Neurorehabilitation and neural repair
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Neurorehabil Neural Repair · Jun 2009
Developing core sets for persons with traumatic brain injury based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health.
The authors outline the process for developing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets for traumatic brain injury (TBI). ICF Core Sets are selections of categories of the ICF that identify relevant categories of patients affected by specific diseases. ⋯ The final definition of the ICF Core Sets for TBI will be determined at an ICF Core Sets Consensus Conference, which will integrate evidence from preliminary studies. The development of ICF Core Sets is an inclusive and open process and rehabilitation professionals are invited to participate.
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Neurorehabil Neural Repair · Jun 2009
Influence of gravity compensation on muscle activation patterns during different temporal phases of arm movements of stroke patients.
Arm support to help compensate for the effects of gravity may improve functional use of the shoulder and elbow during therapy after stroke, but gravity compensation may alter motor control. ⋯ Gravity compensation did not affect general patterns of muscle activation in this sample of stroke patients, probably since they had adequate function to complete the task without arm support. Gravity compensation did facilitate active arm movement excursions without impairing motor control. Gravity compensation may be a valuable modality in conventional or robot-aided therapy to increase the intensity of training for mildly impaired patients.
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Neurorehabil Neural Repair · Jun 2009
Upper extremity function in persons with tetraplegia: relationships between strength, capacity, and the spinal cord independence measure.
To quantify the relationship between the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III), arm and hand muscle strength, and hand function tests in persons with tetraplegia. ⋯ The SCIM III self-care category reflects upper extremity performance as it contains especially useful and valid items that relate to upper extremity function and capacity tests.
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Neurorehabil Neural Repair · May 2009
Clinical TrialInduction of cortical plastic changes in wrist muscles by paired associative stimulation in the recovery phase of stroke patients.
Paired associative stimulation (PAS) combining peripheral nerve and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have been proposed to induce long-term changes in excitability of the cerebral cortex and potentially optimize motor recovery in stroke patients. ⋯ These electrophysiological findings suggest that patients with subcortical infarcts may respond to PAS in an earlier than later period after stroke. If the clinical efficacy of interventions such as PAS is confirmed, it could be proposed early as add-on therapy to optimize training-induced plasticity processes.
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Neurorehabil Neural Repair · May 2009
Effects of an aerobic exercise program on aerobic capacity, spatiotemporal gait parameters, and functional capacity in subacute stroke.
and objective. In spite of the challenges, engaging in exercise programs very early after stroke may positively influence aerobic capacity and stroke-related outcomes, including walking ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of adding aerobic cycle ergometer training to conventional rehabilitation early after stroke and to determine effects on aerobic capacity, walking ability, and health-related quality of life. ⋯ Early aerobic training can be safely implemented without deleterious effects on stroke rehabilitation. A trend toward greater improvement in aerobic capacity and walking capacity suggests that such training may have an early beneficial effect and should be considered for inclusion in rehabilitation programs.