motor function of acute stroke patients with severe hemiplegia

Objective To observe influence of early rehabilitation intervention on motor function of acute stroke patients with severe hemiplegia.Method We evaluate 58 cases of acute stroke with severe hemiplegia with FMA method and Barthel index, observe influence of early rehabilitation intervention on recovery of motor function.Result Motor function after treatment was promoted apparently compared with control group(P< 0.05).Conclusion Early rehabilitation intervention can promote motor function recovery of acute stroke patients with severe hemiplegia.

Effect of Walking Speed Intervention for Stroke Hemiplegia Using Neurorehabilitation-Robot

Sufficient hip joint extension range of motion is important in improving the walking speed of patients with spastic hemiplegia. In this study, we developed a piston device for the hip (PDH) that simulates the action of the piston technique for hip joints (PTH), which is a method for improving hip joint extension range of motion. We then evaluated the efficacy of PDH on 10 spastic hemiplegia patients suffering from a limited range of hip joint extension. Results confirmed rapid improvement of hip joint range of motion and increase in walking speed.

Cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery:An important underutilized treatment strategy

Physical inactivity remains in high levels after cardiac surgery,reaching up to 50%.Patients present a significant loss of functional capacity,with prominent muscle weakness after cardiac surgery due to anesthesia,surgical incision,duration of cardiopulmonary bypass,and mechanical ventilation that affects their quality of life.These complications,along with pulmonary complications after surgery,lead to extended intensive care unit(ICU)and hospital length of stay and significant mortality rates.Despite the well-known beneficial effects of cardiac rehabilitation,this treatment strategy still remains broadly underutilized in patients after cardiac surgery.Prehabilitation and ICU early mobilization have been both showed to be valid methods to improve exercise tolerance and muscle strength.Early mobilization should be adjusted to each patient’s functional capacity with progressive exercise training,from passive mobilization to more active range of motion and resistance exercises.Cardiopulmonary exercise testing remains the gold standard for exercise capacity assessment and optimal prescription of aerobic exercise intensity.During the last decade,recent advances in healthcare technology have changed cardiac rehabilitation perspectives,leading to the future of cardiac rehabilitation.By incorporating artificial intelligence,simulation,telemedicine and virtual cardiac rehabilitation,cardiac surgery patients may improve adherence and compliance,targeting to reduced hospital readmissions and decreased healthcare costs.

Application value research of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common disabling disease,whether it is ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke,both can result in neuronal damage,leading to various manifestations of neurological dysfunction.AIM To explore of the application value of swallowing treatment device combined with swallowing rehabilitation training in the treatment of swallowing disorders after stroke.METHODS This study selected 86 patients with swallowing disorders after stroke admitted to our rehabilitation department from February 2022 to December 2023 as research subjects.They were divided into a control group(n=43)and an observation group(n=43)according to the treatment.The control group received swallowing rehabilitation training,while the observation group received swallowing treatment device in addition to the training.Both groups underwent continuous intervention for two courses of treatment.RESULTS The total effective rate in the observation group(93.02%)was higher than that in the control group(76.74%)(P=0.035).After intervention,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,pharyngeal transit time,and laryngeal closure time decreased in both groups compared to before intervention.In the observation group,the oral transit time,swallowing response time,and pharyngeal transit time were shorter than those in the control group after intervention.However,the laryngeal closure time after intervention in the observation group was compared with that in the control group(P=0.142).After intervention,average amplitude value and duration of the genioglossus muscle group during empty swallowing and swallowing 5 mL of water are reduced compared to before intervention in both groups.After intervention,the scores of the chin-tuck swallowing exercise and the Standardized Swallowing Assessment are both reduced compared to pre-intervention levels in both groups.However,the observation group scores lower than the control group after intervention.Additionally,the Functional Oral Intake Scale scores of both groups are increased after intervention compared to pre-intervention levels,with the observation group scoring higher than the control group after intervention(P<0.001).The cumulative incidence of complications in the observation group is 9.30%,which is lower than the 27.91%in the control group(P=0.027).CONCLUSION The combination of swallowing therapy equipment with swallowing rehabilitation training can improve the muscle movement level of the genioglossus muscle group,enhance swallowing function,and prevent the occurrence of swallowing-related complications after stroke.

Clinical value of precise rehabilitation nursing in management of cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Cerebral infarction,previously referred to as cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke,refers to the localized brain tissue experiencing ischemic necrosis or softening due to disorders in brain blood supply,ischemia,and hypoxia.The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management is a continuous,fixed,orderly,and efficient nursing model aimed at standardizing the clinical nursing process,reducing the wastage of medical resources,and improving the quality of medical services.AIM To analyze the value of a precise rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management in patients with cerebral infarction.METHODS Patients(n=124)admitted to our hospital with cerebral infarction between November 2019 and November 2021 were enrolled as the study subjects.The random number table method was used to divide them into a conventional nursing intervention group(n=61)and a model nursing intervention group(n=63).Changes in the nursing index for the two groups were compared after conventional nursing intervention and precise rehabilitation intervention nursing for chronic disease management.RESULTS Compared with the conventional intervention group,the model intervention group had a shorter time to clinical symptom relief(P<0.05),lower Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores,a lower incidence of total complications(P<0.05),a higher disease knowledge mastery rate,higher safety and quality,and a higher overall nursing satisfaction rate(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management improves the clinical symptoms of patients with cerebral infarction,reducing the incidence of total complications and improving the clinical outcome of patients,and is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Neuromuscular Disease Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Review and Algorithmic Approach

Neuromuscular diseases present profound challenges to individuals and healthcare systems worldwide, profoundly impacting motor functions. This research provides a comprehensive exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) technology is revolutionizing rehabilitation for individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Through an extensive review, this paper elucidates a wide array of AI-driven interventions spanning robotic-assisted therapy, virtual reality rehabilitation, and intricately tailored machine learning algorithms. The aim is to delve into the nuanced applications of AI, unlocking its transformative potential in optimizing personalized treatment plans for those grappling with the complexities of neuromuscular diseases. By examining the multifaceted intersection of AI and rehabilitation, this paper not only contributes to our understanding of cutting-edge advancements but also envisions a future where technological innovations play a pivotal role in alleviating the challenges posed by neuromuscular diseases. From employing neural-fuzzy adaptive controllers for precise trajectory tracking amidst uncertainties to utilizing machine learning algorithms for recognizing patient motor intentions and adapting training accordingly, this research encompasses a holistic approach towards harnessing AI for enhanced rehabilitation outcomes. By embracing the synergy between AI and rehabilitation, we pave the way for a future where individuals with neuromuscular disorders can access tailored, effective, and technologically-driven interventions to improve their quality of life and functional independence.

Interest of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Heart Disease in a Cardiology Department in Senegal

Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients with heart disease. To show its interest in the African context, in the management of heart disease, a prospective study was carried out. Its objective was to evaluate the effects of physical rehabilitation on cardiac function. Methods: Patients were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of cardiovascular rehabilitation by cardiovascular, biological, and echocardiographic parameters including the size of the heart chambers, the kinetics of the walls, and the systolic function of the ventricles. Results: The study involved 12 patients, 67% of whom were men. After cardiac rehabilitation, the mean hemodynamic constants had not been significantly modified. However, a significant decrease in Total-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and triglyceride levels was noted. Mean fasting blood sugar decreased from 1.25 ± 0.48 g/L to 0.92 ± 0.18 g/L and glycated hemoglobin from 7.72% ± 0.01% to 6.45% ± 0.008%. The echocardiographic parameters studied showed an improvement in the dilation of the heart chambers in 8.33% of the patients, the normalization of the ejection fraction of the left ventricle in 16% patients, the improvement of the kinetic disorders in 16% of patients and recovery of right ventricular systolic function in all patients. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation as a secondary preventive measure for cardiovascular disease has contributed significantly to improving the clinico-biological parameters of the disease.

Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Physical Capacity of Heart Failure Patients in Senegal

Background: Heart failure is a chronic and severe condition that often results from various heart diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is currently a crucial component in managing this condition. The aim was to assess the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on physical capacity of heart failure patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from February 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. We included all patients with heart failure who underwent cardiac rehabilitation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24.0, with a significance level set at p Results: The study included 87 heart failure patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8. Mean age was 57.10 years (±11.75). Coronary artery disease was the primary cause of heart failure, accounting for 75.9% of cases. Atrial fibrillation was present in 4.7% of cases. Following cardiac rehabilitation, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction increased from 40.15% to 49.48% (p = 0.001). Resting heart rate decreased significantly from 81.4 bpm to 68.3 bpm (p = 0.000), and the number of METS increased from 4.3 to 6.57 (+56.8%;p = 0.000). The mean distance covered in the 6-minute walk test significantly increased from 337.8 meters to 522.7 meters (p = 0.000), reflecting a gain of 183.5 meters. Moreover, the increase in the number of METS was more pronounced in females (p = 0.001), non-obese individuals (p = 0.000), non-diabetics (p = 0.001), non-sedentary individuals (p = 0.000), and non-smokers (p = 0.000). The study reported a low readmissions rate of 2.2% and a mortality rate of 1.1%. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial for black African heart failure patients, resulting in significant improvements in symptoms, physical and capacity.

Type Synthesis of Self-Alignment Parallel Ankle Rehabilitation Robot with Suitable Passive Degrees of Freedom

The current parallel ankle rehabilitation robot(ARR)suffers from the problem of difficult real-time alignment of the human-robot joint center of rotation,which may lead to secondary injuries to the patient.This study investigates type synthesis of a parallel self-alignment ankle rehabilitation robot(PSAARR)based on the kinematic characteristics of ankle joint rotation center drift from the perspective of introducing"suitable passive degrees of freedom(DOF)"with a suitable number and form.First,the self-alignment principle of parallel ARR was proposed by deriving conditions for transforming a human-robot closed chain(HRCC)formed by an ARR and human body into a kinematic suitable constrained system and introducing conditions of"decoupled"and"less limb".Second,the relationship between the self-alignment principle and actuation wrenches(twists)of PSAARR was analyzed with the velocity Jacobian matrix as a"bridge".Subsequently,the type synthesis conditions of PSAARR were proposed.Third,a PSAARR synthesis method was proposed based on the screw theory and type of PSAARR synthesis conducted.Finally,an HRCC kinematic model was established to verify the self-alignment capability of the PSAARR.In this study,93 types of PSAARR limb structures were synthesized and the self-alignment capability of a human-robot joint axis was verified through kinematic analysis,which provides a theoretical basis for the design of such an ARR.

Assessment of the Physical Capabilities of Heart Failure Patients before and after Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: A Study of 125 Patients from West Africa, Dakar, Senegal

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation represents a critical therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from chronic heart failure. The physical capacity of patients with heart failure, assessed using the exercise test and the 6-minute walk test, is the measure of the patient’s overall functional ability to perform physical activities and tolerate exercise loads. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cardiac rehabilitation on patients’ physical capabilities and to conduct a thorough comparison of data obtained via exercise testing and the 6-minute walk test before and after the rehabilitation programme. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from 1 February 2021 to 31 June 2022. Included were heart failure patients who had participated in an outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation programme. The collected data included anamnestic, clinical, paraclinical data, and the 6-minute walk test. Informed consent was obtained. Data analysis, word processing, and charting were performed using Microsoft Word 2016, Excel 2013, and Sphinx version 5.1.0.2. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 24.0. Any difference less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In a Senegalese study, heart failure patients undergoing rehabilitation in a cardiac unit represented 45.59% of all cases, with a prevalence rate of 3.21%. The average participant was 57.97 years old, with those aged 61 to 70 forming the largest group (35.5%). The study noted a male predominance (sex ratio of 2.1) and identified dyslipidaemia (80.6%) and sedentarism (71%), as prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. All participants initially suffered from NYHA stage 2 or 3 dyspnoea, yet 80.65% showed no symptoms following rehabilitation. Significant improvements were recorded in resting heart rate (from 79 to 67 bpm), and the 6-minute walk test distance (from 328 m to 470 m). Enhanced exercise tolerance and walking test outcomes were particularly notable in patients with LVEF ≥ 50%, women, non-obese individuals, those initially walking less than 300 m, achieving more than 3 METs, and non-smokers. Conclusion: The findings underscore the effectiveness of cardiovascular rehabilitation in improving symptoms, physical capability, and overall quality of life for heart failure patients in Senegal.