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Brain Sciences
Special Issues
The Rehabilitation of Neurologic Disorders
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The Rehabilitation of Neurologic Disorders

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurorehabilitation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 September 2025 | Viewed by 5002

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francisco Nieto-Escamez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
Interests: virtual reality; neurorehabilitation; motor system; neuropsychology; dementia; visual perception
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rehabilitation of neurologic disorders is a rapidly evolving field, offering hope and improved quality of life to millions affected by conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Innovative therapies and advanced technologies are driving significant progress in restoring function and enhancing recovery. From neuroplasticity-based interventions to cutting-edge robotic and virtual reality-assisted rehabilitation, the potential for groundbreaking advancements has never been greater.

This Special Issue seeks to highlight the latest research, clinical practices, and technological innovations in neurologic rehabilitation. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of strategies that promote neural recovery, improve motor and cognitive functions, and, ultimately, transform patient outcomes. Contributions exploring novel rehabilitation techniques, evidence-based practices, and interdisciplinary approaches are particularly welcome.

We invite you to contribute to this Special Issue and share your valuable research and insights. By advancing the science of neurologic rehabilitation, we can collectively enhance treatment options and outcomes for patients around the world.

Dr. Francisco Nieto-Escamez
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. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2200 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

  • neurologic rehabilitation
  • neuroplasticity
  • stroke recovery
  • traumatic brain injury
  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • robotic therapy
  • virtual reality rehabilitation
  • cognitive rehabilitation
  • motor function recovery
  • advanced therapies

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
A Crossover Study of Virtual Reality Exposure for Emotional and Physiological Regulation in Mild Dementia
by Paula Latorre, Cleiton Pons Ferreira and Francisco Nieto-Escamez
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050470 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 290
Abstract
(1) Background: Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to promote relaxation and improve emotional well-being in this population. (2) Methods: This crossover study evaluated the effects of IVR on anxiety and psychological well-being in a sample of eight [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to promote relaxation and improve emotional well-being in this population. (2) Methods: This crossover study evaluated the effects of IVR on anxiety and psychological well-being in a sample of eight participants with mild dementia attending a day-care center. Participants underwent two conditions: an experimental condition involving relaxing nature-based VR scenarios (Nature Treks VR) and a control condition using personalized YouTube videos on a tablet. Each condition lasted 12 sessions. Assessments included heart rate (HR), the I-PANAS-SF, the reduced State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-r), behavioral observations, and a subjective response questionnaire. (3) Results: A significant reduction in HR over time was found during IVR exposure, suggesting a calming physiological effect not observed in the control condition. While changes in PANAS and STAI-r scores were not statistically significant, the PANAS score improvement in the experimental condition approached statistical significance (p = 0.054) and was just below the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), suggesting a potentially meaningful trend. Behavioral responses were higher during YouTube sessions, likely due to personalized content. All participants rated the IVR experience positively on the subjective questionnaire, indicating high acceptability, though social desirability bias cannot be excluded. (4) Conclusions: IVR appears to be a feasible and acceptable intervention for individuals with dementia, warranting further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Rehabilitation of Neurologic Disorders)
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17 pages, 1876 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Backward and Forward Locomotor Treadmill Training in Chronic Stroke Survivors with Severe Post-Stroke Walking Impairment: A Single-Center Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
by Saiprasad Naidu, Khwahish Singh, Tamiel Murray, Colin Drury, Erin Palermo, Heidi J. Sucharew, Changchun Xie, Pierce Boyne, Kari Dunning and Oluwole O. Awosika
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050437 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 376
Abstract
Background: Defined as a self-selected speed of <0.4 m/s, chronic stroke survivors falling in this category are classified as “severe”, usually homebound and sedentary, and they experience worse outcomes. Limited rehabilitation strategies are available to improve walking speed and related outcomes in this [...] Read more.
Background: Defined as a self-selected speed of <0.4 m/s, chronic stroke survivors falling in this category are classified as “severe”, usually homebound and sedentary, and they experience worse outcomes. Limited rehabilitation strategies are available to improve walking speed and related outcomes in this subgroup, and questions regarding effective rehabilitation options remain. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of backward (BLTT) and forward (FLTT) locomotor treadmill training on overground walking speed, spatiotemporal symmetry, and dynamic postural stability. Methods: In this single-center, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled pilot trial, 14 stroke survivors with severe waking impairment underwent 12 sessions of BLTT (n = 7) or FLTT (n = 7). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants reaching clinically meaningful important difference (MCID) on the 10-meter walk test following training completion. Secondary outcomes were between-group differences in walking speed, spatiotemporal symmetry, and completion time on the 3-meter timed up and go (3M TUG) at 24 h, 30 days, and 90 days POST. Results: Two subjects in the BLTT group (28.6%) and one (14.3%) in FLTT achieved MCID following training; however, most subjects did not, with significant variability in response. At 24 h POST, the median (IQR) percent change in walking speed was 28.9 (9.01–36.7) and 17.4 (12.6–39.7) with BLTT and FLTT, respectively; however, no between-group differences were seen (p = 0.80) at this time point or at 30 (p > 0.99) and 90 (p > 0.99) days follow up. Likewise, there were no significant between-group differences in spatiotemporal symmetry and the 3M TUG across time points. Conclusions: While preliminary, this study found that 12 training sessions did not lead to group-level achievement of MCID for walking speed in our cohort and found no significant between-group differences in walking capacity or dynamic postural stability. Future well-powered dosing trials and mechanistically driven studies are needed to optimize and identify predictors of training response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Rehabilitation of Neurologic Disorders)
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26 pages, 2250 KiB  
Article
Balneotherapy as a Complementary Intervention for Stress and Cortisol Reduction: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Lolita Rapolienė, Dovydas Rapolis, Aelita Bredelytė, Giedrė Taletavičienė, Antonella Fioravanti and Arvydas Martinkėnas
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020165 - 7 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2177
Abstract
Background: In our modern era, stress has become a pervasive challenge, affecting individuals across all ages and backgrounds. Acute or chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels are known to impair neurological function and hinder rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, effective treatment methods that reduce stress, [...] Read more.
Background: In our modern era, stress has become a pervasive challenge, affecting individuals across all ages and backgrounds. Acute or chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels are known to impair neurological function and hinder rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, effective treatment methods that reduce stress, enhance mental health, and promote overall well-being are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal impact of balneotherapy on distress, as measured by the General Symptoms Distress Scale (GSDS), and well-being, as assessed using the Arizona Integrative Outcomes Scale (AIOS), and the effect of winter balneotherapy on salivary cortisol levels. Methods: In 2023, a multicenter, single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was carried out across six medical spa centers in Lithuania. Participants with a stress intensity greater than 3 points on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) underwent combined natural resource-based therapies over a 1- to 2-week treatment period. Outcomes were assessed using the General Symptom Distress and Arizona Integrative Outcomes scales, along with salivary cortisol measurements after winter intervention. Results: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in distress intensity by 1–3.5 points (VAS), with winter interventions showing greater efficacy compared to summer. Participants also experienced an increase in well-being by up to 3 points (VAS), improved stress management by up to 1.9 points (VAS), and a reduction in salivary cortisol levels by 0.9 units following winter-based treatments. Some gender differences emerged in specific groups. Conclusions: Our study provides robust evidence for the stress-reducing effects of balneotherapy, particularly highlighting the enhanced efficacy of winter interventions. These findings are especially relevant for neurological rehabilitation, where stress reduction and improved autonomic regulation can support neuroplasticity, recovery processes, and overall quality of life. This research offers valuable insights for developing holistic, seasonally optimized strategies to aid stress management and promote neurological health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Rehabilitation of Neurologic Disorders)
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14 pages, 2660 KiB  
Article
Mixed Reality-Based Smart Occupational Therapy Personalized Protocol for Cerebellar Ataxic Patients
by Michela Franzò, Franco Marinozzi, Alessia Finti, Marco Lattao, Dante Trabassi, Stefano Filippo Castiglia, Mariano Serrao and Fabiano Bini
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(10), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101023 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1375
Abstract
Background: Occupational therapy (OT) is an essential component of patient care, and it is especially beneficial if focused on meaningful activities. For ataxic patients, traditional procedures are currently the most efficient, although without specific guidelines and suggestions for virtual reality integration. In this [...] Read more.
Background: Occupational therapy (OT) is an essential component of patient care, and it is especially beneficial if focused on meaningful activities. For ataxic patients, traditional procedures are currently the most efficient, although without specific guidelines and suggestions for virtual reality integration. In this context, this study proposes Hybrid Smart Rehabilitation (HSR) based on mixed reality (MR) as an aid in overcoming limitations of the traditional OT procedures. Methods: MR-HSR is designed specifically for ataxic patients and developed in Unity with the Holographic Remoting setting for run-time intervention on the scene. The subject reaches a book and grabs it with their hand inside a holographic guide with audio-visive feedback. Hand trajectories acquired from eight ataxic patients and eight healthy subjects were compared and new variables were analyzed to evaluate the performance. The Trust in Automation questionnaire was submitted to assess the opinion of the patients. Results: Patients confirmed their trust in the developer and in the improvement that this system can bring to their rehabilitation. The “total time” and “sway area” of the trajectory were statistically significant and, together with the deviation of the trajectory from the main axis of the guide, although not statistically significant, made it possible to build a classifier. Conclusions: The patient-specific MR-HSR can be considered as an integrative tool for assessing the subject’s condition by analyzing new quantitative variables which, if matched to the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), could be the basis of a new index to assess the progressiveness of ataxia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Rehabilitation of Neurologic Disorders)
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