Topic Editors

Dr. Jeff Victoroff
Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
Dr. Neil Archibald
Consultant Neurologist, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, UK

Neurorehabilitation in Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 October 2024)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (31 December 2024)
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5591

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurorehabilitation (NR) is conventionally thought of as a suite of therapies intended to aid recovery from neurological injury. However, recent evidence shows that NR may also mitigate the effects of, or perhaps slow the progression of, movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This Issue will outline the new evidence that multiple modes of therapy can serve as effective interventions. Physical therapy may improve motor function. Occupational therapy may improve the capacity for activities of daily living. Speech therapy may not only enhance productive and receptive language but also address dysarthria and dysphagia. Cognitive rehabilitation has been shown to be effective in improving working memory and may also improve attention, concentration, and problem solving. Therapies that employ the arts, such as music and dance, appear to have beneficial effects. New technologies are also finding applications in NR, including virtual reality and transcranial magnetic stimulation. It remains unclear to what extent NR therapies offer practical workarounds for neuropsychiatric impairments versus actually modifying the course of an underlying disorder. However, the possibility exists that some forms of NR have salutary effects on pathophysiology: evidence is emerging that the mechanism of efficacy may be related to the enhancement of neural plasticity.

Dr. Jeff Victoroff
Dr. Neil Archibald
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • neurorehabilitation
  • movement disorders
  • neurodegeneration
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • virtual reality
  • repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Brain Sciences
brainsci
2.7 4.8 2011 15.6 Days CHF 2200
Journal of Clinical Medicine
jcm
3.0 5.7 2012 16 Days CHF 2600
Neurology International
neurolint
3.2 3.7 2009 26.5 Days CHF 1600
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
ijms
4.9 8.1 2000 16.8 Days CHF 2900
Reports
reports
0.8 - 2018 18.6 Days CHF 1400

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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14 pages, 7603 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Nerve Stimulation in Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Case Report
by Francesco Sartori, Albert Puig-Diví and Javier Picañol
Neurol. Int. 2025, 17(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint17030034 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Introduction: Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) significantly impacts the quality of life for stroke survivors. While various treatments exist, options for refractory cases are limited. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (pPNS), commonly used in pain management, has not been studied for its potential use in [...] Read more.
Introduction: Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) significantly impacts the quality of life for stroke survivors. While various treatments exist, options for refractory cases are limited. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (pPNS), commonly used in pain management, has not been studied for its potential use in spasticity management. This case report aims to evaluate the sensorimotor effects of pPNS in a patient with severe PSS. Case description: A 38-year-old male with severe PSS and functional limitations post-ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery underwent a six-week pPNS protocol (12 sessions). Low-frequency (2 Hz) stimulation targeted the median, musculocutaneous, and anterior interosseous nerves, while medium-frequency (10 Hz) stimulation targeted the posterior interosseous and radial nerves. Spasticity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Tardieu Scale (TS). Somatosensory assessments included tactile thresholds, pressure pain thresholds, and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Outcomes: Spasticity decreased significantly, with reductions of 60.4% and 67.0% in elbow and wrist MAS scores, respectively, and a 49.5% reduction in TS scores. However, spasticity levels returned to baseline between sessions. Somatosensory assessments revealed increased tactile thresholds, decreased pressure pain thresholds, and an 81.3% reduction in CPM. The intervention was well tolerated, with minor transient effects, and the patient preferred pPNS over botulinum toxin injections. Conclusions: pPNS may effectively reduce spasticity and modulate somatosensory thresholds in PSS. These preliminary findings highlight its potential as an alternative treatment for refractory PSS, warranting further research with larger sample sizes and control groups to assess its broader clinical applicability. Full article
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20 pages, 1874 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness and Feasibility of Blood Flow Restriction Training for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
by Aitor Blázquez-Fernández, Selena Marcos-Antón and Roberto Cano-de-la-Cuerda
Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(6), 1385-1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16060104 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1512
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that primarily targets the myelin of axons. Extremities are frequently affected, resulting in a negative impact on both activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life. In recent years, there has been increasing [...] Read more.
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that primarily targets the myelin of axons. Extremities are frequently affected, resulting in a negative impact on both activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential benefits of exercise and blood flow restriction training (BFRT) programs as a therapeutic tool in people with neurological disorders. The aim of the present systematic review was to know the clinical effects of BFRT programs in people with MS. Methods: A systematically comprehensive literature search was conducted and registered in PROSPERO prior to its execution under the reference number CRD42024588963. The following data sources were used: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS) and the Cochrane Library. The following data were extracted from the papers: study design, sample, interventions, dosage, outcome measures and results. To assess the methodological quality of the papers included, the Quality Index of Downs and Black was used. Additionally, the articles were classified according to the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation for diagnosis studies established by the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. Also, the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used by two independent reviewers to assess risk of bias, assessing the six different domains. Results: Seven articles with a total of 71 participants were included in the review. Of the seven articles, five papers studied the effectiveness of BFRT combined with strengthening exercises and two papers studied the effect of BFRT combined with aerobic exercise. Of the five articles that analyzed BFRT combined with strengthening exercises, only two presented a control group. Both performed a low-load resistance training in combination with BFRT with four series, 30/15/15/15 repetitions and a rest of 1 min between the series and 3 min between the exercises. The control groups to which they were compared performed a high intensity strengthening exercise protocol which had the same exercises, sets, rests and duration of the protocol as the experimental groups. For those two papers which investigated the effects of BFRT combined with aerobic training, exercise was performed in two sessions per week for a period of 8 and 6 weeks, respectively. In both studies, the experimental protocol began with a warm-up phase and ended with a cool-down phase, and there were differences in cuff management. All these investigations found positive effects in the interventions that combined exercise with BFRT. The characteristics, outcome measures, effects of the interventions and the assessment of the methodological quality of the included studies and risk of bias are shown in the tables. Conclusions: BFRT in people with MS appears to be effective and safe for people with MS. BFRT might show positive clinical effects on strength, hypertrophy and balance outcomes. Nevertheless, future research should be conducted with better methodological quality to ensure the potential benefits of BFRT in people with MS since the studies analyzed present a high risk of bias and methodological limitations. Full article
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11 pages, 994 KiB  
Article
Effects of Respiratory Training on Pulmonary Function, Cough, and Functional Independence in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
by Eleonora Magni, Anja Hochsprung, Rocío Cáceres-Matos, Manuel Pabón-Carrasco, Beatriz Heredia-Camacho, Ignacio Solís-Marcos and Carlos Luque-Moreno
Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(6), 1332-1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16060101 - 1 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1088
Abstract
Background: Respiratory complications in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), due to the involvement of respiratory muscles, are the leading cause of death, and respiratory physiotherapy (RP) focuses on addressing these complications. Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an RP [...] Read more.
Background: Respiratory complications in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), due to the involvement of respiratory muscles, are the leading cause of death, and respiratory physiotherapy (RP) focuses on addressing these complications. Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an RP intervention that combines the four specific techniques (inspiratory muscle training, lung volume recruitment, manually assisted coughing, and diaphragmatic breathing training) in patients with ALS. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out, and a specific RP programme was implemented in 15 patients with ALS (12 sessions, 30 min/session, one session/week, duration of three months), based on directed ventilation techniques, lung volume recruitment, manually assisted coughing, and the use of incentive spirometry and a cough assist device, along with a daily home exercise programme. Respiratory functions were assessed (pre- and post-intervention, with follow-up at three months) using Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Peak Expiratory Cough Flow (PECF); functionality was assessed using the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and the Modified Barthel Index by Granger. Results: FVC experienced an increase after three months of the intervention initiation (p = 0.30), which was not sustained at the three-month follow-up after the intervention ended. All other variables remained practically constant after treatment, with their values decreasing at follow-up. Conclusion: A specific RP intervention could have beneficial effects on respiratory functions, potentially preventing pulmonary infections and hospitalisations in patients with ALS. It may improve FVC and help stabilize the patient's functional decline. Considering the progressive and degenerative nature of the disease, this finding could support the usefulness of these techniques in maintaining respiratory function. Full article
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11 pages, 724 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Upright Stance and Vision on a Cognitive Task in Elderly Subjects and Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
by Marta Mirando, Rachele Penati, Marco Godi, Marica Giardini and Antonio Nardone
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(4), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14040305 - 24 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1513
Abstract
Standing compared to sitting enhances cognitive performance in healthy subjects. The effect of stance on cognitive performance has been addressed here in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). We hypothesized that a simple cognitive task would be less enhanced in PwPD by standing with [...] Read more.
Standing compared to sitting enhances cognitive performance in healthy subjects. The effect of stance on cognitive performance has been addressed here in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). We hypothesized that a simple cognitive task would be less enhanced in PwPD by standing with respect to sitting, because of a larger cognitive effort for maintenance of standing posture than in healthy subjects. We recruited 40 subjects (20 PwPD and 20 age-matched healthy subjects, HE). Each participant performed an arithmetic task (backward counting aloud by 7) in two postural states, sitting and standing, with eyes open (EO) and with eyes closed (EC). All trials lasted 60 s and were randomized across subjects and conditions. The number of correct subtractions per trial was an index of counting efficiency and the ratio of correct subtractions to total subtractions was an index of accuracy. All conditions collapsed, the efficiency of the cognitive task was significantly lower in PwPD than HE, whilst accuracy was affected to a lower extent. Efficiency significantly improved from sitting to standing in HE under both visual conditions whilst only with EO in PwPD. Accuracy was not affected by posture or vision in either group. We suggest that standing, compared to sitting, increases arousal, thus improving the cognitive performance in HE. Conversely, in PwPD this improvement was present only with vision, possibly due to their greater balance impairment with EC consuming an excess of attentional resources. These findings have implications for balance control and the risk of falling in PwPD in the absence of visual cues. Full article
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