Physical rehabilitation for sensorineural hearing loss in childhood:Progress and challenges

Early intervention for sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)in childhood is crucial for auditory and language development.In recent years,innovative auditory stimulation techniques and speech therapy strategies,such as middle ear implants,cochlear implants,auditory brainstem implants,and midbrain implants,have provided new avenues for improving patient outcomes.Additionally,basic research advancements in cell reprogramming and regeneration,stem cell therapy,and targeted drug delivery offer promising approaches to meet the individualized needs of children with SNHL.However,many challenges and unresolved issues remain in the treatment of SNHL.This article comments on the case report,which describes a female pediatric patient with SNHL who underwent foot reflexology which led to the normalization of hearing thresholds.Reflexology is considered to have potential benefits in physical rehabilitation,but its efficacy in hearing restoration requires further scientific validation through rigorous clinical trials and large-scale prospective studies.

Motivational interviewing in postoperative rehabilitation and chronic disease management: Current findings and future research directions

This editorial highlights a recently published study examining the effectiveness of music therapy combined with motivational interviewing(MI)in addressing an-xiety and depression among young and middle-aged patients following percuta-neous coronary intervention.It further explores existing evidence and potential future research directions for MI in postoperative rehabilitation and chronic disease management.MI aims to facilitate behavioral change and promote healthier lifestyles by fostering a trusting relationship with patients and enhan-cing intrinsic motivation.Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in posto-perative recovery for oncological surgery,stroke,organ transplants,and gastroin-testinal procedures,as well as in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes,obesity,and periodontal disease.The approach is patient-centered,adaptable,cost-effective,and easily replicable,though its limitations include reliance on the therapist’s expertise,variability in individual responses,and insufficient long-term follow-up studies.Future research could focus on developing individualized and precise intervention models,exploring applications in digital health management,and confirming long-term outcomes to provide more compre-hensive support for patient rehabilitation.

Chiropractic Rehabilitation of a Scoliosis Family: Results from a 9-Year Follow-Up

Scoliosis bracing is typically prescribed when the curvature reaches to between 30° - 50°. Although there has been a vast amount of bracing literature published, the results remain equivocal. Many patients face issues of compliance, comfort, and decreased self-esteem due to social stigmas with bracing. This has caused many patients to seek non-bracing options. Although these treatments are plausible, they lack the research background that bracing has. Therefore, many physicians are reluctant to prescribe exercise-based rehabilitation for their scoliosis patients. This study reports on 3 patients who sought non-bracing, exercise-based chiropractic rehabilitation for their scoliosis. Their results before, after, and at long term follow up are included.

The Differential Effects of Exercise, Brace and Combined Rehabilitation Treatment in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Objective:To compare the effects of different conservative managements on patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Method:One hundred and four AIS patients were recruited for this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups:exercise (E group), brace (B group) and combined rehabilitation treatment (brace treatment combined with exercise, CR group). Radiological parameter were used to assess AIS patients before and after treatment. The Chinese version of scoliosis research society-22(SRS-22) patient questionnaires were filled out by patients after treatment. The SRS-22 scores were compared among management groups. Result:The maximal Cobb angles were smaller in E group than in B group or CR group both before and af- ter treatment. The maximal Cobb angles were significantly smaller after treatment than before treatment in B group and CR group. Function/activity was better in E group than in B group or CR group. Self-image/appear- ance and satisfaction with management were better in E group and CR group than in B group. There was no significant difference among treatment groups in pain and mental health. Conclusion:Both brace and combined rehabilitation treatment can reduce the spinal curve of AIS patients. Both exercise and combined rehabilitation treatment have positive influence on self-image/appearance and satis- faction with management. We support preference of combined rehabilitation treatment above brace treatment.

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.

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.

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.

Assistive Robotics for Upper Limb Physical Rehabilitation:A Systematic Review and Future Prospects

Physical assistive robotics are oriented to support and improve functional capacities of people.In physical rehabilitation,robots are indeed useful for functional recovery of affected limb.However,there are still open questions related to technological aspects.This work presents a systematic review of upper limb rehabilitation robotics in order to analyze and establish technological challenges and future directions in this area.A bibliometric analysis was performed for the systematic literature review.Literature from the last six years,conducted between August 2020 and May 2021,was reviewed.The methodology for the literature search and a bibliometric analysis of the metadata are presented.After a preliminary search resulted in 820 articles,a total of 66 articles were included.A concurrency network and bibliographic analysis were provided.And an analysis of occurrences,taxonomy,and rehabilitation robotics reported in the literature is presented.This review aims to provide to the scientific community an overview of the state of the art in assistive robotics for upper limb physical rehabilitation.The literature analysis allows access to a gap of unexplored options to define the technological prospects applied to upper limb physical rehabilitation robotics.

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.

Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Diseases in China

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022)intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China.In connection with the previous section,this 12th section of the report offers a comprehensive analysis of rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases.In recent years,China’s cardiac rehabilitation has developed vigorously,and its clinical benefits have been proven by more and more evidences.More cardiac rehabilitation centers are built and standards are constantly being promoted.Despite the rapid development and progress,there are still major shortcomings in the current situation,such as lack of awareness among patients and families about the significance and importance of cardiac rehabilitation,and under participation in cardiac rehabilitation;the development of cardiac rehabilitation is uneven,with the majority concentrated in tertiary hospitals in economically developed areas;lack of high-level evidence-based evidences,quality control and safety standards need to be improved;the medical payment system is not thorough;lack of a systematic training and admission system,hindering the development of cardiac rehabilitation in China.Therefore,continuous efforts are needed to strengthen the construction of cardiac rehabilitation centers,which should sink from tertiary hospitals to secondary and primary medical service centers;encourage clinical research on cardiac rehabilitation;introduce consensus on quality control and safety standards;explore more on phase III cardiac rehabilitation;increase investment in integrating high-tech,artificial intelligence,etc.With the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine,exploring a Chinese characteristic cardiac rehabilitation model that is in line with China’s national conditions.Evidence-based medicine has confirmed that rehabilitation is the most effective method to reduce the disability rate of stroke,and it is also an indispensable key sector in the organized management model of stroke.Rehabilitation should span the entire process of stroke treatment.Perfecting the rehabilitation medical management system,steadily improving the rehabilitation medical service capacity,expanding diversified service methods,and emphasizing early and whole-range rehabilitation treatment have important clinical value and social significance for stroke rehabilitation.

Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI for correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Development, effectivity, safety and functional outcome

BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are available to correct scoliosis deformity;however,they are all far from ideal to achieve three-dimensional correction in scoliosis.AIM To develop a set of tools named Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI(SCFUI)to aid threedimensional correction and to evaluate the efficacy,safety,and functional outcome.METHODS This study consists of two stages.In the first stage,we developed the SCFUI and tested it in finite element and biomechanical tests.The second stage was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the SCFUI compared to direct vertebral rotation(DVR).Forty-four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated into the DVR group(n=23)and SCFUI group(n=21).Radiological,neurological,and functional outcome was compared between the groups.RESULTS Finite element revealed the maximum stress of the SCFUI components to be between 31.2-252 MPa.Biomechanical analysis revealed the modulus elasticity of SCFUI was 9561324±633277 MPa.Both groups showed improvement in Cobb angle and sagittal profile,however the rotation angle was lower in the SCFUI group(11.59±7.46 vs 18.23±6.39,P=0.001).Neurological and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION We concluded that SCFUI developed in this study resulted in similar coronal and sagittal but better rotational correction compared to DVR.The safety and functional outcomes were also similar to DVR.

Assessment of rehabilitation treatment for patients with acute poisoning-induced toxic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND:Poisoned patients often suffer damage to multiple systems,and those experiencing central nervous system disorders present more severe conditions,prolonged hospital stays,and increased mortality rates.We aimed to assess the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions for patients with toxic encephalopathy.METHODS:This retrospective,observational,comparative cohort study was performed at the teaching hospital affiliated of Nanjing Medical University,from October 2020 to December 2022.Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for toxic encephalopathy and exclusion criteria were included,and patients were divided into three subgroups according to Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS).Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected.The effect of the rehabilitation intervention on patients were assessed in the improvement of consciousness status(Glasgow Coma Scale[GCS]score),muscle strength and movement and swallowing function(Fugl-Meyer Assessment[FMA]scale,Water Swallow Test[WST],and Standardized Swallowing Assessment[SSA]).Subgroup analysis was based on different toxic species.RESULTS:Out of the 464 patients with toxic encephalopathy,184 cases received rehabilitation treatments.For the severe toxic encephalopathy patients,patients without rehabilitation intervention have a 2.21 times higher risk of death compared to patients with rehabilitation intervention(Hazard ratio[HR]=2.21).Subgroup analysis revealed that rehabilitation intervention significantly increased the survival rate of patients with pesticide poisoning(P=0.02),while no significant improvement was observed in patients with drug/biological agent poisoning(P=0.44).After rehabilitation intervention,significant improvement in GCS and FMA were observed in severe patients with toxic encephalopathy(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Active rehabilitation intervention for patients exposed to poisons that can potentially cause toxic encephalopathy may improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality rate in clinical practice.

Implications of Pediatric Chest Wall Surgery on the Risk of Developing of Scoliosis

Scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, is commonly encountered in orthopedic and multidisciplinary settings, with idiopathic scoliosis being the most diagnosed form. Complications arising from thoracic chest wall surgeries, including thoracotomy and sternotomy, often include scoliosis among other complications. However, reported prevalence rates of scoliosis following chest wall surgery vary widely. This study aims to compare the prevalence of scoliosis in children who have undergone chest wall surgery to the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis in the general population, as well as to observe gender ratios and curve direction in post-surgery scoliosis cases. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting scoliosis prevalence post chest wall surgery with follow-up times post-surgery. The search yielded 30 articles, all retrospective institutional cohort studies published between 1975 and 2024. Despite heterogeneity in study characteristics, the analysis revealed a 19% prevalence of acquired scoliosis among 5722 children who underwent chest wall surgery, higher than the reported 1% - 4% prevalence in the idiopathic population. Only three studies showed prevalence rates similar to the idiopathic population, possibly due to short follow-up periods. Further research with longer follow-up into skeletal maturity is warranted to better understand the implications of pediatric chest wall surgery on scoliosis development.

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.

Research and Practice of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Training Programs

In today’s society, the incidence of cardiopulmonary diseases is increasing annually, seriously affecting patients’ quality of life. Therefore, developing a scientific and effective rehabilitation training program is of great significance. This study first analyzes the theoretical basis of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training, including the effects of aerobic exercise, interval training, and strength training on cardiopulmonary function. Based on this, a comprehensive rehabilitation training program is designed, which includes personalized training plans, comprehensive interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and regular follow-up visits. The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training plan developed in this study has certain scientific practicability, which provides a theoretical basis for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training, and also provides a reference for medical institutions, rehabilitation centers and communities, which is helpful for promotion and application to a wider range of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.

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.

Configuration and Kinematics of a 3-DOF Generalized Spherical Parallel Mechanism for Ankle Rehabilitation

The kinematic equivalent model of an existing ankle-rehabilitation robot is inconsistent with the anatomical structure of the human ankle,which influences the rehabilitation effect.Therefore,this study equates the human ankle to the UR model and proposes a novel three degrees of freedom(3-DOF)generalized spherical parallel mechanism for ankle rehabilitation.The parallel mechanism has two spherical centers corresponding to the rotation centers of tibiotalar and subtalar joints.Using screw theory,the mobility of the parallel mechanism,which meets the requirements of the human ankle,is analyzed.The inverse kinematics are presented,and singularities are identified based on the Jacobian matrix.The workspaces of the parallel mechanism are obtained through the search method and compared with the motion range of the human ankle,which shows that the parallel mechanism can meet the motion demand of ankle rehabilitation.Additionally,based on the motion-force transmissibility,the performance atlases are plotted in the parameter optimal design space,and the optimum parameter is obtained according to the demands of practical applications.The results show that the parallel mechanism can meet the motion requirements of ankle rehabilitation and has excellent kinematic performance in its rehabilitation range,which provides a theoretical basis for the prototype design and experimental verification.

What aspects do we overlook in the rehabilitation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease?

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Stafie et al.Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)constitutes a cluster of chronic and progressive inflammatory disorders affecting the digestive system.IBD can impede an individual’s capacity to perform daily activities,hinder work productivity,limit physical capabilities,and negatively impact medical outcomes.Although physical activity and structured exercise programs are becoming increasingly important in many chronic inflammatory diseases,they are not being sufficiently implemented in IBD patients.Effective prevention of future disability and drug dependence in IBD patients requires timely diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems,including sarcopenia,as well as decreased muscle strength,aerobic capacity,and bone mineral density.To improve treatment outcomes for IBD patients,it is crucial to develop individualized rehabilitation programs tailored to their unique needs.Equally critical is the active participation of pertinent departments in this process.It is imperative to highlight the significance of creating a personalized rehabilitation program with a multidisciplinary approach in IBD management.