NeuroRehabilitation - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Olowoyo, Paul | Dhamija, Rajinder K. | Owolabi, Mayowa O.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Telerehabilitation as a new subdiscipline of telehealth is the application of information technology to support and deliver rehabilitation services via two-way or multipoint interactive online telecommunication technology. This enables the therapist to optimize the timing, intensity, and duration of therapy which is often not possible within the constraints of face-to-face treatment protocols in current health systems. OBJECTIVE: To review the historical perspective and conceptual framework of telerehabilitation in neurological disorders. METHODS: A narrative review of the literature was performed for the historical perspective and a systematic review of the conceptual framework was performed using the …PRISMA guidelines on chronic neurological disorders; multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairment, and headaches. The search included articles from the past 20 years (2004 to 2024). RESULTS: Telerehabilitation dates back to the 1960s and early 1970s. Documented effective interventions were mostly on therapies for speech disorders. The conceptual framework consisted of three major components of telerehabilitation programmes including development, implementation, and evaluation. The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly made telerehabilitation come to the limelight because physical distancing became necessary. Out of the 110,000 articles downloaded, 43 met the inclusion criteria for review on the conceptual framework of telerehabilitation in relation to neurological disorders. The articles discussed multiple sclerosis (2), spinal cord disorders (1), stroke (17), Parkinson’s disease (15), headaches (3), and cognitive disorders (5). All articles reviewed assessed the effectiveness of telemedicine except for the articles on multiple sclerosis and spinal cord disorders which examined the interphase between the technology and the end users. CONCLUSION: The future of telerehabilitation looks promising with the subsequent integration of innovative tools and applications. This will require the adaption of technology, continuous capacity building, education, and training of healthcare professionals to ensure that they are adequately equipped with the necessary skills to provide quality virtual reality rehabilitation care. Show more

Keywords: Telerehabilitation, historical perspectives, conceptual framework

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240079

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2024

Authors: Engin, Onur | Kızılırmak Karataş, Ayşe Sezgi | Taşpınar, Betül | Taşpınar, Ferruh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: YouTube has emerged as an important source for obtaining information regarding health issues. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the reliability and quality of facial paralysis exercise videos that are accessible on the YouTube platform. METHODS: The investigation was carried out on Youtube, utilizing the keyword “facial paralysis exercises”. We listed the first 100 videos based on relevancy. The quality and reliability of the videos were assessed using DISCERN, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria, the Global Quality Scale (GQS), and the Video Power Index (VPI). RESULTS: Out of …100 studies, we excluded 52 and included the remaining 48. The scores we obtained for the videos were as follows: DISCERN Quality (2.92±0.91), DISCERN Total (39.16±6.75), JAMA (2.09±0.55), and GQS (3.00±0.89). Our study also revealed that videos uploaded by healthcare professionals had significantly higher DISCERN total, JAMA and VPI scores compared to those uploaded by non-healthcare professionals (p  = 0.018, 0.001 and 0.023, respectively). Additionally, we observed a positive and statistically significant correlation between the DISCERN quality score, total score, JAMA, and video features. CONCLUSION: The facial paralysis exercise videos were determined to be of medium to low quality. Higher-quality videos need to be produced. Show more

Keywords: Bell’s palsy, exercise, facial paralysis, information sources, internet, neurological rehabilitation, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240027

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2024

Authors: Gandhi, Dorcas B.C. | Kamalakannan, Sureshkumar | Dsouza, Jennifer V. | Montanaro, Vinicius | Chawla, Nistara S. | Mahmood, Amreen | Ngeh, Etienne | Zarreen, Sania | Vijayanand, Pranay J. | Solomon, John M.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tele-neurorehabilitation (TNR) allows for remote delivery of rehabilitation services for those with neurological disabilities. Despite growing global interest and uptake, its adoption remains challenging in Low-and-Middle-Income-Countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVE: To explore available literature on the nature of training and education, research and practice of TNR in LMICs. METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and predefined selection criteria, four databases were screened. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Relevant data was extracted to using a data extraction form in Microsoft Excel and were narratively synthesised under Education/training, Research and Clinical Practice of TNR. …RESULTS: We identified no formal structured training courses/programs for TNR users/providers. Sessions were mainly delivered as part of a research project. The included studies highlighted the need to engage stakeholders in TNR research and improve digital-literacy among healthcare providers/users. Development and use of clinical decision-making-tools, models of TNR suitable for varied populations and prior area-mapping were a few suggestions for clinical/research practice. CONCLUSION: There is an immense need to develop academic/structured programs for TNR to build capacity among providers/users in LMICs. Practice must adhere to principles of safety, effectiveness, and based on high quality clinical-guidelines suitable to the context to ensure optimal uptake and practice of TNR in LMICs. Show more

Keywords: Telerehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, low and middle income countries, research, education, practice

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240053

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2024

Authors: Olowoyo, Paul | Oguntiloye, Olabode | Ogunjimi, Luqman | Adeniji, Olaleye | Atolani, Segun | Ariyo, Olumuyiwa | Owolabi, Mayowa

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of epilepsy is highest in the Central Africa subregion most especially in rural settlements. This is further compounded by a high prevalence of treatment gap, from poor drug adherence, and poor road network. One approach to overcoming this burden is to leverage Video-based Directly Observed Therapy (ViDOT) use for stable patients living with epilepsy, harnessing the advancement in mHealth technologies, and widespread adoption of smartphones. ViDOT is a form of telemedicine that is a smartphone-based, treatment approach for monitoring and evaluating remote patients. OBJECTIVE: We performed a narrative review of the existing literature using electronic …databases from PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant publications related to ViDOT and chronic diseases, in particular epilepsy. METHODS: The selected articles were assessed for relevance, and key findings were synthesized to provide an overview of the role of ViDOT in addressing the challenges of drug adherence in epilepsy. RESULTS: The review shows that poor drug adherence is a major risk for poor outcomes in patients living with epilepsy. ViDOT has the potential to significantly contribute to improved drug adherence in patients living with epilepsy. Other benefits of ViDOT include the elimination of prolonged waiting times, improvement in access to specialized care, eradication of self-induced stigma and discrimination, diminishing neurologists’ workload, and cost-effectiveness. Challenges include poor network coverage and unstable internet service. CONCLUSION: Giving a brief psychoeducation about epilepsy, anti-epileptic drug (AED) side effects, and the importance of sticking with the recommended drug use can improve AED adherence and epilepsy outcomes. Information dissemination through ViDOT to people with epilepsy and their caregivers at large is important to promote a healthy life. Show more

Keywords: ViDOT, medication adherence, epilepsy

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240080

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-6, 2024

Authors: Kurtaiş Aytür, Yeşim

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A field of study that uses telerehabilitation (TR) is neurorehabilitation; however, standards for medical and technological applications, medicolegal and ethical regulations, and other aspects of neuro-TR are still being developed. OBJECTIVE: To address the prerequisites and barriers for implementing TR in neurorehabilitation in the light of present findings. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted based on specific questions about the prerequisites for neuro-TR and barriers to its implication. According to a foreground search strategy in the context of neurorehabilitation using TR in neurological patient population, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched and reviewed. …RESULTS: Barriers and prerequisites for neuro-TR were mostly grouped under the categories of administrative/organizational, human (beneficiaries/providers), technical, and ethical. Apart from the technical framework, knowledge and the presence of an administrative leader responsible for overseeing TR are crucial prerequisites. The internet and technological constraints rank highest among the barriers. CONCLUSION: Since neuro-TR is relatively new with minimal guidelines and regulations, highly technologic, and lack of established practices, it is imperative to determine and fully comprehend the criteria for its uses. After the prerequisites are established, it is imperative to recognize and address implementation constraints, which may differ depending on the community’s infrastructure and neurologic condition. Show more

Keywords: Neurologic rehabilitation, telerehabilitation, remote rehabilitation, nervous system diseases, barriers, prerequisite

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240092

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024

Authors: Lee, Jiyeon | Kim, Jinseop

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Limited chest expansion and asymmetry in the respiratory muscles after a stroke lead to poor ventilation and reduced physical performance. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of chest expansion resistance exercise and respiratory muscle stretching on respiratory function and gait endurance in patients with stroke. METHODS: Thirty stroke patients were randomly assigned to a chest expansion resistance group (CERG), a respiratory muscle stretching group (RMSG), and a control group (CG). CERG and RMSG received chest expansion resistance and respiratory muscle stretching, respectively, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, and gait …endurance were measured before and after the intervention period. RESULTS: The experimental groups, CERG and RMSG, showed significant improvements in respiratory function variables (p  < .05). For respiratory muscle strength variables, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in the CERG and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in the RMSG showed significant changes compared to the CG (p  < .05). Both CERG and RMSG also showed significant improvements in the 6MWT compared to the CG (p  < .05). CONCLUSION: Chest expansion resistance exercise would be a more effective method, while both chest expansion resistance exercise and respiratory muscle stretching are helpful in improving respiratory function and gait endurance. Show more

Keywords: Chest expansion resistance exercise, respiratory muscle stretching, respiratory function, respiratory strength, gait endurance

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240132

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024

Authors: Magliacano, Alfonso | Scarano, Giovanni | Fasano, Cinzia | Mannini, Andrea | Liuzzi, Piergiuseppe | Finocchi, Alice | Estraneo, Anna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diagnostic and prognostic decision-making in patients with Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) is challenging. It has been suggested that spontaneous eye blink rate is an index of patients’ level of consciousness easy to detect in clinical practice. Further blinking features (i.e., amplitude, duration, variability in intervals between blinks) may change as a function of cognitive load, but have not been investigated in patients with DoC. OBJECTIVE: This multicentre, longitudinal study aims at exploring the diagnostic and prognostic value of spontaneous eye blinking features in DoC. METHODS: Eight European medical institutions will enrol consecutively admitted adult patients …with DoC. Within two weeks from study entry demographic, anamnestic and clinical data will be collected. Moreover, patients will undergo two 20-minute EEG-EOG recordings at rest, to collect blinking features and EEG activity. A clinical follow-up will be performed after 6 months. A group of healthy individuals will be enrolled for reference. RESULTS: Possible differences in blink features between patients and the reference group, differences across diagnostic sub-groups, and correlations between blinking features and clinical outcome will be investigated. CONCLUSION: The results of this study might help clinicians to reduce misdiagnosis rate in DoC and provide useful information for prognostication and care pathway plan. Show more

Keywords: Consciousness disorders, diagnosis, prognosis, blinking, rehabilitation, vegetative state, minimally conscious state

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240127

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024