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Original Article: Neurorehabilitation in paraplegic patients with an active powered exoskeleton (Ekso) |
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Paolo Milia, Federico De Salvo, Marco Caserio, Tyler Cope, Patti Weber, Caroline Santella, Stefano Fiorini, Giacomo Baldoni, Riccardo Bruschi, Benedetta Bigazzi, Stefano Cencetti, Marco Da Campo, Prospero Bigazzi, Mario Bigazzi Digit Med 2016, 2:163 (3 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_51_16 Background and Objectives: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe disease where the patients lost the body function below the level of lesion. Neurorehabilitative exercise leads to improvements in physical functions such as strength, range of motion, transfers, wheelchair mobility, and gait. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of overground gait training using an active powered exoskeleton. Materials and Methods: Patients affected of SCI admitted to our rehabilitation unit have been studied. We used an active powered exoskeleton (Ekso). Training occurred each day for 5 days a week for a total of 4 weeks. Patients were trained for at least twenty sessions, with a duration of 45–60 min each session. Patients were scored with the 6 min walking test (6MWT) before and after treatment to evaluate the movement and Ashwort scale was used to test spasticity. Psychological tests were also performed to focus on depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and on self-perception (Body Uneasiness Test-A). Results: Thirteen patients were studied (mean age 31 ± 10.4; ten males and three females), who were affected by SCI with motor complete/incomplete lesions (seven complete, six incomplete), according to the American Spinal Injury Association guidelines. All patients completed the overground gait training for all 4 weeks without collateral effects. The motor recovery evaluated with the 6MWT in incomplete motor patients described a statistical significant recovery in terms of meters and absence of rest, especially in thoracic and lumbar level lesions (48/114 m [improvement 137.5%]; 98/214 m [improvement 118.37%], P < 0.05). We did not find any difference in terms of spasticity using the Ashworth Scale. After the treatment, we found in all patients a great improvement in mood disorders and body perception. Conclusions: The overground training with the exoskeleton is a promising therapeutical approach for SCI patients, which can increase both motor and psychological aspects. |
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Original Article: Gamifying elderly care: Feasibility of a digital gaming solution for active aging |
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Antonio Ascolese, Jin Kiat, Lucia Pannese, Luca Morganti Digit Med 2016, 2:157 (3 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_43_16 Background and Objectives: Aging society is a social health issue that digital gaming solutions can address by enabling both infrastructures as advanced environments for care and patients as active people in their aging. Cost-effective patient management may be emphasized thanks to the communication protocols that allow remote monitoring and intervention by medical professionals. Services for elderly depend on their behavior and lifestyle toward personal health management. Digital games could increase seniors' engagement and motivation. However, a few studies have looked at the acceptance of digital games by the elderly. The study here presented aims to evaluate the feasibility of a gaming rehabilitation platform. Materials and Methods: In Singapore, fifty elderly practiced 30-min sessions and evaluated their experience with a new tool based on game scenarios for rehabilitation. Results: Results are discussed in the light of Davis' Technology Acceptance Model, highlighting mainly a good perceived usefulness of the service. Conclusions: This preliminary study is encouraging the spread of digital medical games for old patients. |
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Original Article: Evaluation of motivation and attitude for Telehomecare among caregivers of elderly patients affected with congestive heart failure |
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Milica Kaladjurdjevic, Roberto Antonicelli Digit Med 2016, 2:149 (3 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_40_16 Background: The development of telemedicine has become a solution to provide healthcare service to the elderly while they remain in their homes. The unit of cost of healthcare service provided at home is lower than the unit of cost of Institutional Healthcare Service. The healthcare users' attitude and motivation are a fundamental factor for the acceptance of technology and behavior change. Still, motivation and attitude toward telemedicine, especially among elderly and their caregivers is not satisfactory. Objectives: The object of this study is to investigate the utilization of Telehomecare and its effect on user's attitude and motivation among caregivers of elderly population who are affected by chronic heart failure. Materials and Methods: Observational trial and quasi-experimental design with duration of 6 months were adopted. Intervention with the telemedicine platform that supports multispecialty teleconsultation and questionnaire for evaluating the effect of intervention “Use and attitude of current technology” were used. Results: The results after 6 months showed that expectations and attitude were improved, and the user's opinion about barriers was positive. Conclusion: We evaluated readiness and responsiveness of naïve user before and after 6 months during observational trial. The trial has demonstrated a unified user's opinion that the barriers to telemedicine's use are not so high that they cannot be overcome. |
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Commentary: Delivering precision medicine: Personalization at scale |
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Steve Gardner Digit Med 2016, 2:140 (3 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_44_16 |
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Letter to Editor: Spreading the value of digital medicine around the world |
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Denise Silber Digit Med 2016, 2:170 (1 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_48_16 |
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Letter to Editor: The European chapter of international society of digital medicine and digital salutem |
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Joao Bocas Digit Med 2016, 2:169 (1 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_47_16 |
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Commentary: Increasing adherence in therapies and polypharmacy in Europe: EIP on AHA Action Group A1 activities toward integrated care information systems and self-management applications |
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Homer Papadopoulos, Anna Giardini, Elisio Costa, Alessandro Monaco, Alpana Mair, Clara Cena, Giuseppe Fico Digit Med 2016, 2:144 (1 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_1_17 |
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Editorial: The consumerization of digital medicine |
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David John Wortley Digit Med 2016, 2:135 (1 March 2017) DOI:10.4103/digm.digm_46_16 |
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