Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Research Articles

Современные зарубежные нейрокогнитивные подходы к использованию музыкообогащенной среды в реабилитации афазических расстройств и деменций альцгеймеровского типа

This paper presents an analysis of current foreign trends in neurocognitive rehabilitation of cognitive disorders in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and neuropsychological rehabilitation of the most common form of vascular cognitive disorders (VCD) - aphasia. Two approaches to the restoration of higher mental functions (HMF), based on a different understanding of the neuroplasticity mechanisms, are described. The description presents non-invasive and functional methods of direct stimulation of HMF. Various methods of transcranial brain stimulation and Intensive Language-Action Therapy (ILAT) are reviewed and analyzed. The data of experimental studies present the application of these methods to the restoration of Broca's aphasia. The paper also considers an approach to neurorehabilitation based on the methodology of "workaround" recovery of HMF using sensory-enriched environment. The article describes and analyzes the theoretical foundations of Music Intonation Therapy (MIT), Thérapie mélodique est rythmée) (TMR), palliative MIT, Music Therapy (MT). The paper carries out an analytical review of the implementation of abovementioned methods in aphasics. Also, programs and neurocognitive correction methods in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are considered. The paper describes the possibilities of using active and passive MT, STAM-DEM Therapy, and Multimodal Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (MCET) in AD. The study presents the data of systematic and meta-analytical reviews on their use in MCI. The paper describes the methodology of "musical" neuropsychological diagnostics in dementia.

The Effectiveness of Oral Neurocognitive rehabilitation Therapy on Dysphagia and Dysarthria of Stroke Patients

The Effectiveness of Oral Neurocognitive rehabilitation Therapy on Dysphagia and Dysarthria of Stroke Patients

Effect of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation on Hand Function and Task Performance With Ataxia Patients

Effect of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation on Hand Function and Task Performance With Ataxia Patients

A-076 Acute Pontine Infarction and Deep White Matter Lesioning: Poly-etiologic Factors and Clinical Correlation with Neuropsychological Impairment and Neuroradiographic Findings

Abstract Objective Pontine infarction may include motor and sensory disturbances, eye movement disorders, cranial nerve palsies, vestibular system symptoms, dizziness, ataxia, transient loss of consciousness, tetraparesis, acute pseudobulbar palsy, and severe sensory-motor deficits (Kumral, Bayülkem, & Evyapan, 2002). Studies of clinical/. neuroradiological correlation are not abundant in the literature (Kim, Lee, Joo, Im, & Lee, 1996). Methods The present case involves a 67-year-old, right-handed Caucasian female with a medical history of hypertension, headaches, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease (triple bypass), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. She was referred for neuropsychological testing to evaluate deficits. related to her acute pontine stroke. Results Neuropsychological testing revealed neuropsychological impairment characterized by visual-perceptual motor and visual memory deficits, executive dysfunction, lack of concern/awareness of deficits (anosodiaphoria), decreased impulse control and disinhibition. Bi-hemispheric, cortical/subcortical pathway elements, and a preponderance of right hemisphere involvement correlated with neuroradiographic evidence. MRIs revealed a punctate acute infarct within the right paracentral pons, a. small focus of gradient susceptibility within the parasagittal right parietal lobe, and a left pons and deep ischemic white matter lesioning of the posterior left frontal lobe. Conclusion The present case provided a rare look at poly-etiologic factors associated with acute pontine infarct and associated deep ischemic white matter changes.Neuropsychological testing elucidated the severity and type of neuropsychological impairment which correlated with MRI neuroradiographic findings, and was instrumental in patient interventions. Neurocognitive rehabilitation and formal driving evaluation, given the patient’s visual-perceptual motor and visual memory difficulties and lack of concern/awareness of deficits, protected the patient, family and public.

Analysis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Outpatient Follow-Up.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) remains a prevalent public health concern. Implementation of an mTBI guideline encouraged screening all patients at risk for mTBI, followed by outpatient follow-up in a "concussion clinic." This resulted in an increase in inpatient concussion evaluations, followed by high-volume referral to the concussion clinic. This prompted the routine use of an outpatient mTBI symptom screening tool. The purpose of this quality improvement study was to analyze the characteristics of an mTBI population at outpatient follow-up and describe the clinicians' care recommendations as determined through the use of an mTBI symptom screening tool. This is a retrospective review of mTBI patients at a Level 1 trauma center. The study includes patients who completed a concussion screening in the outpatient setting over a 6-month period. Patients were included if older than 16 years, sustained blunt trauma, and had a formal neurocognitive evaluation by a certified speech therapist within 48 hr of initial injury. Of the 247 patients included, 197 (79.8%) were referred to the concussion clinic, 33 (13.4%) had no further outpatient needs, and 17 (6.9%) were referred for outpatient neurocognitive rehabilitation. On follow-up, 97 patients were deemed to have no further postconcussion needs by the trauma nurse practitioner; 57 patients were cleared by the speech therapist. In total, 43 outpatient mTBI follow-up encounters resulted in referral for ongoing therapy. Routine screening for concussion symptoms and detailed clinical evaluation allows for prompt recognition of further posttraumatic mTBI needs.

The Review of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation With Stroke Patients

목적: 뇌졸중 환자에게 적용한 신경인지재활치료에 대한치료효과를 고찰을 통해 알아보기 위함이다. 방법: 본 연구의 목적에 따라 한국신경인지재활치료학회지에 투고된 총 96편의 논문을 검색하여 논문의 제목과 초록을 검토하였다. 연구 선정 포함기준과 배제기준에 따라 34편의 문헌을 선별하였다. 선별된 논문의 원문을 검토하여 최종적으로 31편이 분석 논문으로 선정되었다. 선정된 문헌의질적 분류와 연구대상, 중재방법, 측정방법, 연구결과를 분석하였다. 또한 최종 선정된 31편의 연구에서 사용된 독립변수, 종속변수, 중재기간, 치료시간, 측정도구에 대한 빈도분석을실시하였다. 결과: 뇌졸중 환자에게 적용한 신경인지재활치료에 적용된 연구설계는 사례연구가 23편으로 가장 많았고, 독립변수는 인지운동치료가 13편으로 가장 많았으며, 종속변수는상지기능이 15편으로 가장 높은 빈도를 나타냈다. 신경인지재활치료를 제공하는 중재기간은 4주가 10편으로 가장 많았고, 치료시간은 회당 30분이 가장 많았다. 선정된 연구에서사용된 측정도구는 뇌졸중 환자의 상지기능을 측정하는MFT와 일상생활활동을 측정하는 MBI가 높은 빈도를 나타냈다. 결론: 본 연구는 신경인지재활치료를 뇌졸중 환자를 대상으로 적용한 연구에 대한 고찰로 치료 효과 확인 및 임상에적용할 수 있는 자료를 제시하였다.

Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Approach: Not only for Neurological Diseases

Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Approach: Not only for Neurological Diseases

Design of a 3D Platform for Immersive Neurocognitive Rehabilitation

In recent years, advancements in human–computer interaction (HCI) have enabled the development of versatile immersive devices, including Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs). These devices are usually used for entertainment activities as video-gaming or augmented/virtual reality applications for tourist or learning purposes. Actually, HMDs, together with the design of ad-hoc exercises, can also be used to support rehabilitation tasks, including neurocognitive rehabilitation due to strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or brain surgeries. In this paper, a tool for immersive neurocognitive rehabilitation is presented. The tool allows therapists to create and set 3D rooms to simulate home environments in which patients can perform tasks of their everyday life (e.g., find a key, set a table, do numerical exercises). The tool allows therapists to implement the different exercises on the basis of a random mechanism by which different parameters (e.g., objects position, task complexity) can change over time, thus stimulating the problem-solving skills of patients. The latter aspect plays a key role in neurocognitive rehabilitation. Experiments obtained on 35 real patients and comparative evaluations, conducted by five therapists, of the proposed tool with respect to the traditional neurocognitive rehabilitation methods highlight remarkable results in terms of motivation, acceptance, and usability as well as recovery of lost skills.

Using the concepts of time-delayed feedback control in biofeedback systems in children with ADD: A preliminary study

The reported efficacy of biofeedback is not consistent across studies. One issue that has not been addressed in previous studies is the effect of the reference signal in a biofeedback system.We compared the effects of two different reference signals using a computational model and human experiments. One reference signal was fixed, and the other was variable and was designed based on time-delayed feedback control concepts. The computational model consists of a plant and a controller. Groups of typically developing and children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) participated in our experiments.The computational model showed that time-delayed reference feedback control could have more positive effects on the performance than using a fixed reference signal. The model prediction was consistent with the results obtained from the experiments performed on children with ADD. However, in typically developing children, using time-delayed reference feedback control had a negative effect. Our preliminary results, which need to be investigated on more subjects, indicate the importance of selecting the reference signal in biofeedback systems according to the characteristics of each participant. The results remind the importance of “single-case methodology” in neurocognitive rehabilitation systems. Using computational concepts, some other predictions have also been provided, which need more investigations.

The Effectiveness of Oral Neurocognitive rehabilitation Therapy on a Brain Lesion Child Patient

The Effectiveness of Oral Neurocognitive rehabilitation Therapy on a Brain Lesion Child Patient

Effects of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation on Hand Function in Hemiplegic Patient after Stroke

Effects of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation on Hand Function in Hemiplegic Patient after Stroke

Efficacy of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Improving Quality of Life: An Interventional Trial.

IntroductionCognitive deficits are frequent after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and consequently could lead to a decrease in quality of life. This is the first study that has been conducted with the aim of examining the efficacy of a computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CCRT) in improving quality of life in patients after CABG surgery.MethodsIn this study, an interventional trial with pre-, post-, and follow-up assessments in active (CCRT), active control and control groups was conducted. Seventy-five patients after CABG surgery were selected and assigned to the groups (n = 25 for each group). CCRT consists of four modules of attention, working memory, response inhibition and processing speed training with graded schedule in 20-min sessions three times per week within 8 weeks. Cognitive functions (attention and working memory) were assessed by the tests of continuous performance, Flanker, useful field of view and digit span at three time points: pre- and post-intervention (T0 and T1) and 6-month follow-up (T2). Quality of life was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire at the same time points. The CCRT group received the cognitive rehabilitation for 2 months, active control group received a sham version of CCRT in an equal time duration and control group did not receive any cognitive intervention.ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a time by group interaction on cognitive functions, with CCRT producing a significant improvement at T1 (p < 0.01) and these improvements were maintained at T2. Moreover, in CCRT and active control groups, quality of life (QoL) improved at T1 and these improvements remained stable throughout follow-up (T2). However, improvement of QoL in CCRT group was greater than improvement of QoL in the other two groups at T1. Pearson’s correlation analysis shows a positive correlation between QoL improvement and sustained attention and working memory enhancement (p < 0.05).ConclusionCognitive rehabilitation can lead to a significant improvement in the cognitive functions that have been trained in patients receiving CABG. Interestingly enough, cognitive rehabilitation can also improve quality of life in patients after CABG surgery and this improvement is maintained for at least 6 months.

Método Perfetti como Estrategia Terapéutica en la Rehabilitación de Pacientes con Enfermedad Cerebrovascular: Revisión Bibliográfica

Introducción: El método Perfetti, es un método de rehabilitación neurocognoscitivo el cual funciona sobre el sistema sensoriomotor. El objetivo del presente artículo fue hacer una revisión bibliográfica de las estrategias de intervención de este método y su aplicación en personas con alteraciones en miembro superior secundarias a enfermedad cerebrovascular.(ECV) Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de 50 artículos, de los cuales 18 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión entre los cuales se encontraban: el rango de año de publicación, método y patología Resultados: Teniendo en cuenta el análisis de los diversos artículos, se describen de los 18 seleccionados dos grupos: 8 artículos que contienen datos históricos del método, anatómicos y biomecánicos nutriendo así la introducción del presente artículo y el segundo grupo describe casos clínicos los cuales sustentan el objetivo de trabajo, la aplicación del método, las variables utilizadas en el método y las técnicas de terapia física. Conclusiones: La evidencia de los estudios y la recopilación de información respecto al método perfetti es amplia en las bases teóricas, pero son pocos los estudios enfocados en las alteraciones de miembro superior dadas por enfermedad cerebrovascular, debido a las condiciones en las cuales se debe realizar la aplicación del método, lo cual dificulta la obtención de datos más específicos que faciliten o promuevan futuras investigaciones en este campo. Palabras Clave: Método Perfetti, Función Motora, Enfermedad Cerebrovascular, Rehabilitación, Estrategias

Psychological Intervention in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients.

Objective To provide a brief and comprehensive summary of recent research regarding psychological interventions for patients surviving a traumatic brain injury. Methods A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycNET, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar online databases. Analysis included distribution by year of publication, age stage of participants (paediatric, adult), location of the research team, study design, type of intervention, and main outcome variables. Results The initial search eliciting 1541 citations was reduced to 62 relevant papers. Most publications had adult samples (88.7%). The United States outstands as the country with more research (58.1%); Latin America countries provided no results. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was the most widely used approach for treatment of (sub)clinical mental disturbances (41.9%). Neuropsychological interventions were scarce (4.8%). Outcome measures included psychiatric disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety) (37.1%), postconcussive symptoms (16.1%), cognitive and functional deficits (48.1%), and social and psychological dimensions (62.9%). Conclusions CBT outstands as the preferred therapeutic approach for treating behavioural and emotional disturbances. Also, other related therapies such as dialectical behaviour, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapies have been proposed, and probably in the years to come, more literature regarding their effectiveness will be available. On the other hand, evidence showed that interventions from the field of neuropsychology are minimal if compared with its contribution to assessment. Future research should be aimed at performing studies on more diverse populations (e.g., nonmilitary communities and paediatric and Latin American populations) and at controlling designs to examine the therapeutic efficacy of psychotherapeutic and neurocognitive rehabilitation interventions and compare amelioration by injury severity, age of patients, and clinical profile, in the hopes of creating better guidelines for practitioners.

Complex Program of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation for Elderly Patients Suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment Syndrome in Medical Rehabilitation Department «Memory Clinic»

The article introduces a complex program of neurocognitive rehabilitation into the system of dementia prevention in patients with mild cognitive impairment syndrome. It took about a year to prepare and form a complex program of neurocognitive rehabilitation (the Program). The researchers have also developed clear algorithms of the specialized medical rehabilitation unit Memory Clinic. The conducted study has proved the effectiveness of cognitive functions improvement in patients with mild cognitive impairment after participation in the Program in Memory Clinic. The authors, Professor Kostyuk, and Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management have prepared Medical Rehabilitation Guidelines for Elderly Patients with Early Signs of Cognitive Deficits (Structural and Functional Model). The guidelines serve as a tool for practice distribution and transforming them into a project Memory Clinic.

Efficacy of ICT-Based Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Programs for Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract. This systematic review aims to analyze the methods used in the assessment of the efficacy of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Programs (NRP) based on Information and Communication Technologies in patients with Acquired Brain Injury, namely platforms and online rehabilitation programs. Studies with the main purpose of evaluating the efficacy of those programs were retrieved from multiple literature databases, accordingly to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion and analysis of the studies followed preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) and Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. Thirty-one studies were included in this review. Results showed that most studies used a pre-post methodological design, with few studies performing assessment moments during intervention or follow-up. Attention, memory, and executive functions were the cognitive variables considered by a larger number of studies at the assessment of NRP efficacy. Despite that, there is a growing evidence on the inclusion of variables related to everyday functioning in this process, increasing its ecological validity. Concerning the instruments used, the studies presented a large heterogeneity of the instruments and methods used, even for the same assessment purpose, highlighting a lack of consensus regarding assessment protocol. Psychophysiological and neuroimaging techniques are seldom used on this field. This review identifies the main characteristics of the methodology used at the assessment of NRP and potential limitations, providing useful information to guide the practice of the health care professionals in rehabilitation of Acquired Brain Injury. It also suggests new directions for future studies.

The rehabilitative role of motor imagery in the treatment of pain in fibromyalgia syndrome: Preliminary results

FM is a prototypical form of central sensitization syndrome that affects the dysregulation of mechanisms that normally govern pain sensation and should have to be treated in a multidisciplinary approach, which entails physical exercise, multimodal cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacological therapy. The aim of this research is to investigate whether a neurocognitive rehabilitative approach based on the use of motor imagery (MI) could be efficacy in reducing chronic pain in FM. Furthermore, as a secondary outcome, we assess the efficacy of MI on the improvement in the recognition and awareness respect pain by EEG. Ten females (mean age 51 ± 6.1 years) with FM were recruited and performed ten rehabilitation sessions, twice a week lasting one hour, using the motor imagery. The following evaluation scales were used at the baseline (T0), after treatment (T1) and after two months of follow-up (T2): the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the SF-12 was administered to assess the quality of life. The EEG was used to record cortical activation with respect to recognize pictures divided into “algic” and “non-algic”, versus a control group of healthy women. By Mann–Whitney test, at baseline, by EEG there is a statistically significant difference in the recognition of “algic” images compared to “non-algic” ones between the FM group and the healthy group ( P < 0.05): this difference is not found after the rehabilitative treatment. In the FM group there is a statistically significant improvement for FIQ, FAS, VAS ( P < 0.05) and SF-12. Follow-up dates are still ongoing. A neurocognitive rehabilitation approach with motor imagery improves the recognition and perception of pain in the FM patient and is efficacy in reducing pain and improving related symptoms.

Effects of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation on Hand Function and Task Performance in Patients With Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Effects of Neurocognitive Rehabilitation on Hand Function and Task Performance in Patients With Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Neuropsychological rehabilitation following acquired brain injury

Neuropsychological rehabilitation or rehabilitation neuropsychology is a field within applied neuropsychology. It originally diverges from applied clinical and functional neuropsychology, although it could not be entirely differed from them. The unique nature of this area over the complexity is given by its process-controlled and system-approach aspects. In Hungary the number of neurorehabilitation centres and departments requiring neurocognitive rehabilitation has been continually increasing. Nevertheless, the number is still low; accordingly in our country this field is relatively young and isn't well known. Authors of this review would like to draw attention to the importance of rehabilitation of patients with acquired brain injury and improvement of their quality of life with the theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as the necessity of future alterations and challenges emphasizing the need of a significant change of this narrow domain.

Effects of neurocognitive rehabilitation on task performance and upper limb function in patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury

Effects of neurocognitive rehabilitation on task performance and upper limb function in patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury