NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 39, issue 2

Authors: Rosengren, Lina | Brogårdh, Christina | Jacobsson, Lars | Lexell, Jan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Life satisfaction (LS) is an overall goal in the long-term management and rehabilitation of persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, very little is known about LS in persons with PD and no study has examined factors associated with their LS. OBJECTIVE: To describe LS in persons with mild to moderate PD and to evaluate the association with gender, age, years since diagnosis, and sense of coherence, perceived participation, and mental and emotional status. METHODS: Eighty persons with mild to moderate PD (46 men and 34 women, mean age 70.1 years, mean time since diagnosis …7.4 years) responded to a postal survey with the Swedish versions of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13), the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-20). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the association with LS. RESULTS: The mean SWLS total score was 21.8 points, and 45% rated themselves as satisfied to highly satisfied with their lives. SOC and years since diagnosis explained 36% of the variance, where a strong SOC, indicating a person’s capacity to adapt to the overall strains of the disease, showed the strongest association with a high LS. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with mild to moderate PD seem to be generally satisfied with their lives but LS may decrease as the disease progresses. The strong association with SOC implies that LS may increase through rehabilitation that support persons with PD to understand and confront the nature of problems arising in their lives as a result of their PD. Show more

Keywords: Activities of daily living, disability evaluation, health services for persons with disabilities, Parkinson’s disease, quality of life, questionnaires, rehabilitation, sense of coherence

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-161359

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 285-294, 2016

Authors: Ayan, Carlos | Varela, Silvia | Vila, M. Helena | Seijo-Martinez, Manuel | Cancela, José M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a need for studies about the effects of treadmill training (TT) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients when combined with other exercise training modalities. OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of a multicomponent rehabilitation program on the illness impact, quality of life and fitness level in Parkinson’s disease. METHODS: Participants were assigned to two exercise groups: water and land-based exercise (WL) or water and land-based exercise plus treadmill training (TWL). The water and land-based exercise group performed one water-based exercise and one land-based exercise session per week for 15 weeks. Participants in the water …and land-based exercise plus treadmill training added two sessions of treadmill training to this schedule. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was used to assess the sample’s fitness level. RESULTS: Participants in the water and land-based exercise Group experienced significant benefits in the disease impact (UPDRS t  = 3.083; p  = 0.029) and quality of life (PDQ-39 t  = 2.942; p  = 0.036). The addition of treadmill training did not have any significant effect on these variables. Both programs showed similar effects on the fitness components evaluated. CONCLUSION: Adding treadmill training to a combination of water and land-based exercise programs may have limited effects on quality of life and the impact on the disease. Show more

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, quality of life, treadmill training, water exercise

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-161360

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 295-299, 2016

Authors: Fragoso, Yara Dadalti | Adoni, Tarso | Alves-Leon, Soniza Vieira | Apostolos-Pereira, Samira Luisa | Barreira, Amilton Antunes | Brooks, Joseph Bruno Bidin | Claudino, Rinaldo | Correa, Eber Castro | Ferreira, Maria Lucia Brito | Finkelsztejn, Alessandro | Finkelsztejn, Juliana | da Gama, Paulo Diniz | Goncalves, Marcus Vinicius Magno | Guerreiro, Carlos Tostes | da Cunha Matta, Andre Palma | Marques, Vanessa Daccach | Rizo Morales, Rogerio | Parolin, Monica Fiuza Koncke | de Castro Ribeiro, Marlise | Ribeiro, Taysa Alexandrino Gonsalves Jube | Ruocco, Heloisa Helena | Sato, Henry | Scherpenhuijzen, Simone | Siquineli, Fabio | de Carvalho Sousa, Nise Alessandra | Varela, Daniel Lima | Tauil, Carlos Bernardo | Winckler, Thereza Cristina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fampridine is a broad-spectrum voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker that enhances synaptic transmission. The drug has been shown to be able to ameliorate conduction in demyelinated axons, thereby leading to improved gait in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To assess the “real-life” efficacy and safety of fampridine prescribed for gait disorders in MS. This was an observational and prospective study carried out at MS Units participating in the Brazilian Multiple Sclerosis Study Group. METHODS: Patients with MS and gait disorders were prescribed fampridine (10 mg twice a day), irrespectively of the degree of disability determined …by MS. Neurological disability determined by MS was assessed with the expanded disability scale score (EDSS). Outcomes for efficacy and safety of the drug were evaluated by the 25 foot-walk test and by the adverse events of fampridine. RESULTS: The time taken to walk 25 feet decreased by 20% or more in 62 patients (70%). Twenty-five patients were considered to be non-responders to this treatment. Improvement in walking speed was independent of improvement of disability. Mild or moderate adverse events were reported in 8% of patients. CONCLUSION: Fampridine is an efficient and safe therapeutic option for patients with MS and gait disorders. Show more

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, gait, walking, fampridine

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-161361

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 301-304, 2016

Authors: Freund, Jane E. | Stetts, Deborah M. | Vallabhajosula, Srikant

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease of the central nervous system. Compared to healthy individuals, persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have increased postural sway in quiet stance, decreased gait speed and increased fall incidence. Trunk performance has been implicated in postural control, gait dysfunction, and fall prevention in older adults. However, the relationship of trunk performance to postural control and gait has not been adequately studied in PwMS. OBJECTIVE: To compare trunk muscle structure and performance in PwMS to healthy age and gendered-matched controls (HC); to determine the effects of isometric trunk endurance testing …on postural control in both populations; and to determine the relationship of trunk performance with postural control, gait and step activity in PwMS. METHODS: Fifteen PwMS and HC completed ultrasound imaging of trunk muscles, 10 m walk test, isometric trunk endurance tests, and postural sway test. Participants wore a step activity monitor for 7 days. RESULTS: PwMS had worse isometric trunk endurance compared to HC. PwMS trunk flexion endurance negatively correlated to several postural control measures and positively correlated to gait speed and step activity. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider evaluation and interventions directed at impaired trunk endurance in PwMS. Show more

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, trunk endurance, gait speed, postural control

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-161362

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 305-317, 2016

Authors: Song, Ye-Won | Lee, Jae-Shin | Song, A-Young

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The study tries to explore what effects multiple cognitive intervention, computer-based intervention, and memory training program had on dementia patients through meta-analysis. METHOD: Data was collected using an overseas search engine and 13 pieces of research published from January 2001 to April 2015 were selected. On papers that fit the selection criteria qualitative evaluation was conducted using Jadad evaluation and using pre-post average, standard deviation, and sample size of cognitive function, meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The 13 studies selected included 6 multiple interventions, 4 computer-based interventions, and 3 memory training programs. In the Jadad …evaluation all had 3 points or higher and there were 474 research participants and in the result of effect size analysis memory training intervention was found to be ‘large effect size’, computer-based intervention ‘medium effect size’, and multiple cognitive intervention ‘small effect size’. All three intervention methods were all statistically significant (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was found that the effect on dementia patients was in the order of memory training intervention, computer-based intervention, and multiple cognitive intervention. Clinically, this can be objective basis for treatment method for cognitive intervention of dementia patients. Show more

Keywords: Dementia, cognitive intervention, cognitive function, meta-analysis

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-161363

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 319-327, 2016

Authors: Burton, Rachel | O’Connell, Megan E. | Morgan, Debra G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Goal oriented cognitive rehabilitation is a promising intervention for individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia due to Alzheimer Disease (AD). Videoconferencing delivered cognitive rehabilitation is a potential avenue for increasing accessibility for rural patients and their families. OBJECTIVE: First, we were concerned with the accessibility of the treatment for individuals in rural and remote areas. Second, client-centered goal setting was explored by asking this sample about their goals for cognitive rehabilitation. METHOD: We mailed questions to all active patients with diagnoses of MCI or dementia due to AD of a rural …memory clinic and compare features of the responders versus the non-responders. We asked about interest in videoconferencing delivered treatment and about goals for cognitive rehabilitation, which were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: The responders (N  = 25) were similar to non-responders in severity, depression, and caregiver burden. Of the responders, 80% were interested in videoconferencing developed treatment. A thematic analysis coded 95% of responses as amenable to cognitive rehabilitation. Participants’ goals were focused on memory, household activities, other cognitive domains, recreation, and higher order tasks. CONCLUSIONS: This work informs the development of both in-person and videoconferencing delivered cognitive rehabilitation for individuals diagnosed with MCI or dementia. Show more

Keywords: Dementia, mild cognitive impairment, rehabilitation, barriers to rehabilitation, telehealth

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-161364

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 329-342, 2016