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New Insights into Neurorehabilitation

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Neuroscience and Neural Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 4381

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Brain Injury and Movement Disorders Neurorehabilitation Research Group, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223 Madrid, Spain
2. Brain Damage Unit, Beata María Ana Hospital, 28007 Madrid, Spain
Interests: neurorehabilitation of the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease; neurorehabilitation of motor and cognitive sequelae of acquired brain injury
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to this Special Issue of our journal, where we delve into the innovative and evolving field of neurorehabilitation, with a particular focus on the latest advancements and integrative approaches that are setting new benchmarks in therapeutic strategies. As we explore the frontiers of this discipline, particular emphasis is given to non-invasive neuromodulation, motor imagery, and the synergistic protocols that combine conventional rehabilitation with cutting-edge neuromodulation techniques.

Neurorehabilitation is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by the integration of technology and neuroscience. Among the most promising developments is non-invasive neuromodulation, which includes methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). These techniques are pivotal in modulating neural activity with precision, enhancing the brain's ability to relearn and recover functionality after injury. We are seeking submissions that provide critical analysis and discuss the potential of these technologies to become standard care in rehabilitation practices.

Another focal point of this Special Issue is motor imagery. This process, where individuals mentally simulate a movement without actual execution, activates several neural networks involved in the planning and execution of movement, making it a powerful tool for neurorehabilitation. We encourage submissions that explore how motor imagery can effectively complement physical practice, thereby enhancing the recovery process.

Lastly, we aim to include studies that integrate non-invasive neuromodulation into conventional rehabilitation protocols. These combined approaches are demonstrating enhanced outcomes by leveraging the benefits of direct neuromodulation in combination with the holistic advantages of physical therapy. Submissions should provide comprehensive insights from case studies and clinical trials, showcasing how these integrated protocols can offer more effective, personalized rehabilitation strategies.

We invite researchers and practitioners to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting their innovative work. Engage with these novel trends that are not only reshaping our understanding of neurorehabilitation but are also offering new hope and possibilities for patients worldwide. Join us in exploring these exciting developments that promise to redefine therapeutic practices in the neurorehabilitation landscape.

Prof. Dr. Juan Pablo Romero
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • telerehabilitation
  • non-invasive neuromodulation
  • motor imagery
  • action observation
  • cutting-edge neuromodulation techniques
  • TMS
  • TDCS

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Neuromodulation Effect According to Lesion Location After Dual-Mode Brain Stimulation in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Preliminary Study
by Minji Lee, Wanjoo Park, Eunhee Park, Soon-Jae Kweon and Yun-Hee Kim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9636; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219636 - 22 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Dual-mode non-invasive brain stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation is known to help neurorehabilitation in patients with stroke. However, this neuromodulation effect may vary depending on the lesion location of patients with stroke, and the basis in lesion [...] Read more.
Dual-mode non-invasive brain stimulation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation is known to help neurorehabilitation in patients with stroke. However, this neuromodulation effect may vary depending on the lesion location of patients with stroke, and the basis in lesion location for this is insufficient. This study aims to investigate the difference in neuromodulation effectiveness according to the lesion location after dual-mode brain stimulation using electroencephalography signals. Eight patients with ischemic subacute stroke and 11 healthy controls participated in this study. Brain stimulation was conducted in one session per day for a total of 10 days over the motor cortex, electroencephalography was measured for 5 min with eyes closed, and motor function was evaluated before and after dual-mode stimulation. The lesion location was divided into an infratentorial stroke (ITS) and a supratentorial stroke (STS) based on tentorium cerebelli. In addition, we focused on the mu and beta bands related to motor function. In terms of intrahemispheric connectivity, the mu weighted phase lag index over the contralesional primary motor cortex was significantly higher in only ITS before stimulation compared to healthy controls, and mu Granger causality over the ipsilesional primary motor cortex was significantly higher in both ITS and STS after stimulation compared to healthy controls. In contrast, from the perspective of interhemispheric connectivity, the laterality of beta Granger causality before stimulation in ITS was lower than that of healthy controls and significantly increased after stimulation. The effect of brain stimulation may vary depending on the lesion location of patients with stroke, and these findings provide indicative insights into effective dual-mode stimulation interventions for neurorehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Neurorehabilitation)
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10 pages, 640 KiB  
Article
Does the Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Selectively Modulate Prefrontal Cortex Hemodynamics? An Immediate Effect-Controlled Trial on People with and without Depression
by Laura Oliveira Campos, Maria de Cassia Gomes Souza Macedo, Vheyda Katheleen Vespasiano Monerat, Kariny Realino do Rosário Ferreira, Mayra Evelise Cunha dos Santos, Arthur Ferreira Esquirio, Ana Luiza Guimarães Alves, Gabriela Lopes Gama, Michelle Almeida Barbosa and Alexandre Carvalho Barbosa
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7901; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177901 - 5 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1391
Abstract
Despite the recommendation to treat depression using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), novel findings raise doubts over the tDCS’s efficacy in managing depressive episodes. Neurophysiologic approaches to understanding the specificities of brain responses to tDCS in patients with depression remain to be explored. [...] Read more.
Despite the recommendation to treat depression using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), novel findings raise doubts over the tDCS’s efficacy in managing depressive episodes. Neurophysiologic approaches to understanding the specificities of brain responses to tDCS in patients with depression remain to be explored. Objective: Our aim was to compare immediate hemodynamic responses to tDCS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; F3-Fp2 montage) in patients with depressive disorder and in controls (no additional stimuli). Methods: Sixteen participants were allocated to the depression group and sixteen to the control group. Both groups received 2 mA tDCS for 20 min, using the F3-Fp2 montage. The hemodynamic effect over the DLPFC was assessed using functional near-infrared intracranial spectroscopy (fNIRS) positioned on the left supraorbital region (Fp1). Mean, minimal, and maximal values of baseline and post-stimulation rates of oxygen saturation (SatO2) were recorded. The oxygenated hemoglobin rates (HbO) were extracted. Results: Between-group differences were detected for minimal baseline rates of SatO2 and HbO levels. The depression group showed lower results compared to the control group at baseline. After the protocol, only the depression group showed increased minimal rates of SatO2 and HbO. The post-tDCS minimal rates were equal for both groups. Conclusions: The findings showed immediate anodal tDCS effects over DLPFC hemodynamics. The effects were exclusive to the lowest baseline rate group and did not affect the normal oxygen rate group. The minimal increase in SatO2 and HbO rates after the protocol in the depression group suggests that those with reduced cerebral perfusion may be more affected by tDCS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Neurorehabilitation)
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Other

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16 pages, 677 KiB  
Protocol
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as Adjuvant to Gamified Rehabilitation for Upper Limb Function in Paediatric Brain Damage (CHILDBOOST Project): A Study Protocol for a Triple-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial
by Almudena Cerezo-Zarzuelo, Marcos Rios-Lago, Francisco Jose Sanchez-Cuesta, Beatriz Gavilan-Agusti and Juan Pablo Romero
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6698; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156698 - 31 Jul 2024
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Abstract
(1) Background and objectives: Paediatric brain injuries can lead to motor and cognitive deficits. Effective rehabilitation is critical for enhancing independence. While virtual reality (VR) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have independently demonstrated beneficial effects on motor and cognitive functions, their combined [...] Read more.
(1) Background and objectives: Paediatric brain injuries can lead to motor and cognitive deficits. Effective rehabilitation is critical for enhancing independence. While virtual reality (VR) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have independently demonstrated beneficial effects on motor and cognitive functions, their combined efficacy and its cognitive effects remain to be explored in this population. We aim to investigate the effects of integrating tDCS with VR training on upper limb (UL) functionality and cognitive outcomes through a triple-blind randomised trial. (2) Methods: Twenty-eight children with hemiparesis secondary to non-progressive brain damage will be randomly allocated into two groups: active anodal tDCS (2 mA) plus UL VR training, and sham tDCS with identical VR training. The tDCS will target M1 of the affected or most affected hemisphere for 20 min, simultaneous to VR training. The following four assessments will be carried out: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three- and six-months follow-up. (3) Results: This study will explore motor and cognitive outcomes of a motor-based intervention in paediatric brain damage. We hypothesise that the experimental group will show significant improvements in UL function and cognition, enhancing their functional recovery. (4) Conclusions: We propose a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach combining neuromodulation and VR to potentiate functional recovery through enhancing motor and cognitive performance in paediatric brain damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Neurorehabilitation)
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