Background: Stroke causes a wide variety of clinical manifestations that may have a negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, it is very important to use specific instruments for measuring quality of life in individuals who suffered a stroke. The aim of this study was to develop a psychometrically validated Spanish version of the Newcastle stroke-specific quality of life measure (NEWSQOL). Methods: A psychometric validation of the Spanish version of the NEWSQOL questionnaire was carried out in 159 patients. The reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient), validity (factorial analysis and Spearman’s coefficient), feasibility (response rate), and the ceiling and floor effects were calculated. Results: Internal consistency showed that Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.93. The test–retest reliability was high or excellent for all domains (range 0.71–0.97 p < 0.001). The response rate of the questionnaire was 100% and the average administration time was 20.5 (±7.2) min. No ceiling effect was detected and two domains (pain and vision) may have a significant potential for floor effect. Construct validity showed that all the variables are important enough to keep them all in the questionnaire. Concerning convergent construct validity, a high correlation was found with the Nottingham Health Profile, the Barthel Index, and the Modified Rankin Scale. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the NEWSQOL questionnaire is reliable, valid, and feasible to evaluate quality of life in the Spanish population.

This study explored the effects of a modular overground exoskeleton on plantar pressure distribution in healthy individuals and individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). The research involved 21 participants, including ABI patients and healthy controls, who used a unique exoskeleton with adaptable modular configurations. The primary objective was to assess how these configurations, along with factors such as muscle strength and spasticity, influenced plantar pressure distribution. The results revealed significant differences in plantar pressures among participants, strongly influenced by the exoskeleton’s modularity. Notably, significant distinctions were found between ABI patients and healthy individuals. Configurations with two modules led to increased pressure in the heel and central metatarsus regions, whereas configurations with four modules exhibited higher pressures in the metatarsus and hallux regions. Future research should focus on refining and customizing rehabilitation technologies to meet the diverse needs of ABI patients, enhancing their potential for functional recovery.

In recent years, the prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI) has been on the rise, leading to impaired gait functionality in affected individuals. Traditional gait exoskeletons are typically rigid and bilateral and lack adaptability. To address this, the STELO, a pioneering modular gait-assistive device, was developed. This device can be externally configured with joint modules to cater to the diverse impairments of each patient, aiming to enhance adaptability and efficiency. This study aims to assess the safety and usability of the initial functional modular prototype, STELO, in a sample of 14 ABI-diagnosed participants. Adverse events, device adjustment assistance and time, and gait performance were evaluated during three sessions of device use. The results revealed that STELO was safe, with no serious adverse events reported. The need for assistance and time required for device adjustment decreased progressively over the sessions. Although there was no significant improvement in walking speed observed after three sessions of using STELO, participants and therapists reported satisfactory levels of comfort and usability in questionnaires. Overall, this study demonstrates that the STELO modular device offers a safe and adaptable solution for individuals with ABI, with positive user and therapist feedback.

Objective: To evaluate the responsiveness of the Spanish version of the Newcastle Stroke-specific Quality of Life measure (NEWSQOL) to assess quality of life in Spanish people after suffering a stroke. Design: A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the responsiveness of the Spanish version of NEWSQOL. The sample contained 128 patients who filled in the questionnaires before and after a physical therapy intervention. The responsiveness was assessed with p-values using the effect size (ES) and the standardized response means (SRMs) of the change. Besides, two other external criteria were used to distinguish patients who improved with the treatment from those who remained stable. This classification was based on one functional independence measure (the Barthel Index) and one disability measure (the modified Rankin Scale). Results: There was a statistically significant correlation (Spearman’s coefficient = p < 0.01) between the domains of the Spanish version of NEWSQOL in relation to the Barthel Index and the modified Rankin Scale. All domains showed between marked-to-mild change responsiveness except sleep and relationships; mobility (ES 0.66 and SRM 0.92) and activities of daily living (ES 0.75 and SRM 0.87) were markedly responsive; communication (ES 0.38 and SRM 0.61) was moderately responsive; and pain, vision, cognition, feelings, emotions and fatigue were mildly responsive (ES 0.21–0.41 and SRM 0.23–0.44). Conclusion: The Spanish version of NEWSQOL shows between marked and mild responsiveness to measure the perception of QoL in post-stroke patients. Therefore, its use can be suitable for evaluation studies, clinical trials and clinical practice.

Introducción. Los accidentes cerebrovasculares, también llamados ictus, son la segunda causa de muerte a nivel global y la primera de discapacidad adquirida. Dada la elevada incidencia de los ictus y la dependencia derivada de estos eventos, uno de los principales objetivos de su tratamiento es el reentrenamiento de la marcha, el cual busca recuperar la autonomía del paciente de cara a recobrar la funcionalidad en las actividades de la vida diaria y la inclusión social. Presentación del caso. Hombre de 46 años con diagnóstico de ictus hemorrágico hipertensivo en ganglios basales izquierdos con secuela motora de hemiparesia derecha. Se analizó la marcha de manera objetiva mediante dispositivos portátiles y se planteó el tratamiento rehabilitador específico oportuno en el paciente, quien había sufrido daño cerebral adquirido. Como sistemas de valoración se empleó la aplicación para teléfonos inteligentes Balanced Gait Test, y una electromiografía de superficie para registrar la actividad muscular durante la marcha. Al alta del tratamiento el paciente presentó un importante incremento de su capacidad funcional de la marcha, sin requerir productos de apoyo y con una velocidad que le permitía el desplazamiento en la comunidad sin limitaciones. Conclusiones. La incorporación de nuevas tecnologías al estudio de la marcha mediante dispositivos portátiles fáciles de aplicar en la práctica clínica permite hacer una evaluación precisa y objetiva de los resultados del tratamiento rehabilitador en pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido tras un accidente cerebrovascular.