NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 20, issue 4

Authors: West, Deborah

Article Type: Introduction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20401

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 243-243, 2005

Authors: On, Arzu Yagiz | Oncu, Julide | Uludag, Burhanettin | Ertekin, Cumhur

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of this study is to find out if lamotrigine gives symptomatic relief and enhances quality of life in patients with post-polio syndrome. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to receive or not to receive lamotrigine treatment. Lamotrigine at a daily dose of 50–100 mg was given to the fifteen patients, and fifteen patients were used as the control group. Interventional advice and home exercises were given to all of the patients. Clinical assessments were made at baseline and repeated at the second and fourth weeks by the physician who was unaware of medication. The severity of pain, fatigue and …muscle cramps were rated on a visual analogue scale. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Nottingham Health Profile. The patient's perceived level of fatigue was assessed using Fatigue Severity Scale. Comparing to the baseline values, statistically significant improvements were obtained in the mean scores of VAS, NHP and FSS at two weeks and four weeks in the patients on lamotrigine. No significant improvements were reported in the control group. These preliminary results indicate that lamotrigine relieves the symptoms and improves the life qualities of patients with post polio syndrome. Show more

Keywords: Post polio syndrome, lamotrigine, life quality, fatigue

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20402

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 245-251, 2005

Authors: Tasiemski, Tomasz | Kennedy, Paul | Gardner, Brian Patrick | Taylor, Nicola

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess satisfaction with life domains in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and investigate whether participation in sports and physical recreation is associated with life satisfaction in SCI. 1,748 randomly selected participants with SCI who fulfilled the criteria: SCI at level C5 or below, wheelchair dependent; aged 18–50 at the time of injury; at least 1 year post-injury, were approached to take part in this study. Completed replies were received from 985 individuals with SCI (198 women, 798 men). The measures used included the Sports Participation Questionnaire, the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and …the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The numbers of hours participating in sports decreased significantly after injury. There was a greater decrease in numbers participating in team sports in comparison to the decrease seen in numbers participating in individual sports. The highest level of satisfaction existed within social domains such as: family life and contacts with friends. The lowest level of satisfaction was found in regard to the participant's sexual life and vocational situation. Higher satisfaction with life in general was demonstrated in respondents with SCI involved in sports or physical recreation compared to those not participating in physical activities. Show more

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, life satisfaction, sports, physical recreation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20403

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 253-265, 2005

Authors: Finlayson, Marcia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To modify and pilot test a face-to-face group energy conservation education program for delivery by group telephone teleconference to people with multiple sclerosis. Participants: 29 community dwelling individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods: The first phase of the study involved the modification of an existing energy conservation education program to accommodate teleconference delivery. The second phase involved a pilot test of the intervention using a basic pre/post intervention design. Licensed occupational therapists delivered the intervention. Outcome Measures: Fatigue severity, fatigue impact, health related quality of life, self-efficacy for performing energy conservation strategies, …and use of energy conservation behaviors. Findings: Using an a priori α of p =0.10, paired t-tests found significant reductions in fatigue severity, fatigue impact, and improvements in the following aspects of quality of life: bodily pain and general health. Average effect size was 0.31. The most used energy conservation strategies after the course were simplifying activities, adjusting priorities, changing body position, resting, and planning the day to balance work and rest. Conclusion: The pilot study supports on-going development and testing of energy conservation education delivered by teleconference to people with multiple sclerosis. Show more

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, fatigue management, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20404

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 267-277, 2005

Authors: Levy, Matthew | Berson, Andrea | Cook, Theresa | Bollegala, Natasha | Seto, Eva | Tursanski, Shannon | Kim, Jennifer | Sockalingam, Sanjeev | Rajput, Anshu | Krishnadev, Nupura | Feng, Chris | Bhalerao, Shree

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Agitation, restlessness, and aggression are frequent neurobehavioural sequelae in the early stages of recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). These behavioural symptoms disrupt patient care and impede rehabilitation efforts. We review the current literature (1985 onwards) examining the pharmacological management of post-TBI agitation in both acute and post-acute conditions. This article will assess the evidence for the use of selected alkylphenols, benzodiazepines, estrogens, antiandrogens, neuroleptics/antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-Parkinsonian agents, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, lithium carbonate, buspirone, beta-blockers, and psychostimulants in agitated TBI survivors. Review of the literature suggests that there is limited evidence to accurately guide clinicians in the management of this patient …population. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, delirium, agitation, neuropsychiatric, psychopharmacology

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20405

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 279-306, 2005

Authors: Toole, Tonya | Maitland, Charles G. | Warren, Earl | Hubmann, Monica F. | Panton, Lynn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Our study aims were: 1) to determine whether assisted weight bearing or additional weight bearing is more beneficial to the improvement of function and increased stability in gait and dynamic balance in patients with Parkinsonism, compared with matched controls (treadmill alone). Twenty-three men and women participants (M ± SD = 74.5 ± 9.7 yrs; Males = 19, Females = 4) with Parkinsonism were in the study. Participants staged at 1–7 (M ± SD = 3.96 ± 1.07) using the Hoehn & Yahr scale. All participants were tested before, after the intervention (within one week), and four …weeks later on: 1) dynamic posturography, 2) Berg Balance scale, 3) United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), 4) biomechanical assessment of strength and range of motion, and 5) Gaitrite force sensitive gait mat. Group 1 (treadmill control group), received treadmill training with no loading or unloading. Group 2 (unweighted group), walked on the treadmill assisted by the Biodex Unweighing System at a 25% body weight reduction. Group 3 (weighted group), ambulated wearing a weighted scuba-diving belt, which increased their normal body weight by 5%. All subjects walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes per day for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Improvements in dynamic posturography, falls during balance testing, Berg Balance, UPDRS (Motor Exam), and gait for all groups lead us to believe that neuromuscular regulation can be facilitated in all Parkinson's individuals no matter what treadmill intervention is employed. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, intervention, treadmill

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20406

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 307-322, 2005

Authors: Saleem, Ahmad F. | Sapienza, Christine M. | Okun, Michael S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The outcome of a 20 week expiratory muscle strength training program (EMST) is documented in a patient with early idiopathic Parkinson's disease. A pressure threshold device was utilized and training occurred in the home setting. The training was intensive with a physiologically challenging load specific to the expiratory muscles, adjusted weekly based on the participant's performance. Results indicated that strength, as indexed by the generation of maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), increased by 50% in the first 4 weeks of training, consistent with the average strength increase obtained in previous research. Strength increases continued beyond the traditional 4 weeks of training …with a final improvement in MEP of 158% from baseline over the 20 weeks. When the EMST was discontinued for a period of 4 weeks, the participant's MEP decreased by 16% from the 20 week endpoint measurement. The strength training pattern of the expiratory muscles observed in this study was similar to the pattern previously reported for limb muscles. Show more

Keywords: Respiratory, muscle, strength training, pattern, neural, hypertrophy, Parkinson's disease

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20407

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 323-333, 2005

Authors: Drake, David F. | Harkins, Steve | Qutubuddin, Abu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article reviews the current literature on pain in Parkinson's disease to include the anatomy, pathology, and both basic and clinical science research. It explores treatment methods to include medication management as well as deep brain stimulation.

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20408

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 335-341, 2005

Authors: Shepherd, Roberta B. | Carr, Janet

Article Type: Article Commentary

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20409

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 343-345, 2005

Authors: Paci, Matteo | Rinaldi, Lucio A.

Article Type: Letter

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2005-20410

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 347-347, 2005