Rehabilitation Tool Research Articles

MyGuide: Observational Study of an Online Self-Management Tool for Concussion Rehabilitation (Preprint)

MyGuide: Observational Study of an Online Self-Management Tool for Concussion Rehabilitation (Preprint)

Design of Medical Self-Propelled Walking Tricycle as a Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Tool

Patients recovering from a stroke may not be able to use all rehabilitation equipment due to their poor muscle strength and coordination. This study proposes to design a self-propelled walking tricycle that is a non-motorized three-wheel vehicle in a delta configuration without a pedal. This study was conducted by considering the post-stroke patient needs. It was done using two analysis methods, finite element analysis, and rapid upper limb analysis, to justify the reliability of the design. The results show that the maximum stress is 38.8 MPa in the connection area of the seat tube and down tube, while the maximum deformation is 0.399 mm in the seat post. The tricycle is constructed with 153 mm of ground clearance. Therefore, patients can lift their legs and drive the tricycle by swinging their legs repeatedly, like walking. The proposed self-propelled walking tricycle can be considered as a rehabilitation tool that can train the lower extremities. It could be used for strengthening the muscles and improve body coordination for the recovery process.

“Beenomials”: exploring beekeeping as a rehabilitation tool in the field of mental health

IntroductionBeekeeping is a peculiar activity able to connect people both to nature and to other people. Extant research shows how it provides beekeepers with meaning, opportunities for learning, and a sense of connection to bees as well as to the surrounding ecosystem. The relationship of care and interdependence that is established supports well-being, encourages collaboration and positive social relations.Objectives“Beenomies” is a pilot project inspired by the union of opposites symbolically associated with bees: love and war, sweetness (honey) and bitterness (venom), the individual and multiplicity (society), regeneration and death. As CG Jung observed, honey expresses, psychologically, “the joy of life and the life urge which overcome […] the dark and the inhibiting. Where spring-like joy and expectation reign, spirit can embrace nature and nature, spirit”. Drawing on this psychological and philosophical basis, the project aimed to introduce beekeeping in a therapeutic community placed in the Alpine environment (Mondovì, Italy), to explore its rehabilitative potential and its ability to promote well-being in the field of mental health.MethodsThe project stems from the collaboration between mental health services, a local agriculture high school, and a farm involved in social agriculture. Initially, some beehives have been settled on the land surrounding the therapeutic community. Activities of beekeeping have been conducted and supervised by experienced beekeepers of the farm involved, who engaged a selected group of users hosted in the community (n=15), instructed them and worked side by side for several weeks, according to the bees’ needs and the seasonal rhytms. Once the training was completed, teaching activities have been co-conducted by beekeepers and participants, to introduce and train a group of students from the local agriculture high school. A study encompassing observational data, surveys, and semi-structured interviews was conducted to monitor and evaluate the project as it unfolded.ResultsThe performance of practical activities (i.e. beekeeping operations) proved successful in relaxing social norms around talking, lowering the emotional intensity of the encounter, allowing non-verbal communication and normalizing silence. These features supported participants with relational difficulties and encouraged the gradual development of skills in the social area. In the second part of the project, the involvement of high school students that needed to be trained allowed participants to have an active role as teachers; this contributed to the development of positive feelings, increased self-esteem and self-efficacy, eventually supporting the recovery process.ConclusionsPreliminary findings suggest further collaboration between different social actors and further research to develop inclusive, effective, and community-based interventions in the field of mental health and rehabilitation.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Awareness and perceptions of managing recovery in psychiatric patients in a rehabilitation center: an observational study

IntroductionIn mental health prevention, person-centered, and rights-based approaches, the role of recovery is highlighted (WHO, 2021). Various evaluation tools are used in rehabilitation objectives and programs, including the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale (SLOF) (Mucci et al. Schizophr Res 2014;159 144-50) and the Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages (RAS-DS), a self-measure of mental health recovery. It includes 38 items clustered into four recovery domains and meets two functions. In addition to measuring self-reported outcomes, it increases service-user control towards objectives and recovery action plans (Honey et al. BMC Psychiatry 2023;23 500).ObjectivesTo evalue the efficacy of RAD-DS in a psychiatric rehabilitation facility to be used as a routine tool in daily rehabilitation activity.MethodsIn our observational study, we recruited 103 inpatients (total: 103 patients, females: 38 patients, males: 65 patients) in a psychiatric rehabilitation facility. The patient presented with psychiatric disorders that met the diagnostic criteria of DMS-5 (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, MDD, personality borderline disorder). Epidemiological data are shown in Table 1.All patients were undergoing a psychiatric rehabilitation program and were observed during a one-year evaluation.In all patients, the following rating scales were administered at baseline (T0) and after a year (T1):For the evaluation of social measures, life outcomes, and functioning and recovery:-Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages RAS-DS-Specific Levels of Functioning Scale (SLOF)-Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)For psychopathological evaluation:-Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)The data were statistically analyzed with the EZAnalyze 3.0 software for the Excel platform.ResultsThe RAS-DS total score results (Table 2) show a not significant difference between T0 vs. T1 (mean: 101.80 vs. 104.37, p. 0.193). An improvement in the score was observed after one year of rehabilitation treatment in the subgroup “Doing things I value” (T0 vs. T1: mean 16.15 vs. 18.77, p 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in the subgroups “Mastering my illness” (T0 vs. T1: mean 18.3 vs. 20.85, p. 0.021). In the other subgroups, the differences were not statistically significant. Interestingly, these results are comparable to those found with SLOF and GAF (respectively, p. 0.972 and p. 0.873).Image:Image 2:ConclusionsThe current trend of research and clinical practice is to give more importance to psychiatric rehabilitation treatment (Franza Psychiatr Danub 2022;34(Suppl 8) 9-13). The results obtained with our observational study indicate the possible usefulness of indicators of patient well-being, as well as the RAS-DS in the management of psychiatric rehabilitation programs. The expectations, indications, and perceptions of psychiatric patients can be decisive in improving recovery.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Early assessment of communicative competence in children with hearing loss using the Child-Caregiver Communication Assessment through Rebesco's Evaluation (CC-CARE) method

PurposeThis work presents a new frame-by-frame video analysis method called Child-Caregiver Communication Assessment through Rebesco's Evaluation (CC-CARE), developed in the context of pediatric hearing loss as a rehabilitation tool for assessing children's early communication skills. CC-CARE stems from the commonly used Tait video analysis and extends it by including a new set of parameters aimed at disentangling between hearing-dependent and hearing-independent aspects of communication. Method: In this paper, we collected video samples of child-caregiver interactions in a group of 65 normal-hearing children and a group of 165 hearing-impaired children. For each group, we present the CC-CARE method and describe the parameters, their score distributions, correlations and we estimate the adherence of the CC-CARE scores with children's developmental trajectory. Moreover, we compare the results of CC-CARE scores between the two groups having had different development of the auditory system. Finally, a fully-data driven approach was employed to assess the consistency of the communicative efficacy index (CEI), a score aiming to capture a global result of the CC-CARE procedure. Results: Correlations among parameter scores were found in each within-group analysis, revealing CC-CARE's internal consistency in measuring associated but nonoverlapping communication dimensions. For both groups, CC-CARE scores were associated with participants' age. Differences between scores emerged for a between-group analysis, indicating CC-CARE sensitivity to extract communication differences as a function of the hearing status. For both groups, the data analysis revealed that the CEI captures large variance portions across all parameter scores of the CC-CARE method. Conclusions: Results provide the first evidence that the CC-CARE video analysis method could be a reliable tool capable of highlighting the cascading effects of hearing impairment on children's preverbal communicative efficacy. The CC-CARE method aims to support early rehabilitation of hearing loss by describing a child's communicative efficacy.

Motor imagery for paediatric neurorehabilitation: how much do we know? Perspectives from a systematic review.

Motor Imagery (MI) is a cognitive process consisting in mental simulation of body movements without executing physical actions: its clinical use has been investigated prevalently in adults with neurological disorders. Review of the best-available evidence on the use and efficacy of MI interventions for neurorehabilitation purposes in common and rare childhood neurological disorders. systematic literature search conducted according to PRISMA by using the Scopus, PsycArticles, Cinahl, PUBMED, Web of Science (Clarivate), EMBASE, PsychINFO, and COCHRANE databases, with levels of evidence scored by OCEBM and PEDro Scales. Twenty-two original studies were retrieved and included for the analysis; MI was the unique or complementary rehabilitative treatment in 476 individuals (aged 5 to 18 years) with 10 different neurological conditions including, cerebral palsies, stroke, coordination disorders, intellectual disabilities, brain and/or spinal cord injuries, autism, pain syndromes, and hyperactivity. The sample size ranged from single case reports to cohorts and control groups. Treatment lasted 2 days to 6 months with 1 to 24 sessions. MI tasks were conventional, graded or ad-hoc. MI measurement tools included movement assessment batteries, mental chronometry tests, scales, and questionnaires, EEG, and EMG. Overall, the use of MI was stated as effective in 19/22, and uncertain in the remnant studies. MI could be a reliable supportive/add-on (home-based) rehabilitative tool for pediatric neurorehabilitation; its clinical use, in children, is highly dependent on the complexity of MI mechanisms, which are related to the underlying neurodevelopmental disorder.

A Study of Quality of Life Improvement in Videonystagmography Guided Epley's Manoeuvre in Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

To assess Quality of life improvement in Videonystagmography guided Epley's Manoeuvre in posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The design of present study is cross-sectional analytical study. The study is conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore in association with Sri Aurobindo Institute of speech and hearing, Indore. Current study done to assess the effectiveness of canalolith repositioning procedures (Epley's maneuver) with and without drug therapy in posterior canal benign paroxsymal positional vertigo and to assess the patients based on Dizziness Handicap Inventory. All Patients who come to ENT OPD at Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore in the specified duration and according to the inclusion criteria were chosen in the study. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 18-58years with the median age of 32 and subjective symptomatic relief on Epley's manoeuvre and DHI on day 15, 46 out of 60 subjects reported symptomatic relief with a percentage of 76.6%. This group of 46 subjects with symptomatic relief was labeled as resolved group. The age range in resolved group was between 18 and 58years. Remaining 14 subjects, labelled as relapsed group were prescribed beta-histine and repeat Epley's maneuver was performed to assess the effectiveness of adjunct therapy. We conclude that a single Videonystagmography guided Epley's maneuver is an excellent tool for effective rehabilitation of majority of posterior canal BPPV alone and combined with adjunct betahistine therapy can even cure refractory cases providing them with better quality of life.

Virtual Reality–Based Neurorehabilitation Support Tool for People With Cognitive Impairments Resulting From an Acquired Brain Injury: Usability and Feasibility Study

Background Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a prominent cause of disability globally, with virtual reality (VR) emerging as a promising aid in neurorehabilitation. Nonetheless, the diversity among VR interventions can result in inconsistent outcomes and pose challenges in determining efficacy. Recent reviews offer best practice recommendations for designing and implementing therapeutic VR interventions to evaluate the acceptance of fully immersive VR interventions. Objective This study aims to evaluate the usability and feasibility of a co-designed VR-based neurorehabilitation support tool by conducting multiple proof-of-concept trials in a sample of patients with ABI within a hospital setting. Methods A single session deploying custom immersive serious games to train cognitive functions using a new-generation head-mounted display was conducted among a sample of inpatients with ABI. Structured questionnaires were administered at the end of the session to evaluate the usability of the system and the intervention, participants’ familiarity with the technology, and any adverse effects related to cybersickness. Additionally, the training duration while wearing the headset and the demographic characteristics of the participants were considered. Results A total of 20 patients with ABI participated in a 1-hour proof-of-concept trial. The mean usability score was 37 (SD 2.6) out of 40, the technology familiarity level was 9.2 (SD 2.9) out of 12, and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire total score was 1.3 (SD 2). On average, participants wore the headset for approximately 25.6 (SD 4.7) minutes during the intervention. There were no substantial differences in usability and technology familiarity levels based on patients’ etiology or age, with no notable symptoms of cybersickness reported. Significantly strong correlations were noted between cybersickness symptoms and various usability categories, including exposure, motivation, interactivity, task specificity, and immersion aspects. Further, there was a significant association between the intervention time and the number of tasks performed (P<.001). Furthermore, patients who derived enjoyment from VR sessions expressed a heightened interest in incorporating VR into their daily neurorehabilitation practice (P<.001). Moreover, oculomotor issues were found to be highly sensitive to the onset of disorientation sickness symptoms (P<.001). Conclusions Through a collaborative approach, this study showcases the usability and feasibility of a VR-based support tool for cognitive rehabilitation among inpatients with ABI. Key components of such interventions encompass a multidisciplinary array of immersive experiences integrating neurorehabilitation principles and serious games techniques.

Assistance Device Based on SSVEP-BCI Online to Control a 6-DOF Robotic Arm.

This paper explores the potential benefits of integrating a brain-computer interface (BCI) utilizing the visual-evoked potential paradigm (SSVEP) with a six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) robotic arm to enhance rehabilitation tools. The SSVEP-BCI employs electroencephalography (EEG) as a method of measuring neural responses inside the occipital lobe in reaction to pre-established visual stimulus frequencies. The BCI offline and online studies yielded accuracy rates of 75% and 83%, respectively, indicating the efficacy of the system in accurately detecting and capturing user intent. The robotic arm achieves planar motion by utilizing a total of five control frequencies. The results of this experiment exhibited a high level of precision and consistency, as indicated by the recorded values of ±0.85 and ±1.49 cm for accuracy and repeatability, respectively. Moreover, during the performance tests conducted with the task of constructing a square within each plane, the system demonstrated accuracy of 79% and 83%. The use of SSVEP-BCI and a robotic arm together shows promise and sets a solid foundation for the development of assistive technologies that aim to improve the health of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spina bifida, and other related diseases.

Under & Over: A randomised controlled study to develop an upper limb rehabilitation tool for people with Multiple Sclerosis

BackgroundImpairment of upper limb function is common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Rehabilitation remains a key strategy to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The Under & Over study assessed the effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme in people with advanced MS. ObjectiveTo determine if repeated use of Under & Over can improve upper limb function for people with MS. MethodsOne hundred and six (N = 106) people with MS participated in this 3-month study. The primary outcome measure was the cardboard 9-hole peg test (c9HPT), with secondary outcomes including the EuroQol-5Dimensions, 5-Level Questionnaire (EQ5D-5 L) questionnaire. There were three arms: Arm 1a, the 'Daily Group', engaged with the Under & Over tool daily for 30 min. Arm 1b, the 'Free Use Group', used the same tool without time constraints, with the added feature of a community sharing platform. Arm 2, the 'Delayed Start Group', initially completed the c9HPT for three months before switching to the 'Free Use' programme. Results43/106 (41 %) of those randomised completed the primary end point. No significant difference between c9HPT at baseline and 3 months was seen in Arm 1a or 1b. Participants in Arm 2 who had been completing the c9HPT 5 days a week for 3 months showed a training effect in the dominant hand (mean speed at baseline 0.0455 (s−1), mean at 3 months 0.0341, difference 0.011; 95 % CI 0.0080 to 0.0148, p < 0.001). No significant difference was seen in c9HPT time following 3 months of active use of the Under & Over tool. The study faced significant limitations, notably in participant adherence, with fewer than half (43/106 (41 %)) completing the final assessment. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates how a small, engaged, and motivated group were able to complete a remote rehabilitation programme. Future remote intervention studies could benefit from incorporating adaptive engagement strategies, such as personalised reminders and participant-tailored activity adjustments, to enhance adherence and capture a broader spectrum of patient experiences.

PERINEURAL INJECTION THERAPY AS INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT IN POST HERPETIC NEURALGIA : A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Post Herpetic Neuralgia is a neurological complication of herpes zoster resulting in neuropathic pain syndrome that worsens as a direct result of peripheral nerve damage that occurs during an attack of herpes zoster. It manifests as significant dermatomal pain or abnormal sensations and impacting various aspects of quality of life. Physically, patients may experience fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, reduced mobility, and physical inactivity. Psychologically, it can lead to depression, anxiety, emotional burden, difficulty in concentration, and fear. Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT), developed by John Lyftogt, offers a treatment option for chronic neuropathic pain. Case Report: A 65-year-old male, currently unemployed for the past two years and previously worked as a tire repairman, came to the Husada Asih Clinic, with sharp, not radiating, and continuous left facial pain (VAS 9-10). He received treatment comprising Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) on the left face, combined with PIT injections using 5% dextrose at the left side of the face, targeting dermatomes left N V.1, V.2, V.3, and C3 , with repetition after three weeks. After the third injection, the pain at his left head was reduced (VAS 6). Pain at his left jaw and left neck reduced and became intermittently (VAS 5). Barthel Index : 20/20 (Independent). Discussion: The immediate clinical improvement in PIT administration is attributed to the sensorineural effects of dextrose. Clinically, pain decreases immediately or within 1-2 days after therapy. In this case, three series PIT resulted in significant pain relief, reduced burning sensation, improved left muscle motor function, full mouth opening, eased in eating and speaking, and the ability to resume social activities and work. Conclusion: Perineural injection therapy (PIT), previously developed by John Lyftogt, involves a series of subcutaneous injections using 5% dextrose in sterile water (D5W) near the affected nerve. This regenerative therapy offers pain control for PHN patients by targeting skin nerves as potential pain generators. PIT proves to be a valuable rehabilitation tool for managing PHN.

The Effects of Combined Virtual Reality Exercises and Robot Assisted Gait Training on Cognitive Functions, Daily Living Activities, and Quality of Life in High Functioning Individuals With Subacute Stroke.

Stroke is a global health concern causing significant mortality. Survivors face physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, affecting their life satisfaction and social participation. Robot-assisted gait training with virtual reality, like Lokomat, is a promising rehabilitation tool. We investigated its impact on cognitive status, activities of daily living, and quality of life in individuals with stroke. Between September 2022 and August 2023, we exposed 34 first stroke patients (8 women, 26 men; M age = 59.15, SD = 11.09; M height = 170.47, SD = 8.13cm; M weight = 75.97; SD = 10.87kg; M days since stroke = 70.44, SD = 33.65) in the subacute stage (3-6 months post-stroke) to Lokomat exercise. Participant exclusion criteria were Lokamat exercise inability, disabilities incompatible with intended measurements, and any cognitive limitations. The Control Group (CG) received conventional physiotherapy, while the Lokomat Group (LG) received both conventional physiotherapy and robot-assisted gait training with virtual reality, administered by an occupational therapist. Evaluations were conducted by a physiotherapist who was unaware of the participants' group assignments and included assessments with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL). Both groups demonstrated an improved quality of life, but the LG outperformed the CG with regard to SS-QoL (p = .01) on measures of Energy (p = .002) and Mobility (p = .005). Both groups showed improvements in cognitive functioning (p < .001) with no between-group difference, and in activities of daily living (p < .05) for which the LG was superior to the CG (p = .023). Thus, adding robot-assisted gait training with Lokomat and virtual reality improved self-reported quality of life and daily activities at levels beyond conventional physiotherapy for patients in the subacute stroke phase. An incremental impact on cognitive functions was not evident, possibly due to rapid cognitive recovery or this was undetected by limited cognitive testing.

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique on Balance and Mobility in Chronic Stroke Patient

This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted impact of stroke, a cerebrovascular disorder, on individuals, emphasizing the physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of its aftermath. Stroke is a major global health concern, contributing significantly to mortality and disability. The immediate consequences involve neurological impairments such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and impaired vision, while the emotional toll includes coping with loss and adjusting to new realities. Long-term cognitive implications affect memory, attention, and executive function, adding complexity to the recovery journey. Communication challenges, physical limitations, and the risk of secondary complications are discussed, highlighting the importance of a continuum of care. The role of caregivers is explored, emphasizing the emotional, physical, and financial burdens they face. Technological innovations, such as virtual reality and robotics, are introduced as promising tools in stroke rehabilitation. The focus then shifts to balance and mobility issues in stroke survivors, particularly the impact of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation emerges as a dynamic and versatile therapeutic approach, offering promise for improved functional outcomes and enhanced quality of life in the evolving landscape of stroke care and rehabilitation. The review delves into the neurophysiological ballet of PNF, emphasizing neuromuscular stimulation, neuroplasticity, and motor learning. Clinical applications of PNF in orthopaedic, neurological, geriatric, and paediatric rehabilitation are discussed, highlighting its versatility.

Post-stroke treatment - use of virtual reality as aid in motor rehabilitation

This study describes the use of Virtual Reality (VR) therapy in the rehabilitation of patients after suffering from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) who had motor sequelae. Several studies were presented showing that the use of VR as a rehabilitation tool can bring significant benefits in improving the motor function of patients. Introducing different elements into therapy, such as task-specific practice, explicit feedback, increasing difficulty, implicit feedback, variable practice, and mechanisms to promote use of the paretic limb, can enhance clinical benefits. Studies in patients in the subacute and chronic phases of stroke were presented, showing that VR therapy combined with other therapies can bring about significant improvements in motor function, manual skill and other measures related to the performance of upper limb activities.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation alters cough sensitivity depending on stimulation parameters: potential implications for aspiration risk.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is considered a safe and promising tool for limb rehabilitation after stroke, but its effect on cough has never been studied. It is known that the ear and larynx share vagal afferent pathways, suggesting that stimulating the ear with taVNS might have effects on cough sensitivity. The specific stimulation parameters used can influence outcomes. To investigate the effect of various stimulation parameters on change in cough sensitivity, compared to the reference parameter of 25 Hz stimulation at the left concha (most commonly-used parameter for stroke rehabilitation). Design, setting, and participants: Randomized, single-blind, active-controlled, eight-period cross-over design conducted March to August 2022 at a New Zealand research laboratory with 16 healthy participants. All participants underwent eight stimulation conditions which varied by stimulation side (right ear, left ear), zone (ear canal, concha), and frequency (25 Hz, 80 Hz). Main outcome measures: Change in natural and suppressed cough threshold (from baseline to after 10 min of stimulation) assessed using a citric acid cough reflex test. When compared to the reference parameter of 25 Hz stimulation at the left concha, there was a reduction in natural cough threshold of -0.16 mol/L for 80 Hz stimulation at the left canal (p = 0.004), indicating increased sensitivity. For the outcome measure of suppressed cough threshold, there was no significant effect of any of the stimulation conditions compared to the active reference. Since stroke patients often have cough hyposensitivity with resulting high risk of silent aspiration, using 80 Hz taVNS at the left canal may be a better choice for future stroke rehabilitation studies than the commonly used 25 Hz taVNS at the left concha. Treatment parameters should be manipulated in future sham-controlled trials to maximize any potential treatment effect of taVNS in modulating cough sensitivity. ACTRN12623000128695.

Mapping the landscape: A bibliometric analysis of information and communication technology adoption by older adults with cognitive frailty or impairment.

The adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) by older adults with cognitive frailty and impairment is beneficial to support aging in place and promote healthy aging. However, data are scarce regarding the use of ICT by this demographic in comparison with other age groups. This bibliometric analysis was aimed at systematically mapping the literature on ICT-related research on older adults with cognitive frailty and cognitive impairment to provide insights into research trends, patterns and knowledge gaps. Data were extracted from the Web of Science database, which identified 324 publications between 1980 and 2023. Performance analysis and science mapping were carried out using Microsoft® Excel, VOSViewer and Harzing's Publish or Perish. The analysis showed an upsurge in the research output trend over time. Notable journals, authors, citations, nations and research areas have been documented. Four key clusters were identified, including: (i) caregiver concern, support and involvement; (ii) technology as a tool for cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation; (iii) cognitive improvement; and (iv) the use of technology for prevention and self-management. The findings derived from this analysis provide an appropriate reference for future researchers to bridge the gap in ICT-related studies among this population, and distinguish the relevant articles that are required for further investigation. These include the need for further long-term research, the incorporation of ICT-based approaches to counter cognitive frailty and the importance of multidomain telehealth interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 251-262.

Exergames as a rehabilitation tool to enhance the upper limbs functionality and performance in chronic stroke survivors: a preliminary study.

Post-stroke hemiplegia commonly occurs in stroke survivors, negatively impacting the quality of life. Despite the benefits of initial specific post-acute treatments at the hospitals, motor functions, and physical mobility need to be constantly stimulated to avoid regression and subsequent hospitalizations for further rehabilitation treatments. This preliminary study proposes using gamified tasks in a virtual environment to stimulate and maintain upper limb mobility through a single RGB-D camera-based vision system (using Microsoft Azure Kinect DK). This solution is suitable for easy deployment and use in home environments. A cohort of 10 post-stroke subjects attended a 2-week gaming protocol consisting of Lateral Weightlifting (LWL) and Frontal Weightlifting (FWL) gamified tasks and gait as the instrumental evaluation task. Despite its short duration, there were statistically significant results (p < 0.05) between the baseline (T0) and the end of the protocol (TF) for Berg Balance Scale and Time Up-and-Go (9.8 and -12.3%, respectively). LWL and FWL showed significant results for unilateral executions: rate in FWL had an overall improvement of 38.5% (p < 0.001) and 34.9% (p < 0.01) for the paretic and non-paretic arm, respectively; similarly, rate in LWL improved by 19.9% (p < 0.05) for the paretic arm and 29.9% (p < 0.01) for non-paretic arm. Instead, bilateral executions had significant results for rate and speed: considering FWL, there was an improvement in rate with p < 0.01 (31.7% for paretic arm and 37.4% for non-paretic arm), whereas speed improved by 31.2% (p < 0.05) and 41.7% (p < 0.001) for the paretic and non-paretic arm, respectively; likewise, LWL showed improvement in rate with p < 0.001 (29.0% for paretic arm and 27.8% for non-paretic arm) and in speed with 23.6% (p < 0.05) and 23.5% (p < 0.01) for the paretic and non-paretic arms, respectively. No significant results were recorded for gait task, although an overall good improvement was detected for arm swing asymmetry (-22.6%). Hence, this study suggests the potential benefits of continuous stimulation of upper limb function through gamified exercises and performance monitoring over medium-long periods in the home environment, thus facilitating the patient's general mobility in daily activities.

Relationship between hamstrings–quadriceps strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg’s Balance Scale among stroke survivors in Abakaliki, Nigeria

AimThe study was designed to establish the relationship between hamstrings–quadriceps (H–Q) strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg’s Balance Scale among stroke survivors.MethodTwenty-five stroke survivors participated in the...

Tomorrow Never Comes, But It [Education] Gives You Hope

Higher education in the correctional environment is endorsed globally as the most effective tool for rehabilitation. Studies from the Global North have researched correctional education and its accessibility, but few of those have focused specifically on incarcerated women’s access to tertiary education online. Even fewer consider this topic within the context of the Global South. This study aimed to address that gap by providing a holistic perspective of South African women’s experiences of e-learning and distance higher education while incarcerated. As a qualitative research study utilising feminist narrative inquiry, the lived experiences of seven women incarcerated in the largest correctional facility in South Africa are uncovered through narrative analysis. The findings describe women’s pathways towards obtaining an education online, the challenges they encountered, and the role support played in their completing a tertiary degree through distance education. Ultimately, the findings reveal that online higher education moves beyond student rehabilitation, to enhance the overall well-being of these students and enable them to cultivate empathic relationships with their peers, which in turn fosters further education opportunities for incarcerated women in South Africa.

Curved non-motorized treadmills do not biomechanically replicate overground running better than motorized treadmills

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine if curved non-motorized treadmills can reproduce overground running better than motorized treadmills by analysing the differences in joint kinematics (hip, knee, and ankle) using SPM. Nineteen recreational runners completed three randomized running tests on these surfaces. Kinematic data from the hip, knee, and ankle joints were collected. Two-tailed SPM t-tests were performed to analyse time-continuous gait cycles in three anatomical planes of each joint. Higher within-subject variability was observed in the frontal and transverse planes during curved non-motorized treadmill running. SPM analysis showed more significant differences (p < 0.05) between curved non-motorized treadmill and overground than between motorized treadmill and overground, mainly in knee (from 12% to 30% and 93% to 99% of the gait cycle) and ankle (from 19% to 23% of the gait cycle) in the sagittal plane. Therefore, running on curved non-motorized treadmills is more biomechanically different compared to overground than motorized treadmills, and might not be the best strategy to replicate overground running in terms of joint kinematics during highly controlled research studies. However, they could be an interesting tool in rehabilitation or training environments since the changes observed in joint kinematics were likely not functionally relevant.