NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 51, issue 2

Authors: Moustafaa, Engy BadrEldin S. | Darwish, Moshera H. | El-Tamawy, Mohammed S. | Abu Elkasem, Shimaa T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fatigue, cognition problems and multiple sclerosis (MS) inflammatory processes became main quality of life indicators and points of clinical significance in MS practice. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the changes in primary fatigue level, degree of cognitive dysfunction and level of inflammatory biomarkers in response to computer-based cognitive training in patients with MS. METHODS: A total of 40 remitting-relapse MS patients were divided into two groups, both groups were suffering cognitive decline, primary fatigue with elevated serum levels of the inflammatory biomarkers. Patients in the control group (GA) underwent conventional …physical therapy program for MS including aerobic training, resistive training and a flexibility program in addition to placebo cognitive sessions, study group patients (GB) received an intensive computer-based cognitive program using the REHACOM software in addition to the same conventional physical therapy program as in GA. RESULTS: Significant decrease in the level of primary fatigue and in the serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers in GB patients compared to GA, as well as a remarkable improvement in the cognitive abilities in favor to the study group (GB) (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of computer-based cognitive training in the rehabilitation program of MS patients is efficient in improving disease course via decreasing fatigue levels, enhancing cognitive abilities and reducing level of inflammatory biomarkers. Show more

Keywords: Computer-based cognitive training, cognitive dysfunction, inflammatory biomarkers, multiple sclerosis, primary fatigue

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-220001

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 315-324, 2022

Authors: Moretti, Antimo | Liguori, Sara | Paoletta, Marco | Toro, Giuseppe | Aulicino, Milena | Gimigliano, Francesca | Iolascon, Giovanni

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are often followed by chronic back pain which may have a nociceptive, neuropathic, or mixed component. However, literature on this topic is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional study is to characterize the neuropathic component of chronic back pain in patients with OVFs. METHODS: Spine fractures were detected by morphometric examination. Pain severity and its impact on activities of daily living (ADL) were evaluated through the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Neuropathic pain was investigated through the Italian versions of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (LANSS) …and the painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q). RESULTS: We included 72 patients, mainly women (88.8%), with mean age of 69.2 years. The 70.8% of patients had multiple OVFs, of which 47% located at the thoracic spine, 43.1% at the thoracic and at lumbar spine, and 9.8% at the lumbar spine. The BPI showed moderate back pain in 23.6% of cases and severe in 8.3% of cases, with high interference with ADL in 38.9% of patients. The PD-Q revealed the presence of neuropathic pain in 5.5% of cases, while the LANSS in 23.6% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the prevalence of neuropathic component of chronic back pain ranged from 5.5% to 23.6%, according to PD-Q and LANSS respectively, in patients with OVFs. Further studies should investigate if the characterization of chronic back pain might contribute to appropriateness of interventions for this population. Show more

Keywords: Osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, back pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-220040

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 325-331, 2022

Authors: Umemori, Takuma | Higuchi, Takahiro | Nakamura, Takayoshi | Nakayama, Yasuhide | Fujita, Goro | Okuyama, Yumi | Kobayashi, Kazushige | Abo, Masahiro

Article Type: Brief Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The clinical spectrum of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) comprises the triad of gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. However, motor abnormalities involving the upper extremities in iNPH patients have few quantitative studies. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to quantitatively assess bimanual tapping tasks in iNPH patients and to compare with the control groups. METHODS: The subjects were divided into three groups: iNPH patients, older healthy group, and younger healthy group. The tasks were three synchronization finger-to-thumb tapping tasks with the auditory stimuli specified at 1 Hz by metronome: unilateral, bimanual simultaneous, …and bimanual alternate. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the outcomes of the three errors (absolute error: AE, variable error: VE, and constant error: CE) for tapping cycles. RESULTS: In the iNPH group, the absolute and variable errors increased in bimanual alternate tapping task with statistical significance (AE: p  < 0.05 and VE: p  < 0.05). There were no significant differences in errors between the older and young healthy groups (AE: p  = 0.62, CE: p  = 1.00 and VE: p  = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: We could quantitatively evaluate the bimanual coordination on iNPH patients using the bimanual alternate tapping task, potentially useful for evaluating patients unable to walk. Show more

Keywords: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus, bimanual coordination, finger-to-thumb tapping, upper extremity, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-220010

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 333-339, 2022

Authors: Catz, Amiram

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: Rehabilitation medicine has expanded the horizon of all medicine and brought about new human achievements. To facilitate continued advances in achievement, several changes are suggested in customary rehabilitation strategic goals, concepts, and practices. The main rehabilitation goals should focus on prolonged survival, contrary to the opinions of most authors on rehabilitation, and on achievement of maximum ability realization, rather than of independence or any given (including previous) level of functioning. Setting rehabilitation goals should benefit the patient, rather than the caregiver or the insurer. Training should focus on tasks that contribute to the patients’ interests and desires, rather than …on any task that reduces the burden of care. The main criterion for admission to a rehabilitation ward should be based on expected advantage in prolonging patient survival and maximizing ability realization. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, conceptual changes, longevity, ability realization, patient interest

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-220069

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 341-345, 2022

Authors: Young, Vanessa M.

Article Type: Other

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Around 30% of stroke survivors experience spatial neglect. Spatial neglect hinders rehabilitation outcomes and increases the risk of injury. Non-pharmacological interventions are available, yet their efficacy is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for spatial neglect (inattention) following stroke and other non-progressive brain injuries. METHODS: A summary of the Cochrane Review by Longley et al. 2020, with comments from a rehabilitation perspective. RESULTS: A total of 43 studies were included in meta-analysis and the quality of evidence was very low for all analyses. The benefits or risks associated with each …intervention for spatial neglect including visual treatment, prism adaptation training, body awareness, mental function, movement treatment, non-invasive brain stimulation, electrical stimulation, and acupuncture remain unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence in support or against the treatments is sparse and more rigorous studies are needed to evaluate their efficacy. Clinicians should continue to follow current guidelines when available to meet patients’ rehabilitation goals. Show more

Keywords: Stroke rehabilitation, perceptual disorders, activities of daily living, intervention, systematic review

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-228022

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 347-350, 2022

Authors: Cheng, Darren Kai-Young | Dagenais, Matthieu | Alsbury-Nealy, Kyla | Legasto, Jean Michelle | Scodras, Stephanie | Aravind, Gayatri | Takhar, Pam | Nekolaichuk, Erica | Salbach, Nancy Margaret

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-228023

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 351-351, 2022