Medication Augments New Physical Therapy Solution

In the March/April 2012 issue of Clinical Neuropharmacology there is a discussion of a study about Pramipexole as a treatment option for essential tremor. The study was conducted by Norbert Kovács,MD, PhD etal.
The objectives of the study were to assess the possible efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage of the medication. Twenty-nine patients with essential tremor were part of this 16-week-long study.
At the conclusion of the study twenty-four patients completed the study. Some patients complained of nausea, daytime sleepiness, and anxiety. All the major outcome values demonstrated significant improvement. The severity of tremor was reduced by 52.0% The dose of 2.1 mg was more effective than that of 1.05 mg; however, both the immediate- and extended-release formulations were equally efficacious. After completion of the study, 15 patients wanted to remain on pramipexole treatment. The study suggests that Pramipexole may be effective in the treatment of essential tremor. However, more studies are required.
The dose and timing of Pramipexole can augment the functional gain of physiotherapy. The use of the TUTOR system as a physical therapy solution has shown to be effective in controlling tremors in Parkinson’s patients.
The newly developed HANDTUTOR and its sister devices (ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR) have become a key physical therapy tool in neuromuscular rehabilitation for stroke victims and those recovering from brain and spinal injuries,Parkinson’s, MS, CP and other limb movement limitations. These innovative devices implement an impairment based program with augmented motion feedback that encourages motor learning through intensive active exercises and movement practice. The HANDTUTOR, ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR consist of a wearable glove and braces that detect limb movement showing the patient how much active or assisted active movement they are actually doing. The rehabilitation software uses special rehabilitation games to set a new target for this movement in terms of the patient’s ability to move their limb. The devices then measure the limb movement and give feedback on the success of the patient in trying to gain this new movement objective. In this way the patient can understand which effort is more successful in allowing him to move his affected limb again. The Tutor system thereby provides exercises that are challenging and motivating and allow for repetitive and intensive exercise practice. The HANDTUTOR, ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR are now part of the physical therapy solution of leading U.S. German, Italian, French, UK and other foreign hospitals. The TUTOR system is fully certified by the FDA and CE and can be used remotely by telerehabilitaion.See WWW.MEDITOUCH.CO.IL for more information.