A Flexible Sensor Technology for the Distributed Measurement of Interaction Pressure.
A flexible sensor technology for the distributed measurement of interaction pressure.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Sensors (Basel). 2013; 13(1): 1021-45
Donati M, Vitiello N, De Rossi SM, Lenzi T, Crea S, Persichetti A, Giovacchini F, Koopman B, Podobnik J, Munih M, Carrozza MC
We present a sensor technology for the measure of the physical human-robot interaction pressure developed in the last years at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna. The system is composed of flexible matrices of opto-electronic sensors covered by a soft silicone cover. This sensory system is completely modular and scalable, allowing one to cover areas of any sizes and shapes, and to measure different pressure ranges. In this work we present the main application areas for this technology. A first generation of the system was used to monitor human-robot interaction in upper- (NEUROExos; Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna) and lower-limb (LOPES; University of Twente) exoskeletons for rehabilitation. A second generation, with increased resolution and wireless connection, was used to develop a pressure-sensitive foot insole and an improved human-robot interaction measurement systems. The experimental characterization of the latter system along with its validation on three healthy subjects is presented here for the first time. A perspective on future uses and development of the technology is finally drafted.
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Experimental high-altitude intracerebral hemorrhage in minipigs: histology, behavior, and intracranial pressure in a double-injection model.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2013 Jan 17;
Zhu H, Li F, Zou M, Xue X, Yuan J, Feng H, Lin J
BACKGROUND: Specific pathophysiological mechanism in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at high altitude is unclear, and at present, there is no relevant and suitable animal model. METHODS: A hypobaric chamber was used to simulate an altitude of 4,000 m. Autologous arterial blood (3 ml) was slowly infused into the right basal ganglia of minipigs by a double-injection method for producing ICH. RESULTS: The intracranial pressure and neurological score of the high-altitude group were significantly higher than those of the low-altitude (plain) group. The brain water contents and pathological lesions of perihematoma tissue were more severe in the high-altitude group. CONCLUSIONS: The injury resulting from ICH at high altitude was more severe than that in the plain group. This model was able to produce controllable and reproducible hematomas and visible neurological deficits, which may be useful for future studies of the pathophysiology and functional rehabilitation of high-altitude ICH disease.
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A focus group study exploring gynecological cancer survivors’ experiences and perceptions of participating in a RCT testing the efficacy of a home-based physical activity intervention.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
Support Care Cancer. 2013 Jan 16;
Donnelly CM, Lowe-Strong A, Rankin JP, Campbell A, Blaney JM, Gracey JH
PURPOSE: This study aims to explore gynecological cancer survivors’ perceptions and experiences following participation in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of a home-based physical activity behavioral change intervention (Donnelly et al., Gynecol Oncol 122:618-624, 2011). METHODS: All participants completing a two-armed parallel RCT were invited to participate in the study (31/33) (Donnelly et al., Gynecol Oncol 122:618-624, 2011). Sixteen participants took part (16/31; physical activity (PA) group n?=?9, contact control (CC) group n?=?7). Four qualitative group interviews were conducted (focus group size 3-5). A structured interview guide was followed by an independent moderator. Groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the framework approach (Ritchie and Spencer 2001), a five-stage qualitative method of analysis. RESULTS: One of the most unanimously perceived benefits of taking part in the programme regarded participants’ psychological well-being. Additional benefits included improved physical fitness and functioning. Important programme features included the weekly telephone calls from a physiotherapist, the patient-professional relationship, and goal setting. Participants’ own motivation and programme timing were also identified as important factors. Suggestions for improvements include: opportunities for social interaction with other gynecological cancer survivors and greater exercise choice. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that women diagnosed with gynecological cancer perceive participation in physical activity as important and participation provides benefits in terms of psychological well-being and improved physical functioning. Support for continuation of many of the current features of the home-based programme was provided. Findings provide insight and rationale for the selection of components for future home-based physical activity interventions. Findings also support further research into the development of multidimensional interventions for the gynecological cancer population.
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Life satisfaction in subjects with long-term musculoskeletal pain in relation to pain intensity, pain distribution and coping.
Filed under: Rehab Centers
J Rehabil Med. 2013 Jan 16;
Anke A, Damsgård E, Røe C
Objective: To investigate levels of life satisfaction in subjects with long-term musculoskeletal pain in relation to pain characteristics and coping. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 232 (42%) respondents answered self–report questionnaires regarding life satisfaction, self-efficacy, sense of coherence, pain distribution and pain intensity at rest and during activity. Results: Levels of life satisfaction and scores for sense of coherence were low. Pain intensity at rest was negatively correlated with global life satisfaction. This result was also obtained in multiple regression analyses together with the coping factors. The life satisfaction domains activities of daily living/contacts were negatively correlated with pain intensity during activity, and the domains work/economy were negatively correlated with pain distribution. Pain was not associated with satisfaction with family life, partner relationship or sexual life. Younger age, being married/cohabitant and being female were protective for some domains. Clinically meaningful subgroups with regard to adaptation were identified by cluster analysis, and the highest level of coping was found in the adaptive cluster with high life satisfaction/low pain intensity at rest. Conclusion: Long-term pain is related to low levels of life satisfaction, and pain intensity and distribution influence satisfaction in different domains. Pain intensity is negatively associated with coping. The results support efforts to reduce pain, together with strengthening active coping processes and addressing individual needs.
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