NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 52, issue 4

Authors: Avery, Aspen | Takagi-Stewart, Julian | Qiu, Qian | Philipson, Erik B. | Moore, Megan | Kroshus, Emily | Weiner, Bryan J. | Graves, Janessa M. | Glang, Ann | Jinguji, Thomas | Coppel, David B. | Sidhu, Manrita | Vavilala, Monica S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Appropriate concussion care in school is vital for full recovery, but school return-to-learn (RTL) programs are lacking and vary in quality. Establishing student-centered RTL programs may reduce disparities in RTL care. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of RISE Bundle (Return to Learn Implementation Bundle for Schools) implementation on high school adoption of a student-centered RTL program. METHODS: A convenience sample of fourteen (4 rural and 10 urban) small and large Washington (WA) State public high schools were enrolled in a stepped-wedge study with baseline, end of study, and monthly measures over the 2021–2022 academic year. …Schools identified an RTL champion who led RISE Bundle implementation in 6-week steps. Concussion knowledge and impact of RTL program on concussion care were examined. RESULTS: Ten schools (71.4%) successfully completed RISE Bundle implementation and established a functional RTL program. Self-reported concussion knowledge from RTL Champions increased post intervention. Establishing RTL programs facilitated provision of tailored accommodations, and perceived variation and inequities in RTL care were reduced. CONCLUSION: RISE Bundle implementation proved feasible, supported the establishment of a functional RTL program, and perceived to reduce disparities in concussion care in rural and urban WA State public high schools of varying sizes. Show more

Keywords: Youth concussion, return to learn, traumatic brain injury

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-220200

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 641-650, 2023

Authors: Ippolito, Christina | Cogliano, Alexandra | Patel, Alexandra | Shear, Sara | Provvidenza, Christine | Wilson, Katherine E. | Reed, Nick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Return-to-school processes indicate ‘when’ to initiate activities and ‘what’ activities should be accomplished, but are missing ‘how’ to implement the process. The SCHOOLFirst website provides the ‘how’ through building concussion knowledge, creating a supportive culture, and defining roles. Due to the involvement of pre-service teachers in schools during training and imminent transition to becoming teachers, it is important that pre-service teachers are trained in concussion and can optimally support current and future students. OBJECTIVE: To determine: 1) pre-service teachers’ knowledge and confidence surrounding the return-to-school process before and after using the SCHOOLFirst website; 2) the usability, intended …use and satisfaction of the SCHOOLFirst website from the perspective of pre-service teachers. METHODS: Thirty pre-service teachers completed the demographic survey, knowledge and confidence survey, System Usability Scale, and satisfaction and intended use survey after participating in a workshop. RESULTS: Significant increases in concussion knowledge (Z  = –4.093, p  < 0.001) and confidence in helping students return-to-school (Z  = –4.620, p  < 0.001) were measured after using the SCHOOLFirst website. Participants were satisfied with the SCHOOLFirst website (93.4%) and intend to use it in the future when supporting a student post-concussion (96.4%). CONCLUSION: The SCHOOLFirst website is a valuable tool for pre-service teachers to support students’ return-to-school post-concussion. Show more

Keywords: Educators, teachers, concussion, school, students, return-to-school, return-to-learn

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-220207

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 651-662, 2023

Authors: Amatya, Bhasker | Khan, Fary

Article Type: Other

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Memory disturbance is common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Currently, a range of memory rehabilitation approaches alone or as a component of cognitive rehabilitation is utilized clinically. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation in improving health outcomes (memory, cognitive function, functional ability, quality of life) in pwMS. METHODS: A summary of the Cochrane Review “Memory rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis” by Taylor et al from a rehabilitation perspective. RESULTS: The review included 44 studies (with 2714 participants). The memory rehabilitation approaches varied amongst the included primary studies for memory retraining …techniques (computerized programs, training using internal and external memory aids, etc.). Overall, the risk of bias amongst the included trials was low. The findings suggest high-certainty evidence for a beneficial effect of memory rehabilitation in improving subjective memory at intermediate- (1–6 months) and longer-term (> 6 months); and moderate-certainty evidence at immediate post-intervention. The evidence of the effect of memory rehabilitation on other outcomes showed mixed results. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests some beneficial effects of memory rehabilitation in improving subjective memory and quality of life in pwMS. However, further evidence is required for the evaluation of memory strategies for other outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, memory, health outcomes, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-230003

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 663-666, 2023