Article
Clinical Neurology
Silvia Corbianco, Gabriella Cavallini, Marco Dini, Ferdinando Franzoni, Carla D'Avino, Adriana Gerini, Giulia Stampacchia
Summary: The study evaluated energy cost and psychological impact during a rehabilitation program using two different types of robotic rehabilitation systems for spinal cord injury patients. Results showed that robotic overground walking required higher cognitive and cardiovascular efforts compared to robotic treadmill walking. Overground walking with Ekso GT resulted in higher metabolic responses and MET values than treadmill walking with Lokomat.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Serena Maggioni, Lars Lunenburger, Robert Riener, Armin Curt, Marc Bolliger, Alejandro Melendez-Calderon
Summary: In this study, researchers proposed an adaptive assist-as-needed control system for assessing walking ability in patients undergoing robot-assisted locomotor training. The results showed that this approach can provide valid and reliable walking assessments for patients with different injury severity levels.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mukul Talaty, Alberto Esquenazi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of early and intense supplemental gait training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation and compare the functional outcomes between different training methods. The results showed that supplemental therapy could be implemented without interrupting schedules and participants achieved meaningful functional improvement in a relatively short time.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hoo Young Lee, Jung Hyun Park, Tae-Woo Kim
Summary: Both Lokomat and Walkbot robotic gait training combined with conventional physical therapy show promising outcomes for gait rehabilitation in chronic patients with acquired brain injury. Both interventions significantly improved functional ambulation category and Berg balance scale scores, with no significant differences between the two groups in terms of balance and ambulatory ability improvements.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chiara Francesca Gheri, Luca Scalfi, Barbara Biffi, Silvia Pancani, Sara Madiai, Olivia Di Vincenzo, Michele Ghaderi, Rebecca Celoni, Mara Dalladonna, Francesca Draghi, Daniela Maccanti, Claudio Macchi, Anna Maria Romoli, Francesca Cecchi, Bahia Hakiki, Maria Luisa Eliana Luisi
Summary: Preliminary evidence indicates a high prevalence of malnutrition in patients with severe acquired brain injuries, resulting in negative clinical outcomes and pressure ulcers. A retrospective cohort study assessed the risk of malnutrition using two different tools in patients discharged from intensive care units and admitted to an intensive rehabilitation unit. The study found a high proportion of patients with pressure ulcers, and identified baseline nutritional status as a predictor of pressure ulcers at discharge.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lena Aadal, Michele Offenbach Hundborg, Hanne Pallesen, Randi Steensgaard
Summary: This scoping review explores the characteristics of a meaningful life appraised by adults living with an acquired neurological impairment.
Review
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Kiran K. Karunakaran, Sai D. Pamula, Caitlyn P. Bach, Eliana Legelen, Soha Saleh, Karen J. Nolan
Summary: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a leading cause of ambulation deficits in the United States every year, and research is focusing on the effect of robotic exoskeleton devices (RD) for gait and balance training. Understanding the downstream and upstream metrics is important for understanding the device effectiveness on neuroplasticity. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic effects of RDs in different domains, diagnosis, and stage of recovery.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROROBOTICS
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Lina Wu, Gui Xu, Qiaofeng Wu
Summary: The study analyzed the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training using the Lokomat (R) device for lower extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients. The results showed that, apart from significant improvements in balance, the Lokomat (R) was not superior to conventional physical therapy in other outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Federica Tamburella, Matteo Lorusso, Marco Tramontano, Silvia Fadlun, Marcella Masciullo, Giorgio Scivoletto
Summary: Overground powered lower limb exoskeletons have proven to be effective in gait rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury. This systematic review provides a general overview of the effects of commercial exoskeletons for medical purposes in individuals with SCI. However, due to the limitations in study quality and heterogeneity in outcome measures, protocols, and SCI features, it is not possible to draw general conclusions about the effects of exoskeleton usage.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alicja Widuch-Spodyniuk, Beata Tarnacka, Bogumil Korczynski, Justyna Wisniowska
Summary: Innovative rehabilitation methods, such as robotic-assisted gait therapy (RAGT), have shown positive effects on the improvement of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David N. Borg, Joshua J. Bon, Michele M. Foster, Ali Lakhani, Melissa Kendall, Timothy Geraghty
Summary: This study investigated the accessibility of healthcare services in South-East Queensland and explored the relationship between service proximity and perceived obstacles. The findings revealed areas with low accessibility and a high disability population, particularly in the north and west of the region. Longer travel times to allied health services were associated with increased perceived obstacles in resource availability.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rocco Salvatore Calabro, Mirjam Bonanno, William Torregrossa, Luisa Cacciante, Antonio Celesti, Carmela Rifici, Paolo Tonin, Rosaria De Luca, Angelo Quartarone
Summary: The study aimed to test the effectiveness of advanced training using the VRRS HomeKit device in improving functional outcomes in patients with SABI. The results showed that the teleneuro-VRRS group significantly improved in general and motor outcomes, psychological well-being, and QoL compared to the control group, with improvements in functional independence and cognitive abilities.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Christopher C. H. Yip, Chor-Yin Lam, Kenneth M. C. Cheung, Yat Wa Wong, Paul A. Koljonen
Summary: In addition to helping individuals with SCI regain ambulation, robotic exoskeletons offer biophysical benefits that can reduce complications from immobilization. These benefits include improved upper body fitness, circulatory response, bowel movement regularity, and reduced pain and spasticity. Exoskeleton use has also been suggested to improve quality of life and increase participation in day-to-day activities. However, there is a lack of large-scale and conclusive studies on the effects of exoskeleton use.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Salome Bozkurt, Natasha A. Lannin, Richelle Mychasiuk, Bridgette D. Semple
Summary: Social behavior deficits are common and debilitating after traumatic brain injury and stroke, especially when they occur in childhood. Environmental manipulations, such as environmental enrichment, can potentially ameliorate these deficits, but more research is needed, particularly in chronic settings and considering social context as an important component of post-injury environment. Current evidence for specific interventions in social deficits after acquired brain injuries is limited. A better understanding of how the post-injury environment interacts with the injured brain, especially during development, is necessary to validate rehabilitative interventions that involve manipulating an individuals' environment.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nicola Postol, Neil J. Spratt, Andrew Bivard, Jodie Marquez
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of therapy with a free-standing exoskeleton for individuals with SCI and found potential health benefits for a small subset of patients. Participants showed positive trends in function and other outcomes, and the intervention was highly acceptable to all. Further research is needed to determine the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit from this intervention.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rosaria De Luca, Carmela Rifici, Patrizia Pollicino, Marcella Di Cara, Sabrina Miceli, Giuseppina Sergi, Luisa Sorrenti, Michela Romano, Antonino Naro, Luana Billeri, Paola Lauria, Angelo Caminiti, Placido Bramanti, Michele Torrisi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of online Skype therapy (OLST) in promoting cognitive and sensory-motor recovery in patients with severe acquired brain injury (SABI) and reducing caregiver distress. The results showed that OLST significantly reduced caregiver anxiety and burden, while improving trunk control, functional independence, cognitive functioning, and behavioral responsiveness in patients. The study also found significant changes in brain connectivity during the therapy. OLST could be a useful and complementary treatment for SABI patients and caregivers in the COVID-19 era.
JOURNAL OF TELEMEDICINE AND TELECARE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sanaz Pournajaf, Rocco Salvatore Calabro, Antonino Naro, Michela Goffredo, Irene Aprile, Federica Tamburella, Serena Filoni, Andreas Waldner, Stefano Mazzoleni, Antonella Focacci, Francesco Ferraro, Donatella Bonaiuti, Marco Franceschini
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of stationary robot-assisted gait rehabilitation in comparison to conventional overground gait training for subacute stroke survivors. The results showed that robot-assisted training improved walking ability better than conventional training, with significant improvements in walking speed observed.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Michela Goffredo, Chiara Pagliari, Andrea Turolla, Cristina Tassorelli, Sonia Di Tella, Sara Federico, Sanaz Pournajaf, Johanna Jonsdottir, Roberto De Icco, Leonardo Pellicciari, Rocco Salvatore Calabro, Francesca Baglio, Marco Franceschini
Summary: This study aimed to expand the research on the impact of telerehabilitation on quality of life to a larger sample of neurological patients, including those with Parkinson's Disease. The results showed that telerehabilitation positively affected static and dynamic balance and gait in people with Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Loredana Raciti, Gianfranco Raciti, David Militi, Paolo Tonin, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabro
Summary: Consciousness is a complex concept involving both wakefulness and awareness. The European Academy of Neurology has published guidelines for diagnosing coma and other disorders of consciousness (DOC) through the investigation of sleep patterns and the study of EEG using machine learning and artificial intelligence. Sleep disorders in DOC patients are hot topics and accurate diagnosis is crucial for prognosis and treatment.
Article
Neurosciences
Sanaz Pournajaf, Giovanni Morone, Sofia Straudi, Michela Goffredo, Maria Rosaria Leo, Rocco Salvatore Calabro, Giorgio Felzani, Stefano Paolucci, Serena Filoni, Andrea Santamato, Marco Franceschini
Summary: This study aims to investigate the clinical effects of an exoskeleton robotic system for upper limb rehabilitation compared with conventional therapy in people with subacute stroke. It also aims to identify patient characteristics that can predict better recovery after robotic-assisted therapy and whether it could elicit greater brain stimulation. A total of 84 subacute stroke patients will be randomly allocated to either the control group or experimental group, and the outcomes will be recorded at different time points.
Review
Neurosciences
Salvatore Facciorusso, Stefania Spina, Rajiv Reebye, Andrea Turolla, Rocco Salvatore Calabro, Pietro Fiore, Andrea Santamato
Summary: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis on sensor-based rehabilitation research in neurological diseases, revealing the current research landscape and influential authors, institutions, journals, and research areas. The findings showed a gradual increase in research activity from 2002 to 2022, with the United States being the most active country, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology having the highest number of publications among institutions, and Sensors journal publishing the most papers. Key themes included rehabilitation, stroke, and recovery, with research clusters focusing on machine learning, specific neurological conditions, and sensor-based rehabilitation technologies.
Article
Neurosciences
Rosaria De Luca, Mirjam Bonanno, Angela Marra, Carmela Rifici, Patrizia Pollicino, Angelo Caminiti, Milva Veronica Castorina, Andrea Santamato, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabro
Summary: Executive dysfunction is a common and disabling cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury (TBI), affecting reasoning, planning, attention, awareness, and behavior. This study investigated the effects of non-immersive virtual reality-based training on executive abilities and mood in TBI patients. The results showed significant improvements in cognitive and executive functioning, as well as mood, in the virtual reality training group compared to the conventional training group.
Review
Neurosciences
Giuseppe La Rosa, Marianna Avola, Tiziana Di Gregorio, Rocco Salvatore Calabro, Maria Pia Onesta
Summary: Gait recovery is a fundamental goal for patients with spinal cord injury to improve their autonomy and quality of life. Robotics and other innovative approaches have shown promise in improving motor, balance, and gait function in these patients. A systematic review of the literature over the past 10 years found weak evidence that robotic rehabilitation may lead to better outcomes in gait independence compared to conventional methods. External stimulation and intermittent hypoxia also showed potential in improving gait parameters. Further research is needed to explore the role of innovative technologies in improving gait and balance in patients with spinal cord injury.
Retraction
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Sabrina Giacoppo, Renato Iori, Patrick Rollin, Placido Bramanti, Emanuela Mazzon
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mirjam Bonanno, Alessandro Marco De Nunzio, Angelo Quartarone, Annalisa Militi, Francesco Petralito, Rocco Salvatore Calabro
Summary: When brain damage occurs, gait and balance can be impaired, but gait analysis using laboratory systems, non-wearable sensors, and wearable sensors can provide more objective measures of motion function, allowing for tailored and specific gait and balance training in neurological patients. These innovative tools, although primarily used for research, have the potential to greatly improve clinical practice in neurorehabilitation. Through this narrative review, we aim to summarize the most commonly used gait analysis systems in neurological patients and highlight their clinical value and implications.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lilla Bonanno, Antonio Cannuli, Loris Pignolo, Silvia Marino, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabro, Antonio Cerasa
Summary: Robotic rehabilitation is an advanced treatment for stroke patients, and this review aims to assess the neurofunctional correlates of cutting-edge robotic therapies in enhancing motor recovery. The review suggests that neural plasticity within specific areas of the brain is more sensitive to compensation strategies in motor recovery, despite the heterogeneity in robotic devices and clinical status. However, more research is needed to understand the neurobiological differences between robotic and traditional rehabilitation approaches.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Giuseppa Maresca, Vanessa Nocito, Viviana Lo Buono, Desiree Latella, Marcella Di Cara, Caterina Formica, Lara Carnazza, Edoardo Sessa, Placido Bramanti, Francesco Corallo
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review on the symptoms of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and found that hypnosis therapy has positive impacts on reducing pain, improving psychological well-being, and relieving fatigue in MS patients. Other nonpharmacological techniques did not have the same effects.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosaria De Luca, Mirjam Bonanno, Elisabetta Morini, Angela Marra, Francesca Antonia Arcadi, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabro
Summary: This study investigated the sexual dysfunction in female patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and its correlation with psycho-endocrinological factors. The results showed a high frequency of sexual dysfunction in PD patients, including reduced sexual desire and altered sexual hormone levels. The study emphasizes the importance of better understanding and addressing sexual function in female PD patients to improve their quality of life.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosaria De Luca, Patrizia Pollicino, Carmela Rifici, Natale Mondo, Stefania Iorio, Angela Cassaniti, Donatella Ferrara, Angelo Caminiti, Fausto Fama, Mirjam Bonanno, Rocco Salvatore Calabro
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of a human immersion model (HIM) on the psychological well-being of caregivers of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) during the Omicron wave in Italy. Fifteen ABI patients and their caregivers, who attended the intensive neurorehabilitation unit from January to March 2022, were subjected to the HIM. Significant improvements were observed in caregivers' anxiety scores (SAS), burden and stress (ZBI-22), and emotive intelligence (TEIQue-SF) after the HIM. These findings suggest that the HIM may be beneficial in promoting the psycho-emotional well-being of ABI caregivers, especially during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
CLINICS AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mirjam Bonanno, Rocco Salvatore Calabro
Summary: Robot-aided motion analysis (R-AMA) has the potential to provide more accurate registration and monitoring of patients' motion parameters compared to clinical scales. It can also be used to build machine learning algorithms for better motor outcomes. However, the clinical acceptance of robotic assessment tools is limited due to their reliability and validity compared to standardized scales.
