NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 55, issue 1

Authors: Braga, Lucia Willadino | Oliveira, Sandro Barbosa | Souza, Lígia Maria do Nascimento

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is important to investigate satisfaction and perception of the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and its outcomes post-COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the patients’ and healthcare providers’ level of satisfaction with telerehabilitation and perception of its efficacy and describe how it became an established resource in a network of rehabilitation hospitals post-pandemic. METHODS: The online survey about their experience with telerehabilitation was completed by 2,755 patients (322 new patients and 2,433 existing patients), and 668 providers from 26 different specialties. RESULTS: Most patients and providers rated remote care as effective. There were no differences in …scores between existing patients and new patients and the majority reported that their expectations were met. Most patients described their remote consults as good as or better than in-person, while providers mostly preferred in-person sessions. Despite most modalities having returned to in-person practice, there is still a significant percentage of telerehabilitation consults. CONCLUSION: Three years after the start of the pandemic, despite a return to in-person treatment, we see a telerehabilitation culture being constructed as a resource to supplement the rehabilitation process, with potential for establishing this model in a network of rehabilitation hospitals. Show more

Keywords: Telemedicine, telerehabilitation, rehabilitation, telehealth, patient satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-230385

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 103-115, 2024

Authors: Oh, Sejun | Gu, Yeonji | Kim, Inbeom | Kwon, Euha | Lee, Sangheon | Kim, Kyounghae

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals deliver pain education, yet their perception of pain experiences is not well understood, which can affect their interactions with patients in pain. OBJECTIVE: This study explored Korean healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the usefulness of assessing pain concepts and beliefs and the importance of domains identified in the pain literature. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study employed an online survey administered to nurses, physical therapists, and physicians, including the Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and related optional open-ended questions. RESULTS: Most participants acknowledged the importance and usefulness of assessing understanding …of pain concepts but anticipated patients’ difficulty comprehending items assessing biological mechanisms underlying pain. Participants questioned the items’ accuracy, indicating their limited pain knowledge and the necessity of reducing literacy demands. The critical domains of pain education were learning about pain, external factors influencing pain, and pain as a form of protection. CONCLUSION: Participants had suboptimal pain knowledge but emphasized decreasing literacy demands of pain neurophysiology items. Additionally, it is necessary to develop and implement a pain education program to improve pain-related knowledge and provide educational content for healthcare professionals encountering patients in pain. Show more

Keywords: Neurophysiology of pain, pain, fear of movement, healthcare professional, survey

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240081

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 117-125, 2024

Authors: Algabbani, Maha F. | Fagehi, Jaber Mohammed | Aljosh, Muzaynah | Bawazeer, Manal | Aldaihan, Mishal M. | Abdulrahman, Tariq A. | Alhusaini, Adel A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gait training programs are commonly used to improve gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). OBJECTIVE: To compared the effects of robotic-gait assistant training (RAGT) and conventional body weight support treadmill training (CBWSTT) on gait parameters among ambulatory children with CP. METHODS: The study is a randomized controlled trial of 36 children (17 in the RAGT group and 19 in the CBWSTT group) aged 5 to 14. Gait training involved 30—to 35-minute sessions three times per week over eight weeks. RESULTS: Mixed ANCOVA showed no main effect of time or group on all …gait parameters (P  > .05). Gross motor function measure dimensions D (GMFM D) and E (GMFM E) show main effects on step width. Stride length, step length, speed, swing phase, and double support phase interacted with GMFM D and E. There was a negative correlation between motor function level and the change from baseline. Children with lower motor function show a greater change from baseline. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between CBWSTT and RAGT for children with CP; however, with gait training interventions, the level of motor function should be considered. Show more

Keywords: Robotic, gait, child, cerebral palsy, treadmill, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240156

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 127-136, 2024

Authors: Abd-Elfattah, Hanaa M. | Galal, Dina O. Shokri M. | Abdelmageed, Shaima M. | Aly, Sobhy M. | Ameen, Fairouz H. | Sayed, Asmaa O. | Abd-Elmonem, Amira M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy is the most frequent condition affecting the central nervous system and causing large disability. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of touch screen tablet upon fine motor functions in children with hemiparesis. METHOD: This was a randomized controlled trial involving 60 children, ranging in age from 5 to 7 years old, randomized into two groups: intervention or control group (30 children per group). Both groups were given 12 consecutive weeks of designed fine motor tasks. Additionally, for thirty minutes, the intervention group was given a fine motor exercise program on a touch screen tablet. …Upper limb function, finger dexterity and pinch strength were measured pre and post the recommended treatment program using the quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST), Nine-Hole Peg Test and Jamar hydraulic pinch gauge, respectively. RESULTS: All outcome measures were equivalent between intervention groups at admission (P  > 0.05). Significant improvements were found in all assessed variables within the two groups. Meanwhile, the intervention group had significantly higher improvements (P  < 0.05) in finger dexterity, pinch strength, and upper limb function when compared with the control groups. CONCLUSION: Including a touch screen smart tablet application with a specially designed fine motor program is an effective method that helps children with U-CP perform more effectively with their fine motor skills. Show more

Keywords: Cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, fine motor tasks, touch screen tablet, unilateral cerebral palsy

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-240134

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 137-146, 2024

Authors: Capan, Nalan

Article Type: Other

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSIs) from blunt trauma carry a high risk of neurological damage. Accurate diagnosis is vital for preventing harm and aiding recovery, yet the diagnostic accuracy of clinical decision rules (CDRs) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of triage tools for detecting CSI in pediatric trauma patients. METHODS: A summary of the Cochrane Review by Tavender et al. (2024), with comments from a rehabilitation perspective. RESULTS: Five studies with 21,379 participants assessed seven CDRs. Direct comparisons showed high sensitivity but low specificity across different CDRs. Indirect comparison studies also …demonstrated varying sensitivities and specificities. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient evidence exists to determine the best tools for deciding if imaging is necessary for diagnosing potential CSI in children. Better quality studies are needed to assess the accuracy of CDRs for cervical spine clearance in this population. Show more

Keywords: Cervical spine injury, triage tool, pediatric trauma

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-246005

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 147-149, 2024