Background: There is a growing interest in nonpharmacological approaches for essential tremor (ET), including tremor cancelation devices. However, the true efficacy of such devices in ET remains unclear. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using standardized criteria regarding efficacy and comfortability. Devices focused on design or experimental testing in which tremor was simulated in a robot were excluded. Results: Out of 324 articles initially identified, 12 articles were included. Orthoses using biomechanical loading and neuromodulation with electrical stimulation, and external tremor cancelation devices, were the main interventions used to suppress tremor. All devices were designed to control tremor of the upper limbs at different anatomical locations. Overall, an average tremor attenuation of 50-98% was reported (level of evidence III). Interference with voluntary movements and portability was described as the main drawback. Discussion: In conclusion, this review highlights the growing interest in emerging tremor control devices and the importance of assessing comfort without affecting voluntary movements. However, the level of evidence regarding the efficacy of these tremor control devices remains low. An integrated multidisciplinary combination approach of engineering, robotics, physiology, physiotherapy, and clinical assessment is needed to improve the quality of non-pharmacological interventions for ET.
There are many studies whose results reveal possible risk factors for developing an infection after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of this study is to analyse the risk factors that depend on the hospital and, especially, if the patellar replacement influences the appearance of periprosthetic infection. A retrospective study was performed, where data from the electronic registry of patients of people over 18 and who had undergone TKA, between the years 2015 and 2018, were reviewed. Dependent variables on the patients and the health care system were collected. The possible associations between the factors and the appearance of infection after TKA were studied using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. A total of 907 primary knee arthroplasties were included in the study. Those patients who had their patella replaced had a significantly higher risk of developing an infection (OR 2.07; 95% confidence interval 1.01–6.31). Likewise, patients who underwent surgery by surgeons with more than 10 years of experience were more than twice as likely to become infected than those operated on by younger surgeons (OR 2.64; 95%CI 1.01–6.97). Male patients were also found to be three times more likely to be infected than women (OR 2.99; 95%CI 1.32–5.74). Those interventions that were longer had a higher risk of infection. The same happened with patients who stayed in the hospital for a longer period of time. The rest of the variables did not show statistically significant results. In this study, it was found that the replacement of the patella may be a factor of infection, but it should be corroborated with randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, patients who underwent longer surgeries or those with prolonged hospital stays should be closely monitored to detect infection as soon as possible and establish the most appropriate treatment.
Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder,. although controversial, growing evidence relates the presence of RLS to an increased risk of mortality, mainly due to cardiovascular events. The aim of this article was to review the role of RLS as a risk factor of mortality according to independent cohort studies. Methods: We performed a literature review via PubMed database for articles relating RLS and mortality. We used the random-effects model to calculate the pooled effect estimates on mortality. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using quantitative and qualitative analysis. Results: Out of 100 articles identified, 13 were finally included. Although studies were heterogeneous (p = 0.001), no significant publication bias was found. When all cohort studies were considered, the random-effects model yielded a significantly increased risk of mortality in RLS versus non-RLS patients (13 studies, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.80). However, this association was not statistically significant when only cohort studies using the international RLS diagnostic criteria were considered (5 studies, HR = 1.63, 95% CI 0.94-2.81). Discussion: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that RLS seems to be a risk factor of mortality, although this association is conditioned by the diagnostic criteria used in the studies. Future long-term follow-up standardized mortality studies are needed to address this important question that carries potential impact on population global health.
IntroductionNeuroplasticity is defined as the capacity of the brain to reorganise new neuronal pathways. Mirror therapy (MT) and cognitive therapeutic exercise (CTE) are two neurorehabilitation techniques based on neuroplasticity and designed to improve the motor functions of the affected upper extremity in patients with severe hemiparesis after a stroke. Home-based interventions are an appropriate alternative to promote independence and autonomy. The objective of this study is to evaluate which of these techniques, MT and CTE, combined with task-oriented training, is more effective in functional recovery and movement patterns of the upper extremities in patients with severe hemiparesis after a stroke.Methods and analysisThis is a home-based, single-blind, controlled, randomised clinical trial with three parallel arms, including 154 patients who had a stroke aged above 18 years. The primary outcome will be the functionality of the affected upper extremity measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Secondary variables will include cognitive performance, emotional state, quality of life and activities of daily living. During 6 weeks, one of the intervention groups will receive a treatment based on MT and the other one on CTE, both combined with task-oriented training. No additional interventions will be provided to the control group. To assess the progress of patients who had a stroke in the subacute phase, all variables will be evaluated at different visits: initial (just before starting treatment and 4 weeks post-stroke), post-intervention (6 weeks after initial) and follow-up (6 months).Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (CEIm-2.134/2.019) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04163666). The results will be disseminated through open-access peer-reviewed journals, conference presentation, broadcast media and a presentation to stakeholders. These study results will provide relevant and novel information on effective neurorehabilitation strategies and improve the quality of intervention programmes aimed at patients after a stroke.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04163666).
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