Rehabilitation

Article Engineering, Biomedical

OpenSense: An open-source toolbox for inertial-measurement-unit-based measurement of lower extremity kinematics over long durations

Mazen Al Borno, Johanna O'Day, Vanessa Ibarra, James Dunne, Ajay Seth, Ayman Habib, Carmichael Ong, Jennifer Hicks, Scott Uhlrich, Scott Delp

Summary: This study developed an open-source workflow to estimate lower extremity joint kinematics from IMU data and mitigate drift. The results showed that the IMU-based kinematic estimates agreed with the optical motion capture, and the drift was minimal over 10 minutes of continuous walking. The workflow could enable long-duration measurements and brings us closer to estimating kinematics in natural environments.

JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERING AND REHABILITATION (2022)

Review Education, Special

Review of assistive technology in the training of children with autism spectrum disorders

Christine K. Syriopoulou-Delli, Eleni Gkiolnta

Summary: The use of socially assistive robots (SARs) has shown promise in improving the social skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent studies have demonstrated that robots as collaborators can positively impact the development of social skills in children with ASD, particularly in areas where they display significant deficits. This literature review presents, organizes, and evaluates the key features and findings of 13 relevant scientific articles. Analysis of these studies confirms that robots can have immediate positive effects on communication skills of children with ASD, suggesting potential for future intervention programs and research.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (2022)

Review Rehabilitation

Exoskeleton versus end-effector robot-assisted therapy for finger-hand motor recovery in stroke survivors: systematic review and meta-analysis

Lucrezia Moggio, Alessandro de Sire, Nicola Marotta, Andrea Demeco, Antonio Ammendolia

Summary: Robotic interventions, particularly using exoskeleton devices, showed significant improvements in motor recovery for stroke patients with finger-hand motor impairment. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and focus on directly comparing different robotic devices.

TOPICS IN STROKE REHABILITATION (2022)

Review Rehabilitation

Examining the effect of virtual reality therapy on cognition post-stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Elise Wiley, Shereen Khattab, Ada Tang

Summary: Virtual reality therapy does not show significant improvement in cognitive function after stroke. Future research needs to include high-quality and adequately powered trials.

DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Rehabilitation

A comparison of test-retest reliability and random measurement error of the Barthel Index and modified Barthel Index in patients with chronic stroke

Chun Ming Yang, Yi-Ching Wang, Chia-Hua Lee, Mei-Hsiang Chen, Ching-Lin Hsieh

Summary: This study aimed to compare the test-retest reliability and random measurement errors of the Barthel Index (BI) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) in patients with chronic stroke. The results showed that the MBI had better test-retest reliability and relatively lower random measurement error, suggesting that it may be a better measure for activities of daily living (ADL) in these patients.

DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION (2022)

Article Education, Special

Virtual Reality-Based Social Skills Training for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Fengfeng Ke, Jewoong Moon, Zlatko Sokolikj

Summary: This study explored the usage of a virtual reality-based social skills learning environment for children with ASD. Using OpenSimulator, the researchers constructed a VR learning environment that supports role-play, gaming, and design for children with ASD. The findings showed an increase in social skills performance after the intervention.

JOURNAL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Review Rehabilitation

Effects of Virtual Reality Intervention on Neural Plasticity in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Jie Hao, Haoyu Xie, Kimberly Harp, Zhen Chen, Ka-Chun Siu

Summary: This article systematically reviews and examines the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation on neural plasticity changes in survivors of stroke. The main neurophysiological changes observed after VR intervention include improved interhemispheric balance, enhanced cortical connectivity, increased cortical mapping of the affected limb muscles, increased activation of regions in the frontal cortex, and possible involvement of the mirror neuron system. This suggests that VR-based rehabilitation has a positive impact on neural plasticity changes in stroke survivors.

ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION (2022)

Article Rehabilitation

Smart home and communication technology for people with disability: a scoping review

Rebecca Jamwal, Hannah K. Jarman, Eve Roseingrave, Jacinta Douglas, Dianne Winkler

Summary: Smart home and communication technology can improve independence, participation, and quality of life for people with disabilities and complex needs, although ethical considerations and the need for personalization, flexibility, and ongoing support are important factors to consider for successful implementation.

DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Rehabilitation

Patients with chronic unilateral anterior knee pain experience bilateral deficits in quadriceps function and lower quarter flexibility: a cross-sectional study

Sungwan Kim, Jihong Park

Summary: Patients with chronic unilateral anterior knee pain (AKP) exhibit deficits in bilateral quadriceps function and lower quarter flexibility, including increased pain perception, poorer functional outcomes, reduced quadriceps strength, activation, and endurance, as well as decreased hamstrings and iliopsoas/rectus femoris flexibility compared to healthy controls.

PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE (2022)

Article Oncology

Anxiety and depression in patients with advanced cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Berta Obispo-Portero, Patricia Cruz-Castellanos, Paula Jimenez-Fonseca, Jacobo Rogado, Raquel Hernandez, Oscar Alfredo Castillo-Trujillo, Elena Asensio-Martinez, Manuel Gonzalez-Moya, Alberto Carmona-Bayonas, Caterina Calderon

Summary: This study analyzed anxiety and depression levels during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with advanced cancer. It found that patients who initiated treatment during the pandemic experienced high levels of depression and anxiety. Being female, preoccupation about cancer, and hopelessness were associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression, while younger age was associated with a higher risk of anxiety.

SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER (2022)

Article Rehabilitation

Is the biopsychosocial model in musculoskeletal physiotherapy adequate? An evolutionary concept analysis

Georgi Daluiso-King, Clair Hebron

Summary: This study provides a conceptual analysis of the biopsychosocial model (BPSM) and expands upon its current framework for practice. The findings construct five master themes and four subthemes, offering a comprehensive understanding and guidance for implementing the BPSM.

PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE (2022)

Review Rehabilitation

Exploring the barriers to using assistive technology for individuals with chronic conditions: a meta-synthesis review

Jonathan Howard, Zoe Fisher, Andrew H. Kemp, Stephen Lindsay, Lorna H. Tasker, Jeremy J. Tree

Summary: This review study identifies the common barriers to acquiring and using assistive technology for individuals with chronic conditions through a systematic meta-synthesis. The study found that barriers related to the design and function of assistive technology, service provision, information and awareness, psychological factors, support network, and societal factors are common across different health conditions. Overcoming these barriers would require more involvement in personalized care, adaptation of home technologies, provision of assistive technology, accessible information, and greater awareness.

DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Education, Special

A Cumulative Risk and Resilience Model of Dyslexia

Hugh W. Catts, Yaacov Petscher

Summary: Considerable attention and legislation are currently focused on developmental dyslexia. A preventive approach in identifying and addressing reading disability risk factors before reading failure occurs is crucial. The article introduces a risk-resilience model that explains dyslexia is due to cumulative effects of risk and resilience factors.

JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES (2022)

Article Rehabilitation

Aesthetics and the perceived stigma of assistive technology for visual impairment

Aline Darc Piculo dos Santos, Ana Lya Moya Ferrari, Fausto Orsi Medola, Frode Eika Sandnes

Summary: This study aimed to identify factors influencing the perceived stigma of assistive devices for visual impairment, such as white canes and smart glasses. Results showed that close relationships with disabled people had a positive impact on participants' perceptions of stigma, disability, and assistive technology. Academic background appeared to have no influence. Aesthetics of the devices was found to be a significant factor affecting device adoption or abandonment.

DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (2022)

Article Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology

Evolution of Telehealth Technology, Evaluations, and Therapy: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Services

Deborah R. Campbell, Howard Goldstein

Summary: This survey examined the evolution of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the technology used, connectivity, implementation of services, and attitudes of pediatric speech-language pathology clinicians. The results showed that while some barriers were eliminated, there are still persistent issues, and judgments about the effectiveness and appropriateness of telehealth varied based on the age and communication disorder of children.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (2022)

Article Psychology, Developmental

What Is Autistic Burnout? A Thematic Analysis of Posts on Two Online Platforms

Jane Mantzalas, Amanda L. Richdale, Achini Adikari, Jennifer Lowe, Cheryl Dissanayake

Summary: Autistic burnout is a significant issue among autistic adults, impacting their quality of life. Factors such as difficulty identifying emotions and online communication were found to play a role in recovery.

AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD (2022)

Article Education, Special

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in a UK learning disability service: lost in a sea of ever changing variables - a perspective

Nicola Hughes, Gillian Anderson

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected the virus itself, but also disrupted all services and daily life.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (2022)

Article Clinical Neurology

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury: a large population-based study

Claudio Barbiellini Amidei, Laura Salmaso, Stefania Bellio, Mario Saia

Summary: This retrospective population-based study examined the incidence and mortality risks of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) between 2011 and 2020. The results showed that the incidence rate of TSCI remained stable over the past decade, with a higher incidence in males and an association with increasing age. Most TSCIs were cervical lesions, with traffic crashes and occupational accidents being the main causes. The study also found a significantly higher mortality risk for patients aged 75 years and older compared to those under 55 years.

SPINAL CORD (2022)

Article Education, Special

Parents' strategies for home educating their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the COVID-19 period in Zimbabwe

Tawanda Majoko, Annah Dudu

Summary: This study explored parents' strategies for home educating their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 period. The findings revealed that parents collaborated with family members and peer parents to homeschool children with ASD. Parents and family members played complementary and supplementary roles in homeschooling, facilitating the transition of children from school to home routine activities.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (2022)

Article Education, Special

The resilience of parents who have children with autism spectrum disorder in China: a social culture perspective

Meiju Zhao, Wangqian Fu

Summary: This study reveals the process and characteristics of resilience for Chinese parents of children with ASD through interviews, which can serve as a starting point for other parents to understand and learn from, and provides insight for service providers.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (2022)