Abstract
Spasticity and dystonia are challenging motor impairments that may interfere with the use of exoskeleton-based therapy. We suggest that two mechanical stimulation techniques that target and remediate these manifestations in cerebral palsy, will allow exoskeletons become a much more feasible rehabilitation technique. This will improve function and, importantly, safety. Our previous studies have shown the positive outcomes of vestibular stimulation, and published literature proposes the possible advantages of whole body vibration. Our current approach utilizes both techniques to define a rehabilitation method specific to the subject’s diagnosis of spasticity and dystonia. Our recent pilot data shows great potential in temporarily eliminating/reducing both spasticity and dystonia in a subject with CP. Results suggest a reduction in tone and possible improvements to mobility after a single session of stimulation. Therefore, this paper serves to propose the use of this approach to enable and enhance the benefits of robotic therapy.
This work is supported by the NJIT/Kessler Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wearable Robots for Independent Living, (NIDILRR-HSS grant 90RE5921).
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Evans, N., et al.: Acute cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during exoskeleton-assisted walking overground among persons with chronic spinal cord injury. Top. Spinal Cord Inj. Rehabil. 21(2), 122–132 (2015)
Frisoli, A., et al.: Positive effects of robotic exoskeleton training of upper limb reaching movements after stroke. J. NeuroEng. Rehabil. 9(1), 1 (2012)
Louie, D., et al.: Gait speed using powered robotic exoskeletons after spinal cord injury: a systematic review and correlational study. J. NeuroEng. Rehabil. 12(1), 1 (2015)
O’Dwyer, N., Ada, L.: Reflex hyperexcitability and muscle contraction in relation to spastic hypertonia. Curr. Opin. Neurol. 9(6), 451–455 (1996)
Ahlborg, L., et al.: Whole-body vibration training compared with resistance training: effect on spasticity, muscle strength and motor performance in adults with cerebral palsy. J. Rehabil. Med. Off. J. Eur. Board Phys. Rehabil. Med. 38(5), 302–308 (2006)
Sanger, T., et al.: Classification and definition of disorders causing hypertonia in childhood. Pediatrics 111(1), e89–e97 (2003)
Androwis, G., et al.: Alterations of neuromuscular signals as a result of vestibular stimulation. In: 6th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering (NER), pp. 1238–1241. IEEE (2013)
Androwis, G., et al.: Spasticity and dystonia differentiated via the equilibrium point hypothesis. In: 40th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference. IEEE (2014)
van Nes, I., et al.: Short-term effects of whole-body vibration on postural control in unilateral chronic stroke patients: preliminary evidence. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 83, 867–873 (2004)
Michael, P., et al.: Non-invasive mechanical stimulation for reduction of dystonia and spasticity in cerebral palsy: a case study. In: EMBC. IEEE (2016)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this paper
Cite this paper
Michael, P.A., Androwis, G.J., Foulds, R.A. (2017). Modulation of Knee Range of Motion and Time to Rest in Cerebral Palsy Using Two Forms of Mechanical Stimulation. In: González-Vargas, J., Ibáñez, J., Contreras-Vidal, J., van der Kooij, H., Pons, J. (eds) Wearable Robotics: Challenges and Trends. Biosystems & Biorobotics, vol 16. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46532-6_58
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46532-6_58
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-46531-9
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-46532-6
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)