Inpatient Rehabilitation Period Research Articles

Pilot study of the dynamics of emotional state and quality of life of patients in stage 2 of medical rehabilitation after acute COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on public health and many other social institutions. Although the disease continues evolving, new strains do not exhibit the previous lethality, and coronavirus limitations are being lifted, the problem is still relevant. An important aspect of the study of COVID-19 is the process of patient recovery, including inpatient rehabilitation programs. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the psychosocial characteristics and dynamics of the indicators of emotional state (anxiety, depression) and quality of life in patients undergoing a medical rehabilitation program after COVID-19 (N=36; mean age 63.72±12.78 years; 33.33% male, 66.67% female). Research methods included a structured interview to collect data on patients’ sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), and the 36-Item Short Health Survey (SF-36). The patients were found to have an objective perception of their physical condition, with a lack of awareness of both the disease and the rehabilitation; the illness and recovery situation was markedly stressful for the patients. During the in-patient rehabilitation period, there was a positive change in state anxiety, depressive symptoms and quality of life (p<0.001). The dynamics of the specified characteristics almost do not differ in groups of male and female patients, except for indicators of anxiety, in which differences before and after rehabilitation are more expressed among women. The findings can be used to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and to improve it, and also indicate the primary role of the clinical psychologist in managing this group of patients.

Local Dynamic Stability of Trunk During Gait is Responsive to Rehabilitation in Subjects with Primary Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia

This study aimed to assess the responsiveness to the rehabilitation of three trunk acceleration-derived gait indexes, namely the harmonic ratio (HR), the short-term longest Lyapunov’s exponent (sLLE), and the step-to-step coefficient of variation (CV), in a sample of subjects with primary degenerative cerebellar ataxia (swCA), and investigate the correlations between their improvements (∆), clinical characteristics, and spatio-temporal and kinematic gait features. The trunk acceleration patterns in the antero-posterior (AP), medio-lateral (ML), and vertical (V) directions during gait of 21 swCA were recorded using a magneto-inertial measurement unit placed at the lower back before (T0) and after (T1) a period of inpatient rehabilitation. For comparison, a sample of 21 age- and gait speed-matched healthy subjects (HSmatched) was also included. At T1, sLLE in the AP (sLLEAP) and ML (sLLEML) directions significantly improved with moderate to large effect sizes, as well as SARA scores, stride length, and pelvic rotation. sLLEML and pelvic rotation also approached the HSmatched values at T1, suggesting a normalization of the parameter. HRs and CV did not significantly modify after rehabilitation. ∆sLLEML correlated with ∆ of the gait subscore of the SARA scale (SARAGAIT) and ∆stride length and ∆sLLEAP correlated with ∆pelvic rotation and ∆SARAGAIT. The minimal clinically important differences for sLLEML and sLLEAP were ≥ 36.16% and ≥ 28.19%, respectively, as the minimal score reflects a clinical improvement in SARA scores. When using inertial measurement units, sLLEAP and sLLEML can be considered responsive outcome measures for assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation on trunk stability during walking in swCA.

EFFECTIVENESS OF APPLYING ORIGINAL METHOD OF BREATHING EXERCISES, INCLUDING TECHNIQUES FOR MOBILIZING DIAPHRAGMAL BREATHING IN COMPLEX EARLY MEDICAL REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WHO HAVE UNDERGONE CORONARY BYPASS GRAFT

Highlights In the physical rehabilitation of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), special attention has recently been paid to respiratory rehabilitation. The article presents the results of studies demonstrating that a course of respiratory coordination training was associated with a decrease in the incidence of hydrothorax, improved blood oxygen saturation, increased exercise tolerance and muscle strength by reducing diaphragm dysfunction and increasing respiratory muscle strength in patients in the postoperative period. AbstractAim. To analyze the clinical effectiveness of a new method of breathing exercises developed for improving breathing control in complex early rehabilitation of patients who underwent CABG.Methods. The study involved 73 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CABG at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases” (Kemerovo, Russia) in 2021. During the inpatient rehabilitation, patients were randomized into two groups comparable in anamnestic and baseline clinical and functional indicators: the experimental group (38 patients) had individual breathing exercises as a part of respiratory gymnastics (with different types of exercises), and the control group (35 patients) underwent conventional exercise training.Results. Initially, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. After 14 days the number of patients in the main group with signs of hydrothorax was significantly lower compared with the control group: 7 (18.4%) vs 11 (31.4%), respectively, p = 0.001. The ultrasound examination of the pleural space revealed the same pattern - hydrothorax was less pronounced in the main group compared with the control group: 0.9 [0.5; 1.5] vs 1.7 [0.6; 2.5] mL, p = 0.049. Analysis of oxygen saturation (SpO₂,%), reflecting the functional status of the oxygen transport system, showed higher blood oxygen saturation rates in the main group compared with the control group: 98 [96; 99] vs 95.2[94; 97]%, p = 0.04, respectively. At the same time, the exercise tolerance (ET) estimated with bicycle ergometry was comparable at baseline in both groups, and at the end of the inpatient rehabilitation ET in the main group was significantly higher than in the control group with conventional exercise training: 74. 9 [50; 100] vs 55.1[25; 75] W, p = 0.005, respectively.Conclusion. Respiratory gymnastics facilitates cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation mainly by improving the coordination of respiratory muscles and preparing them for respiratory gymnastics within short period of early inpatient rehabilitation.

Characteristics of the basal psychoautonomous indicators in patients after coronary artery stent placement at various stages of rehabilitation

Background: Clinically significant psychoautonomous syndrome, along with other modifiable factors (obesity, dyslipidemia, low physical activity, smoking, arterial hypertension, etc.) increases the risk of development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). In particular, patients who have undergone coronary interventions and have a higher anxiety level are prone to the development of CAD complications.
 Aim: To characterize the basal parameters of clinically significant psychoautonomous syndrome and their changes over time under combination therapy, including anxiolytics, at various stages of rehabilitation of the patients after endovascular myocardial revascularization.
 Materials and methods: This open-label randomized controlled prospective study included 60 patients aged 45 to 75 years admitted to our in-patient department for rehabilitation treatment after coronary stent placement. The patients from the intervention group (n = 30), in addition to basic treatment for CAD, were administered anxiolytic therapy (alimemazine tartrate at daily dose of 12.5 to 25 mg i. m. at the early rehabilitation step and at 5 to 10 mg during their out-patient follow-up). The in-patient study period included 3 study visits (at admittance, i. e., Day 1, at Days 5 or 6, and at discharge at Day 10 to 14). Two further study visits were performed during the out-patient rehabilitation period at Days 30 and 60. At each visit, the emotional state, sleep quality, subjective signs of autonomous dysregulation, autonomous background and suprasegmental vegetative regulation, including temporal and spectral indicators of heart rate variability, were evaluated.
 Results: After endovascular myocardial revascularization (the in-patient study period, Day 1) patients of the intervention and control groups (n = 30 in both groups) demonstrated comparable moderate levels of state anxiety (median [Q1; Q3]: 42 [40; 46] and 42 [36; 43], respectively) and trait anxiety (45 [41; 48] and 42 [40; 46], associated with insomnia (PSQI score: 8 [6; 12] and 6 [3; 9]) and autonomous imbalance (SDNN: 73 [61; 89] and 70 [44; 95]) with a shift to sympathetic hyperactivity. Addition of an anxiolytic initiated the regression of psychoautonomous abnormalities already by the end of the early in-patient rehabilitation period) (Days 10 to 14), with a subsequent decrease in state anxiety to 36 [33; 39] and trait anxiety to 33 [32; 37] (p 0.001), regression of insomnia according to PSQI to 2 [2; 4] (p 0.001), and an improvement of autonomous balance (SDNN) to 113 [81; 132] (p 0.001) at days 45 to 60 of the outpatient follow-up. The only adverse event in the patients receiving the treatment for psychoautonomous dysfunction was increased sleepiness at daytime, which was registered in most of them at initiation of the therapy for 2 to 3 days and did not require any dose modification. There were no other clinically significant adverse events, including cardiovascular.
 Conclusion: Patients with an increased level of anxiety after endovascular myocardial revascularization are characterized by an autonomous imbalance with sympathetic hyperactivity. Addition of an anxiolytic to the basic treatment for CAD allows for a reduction of both components of the psychoautonomous syndrome, which may be an additional factor for successful patient rehabilitation and as a consequence for the prevention of CAD progression.

일주일간의 입원 기간 동안 운동 기반 심장재활이 급성 심근경색 환자의 젖산 수치에 미치는 영향

Purpose: Few studies have been conducted to examine changes in lactate levels associated with the severity of myocardial infarction during cardiac rehabilitation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on lactate levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: A total of eight patients (7 males and 1 female, aged 64.1 ± 12.8 years) who were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and participated in an inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program were included in this study. Lactate levels were measured using Lactate Plus (Nova Biomedical, Rodermark, Germany), which can measure lactate levels from 0.3 to 25.0 mmol/L. Exercise intensity during the inpatient cardiac rehabilitation period was set at 40%-60% of peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), and cardiopulmonary exercise testing and lactate level measurements were conducted before and after exercise. Normally distributed data were analyzed using paired t-tests, and non-normally distributed data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: VO2peak and metabolic equivalents significantly increased, and minute ventilation per unit carbon dioxide production showed a decreasing trend but not a significant decrease (p=.014, p=.02). During the one-week inpatient rehabilitation period, lactate levels at rest before exercise on the first and last days of rehabilitation significantly decreased (p=.036). Lactate levels significantly increased immediately after exercise (p=.014), while lactate levels before exercise showed a decreasing trend in all eight patients. Conclusion: In patients with acute myocardial infarction, lactate levels increased immediately after exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, while lactate levels at rest decreased during the one-week rehabilitation period as aerobic capacity improved.

Over- and under-supply of inpatient rehabilitation after stroke without a post-acute rehabilitation system: a nationwide retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to investigate the utilization of post-ischemic stroke rehabilitation prior to the introduction of the post-acute rehabilitation system in South Korea in 2017. Medical resources utilized for patients with cerebral infarction hospitalized at Regional Cardio-Cerebrovascular Centers (RCCVCs) of 11 tertiary hospitals were tracked until 2019. Stroke severity was classified according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyze factors influencing the length of hospital stay (LOS). This study included 3,520 patients. Among 939 patients with stroke with moderate or greater severity, 209 (22.3%) returned home after RCCVC discharge without inpatient rehabilitation. Furthermore, 1,455 (56.4%) out of 2,581 patients with minor strokes with NIHSS scores ≤4 were readmitted to another hospital for rehabilitation. The median LOS of patients who received inpatient rehabilitation after RCCVC discharge was 47 days. During the inpatient rehabilitation period, the patients were admitted to 2.7 hospitals on average. The LOS was longer in the lowest-income group, high-severity group, and women. Before the introduction of the post-acute rehabilitation system, treatment after stroke was both over- and under-supplied, thus delaying home discharge. These results support the development of a post-acute rehabilitation system that defines the patients, duration, and intensity of rehabilitation.

Obesity Impairs Functional Recovery of Older Stroke Patients with Possible Sarcopenia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The functional prognosis of older patients with coexisting obesity and possible sarcopenia remains uncertain following acute stroke. This study aimed to determine whether coexisting obesity independently affects activities of daily living (ADL) and balance ability at discharge in older patients with possible sarcopenia admitted to a stroke rehabilitation ward. A total of 111 patients aged 65 years or older with possible sarcopenia were included, of whom 36 (32.4%) had coexisting obesity. Possible sarcopenia was diagnosed based on low handgrip strength without reduced muscle mass, while obesity was determined by body fat percentage (≥25% for men, ≥30% for women). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that compared to patients without obesity, patients with obesity had a higher likelihood of poorer ADL (b = -0.169; p = 0.02) and balance ability (b = -0.14; p = 0.04) performance at discharge following a 4-week period of inpatient rehabilitation. These findings suggest that obesity may be a modifiable risk factor in the rehabilitation of older patients with possible sarcopenia and should be considered in the assessment of decreased muscle strength.

The Role of Decompressive Craniectomy on Functional Outcome, Mortality and Seizure Onset after Traumatic Brain Injury

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) to treat increased intracranial pressure after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common but controversial choice in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the impact of DC on functional outcomes, mortality and the occurrence of seizures in a large cohort of patients with TBI. This retrospective study included patients with TBI consecutively admitted for a 6-month neurorehabilitation program between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018. The radiological characteristics of brain injury were determined with the Marshall computed tomographic classification. The neurological status and rehabilitation outcome were assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), which were both assessed at baseline and on discharge. Furthermore, the GCS was recorded on arrival at the emergency department. The DC procedure, prophylactic antiepileptic drug (AED) use, the occurrence of early or late seizures (US, unprovoked seizures) and death during hospitalization were also recorded. In our cohort of 309 adults with mild-to-severe TBI, DC was performed in 98 (31.7%) patients. As expected, a craniectomy was more frequently performed in patients with severe TBI (p < 0.0001). However, after adjusting for the confounding variables including GCS scores, age and the radiological characteristics of brain injury, there was no association between DC and poor functional outcomes or mortality during the inpatient rehabilitation period. In our cohort, the independent predictors of an unfavorable outcome at discharge were the occurrence of US (β = -0.14, p = 0.020), older age (β = -0.13, p = 0.030) and the TBI severity on admission (β = -0.25, p = 0.002). Finally, DC (OR 3.431, 95% CI 1.233-9.542, p = 0.018) and early seizures (OR = 3.204, 95% CI 1.176-8.734, p = 0.023) emerged as the major risk factors for US, independently from the severity of the brain injury and the prescription of a primary prophylactic therapy with AEDs. DC after TBI represents an independent risk factor for US, regardless of the prescription of prophylactic AEDs. Meanwhile, there is no significant association between DC and mortality, or a poor functional outcome during the inpatient rehabilitation period.

ОСНОВЫ ПЕРСОНАЛИЗИРОВАННОГО ПОДХОДА ПРИ МЕДИКО-ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКОМ СОПРОВОЖДЕНИИ КАРДИОХИРУРГИЧЕСКИХ ПАЦИЕНТОВ

The concept of a personalized approach is becoming more and more popular in modern medicine. Today it is often understood as a multidisciplinary approach designed to improve therapeutic options, as well as help diagnose diseases at an early stage. In a cardiac surgery clinic, such an approach can take into account not only biological, but also psychological risk factors for the disease, especially its history, clinical condition, mental and psychological status to create an individual route within the framework of medical and psychological support for the patient at the stages of treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of the work was to develop, based on the analysis of the literature and the authors' own work experience, the organizational and psychological foundations for the implementation of a personalized approach in medical and psychological support of cardiac patients. The fundamental principles of support in the work include the following: the principle of accessibility, the principle of openness, the principle of continuity, the principle of complexity, the principle of integrativity, the principle of differentiation, the principle of variability, the principle of participativeness, the principle of awareness, the principle of prevention. In the process of medical and psychological support of cardiac surgical patients within the framework of a personalized approach, the most optimal was the identification of the following clinical stages, different in duration and content, corresponding to the periods of outpatient and inpatient treatment and rehabilitation of patients: preoperative outpatient, preoperative inpatient, early postoperative, postoperative inpatient, postoperative rehabilitation and rehabilitation outpatient stages. For each of the clinical stages of medical and psychological support, a differentiation of goals, objectives, duration and expected results of the impact was carried out, which makes it possible to personalize the programs for accompanying a cardiac patient and individualize the route for each patient, taking into account the specificity and relevance of the influence of biologi cal, psychological and social factors.

Rehabilitation pathway for Covid and post-Covid patients

Abstract A hospital rehabilitation service has been implemented in the Hospital of Cittadella, ULSS 6 Euganea - Health Trust (District of Padua) to offer hospitalized Covid and post-Covid patients a tailored rehabilitation pathway in the treatment of the different phases of the disease. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has determined the admission of a large number of acute patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU), Semi-Intensive Care Units (S-ICU) and non-critic hospital wards. Patients recovering from COVID-19 experience a wide range of impairments requiring the implementation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation care protocols; these include the assessment for anticipated impairments (especially for patients admitted to ICU, older patients, and patients showing indications of impairment); patients who had severe-critical disease usually require a period of inpatient rehabilitation. Between October 2020 and April 2021 at Cittadella Hospital 450 patients (ICU, S-ICU, non-critic hospital wards) were enrolled in the Rehabilitation pathway and followed daily by a team made by physiatrists, physiotherapists and speech therapists. Referral options (hospitalization, community based rehab or discharge with follow up), based on the conditions of the patients, were assessed. The reduction of surgery and orthopedics patients to rehabilitate and the decrease of outpatient rehab services during Covid emergency made it possible to convert Rehabilitation ward (20 beds) to Covid Rehabilitation; according to epidemiological scenarios, patients admitted to Rehabilitation ward were initially SARS-CoV-2 positive with mild, moderate and severe symptoms, then post-Covid SARS-CoV-2 negative discharged from Covid wards. The definition of a tailored rehabilitation pathway in the treatment of the different phases of Covid disease has represented an important professional and organizational challenge for the Hospital. Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the management of Covid and post-Covid patients. Key messages Patients recovering from COVID-19 experience a wide range of impairments requiring the implementation of multidisciplinary rehabilitation care protocols. The definition of a tailored rehabilitation pathway in the treatment of the different phases of Covid disease has represented an important professional and organizational challenge for the Hospital.

Management of persistent sinus tachycardia during post-acute rehabilitation in a critical patient with COVID-19: a single-case study

BackgroundSinus tachycardia is a common arrhythmia in patients with COVID-19, and may pose challenges during rehabilitation.Case descriptionThis is a case report of a 39-year-old critically ill patient with COVID-19 with no premorbid conditions, who presented with intensive care unit-acquired weakness and persistent sinus tachycardia after their stay in an intensive care unit. The sinus tachycardia and exertional symptoms contributed to a severely limited exercise capacity (assessed through the 6-Minute Walk Test and 2-Minute Step Test), which impaired the progress of inpatient rehabilitation. This was addressed through the use of bisoprolol for heart rate control and a rehabilitation programme based on cardiac rehabilitation principles.ResultsThe patient's intensive care unit-acquired weakness improved with exercise-based rehabilitation, and the Functional Independence Measure motor subscore improved from 54/91 to 91/91 on discharge after 6 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. After bisoprolol was started for sinus tachycardia, the patient's resting heart rate improved from 106 beats per minute to less than 90 beats per minute during this period of inpatient rehabilitation. During the same period, the patient exhibited concurrent improvement in exercise capacity on weekly 6-Minute Walk Test measurements. Improvements in the 2-Minute Step Test were also documented.ConclusionsPatient assessment using submaximal exercise testing with serial 6-Minute Walk Tests and 2-Minute Step Tests, along with using beta-blockers and cardiac rehabilitation principles, can be useful in the post-acute rehabilitation of patients recovering from COVID-19 with persistent sinus tachycardia.

Complications During the Inpatient Rehabilitation Period in Neurological Subjects

Objective To explore common complications in people with neurological conditions during rehabilitation admission. Methods: All neurological subjects, including those with stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and traumatic brain injury, who were admitted for intensive and less-intensive rehabilitation programs during January to December 2012 were recruited. Both avoidable and unavoidable complications and related factors were assessed. Results: Among 1146 subjects, 65% was male with a mean age of 54.5 years. Almost 90% were admitted for intensive rehabilitation. The common avoidable complications that occurred were urinary tract infection (UTI) (12.8%), musculoskeletal pain (7.0%), neuropathic pain (2.3%), pneumonia (1.5%), and pressure injury (1.2%). Spasticity, which is an unavoidable complication, occurred in 2.1% of subjects. Older age, male gender, diagnosis of SCI, and longer stay were important factors related to complications. Conclusions: Most of the common complications during rehabilitation were avoidable complications, especially UTI and pain. A heightened level of awareness and vigilance should be exercised in older male subjects, those with prolonged hospital stay, and those with a diagnosis of SCI.

Association between Development of Metabolic Acidosis and Improvement of Urinary Continence after Ileal Neobladder Creation.

Ileal neobladder construction is a common choice for orthotopic urinary diversion following radical cystectomy. We investigated risk factors for metabolic acidosis during the early recovery period. This study relied on retrospectively collected data on 345 patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation after radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder construction for bladder cancer between January 2014 and March 2017. Acid-base status, use of sodium bicarbonate to correct metabolic acidosis and continence status were evaluated at the beginning and end of 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with the development of metabolic acidosis. At the start of rehabilitation a median of 29 days after surgery (IQR 23-37) 200 patients (58.0%) had metabolic acidosis. During the inpatient rehabilitation period the need for oral sodium bicarbonate replacement due to acidosis increased significantly from 45.2% to 86.7% of patients (p <0.001) while urine loss measured by a 24-hour pad test decreased significantly from a median of 387 (IQR 98-918) to 88 gm (IQR 5-388, p <0.001). The median base excess was within the normal range (-1.2 mmol/l, IQR -2.4 - 0.0) at the end of inpatient rehabilitation. Decreased urinary leakage was identified as an independent risk factor for metabolic acidosis.Conclusions:The risk of metabolic acidosis after neobladder construction correlated with continuously improved continence in the early recovery period. Therefore, during this period the acid-base status should be assessed more frequently to identify metabolic acidosis.

A Multiform, Group-Based Rehabilitation Program for Visually Impaired Young People to Promote Activity and Participation. A Pilot Study.

Young people with visual impairment (YPWVI) face several challenges in their everyday lives. However, little is known about interventions that focus on promoting their participation that contributes to health and well-being and is considered the most relevant outcome in rehabilitation. Objectives: This study investigated the clinical outcomes and acceptability of a new one-year, multiform, group-based rehabilitation program for YPWVI. The aim of the pilot program was to support them becoming more independent and to promote their participation. Rehabilitation consisted of group-meetings in an institutional setting, online group meetings, individually tailored one-on-one guidance, individual online discussions and parents’ group meetings. Fifteen young persons with visual impairment were recruited and 14 completed the intervention, six of whom were blind or had severe visual impairment and eight had mild visual loss. Methodology: The study utilized a mixed methods triangulation design. Clinical outcome measures were goal attainment scaling (GAS) and occupational performance (COPM) completed with qualitative interview data. Focus group interviews with participants and parents were used to evaluate the acceptability of the program. Results: GAS-rated personal goals were widely achieved and the scores of both performance and satisfaction scales of COPM improved. Overall, the rehabilitation program proved to be acceptable. Group-based rehabilitation was deemed very important and it enabled peer support. However, two-day periods of inpatient rehabilitation, proved to be too short, whereas five-day periods were considered to disturb schoolwork. Conclusions: Group-based multi-form rehabilitation for YPWVI can have a positive impact on activity and participation of the participants. The program can support independence and the achievement of rehabilitation goals. The group format was applauded for providing social support and company. The program required some structural modifications.

The comparison of recovery patterns between ischemic spinal cord injury and traumatic spinal cord injury from acute to chronic phase

Objective: To investigate the neurological and functional recovery patterns of ischemic spinal cord injury (ISCI) compared with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the acute to chronic phase. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Settings: Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation Medicine at a tertiary hospital. Participants: Fifty-four patients with ISCI and 86 patients with TSCI. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome measures: MRI findings, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Korean Spinal Cord Independence Measure (KSCIM), ambulatory status, and bladder status were reviewed. The functional outcomes were measured at admission, discharge, and >6 months after discharge. Results: AIS classification did not significantly change after 6 months in both ISCI and TSCI groups. Between admission and discharge, the proportion of patients needing a wheelchair or assistive device to ambulate decreased more in the ISCI group compared with the TSCI group [odds ratio (OR) 0.40, P = 0.04]. In addition, the proportion of catheterized voiding in the ISCI group was significantly higher than in the TSCI group at all time points (OR 5.12, P < 0.001). Lastly, both groups showed that functional improvement was the greatest between admission and discharge. In addition, the proportion of catheterized voiding decreased (Diff = −0.12, P = 0.019) and mRS score decreased (Diff=−0.48, P < 0.001) significantly in the ISCI group at >6 months post discharge. Conclusion: The ISCI group showed better recovery of mobility during inpatient rehabilitation period and worse recovery of bladder function as demonstrated by higher number of patients requiring bladder catheterization at all time points when compared with the TSCI group.

Three-week inpatient energy management education (IEME) for persons with multiple sclerosis-related fatigue: Feasibility of a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue limits participation in everyday activities and has a considerable impact on quality of life (QoL), thereby affecting productivity and employment. Outpatient education interventions involving energy conservation strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are helpful. However, no inpatient program is currently available. The inpatient energy management education (IEME) program is a novel group-based intervention that lasts for 6.5 h and is conducted by a trained occupational therapist (OT) during a 3-week period of inpatient rehabilitation. Persons with MS (pwMS) and OTs previously evaluated the IEME positively in a pilot study test run. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a research protocol and collect preliminary data on the IEME effect size. MethodsTo assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized clinical trial, pwMS-related fatigue were recruited during a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation. Six IEME (experimental) group sessions or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR, control) group sessions comprised part of a personalized rehabilitation program. The recruitment and assessment procedures, dropout and follow-up assessment rates and the treatment fidelity were evaluated, and six telephone interviews were conducted with IEME participants after they returned home. Outcomes were fatigue impact, occupational performance, self-efficacy regarding energy conservation strategies, and QoL at baseline, discharge, and 4 months. Paired-sample and independent-samples t-tests were used to assess within- and between-group effects. Effect sizes were estimated using Cohen's d. ResultsBetween August and November 2017, 47 pwMS were included and randomized. The dropout rate (4.2%) was low and the sample was balanced. The PMR was a well-accepted control intervention. The OTs reported no problems in conducting the IEME, and treatment fidelity was high. IEME participants confirmed the adequacy of the IEME. Within-group differences in fatigue impact and some QoL dimensions at discharge were significant (p < 0.05) in both groups. The IEME alone resulted in significant improvements in self-efficacy regarding energy conservation strategies, with a large effect size (Cohen's d: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.54–2.1), and in the QoL physical functioning dimension at T2 (Cohen's d: 1.32; 95% CI: 2.11–0.53). IEME participants spent significantly less time in individual OT sessions. A sample size of 192 participants in a randomized controlled trial would be sufficient to detect clinically relevant between-group differences. ConclusionThis feasibility study has provided promising preliminary data about the effect of the IEME. The research protocol was confirmed to be feasible and a future study is justified. This study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (no. DRKS00011634).

Traumatic vs non-traumatic spinal cord injury: A comparison of primary rehabilitation outcomes and complications during hospitalization

Objective: To compare outcome for patients with traumatic (TSCI) and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries (NTSCI) after primary rehabilitation regarding neurological improvement measured by the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), length of stay and complications.Design: Retrospective comparative cohort study on patients with TSCI and NTSCI, hospitalized during a ten-year period at Haukeland University Hospital, Norway. Impairment, length of stay and complications during first in-patient rehabilitation period were analyzed. Uni- and multivariate analysis was performed.Setting: Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Unit, Haukeland University Hospital, NorwayParticipants: A total of 174 persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI) were included; 102 with TSCI and 72 with NTSCI.Outcome measures: Neurological improvement measured by AIS from admission to discharge, number of weeks in the hospital, frequency and significance of complications were compared.Results: Improvement in AIS after primary rehabilitation did not differ between TSCI and NTSCI. Length of stay was in average 3.4 weeks longer for TSCI. Urinary tract infections and pressure ulcers significantly influenced length of stay in both groups. Urinary tract infections were more frequent in TSCI (67%) vs NTSCI (42%). Pressure ulcers were more frequent among NTSCI (24%) vs TSCI (14%). Pneumonia and neuropathic pain did not depend on etiology and did not influence length of stay.Conclusions: Patients with SCI have a rehabilitation potential regardless of etiology. Complications are frequent in both groups and often prolong hospitalization. Complication patterns differ in the two groups, and specific prevention and optimal treatment will shorten and optimize the length of primary rehabilitation.

Sunken Brain Syndrome

A 34-year old Chinese lady presented to the hospital in 2013 with acute left sided weakness and was found to have a right middle cerebral artery territory infarct requiring thrombolysis using intravenous alteplase. Her condition deterioriated post thrombolysis as it was complicated by right subdural hematoma, left parieto-occipital hematoma with mass effect and midline shift, for which she required urgent decompressive craniectomy and insertion of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt for hydrocephalus. Post-operatively she had severe physical and cognitive impairments. She was discharged home with a caregiver after an extensive period of inpatient rehabilitation. Repeated computed tomography (CT) brain between 2014 to 2016 revealed interval resolution of hematoma and stable hydrocephalus. (Figure 1). In late 2017 she was noted to have right gaze preference. Her Glasgow Coma Scale was 15 with no changes to her cognition or behavior. Blood pressure was 110/60 mmHg and pulse rate was 72/minute. Physical examination revealed concavity on the left temporalparietal region of the head. A repeat CT brain showed a concavity of the left craniectomy site suggestive of sunken brain syndrome (SBS) and progressive hydrocephalus from partial shunt blockage without trans-tentorial herniation (Figure 2). Prompt neurosurgical consult was sought and this was quickly followed with an acrylic cranioplasty and revision of VP shunt. She was reviewed post-operatively with resolution of right gaze preference.

Predictability of walking ability and of bed-chair transfers at the end of inpatient rehabilitation period of elderly patients after stroke

Walking independently is one of the most important goals for patients post-stroke and their families. Standing up is an essential function for walking independently. The aim was to explore initial physical evaluation component that predict patients ability to stand up and walk independently at discharge from rehabilitation, in older adults’ post-stroke. One hundred and thirty-one elderly patients post-stroke admitted to rehabilitation. Excluded were patients with debilitating orthopedic conditions, or previous progressive neurological diseases. Initial evaluation, within 3–7 days of admission, included motor function, lower extremities muscle strength, sitting balance and cognitive assessment. Patients had a follow-up one week before discharge, the follow-up included two parts of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) test: walking and chair-bed transition. Initial pelvic lift, bed rolling performance were significantly correlate ( r > 0.7, P < 0.01) to patients’ outcome measures at discharge and had highly significant prediction value. A combination of the inadequate static balance upon admission, dependence of rolling to the affected side and lack of independence at pre-stroke daily function predicted 85% chance that a patient will be dependent in walking at discharge. Inadequate static balance upon admission, major/full dependence of rolling to the less affected side and major/full dependence in pelvic lift at bed predicted 89% chance that patient will be dependent in chair-bed transfer at discharge. Initial physiotherapists evaluation to evaluate patient current functional status have a significant predictive value for patients’ outcome at discharge in terms of standing and walking. These clinical predictors can help in setting treatment goals, educating families, and coordinating expectations.

Autonomic cardiac control response to walking and executive cognitive task in adolescents with acquired brain injury and typically developed controls

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) present a range of physical and cognitive as well as cardiac autonomic control system (CACS) dysfunctions.Aim: To examine the CACS response to an executive task, a physical task and a combined physical and executive task, in adolescents with ABI and typically developed (TD) controls.Methods: Included were two groups: The first group consisted of 17 adolescents (11–18 years) with ABI, during the in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation period. All were independent walkers. The second group consisted of 18-year-olds age and gender-matched TD adolescents. A Polar RS800CX device was used to assess heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). Walking velocity was assessed by average speed on the 6-Minute Walk Test, and executive cognitive function was assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire. The physical task was walking for 5 minutes on a treadmill. The cognitive task was the Digit Span Backward test. The study included four stages divided into rest state with and without cognitive task and walking state with and without cognitive task.Results: Adolescents with ABI presented higher HR and lower HRV measures at rest (p-value < 0.01). A significant ‘group’ and ‘activity’ interaction effect on HRV was found; change in the activity level had significantly smaller effects on HRV parameters in adolescents with ABI as compared to controls. An interaction effect of ‘cognitive’ and ‘activity’ on HR and HRV was noted, with no significant difference between groups; at rest, performing a cognitive task was associated with reduced HRV, while during walking HRV increased.Conclusions: While ABI was associated with a reduced HRV at rest and less adaptive cardiac autonomic system to activity, ABI adolescent’s response to a cognitive demand during an activity task such as walking was similar to the response of TD adolescents. Accordingly, we may say that adding a cognitive task to a walking task can improve the CACS function of ABI adolescents.