Affect Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Articles

Evaluation of Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Neurological Health Conditions Using a Machine Learning Approach.

Background: Over one billion people worldwide suffer from neurological conditions that cause mobility impairments, often persisting despite rehabilitation. Chronic neurological disease (CND) patients who lack access to continuous rehabilitation face gradual functional decline. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides a comprehensive framework for assessing these patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of a non-hospitalized neuromotor rehabilitation project for CND patients in Italy using the Barthel Index (BI) as the primary outcome measure. The rehabilitation was administered through an Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), tailored by a multidisciplinary team and coordinated by a physiatrist. The IRP involved an initial comprehensive assessment, individualized therapy administered five days a week, and continuous adjustments based on patient progress. The secondary objectives include assessing mental status and sensory and communication functions, and identifying predictive factors for BI improvement using an artificial neural network (ANN). Methods: A retrospective observational study of 128 CND patients undergoing a rehabilitation program between 2018 and 2023 was conducted. Variables included demographic data, clinical assessments (BI, SPMSQ, and SVaMAsc), and ICF codes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regressions, and ANN to identify predictors of BI improvement. Results: Significant improvements in the mean BI score were observed from admission (40.28 ± 29.08) to discharge (42.53 ± 30.02, p < 0.001). Patients with severe mobility issues showed the most difficulty in transfers and walking, as indicated by the ICF E codes. Females, especially older women, experienced more cognitive decline, affecting rehabilitation outcomes. ANN achieved 86.4% accuracy in predicting BI improvement, with key factors including ICF mobility codes and the number of past rehabilitation projects. Conclusions: The ICF mobility codes are strong predictors of BI improvement in CND patients. More rehabilitation sessions and targeted support, especially for elderly women and patients with lower initial BI scores, can enhance outcomes and reduce complications. Continuous rehabilitation is essential for maintaining progress in CND patients.

Long-Term Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: Does It Affect Rehabilitation Outcomes?

Background and Objectives: Although the growing literature is now focusing on the long-term effects of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD), there is still a large gap of knowledge about its long-term implications in rehabilitation. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of rehabilitation in PD patients years after DBS implantation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective case-control study analyzed records from Moriggia-Pelascini Hospital, Italy from September 2022 to January 2024. Data of PD patients (n = 47) with (DBS group, n = 22) and without (control group, n = 25) DBS were considered. All study participants underwent a daily rehabilitation program lasting four weeks, including warm-up, aerobic exercises, strength training, postural exercises, and proprioceptive activities. The outcomes assessed were the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 6 Min Walk Test (6MWT), and Self-Assessment Parkinson Disease Scale (SPDDS). Results: DBS group showed significant improvements in terms of all outcome measures after the rehabilitation intervention (UPDRS III: -7.0 (-11.5 to -1.0); p = 0.001; UPDRS I II IV: -12.0 (-19.0 to -4.5); p = 0.001; BBS: 7.0 (3.8 to 10.3); p < 0.001; TUG (s): -2.8 (-5.7 to -1.1); p < 0.001; SPDDS: -8 (-13.0 to -4.0); p < 0.001; 6MWT (m): 81 (37.3 to 132.3); p < 0.001). No differences were reported in the between-group analysis (p: NS). Conclusions: This study emphasizes positive rehabilitation effects on PD patients irrespective of DBS status. Further research is essential to elucidate long-term effects of DBS on rehabilitation outcomes of PD patients.

Translation and Adaptation of the Reinjury Anxiety Inventory, the Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale, and the Athletic Injury Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Into Turkish.

Psychological difficulties can adversely affect rehabilitation outcomes and make return to sport more difficult. Identifying psychological difficulties is possible with valid and reliable measurement tools. The purpose of this study is to translate and culturally adapt the Reinjury Anxiety Inventory (RIAI), the Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale (SIRAS), and the Athletic Injury Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (AISEQ) into Turkish and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish versions. Cross-sectional study. The instruments were forward- and back-translated, culturally adapted, and validated on 248 athletes and 34 physical therapists. The physical therapists of the athletes completed the SIRAS to evaluate the athletes. Statistical analysis included reliability tests (Cronbach alpha and test-retest), exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlational analysis. Floor and ceiling effects (<15%) were also assessed. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed a satisfactory model fit for the RIAI and the AISEQ, and exploratory factor analysis revealed the 1-factor structure for the SIRAS as in the original. All 3 instruments displayed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach alpha coefficients ranged from .84 to .88) and test-retest reliability (coefficients ranged from .81 to .93). Convergent validity of the instruments was supported by significant correlations between the AISEQ and both the RIAI and the SIRAS. Our results suggest that the Turkish versions of the instruments were valid, consistent, and reliable in athletes who have serious injuries. Scores on these instruments could be useful for evaluating the contributions of psychological factors to return to sport following serious injuries. Clinicians are encouraged to use RIAI-Turkish (RIAI-TR), SIRAS-Turkish (SIRAS-TR), and AISEQ-Turkish (AISEQ-TR) together to make decisions about the treatment and rehabilitation plans of injured athletes.

Abstract TP82: Effect of Stroke Etiology and Treatment Intervention for Young Adults With Large Vessel Occlusion- Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results From the Cleveland Clinic Young Adult Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: The incidence of Large Vessel Occlusion-Acute Ischemic Stroke (LVO-AIS) continues to increase in young adults. Although young adults who undergo mechanical thrombectomy have favorable outcomes, it is unclear if stroke etiology affects rehabilitation outcomes &amp; discharge destination for these patients. Hypothesis: Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) results in worse outcomes as compared to other etiologies in terms of discharge destination. Methods: This retrospective study cohort comprised of patients 18-50 years of age, presenting to the Cleveland Clinic Stroke Enterprise, with LVO-AIS from January 2017 to December 2021. Patients with LVO on CTA or MRA at presentation were included. We then assessed patients with LAA and compared their discharge destination to patients with other etiologies. Results: Out of 1210 patients with AIS, 172 with LVO were included. 31 patients (18%) had stroke etiology as Large Artery Atherosclerosis (per TOAST criteria). Among patients with LAA, the median initial NIHSS was 6 and median discharge NIHSS 4. 16.2% of these patients received IV thrombolysis and 32.4% underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT). 48.4% patients were discharged to acute rehabilitation, 32.3% went home, 12.9% SNF, and 6.5% deceased. In contrast, patients for whom TOAST criteria was not “Large Artery Atherosclerosis”, had a median initial NIHSS 9 and median discharge NIHSS 2. 31.2% received IV thrombolysis and 43.9% underwent MT. Their discharge destination was home for 56%, acute rehabilitation for 27.7%, LTAC for 5%, 2.8% SNF, and 8.5% deceased. Both these groups had similar initial mRS. Conclusions: Young adults with LVO-AIS had good outcomes irrespective of stroke etiology, however LAA patients were less likely to be discharged home compared to other etiologies, likely owing to less functional recovery as compared to other etiologies. Further studies are needed to determine why young adults with LVO with LAA have worse outcomes.

Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in severe acquired brain injury: a retrospective multicenter study.

Recent studies underscore that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) HAIs affect rehabilitation outcomes and hospital length of stay (LOS) for severe acquired brain injury (sABI). This study aimed to estimate HAI incidence in different sABI rehabilitation settings and determine risk factors and HAI impact on neuromotor and cognitive recovery. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in two semi-intensive units (SICUs), two high-specialty post-acute units (PAUs), and one long-term care (LTC) rehabilitation facility. Data extraction was performed by experienced clinicians, using a structured Excel file and they agreed upon criteria for case definitions of healthcare. The main outcome measures were the HAI and MDR HAI incidence and the LOS, the functional recovery was measured using the Level of Cognitive Functioning and Disability Rating Scale. There were 134 sABI participants. The calculation of the probability level was adjusted for three pairwise comparisons among settings (0.05/3 = 0.017). The HAI and MDR HAI incidences were significantly higher in SICU (3.7 and 1.3 per 100 person-days) than in other settings (LTC: 1.9, p = 0.034 and 0.5, p = 0.026; PAU: 1.2, p < 0.001 and 0.3, p < 0.001). HAI and MDR HAI risk variables included older age, an increased number of devices, and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) colonization, while a high prealbumin plasma value seemed to have a protective effect. HAIs are related to longer LOS, and colonization is associated with poor prognosis and poor functional outcomes with reduced ability to achieve the cognitive capacity of self-care, employability, and independent living. The need to ensure the protection of non-colonized patients, especially those with severe disabilities on admission, is highlighted.

Influence of motivation on rehabilitation outcomes after subacute stroke in convalescent rehabilitation wards.

The motivation for rehabilitation is important in encouraging stroke patients to participate in rehabilitation; however, its relationship with outcomes is not well known. In addition, changes in patient motivation during hospitalization have not been examined. To examine the relationship between motivation and rehabilitation outcomes for subacute stroke patients and to investigate the changes in motivation. Prospective cohort study. Subacute rehabilitation hospital. The study enrolled a consecutive sample of patients (n = 201) with stroke admitted to a subacute rehabilitation ward from October 2017 to March 2019. The functional independence measure and motivation in stroke patients for rehabilitation scale was evaluated at admission; at one, two, and three months after admission; and at discharge. The effectiveness and efficiency of the functional independence measure were calculated as rehabilitation outcomes. The effect of motivation on outcomes and the change in motivation in stroke patients for rehabilitation scale scores over time were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The median (interquartile range) converted motivation in stroke patients for rehabilitation scale scores (converted to a range of 0-100) at admission; one, two, and three months after admission; and discharge was 86 (76-95), 83 (77-94), 81 (74-95), 81 (71-93), and 84 (75-95), respectively. The median (interquartile range) of effectiveness and efficiency of the functional independence measure from admission to discharge was 0.82 (0.68-0.91) and 0.41 (0.30-0.59), respectively. Motivation in stroke patients for rehabilitation scale scores were not significantly associated with the effectiveness and efficiency of the functional independence measure (p > 0.05). Motivation in stroke patients for rehabilitation scale scores were significantly lower at two (β = -3.1, 95% confidence interval [-5.3, -0.9], p = 0.005) and three (β = -4.4, 95% confidence interval [-7.3, -1.6], p = 0.002) months after admission than at admission. Motivation might not directly affect rehabilitation outcomes assessed by the functional independence measure. Furthermore, many participants remained highly motivated, although their motivation decreased at one or three months after admission. Assumptions that rehabilitation is ineffective because of low motivation may not be correct. To examine the influence on outcomes, both motivation and daily activities should be considered.

Effects of posttraumatic growth on psychosocial adjustment in young and middle-aged patients with acute myocardial infarction: The mediating role of rumination

BackgroundPsychosocial adjustment is a core problem faced by young and middle-aged patients following a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which seriously affects rehabilitation outcomes. However, the relationship and influencing mechanism between post-traumatic growth and psychosocial adjustment in young and middle-aged AMI patients have not been fully explored. ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychosocial adjustment in young and middle-aged patients following AMI and to explore the mediating role of rumination. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangdong Province from January 2022 to August 2022. A total of 321 young to middle-aged patients with AMI participated in this study. Self-reported questionnaires were used to assess posttraumatic growth, rumination, and psychosocial adjustment. Pearson's correlation and path analyses were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe total scores for posttraumatic growth, rumination, and psychosocial adjustment in young and middle-aged patients with AMI were 51.24±19.35, 35.18±8.72, and 43.55±26.04, respectively. All three were considered moderate. Posttraumatic growth was positively associated with rumination and negatively associated with psychosocial adjustment (p < 0.01). The relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychosocial adjustment was mediated by deliberate rumination. ConclusionsDeliberate rumination mediated the relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychosocial adjustment. Healthcare providers should therefore guide patients to engage in deliberate rumination to help them grow following their AMI, thereby improving their psychosocial adaptability and prognosis.

Perspectives on rehabilitation, exercise and synaptogenesis after stroke

Strokes are a leading cause of death, persistent neurological deficits, and physical disability worldwide. Exercise-mediated adaptations are an emerging form of therapies that aim to attenuate the severity of post-stroke physical disability; however, there are uncertainties regarding how specific parameters, such as time to initiation and intensity of exercise, affect rehabilitation outcomes. At the cellular level, physical rehabilitation after stroke may enhance post-stroke gluconeogenesis to promote neuroplasticity over cellular damage via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and exosomes. Furthermore, there is thought to be an optimal time for the initiation of exercise after a stroke, but there is disagreement and uncertainty about this optimal time. This paper discusses the pathophysiology of physical rehabilitation after stroke and reviews current studies on the effects of physical exercise on stroke rehabilitation and plasticity.

Functional Status, Pain and Shoulder Mobility in Frozen Shoulder A Prospective Study.

The aim of our study was to assess the clinical course, disease duration, functional status dynamics and prevalence of elevated blood sugar values in patients with frozen shoulder (FS). We also tested two other hypotheses: a) Duration of symptoms before the beginning of therapy affects rehabilitation outcome and duration of symptoms. b) Postponed initiation of therapy affects the duration of sick leave.Our prospective study took place at the University Rehabilitation Institute-Republic of Slovenia (URI-RS) between April 2017 and March 2021. The sample comprised 26 patients with FS. We evaluated patients every 3 months for consecutive 2 years with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and by measuring the shoulder range of motion (ROM).During the first year, there was a statistically significant change in passive ROM, against no improvement in the second year of follow-up. Only one of the patients was a known diabetic, the majority (77 %) of patients had normal blood sugar values, and in the remaining patients, elevated levels were incidental findings. Twelve patients were on sick leave for more than 12 weeks.The study showed that the duration of sick leave did not corelate with time to treatment initiation. It is advisable to perform a fasting blood sugar test in patients with FS.

The Impact of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy on Functional Outcome of Patients Affected by Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage Discharged from Intensive Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Cohort Study.

Background: Sporadic CAA is recognized as a major cause of sICH and sABI. Even if intensive rehabilitation is recommended to maximize functional recovery after sICH, no data are available on whether CAA may affect rehabilitation outcomes. In this observational prospective study, to explore the impact of CAA on rehabilitation results, functional outcomes after intensive rehabilitation have been compared between patients affected by sICH with and without a diagnosis of CAA. Methods: All adults affected by sABI due to sICH and admitted to the IRU of IRCCS-Don-Gnocchi-Foundation were consecutively enrolled for 12 months. Demographic and clinical data were recorded upon admission and discharge. Results: Among 102 sICH patients (age: 66 (IQR = 16), 53% female), 13% were diagnosed as probable/possible-CAA. TPO and functional assessment were comparable upon admission, but CAA patients were significantly older (p = 0.001). After a comparable LOS, CAA patients presented higher care burden (ERBI: p = 0.025), poorer functional recovery (FIM: p = 0.02) and lower levels of global independence (GOSE > 4: p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, CAA was significantly correlated with a lower FIM (p = 0.019) and a lower likelihood of reaching GOS-E > 4, (p = 0.041) at discharge, independently from age. Conclusions: CAA seems to be independently associated with poorer rehabilitation outcomes, suggesting the importance of improving knowledge about CAA to better predict rehabilitation outcomes.

Does anatomical type of proximal hip fracture affect rehabilitation outcomes among older adults?

Background and purposeNumerous studies have detailed the potential benefits of inpatient geriatric rehabilitation for older adults with hip fractures. However, data regarding effect of fracture type (femoral neck, intertrochanteric, or subtrochanteric) on rehabilitation outcomes are limited. This study assessed whether the anatomical type of proximal hip fracture affects rehabilitation outcomes among disabled older adults. MethodsA population-based study was conducted comparing all patients with a recent hip fracture who were admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation facility in Israel. Data were collected retrospectively from an electronic database during a 5-year period (2014–2019). The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used to assess physical and cognitive function at admission and discharge. ResultsThe analyses included 624 older adults with hip fractures. We found significant differences in motor FIM score at admission, as patients with femoral neck fracture performed better than patients with intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture did. The disparity in motor FIM score remained consistent through discharge, with all groups achieving a median gain of 14 points. Within one month of rehabilitation, about a third of all patients achieved a higher functional level. ConclusionsPatients with femoral neck fracture have better motor ability than do those with intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures, which were retained throughout the course of rehabilitation; yet, the level of improvement remained similar. Clinicians should be aware of such differences in functional ability when discussing goals of care with older adults with hip fractures and consider them when implementing individual rehabilitation programs .

Association of Pharmacist-led Deprescribing Intervention with the Functional Recovery in Convalescent Setting.

So far, no studies investigated the association between pharmacist intervention and rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of study was to establish whether the pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention affects rehabilitation outcomes. This retrospective, observational, single-center, cohort study included consecutive geriatric patients (n = 448) with pharmacist-led intervention between 2017 and 2019. Participants were divided based on pharmacist-led deprescribing and non deprescribing interventions during hospitalization. Demographic data, laboratory data, the Functional Independence Measure were (FIM) analyzed between the groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between pharmacist-led deprescribing and FIM total gain. The primary outcome was FIM total gain. The rate of pharmacist intervention during the study period was 92.4%. A multiple linear regression analysis of FMI-T gain, adjusting for confounding factors, revealed that the pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention was independently correlated with FMI-T gain. Particularly, the use of dyslipidemia drugs, antipsychotic drugs, hypnotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs significantly decreased during hospitalization. The pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention was independently and significantly associated with FIM-T gain. The pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention improved functional recovery in a rehabilitation setting.

Effects and influencing factors of vestibular rehabilitation in 171 cases

Objective: To explore the effect of vestibular rehabilitation and to identify factors that can affect rehabilitation outcomes. Methods: From December 2018 to October 2020, patients who underwent vestibular rehabilitation in the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University were prospectively followed up. A battery of vestibular function examinations and psychological status evaluations were applied before and after rehabilitation initiation. The main outcomes were vertigo/dizziness and unsteadiness, measured by visual analogue scale (VAS); Secondary outcomes were daily activities and participation, assessed by vestibular activities and participation measure (VAP). Paired t-test was used to compare the effects before and after rehabilitation. Binary logistic regressions were applied to analyze the influencing factors of rehabilitation outcomes. Results: A total sample of 171 patients was followed up regularly with a median time of 11 months. Of the 171 patients evaluated, 72 were males and 99 were females; age ranged from 10 to 89 years old with a median age of 55 years old. At 6-month follow-up, the difference of VAS score of vertigo/dizziness and unsteadiness pre-post rehabilitation was 1.79±1.80 and 1.56±1.76, respectively; The difference of activity and participation domain of VAP score was 2.51±13 and 1.27±3.75, respectively. All differences pre-post rehabilitation exhibited statistically significant with P values<0.01. Regression analysis demonstrated that the length of symptom onset was a significant predictor of poor balance recovery (OR=6.52; 95%CI:2.10, 20.27). Visual dependence (OR=5.44; 95%CI: 1.38, 21.47) and suspectable anxiety (OR=6.45; 95%CI: 1.49, 28.30) were identified as risk factors for poor recovery of vertigo/dizziness. Conclusions: Vestibular rehabilitation effectively reduces dizziness, promotes balance, and improves the function of daily activities. Time from the onset, visual dependence and suspectable anxiety are the main factors hindering a desirable rehabilitation outcome.

The Effect of Virtual Reality on Motor Anticipation and Hand Function in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Trial on Movement-Related Potential.

Background Impaired cognitive ability to anticipate the required control for an upcoming task in patients with stroke may affect rehabilitation outcome. The cortical excitability of task-related motor anticipation for upper limb movement induced by virtual reality (VR) training remains unclear. Aims To investigate the effect of VR training on the cortical excitability of motor anticipation when executing upper limb movement in patients with subacute stroke. Methods A total of thirty-six stroke survivors with upper limb hemiparesis resulting from the first occurrence of stroke within 1 to 3 months were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to the VR intervention group or conventional therapy group. Event-related potentials (ERPs) and electromyography (EMG) were used to simultaneously record the cortical excitability and muscle activities during palmar grasp motion. Outcome measures of the contingent negative variation (CNV) latency and amplitude, EMG reaction time, Upper Limb Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UL-FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were recorded pre- and postintervention. The between-group difference was analysed by mixed model ANOVA. Results The EMG onset time of the paretic hand in the VR group was earlier than that observed in the control group (t = 2.174, p = 0.039) postintervention. CNV latency reduction postintervention was larger in the VR group than in the control group (t = 2.411, p = 0.021) during paretic hand movement. The reduction in CNV amplitude in the VR group was larger in the VR group than in the control group (p < 0.001 for all electrodes except for C3) when executing paretic hand movement. ARAT and UL-FMA scores were significantly higher in the VR group than in the control group (p = 0.019 and p = 0.037, respectively) postintervention. No significant difference in the reduction in NIHSS was found between the VR and control groups (p = 0.072). Conclusions VR intervention is superior to conventional therapy to improve the cognitive neural process of motor anticipation and reduce the excessive compensatory activation of the contralesional hemisphere. The improvements observed in the cognitive neural process corroborated with the improvements in hand function.

Does the surgical treatment of concomitant upper limb fractures affect the outcomes of hip fractures in the elderly population?

Elderly patients with concomitant upper limb and hip fractures present a management dilemma because upper limb fractures potentially affect rehabilitation outcomes for the hip fracture. This study aims to evaluate whether the site of upper limb fractures and the decision to surgically treat such fractures affect the functional outcome of surgically treated hip fracture patients. We retrospectively reviewed 1828 hip fracture patients treated at a single trauma centre over 3years, of whom 42 with surgically treated hip fractures had concomitant upper limb fractures. Outcome measures, such as length of hospital stay, complications, mortality and readmission rates, were assessed, whilst the functional outcomes were evaluated using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) on admission, post-operatively and at 6 and 12months of follow-up. Amongst the 42 patients with surgically treated hip fractures, 31.0% had proximal humerus fractures, 50.0% had wrist fractures, 16.7% had elbow fractures and 2.4% had forearm fractures. 50.0% of these upper limb fractures were treated surgically. There was no difference in complications, inpatient morbidity, readmission rates or the length of hospital stay for patients whose upper limb fractures were surgically treated as compared to those non-surgically treated. There was no difference in absolute MBI scores at 6 and 12months based on the management of upper limb fractures. However, patients with surgically treated wrist fractures had statistically significant higher MBI scores at 6months as compared to those treated non-surgically. Surgical treatment of concomitant upper limb fractures does not appear to change the outcomes of the hip fractures. Hip fracture patients with surgically treated wrist fractures had better functional outcomes at 6months compared to those treated non-surgically; however, there was no difference at 12months. Hip fracture patients with concomitant wrist fractures had better functional outcomes compared to hip fracture patients with proximal humerus fractures.

The Influence of Chronic Pain and Catastrophizing on Patient Outcomes in an Athletic Therapy Setting.

Chronic pain is a challenge for Athletic Trainers and Athletic Therapists working in a clinical or university setting. The fear avoidance model, including catastrophizing, is well established in other health professions but is not established in Athletic Training and Athletic Therapy and may affect rehabilitation outcomes. To measure the influence of catastrophizing on rehabilitation outcomes of patients being treated in an Athletic Therapy setting. Prospective single group pre-post design. Student Athletic Therapy clinic. A total of 92 patients were evaluated at initial assessment, and 49 were evaluated at follow-up. All participants completed self-reported function questionnaires to assess level of injury and then received individualized treatments for a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. All measures were completed at initial assessment and at follow-up approximately 6 weeks later. The authors measured function using a variety of patient self-reported functional questionnaires: the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Lower Extremity Functional Scale; the Neck Disability Index; and the Oswestry Disability Index depending on injury site. Catastrophizing was measured using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Function significantly improved from the initial assessment to the follow-up (P > .001). Patients with acute pain experienced a significantly greater improvement in function between the initial assessment and follow-up compared with participants with chronic pain (P = .050). Those with high catastrophizing presented with lower levels of function at initial assessment (66.8%) and follow-up (72.1%) compared with those with low catastrophizing (80.8% and 87.0%, respectively). Similar to other studies in other professions, the function of patients with chronic pain does not improve as much compared with patients recovering from acute pain in an Athletic Therapy setting. It is important to measure patient-reported outcomes to evaluate patient rehabilitation progress. Rehabilitating patients with chronic pain is a challenge, and pain catastrophizing should be evaluated at the initial assessment since catastrophizing is associated with worse function.

Poststroke Anxiety at 1 Year After Rehabilitation

Poststroke anxiety affects rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety among patients with stroke at the 1 year after rehabilitation from 9 tertiary centers. Anxiety, functional score, and quality of life were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-anxiety subscale (HADS-A), modified Barthel Index, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF), respectively. This study reveals 20 (11.7%) patients with stroke who developed anxiety, and 18 from 171 patients (10.5%) were new cases of anxiety, which was more than double the rate at discharge (4.7%). Factors related to anxiety were depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 30.7) and having complications (aOR: 12.48).

Cerebellar Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Considerations for Research and Rehabilitation Therapy

Introduction. Cerebellar pathology is common among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The cerebellum is well recognized for its role in motor control and motor learning and cerebellar pathology in multiple sclerosis is associated with enhanced motor impairment and disability progression. The Problem. To mitigate motor disability progression, PwMS are commonly prescribed exercise and task-specific rehabilitation training. Yet, whether cerebellar dysfunction differentially affects rehabilitation outcomes in this population remains unknown. Furthermore, we lack rehabilitation interventions targeting cerebellar dysfunction. The Solution. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the impact of cerebellar dysfunction on motor control, motor training, and rehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis. Recommendations. Additionally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps and propose that these guide future research studying cerebellar dysfunction in persons with multiple sclerosis.

A novel method of evaluating changes in intrinsic motivation during cognitive rehabilitation.

Motivation is one of the most important affecting rehabilitation outcomes. In present study, we propose a novel method to evaluate intrinsic motivation. We conducted experiments of simulated cognitive rehabilitation exercises. The results of these experiments demonstrate that intrinsic motivation is correlated to valence. Furthermore, CIM (Changes in intrinsic motivation) can be detected with up to 80% accuracy, using physiological states. The result showed that this method more precisely detects CIM than occupational therapists.Clinical Relevance-The proposed method enables to evaluate changes in intrinsic motivation during cognitive rehabilitation without disturbing or suspending rehabilitation.

Psychological Factors Change During the Rehabilitation of an Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveThe authors sought to gain insight into the changes in psychological factors during rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) and to explore the association between psychological factors during rehabilitation and functional outcome 12 months after ATR.MethodsFifty patients clinically diagnosed with ATR were invited to visit the hospital 3, 6, and 12 months after injury for data collection. They completed questionnaires assessing psychological factors: psychological readiness to return to sport (Injury Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Questionnaire); kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia); expectations, motivation, and outcome measures related to symptoms and physical activity (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score); and sports participation and performance (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire). To determine whether psychological factors changed over time, generalized estimating equation analyses were performed. Multivariate regression analyses were used to study the association between psychological factors at 3, 6, and 12 months and outcome measures at 12 months after ATR.ResultsPsychological readiness to return to sport improved, and kinesiophobia decreased significantly during rehabilitation. Psychological readiness at 6 and 12 months showed significant associations with sports participation and performance. Kinesiophobia at 6 months was significantly associated with symptoms and physical activity. Motivation remained high during rehabilitation and was highly associated with symptoms and physical activity, sports participation, and performance.ConclusionPsychological factors change during rehabilitation after ATR. Patients with lower motivation levels during rehabilitation, low psychological readiness to return to sports, and/or high levels of kinesiophobia at 6 months after ATR need to be identified.ImpactAccording to these results, psychological factors can affect the rehabilitation of patients with ATR. Physical therapists can play an important role in recognizing patients with low motivation levels and low psychological readiness for return to sport and patients with high levels of kinesiophobia at 6 months post-ATR. Physical therapist interventions to enhance motivation and psychological readiness to return to sport and to reduce kinesiophobia need to be developed and studied in the post-ATR population.Lay SummaryWith Achilles tendon rupture, level of motivation, psychological readiness for return to sport, and fear of movement can affect rehabilitation outcome. A physical therapist can help recognize these factors.