Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katarzyna Leszczynska, Juliusz Huber
Summary: This study investigates the correlations between clinical assessments and neurophysiological testing in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The findings suggest that neurophysiological measures, such as surface electromyography (sEMG), can provide a more accurate understanding of the underlying neurophysiological changes in iSCI patients. This has important implications for improving rehabilitation strategies.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liliana Elena Stanciu, Madalina Gabriela Iliescu, Liliana Vladareanu, Alexandra Ecaterina Ciota, Elena-Valentina Ionescu, Claudia Ileana Mihailov
Summary: This study aims to determine the importance and/or use of hydrotherapy in the therapeutic management of spinal cord injury patients. The analysis of several databases between 2000 and 2021 found only four scientific publications supporting the benefits of hydrotherapy for SCI patients, but the limited number of studies requires more standardized methodology to prove the improvements in lower limb functioning. Clinical trials in the future are necessary.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hiroki Tanikawa, Masahiko Mukaino, Shota Itoh, Hikaru Kondoh, Kenta Fujimura, Toshio Teranishi, Kei Ohtsuka, Satoshi Hirano, Hitoshi Kagaya, Eiichi Saitoh, Yohei Otaka
Summary: This study developed a simple mechanical measurement methodology for velocity-dependent spasticity based on an analysis of clinical maneuver and demonstrated its ability to effectively differentiate the presence and extent of spasticity.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ramiro Palazon-Garcia, Ana Maria Benavente-Valdepenas
Summary: Botulinum toxin, known for about three centuries, is considered one of the most powerful toxins but has found medical applications in the treatment of spasticity, particularly in strokes and cerebral palsy. Despite not being approved for use in spinal cord injury spasticity, it is being used in such cases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fangliang Guo, Xiaolong Zheng, Ziyu He, Ruoying Zhang, Song Zhang, Minghuan Wang, Hong Chen, Wei Wang
Summary: The study found that long-term treatment with NMD helps to improve locomotion, pain-related behaviors, and spasticity-like symptoms in rats with SCI, but has less effect on open-field activity, hind limb grip strength, and bladder function. Additionally, NMD-treated rats showed greater tissue preservation, reduced lesion areas, and increased perilesional neuronal sparing, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for SCI treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Tjasa Vidmar, Nika Goljar Kregar, Urska Puh
Summary: This study evaluated the reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for commonly affected muscle groups after stroke. The results showed variations in reliability between intraraters and interraters, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting the results.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zackery J. Billington, Austin M. Henke, David R. Gater
Summary: Spasticity is a common comorbidity of spinal cord injury, with both beneficial and problematic effects. This manuscript discusses the anatomy and physiology of neuromuscular reflexes, the pathophysiology of post-SCI, assessment of spasticity, and management strategies.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Myungeun Yoo, Jeong Hyeon Ahn, Dong-wook Rha, Eun Sook Park
Summary: The study examined the reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) in evaluating spasticity of ankle plantar flexors using standardized movement speed. The results showed that MAS had satisfactory reliability for ankle plantar flexors, while MTS had poor reliability for the gastrocnemius muscle.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Kun Liu, Xianzhen Dong, Yue Wang, Xiaopei Wu, Honglian Dai
Summary: A dopamine-modified chitosan hydrogel was designed to improve the microenvironment of spinal cord injury. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the dopamine-modified hydrogel enhanced cell survival, modulated immune response, and promoted axonal regeneration in injured spinal cord.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Chao Zhang, Xin Meng, Long Chen, Xiang Zhang, Hulbtorn Hans, Liqun Ren
Summary: Spasticity is a common complication in spinal cord injury patients, which significantly impacts their quality of life. This study investigated the distribution and expression of the serotonin 1F receptor (5-HT1FR) in the spinal cord, particularly its relation to spasticity caused by SCI. The results showed that the expression of 5-HT1FR was downregulated after spinal transection, with the lowest levels observed at 2 and 5 days post-injury. The expression gradually recovered after 60 days. Immunostaining revealed strong expression of 5-HT1FR in the ventral horn region. The downregulation of 5-HT1FR mRNA was positively correlated with the development of tail spasticity.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Nidia de Sousa, Diogo Santos, Susana Monteiro, Nuno Silva, Anton Barreiro-Iglesias, Antonio J. Salgado
Summary: Spinal cord injury affects millions of people worldwide, leading to severe motor and sensory impairments. Spasticity is a common neurological complication in SCI, and its management can be achieved through various approaches, with baclofen being the most effective drug. Recent data suggest that baclofen may also have a neuroprotective role in SCI, offering promise for developing new pharmacological strategies for functional recovery.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mark A. Mahan, Ilyas Eli, Forrest Hamrick, Hussam Abou-Al-Shaar, Robert Shingleton, Kara Tucker Balun, Steven R. Edgley
Summary: This retrospective study found that highly selective partial neurectomies (HSPNs) were more effective in treating spasticity long-term, with significantly improved MAS scores pre- and post-operatively independently determined by physical therapists. Patient satisfaction was high, and perioperative complications were minimal.
Review
Neurosciences
Kylie J. Nabata, Emmanuel K. Tse, Tom E. Nightingale, Amanda H. X. Lee, Janice J. Eng, Matthew Queree, Matthias Walter, Andrei Krassioukov
Summary: The systematic review found that cannabinoid use can significantly reduce pain and spasticity in people with SCI, but the magnitude and clinical significance of its effects are unclear. More long-term studies are needed to further understand the effects of cannabinoid use in people with SCI.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
John Lopez, Gail F. Forrest, Einat Engel-Haber, Brittany Snider, Kam Momeni, Manikandan Ravi, Steven Kirshblum
Summary: This study investigates the effect of transcutaneous spinal stimulation on an implanted ITB pump and suggests that further studies can be considered, although communication with the programmer may be affected.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Graciela Lujan Mazzone, Atiyeh Mohammadshirazi, Jorge Benjamin Aquino, Andrea Nistri, Giuliano Taccola
Summary: Correct operation of neuronal networks depends on the interplay between synaptic excitation and inhibition processes leading to a dynamic state termed balanced network. In the spinal cord, balanced network activity is fundamental for the expression of locomotor patterns necessary for rhythmic activation of limb extensor and flexor muscles. The role of GABA A receptors at synaptic and extrasynaptic level to modulate network excitability offers a pharmacological target for symptom control.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Sara J. T. Guilcher, B. Catharine Craven, Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter, Stephanie R. Cimino, Sander L. Hitzig
Summary: The study highlights the vulnerability to perceived social isolation among persons with SCI/D, with factors such as being married, living with a higher proportion of network members, and being employed associated with lower feelings of loneliness. The frequency and quality of social interactions appear to be more important than the size of social networks in reducing feelings of loneliness.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicholas Santino, Victoria Larocca, Sander L. Hitzig, Sara J. T. Guilcher, B. Catharine Craven, Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter
Summary: This study is the first to show evidence of a negative association between LTPA and loneliness among people with SCI/D, and it establishes a conceptual model for understanding the potential mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between LTPA and life satisfaction among people with SCI/D.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Stephanie R. Cimino, Sander L. Hitzig, B. Catharine Craven, Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter, Joyce Li, Sara J. T. Guilcher
Summary: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of perceived social isolation among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the factors that contribute to it. The study found that disrupted social networks, the importance of feeling heard, employment, hobbies and sports, the built environment, and individual traits all impact perceived social isolation.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Jenna C. Gibbs, Eleni M. Patsakos, Desiree B. Maltais, Dalton L. Wolfe, Dany H. Gagnon, B. Catharine Craven
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in improving endocrine-metabolic disease (EMD) risk in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings suggest that electrical stimulation-assisted training and exercise, dietary interventions can have positive effects on certain EMD outcomes, but there are also inconsistencies and low-quality evidence. Further long-term studies are needed to fully understand the impact of these rehabilitation approaches in mitigating EMD risk.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Sander L. Hitzig, Stephanie R. Cimino, Mohammad Alavinia, Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter, B. Catharine Craven, Sara J. T. Guilcher
Summary: This study found that access to social network members in the home is important for the physical and mental health of individuals with SCI/D, while loneliness is negatively associated with mental health and life satisfaction. Therefore, measures need to be taken to ensure that individuals with SCI/D in the community feel supported, reduce feelings of loneliness, and optimize their health and wellbeing.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrea Bandini, Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan, B. Catharine Craven, Jose Zariffa, Sander L. Hitzig
Summary: This study revealed that individuals with cSCI believe that wearable cameras can provide valuable information to clinicians and researchers, but also highlighted concerns such as discomfort and privacy issues. Recommendations for improving the adoption of wearable cameras in outpatient care and community-based research for UL rehabilitation include miniaturized, easy-to-wear cameras and measures to address privacy concerns, such as avoiding public spaces and providing control over recordings.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Abdullah A. Alrashidi, Tom E. Nightingale, Katharine D. Currie, Michele Hubli, Maureen J. MacDonald, Audrey L. Hicks, Paul Oh, Beverley Catharine Craven, Andrei Krassioukov
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of exercise interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors in persons with chronic SCI, but the results showed that 24 weeks of exercise intervention did not significantly affect arterial stiffness or cardiometabolic health measures, although ACET increased peak oxygen uptake compared to BWSTT.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mohammadreza Amiri, S. Mohammad Alavinia, Maryam Omidvar, Maureen Pakosh, B. Catharine Craven
Summary: The article provides a step-by-step guide for conducting systematic reviews in SCI rehabilitation research, emphasizing the importance of assembling an interprofessional team, formulating research questions with PICO specification, developing search strategies, screening literature, assessing quality, extracting data, summarizing findings, and disseminating results to improve evidence synthesis and inform clinical practice recommendations.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Julio Cesar Furlan, Maureen Pakosh, Beverley Catharine Craven, Milos Radomir Popovic
Summary: This scoping review highlights the potential effects of functional electrical stimulation therapy in combination with task-specific training on the neuromuscular system during rehabilitation following CNS injury or disease. While most studies focused on muscle changes, there remains a significant gap in understanding the actual mechanisms of action of FEST + TST.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jawad Chishtie, Iwona Anna Bielska, Aldo Barrera, Jean-Sebastien Marchand, Muhammad Imran, Syed Farhan Ali Tirmizi, Luke A. Turcotte, Sarah Munce, John Shepherd, Arrani Senthinathan, Monica Cepoiu-Martin, Michael Irvine, Jessica Babineau, Sally Abudiab, Marko Bjelica, Christopher Collins, B. Catharine Craven, Sara Guilcher, Tara Jeji, Parisa Naraei, Susan Jaglal
Summary: This scoping review aims to summarize the evidence of interactive visualization applications, methods, and tools used in population health and health services research in the past 15 years. The findings reveal that interactive visualization methods are widely used in epidemiologic surveillance, resource planning, health service monitoring and quality, and medication use patterns. These methods play an important role in knowledge discovery, hypothesis generation and testing, and decision support.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Matteo Ponzano, Matheus J. Wiest, Andre Coleman, Emily Newton, Maureen Pakosh, Eleni M. Patsakos, David S. K. Magnuson, Lora M. Giangregorio, B. Catharine Craven
Summary: This scoping review explores the current use of ALP and B-ALP in studies of SCI, both in humans and animal models, and identifies potential areas for future research. The findings suggest conflicting evidence regarding changes in ALP levels in SCI patients compared to controls, while B-ALP appears to be influenced by certain treatment interventions.
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Andrea Bandini, Mehdy Dousty, Sander L. Hitzig, B. Catharine Craven, Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan, Jose Zariffa
Summary: A wearable vision-based system for measuring hand use in individuals living with tetraplegia was developed and validated, with measures of hand function correlated with clinical assessments of hand function and independence.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kim Phung, Laura McAdam, Jinhui Ma, Hugh J. McMillan, Stefan Jackowski, Maya Scharke, Mary-Ann Matzinger, Nazih Shenouda, Khaldoun Koujok, Jacob L. Jaremko, Kevin Smit, Scott Walker, Colleen Hartigan, Nasrin Khan, Victor N. Konji, Lynn MacLeay, Marika Page, Elizabeth Sykes, Marie-Eve Robinson, Nathalie Alos, Elizabeth A. Cummings, Josephine Ho, Anne Marie Sbrocchi, Robert Stein, David Saleh, B. Catharine Craven, Utkarsh J. Dang, Kerry Siminoski, Frank Rauch, Leanne M. Ward
Summary: This study found that markers of systemic glucocorticoid exposure, such as shorter stature, greater bone age delay, and lower lumbar spine bone mineral density, were associated with spine fragility in patients with DMD.
OSTEOPOROSIS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Arrani Senthinathan, B. Catherine Craven, Andrew M. Morris, Melanie Penner, Karen Tu, Susan B. Jaglal
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate antibiotic prescribing and urine culture testing patterns for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a primary care Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) cohort. The study found that the average annual number of antibiotic prescriptions for UTIs was 1.9 for the SCI cohort, and urine cultures were conducted for 58.1% of antibiotic prescriptions. Physician characteristics, such as gender and training, were found to be associated with the choice of antibiotic and whether a urine culture was ordered. Patient characteristics did not show any association.
Article
Clinical Neurology
[Anonymous]
JOURNAL OF SPINAL CORD MEDICINE
(2021)