The contribution of virtual reality to the diagnosis of spatial navigation disorders and to the study of the role of navigational aids: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Spatial navigation, which involves higher cognitive functions, is frequently implemented in daily activities, and is critical to the participation of human beings in mainstream environments. Virtual reality is an expanding tool, which enables on one hand the assessment of the cognitive functions involved in spatial navigation, and on the other the rehabilitation of patients with spatial navigation difficulties. Topographical disorientation is a frequent deficit among patients suffering from neurological diseases. The use of virtual environments enables the information incorporated into the virtual environment to be manipulated empirically. But the impact of manipulations seems differ according to their nature (quantity, occurrence, and characteristics of the stimuli) and the target population. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of research on virtual spatial navigation covering the period from 2005 to 2015. We focused first on the contribution of virtual spatial navigation for patients with brain injury or schizophrenia, or in the context of ageing and dementia, and then on the impact of visual or auditory stimuli on virtual spatial navigation. RESULTS: On the basis of 6521 abstracts identified in 2 databases (Pubmed and Scopus) with the keywords « navigation ¼ and « virtual ¼, 1103 abstracts were selected by adding the keywords "ageing", "dementia", "brain injury", "stroke", "schizophrenia", "aid", "help", "stimulus" and "cue"; Among these, 63 articles were included in the present qualitative analysis. CONCLUSION: Unlike pencil-and-paper tests, virtual reality is useful to assess large-scale navigation strategies in patients with brain injury or schizophrenia, or in the context of ageing and dementia. Better knowledge about both the impact of the different aids and the cognitive processes involved is essential for the use of aids in neurorehabilitation.

Post-acute referral of stroke victims in a French urban area: Results of a specific program.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to describe the distribution of referrals offered to patients assessed in the "Post-Acute Stroke program" of Bordeaux University Hospital (France). This program was developed in 2008 to organize the dispensation of care in rehabilitation units specialized in neurological diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a single-centre observational study. Between July 2008 and December 2012, data on the number of stroke patients hospitalized at the Bordeaux University Hospital and their post-acute referral were collected from the local hospital discharge database. Some of these patients were assessed by Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine physicians participating in the program. Proposed and actual referrals, time from admission to assessment and functional status were also collected. RESULTS: Among 4189 stroke patients, 1465 (35%) survivors were assessed, of whom 932 (22.2%) were discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities. There were no patients discharged to this type of unit without an assessment. Among the 1465 patients who were assessed, 57.2% were referred to specialized rehabilitation units, 6.3% were discharged to non-specialized rehabilitation units and 26% returned home directly. The median total length of stay in acute units varied from 10 to 15days depending on referral orientation. CONCLUSION: Patients that were assessed were more likely to be transferred to specialized rehabilitation units than to non-specialized rehabilitation units. The Post-Acute Stroke program has the particularity of combining private and public specialized rehabilitation units in a common collaborative referral system while retaining the control and flexibility of personalised referral for each patient in the light of local care availability.

Physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) care pathways: adults with severe traumatic brain injury.

This document is part of a series of guidelines documents designed by the French Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Society (SOFMER) and the French Federation of PRM (FEDMER). These reference documents focus on a particular pathology (here patients with severe TBI). They describe for each given pathology patients' clinical and social needs, PRM care objectives and necessary human and material resources of the pathology-dedicated pathway. 'Care pathways in PRM' is therefore a short document designed to enable readers (physician, decision-maker, administrator, lawyer, finance manager) to have a global understanding of available therapeutic care structures, organization and economic needs for patients' optimal care and follow-up. After a severe traumatic brain injury, patients might be divided into three categories according to impairment's severity, to early outcomes in the intensive care unit and to functional prognosis. Each category is considered in line with six identical parameters used in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (World Health Organization), focusing thereafter on personal and environmental factors liable to affect the patients' needs.

Psychotherapeutic follow up of out patients with traumatic brain injury: preliminary results of an individual neurosystemic approach.

UNLABELLED: Psychotherapy for affective/behaviour disorders after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains complex and controversial. The neuro-systemic approach aims at broadening the scope in order to look at behaviour impairments in context of both patient's cognitive impairments and family dysfunctioning. OBJECTIVE: To report a preliminary report of a neuro-systemic psychotherapy for patients with TBI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with affective/behaviour disorders referred to the same physician experienced in the neuro-systemic approach were consecutively included from 2003 to 2007. We performed a retrospective analysis of an at least 1-year psychotherapy regarding the evolution of the following symptoms: depressive mood, anxiety, bipolar impairment, psychosis, hostility, apathy, loss of control, and addictive behaviours as defined by the DSM IV. Results were considered very good when all impairments resolved, good when at least one symptom resolved, medium when at least one symptom improved, and bad when no improvement occurred, or the patient stopped the therapy by himself. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients, 35 men and 12 women, with a mean age of 33.4 years, were included. Most suffered a severe TBI (mean Glasgow coma score: 6.4) 11 years on average before the inclusion. At the date of the study, 11 patients (23%) had a poor outcome, 23 (48%) suffered Moderate disability and 13 (27%) had a Good recovery on the GOS scale. All therapy sessions were performed by the same physician, with 10 sessions on average during 13.5 months. Results were classified very good in six cases (13%), good in 18 others (38%), medium in 10 patients (21%) and bad in 13 cases (27%). We observed a significant improvement of affective disorders, namely anxiety (P<0.001) depressive mood (P<0.001) and hostility (P<0.01). However, bipolar symptomatology, apathy, loss of control and addictive disorders did not improve. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: From our best knowledge, this is the first clinical report of neuro-systemic psychotherapy for affective/behaviour disturbances in TBI patients. This kind of therapy was shown to be feasible, with a high rate of compliance (72%). Psycho-affective disorders and hostility were shown to be more sensitive to therapy than other behaviour impairments. These preliminary findings have to be confirmed by prospective trials on broader samples of patients.

The field of competence of the specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM).

The Field of Competence (FOC) of specialists in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) in Europe follows uniform basic principles described in the White Book of PRM in Europe. An agreed basis of the field of competence is the European Board curriculum for the PRM-specialist certification. However, due to national traditions, different health systems and other factors, PRM practice varies between regions and countries in Europe. Even within a country the professional practice of the individual doctor may vary because of the specific setting he or she is working in. For that reason this paper aims at a comprehensive description of the FOC in PRM. PRM specialists deal with/intervene in a wide range of diseases and functional deficits. Their interventions include, prevention of diseases and their complications, diagnosis of diseases, functional assessment, information and education of patients, families and professionals, treatments (physical modalities, drugs and other interventions). PRM interventions are often organized within PRM programmes of care. PRM interventions benefit from the involvement of PRM specialists in research. PRM specialists have knowledge of the rehabilitation process, team working, medical and physical treatments, rehabilitation technology, prevention and management of complications and methodology of research in the field. PRM specialists are involved in reducing functional consequences of many health conditions and manage functioning and disability in the respective patients. Diagnostic skills include all dimensions of body functions and structures, activities and participation issues relevant for the rehabilitation process. Additionally relevant contextual factors are assessed. PRM interventions range from medication, physical treatments, psychosocial interventions and rehabilitation technology. As PRM is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine PRM specialist are involved in research too. Quality management programs for PRM interventions are established at national and European levels. PRM specialists are practising in various settings along a continuum of care, including acute settings, post acute and long term rehabilitation programs. The latter include community based activities and intermittent in- or out-patient programs. Within all PRM practice, Continuous Medical Education (CME) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) are part of the comprehensive educational system.

Evaluating self-reported pressure ulcer prevention measures in persons with spinal cord injury using the revised Skin Management Needs Assessment Checklist: reliability study.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability study. OBJECTIVE: To translate, evaluate the reliability and cross-culturally adapt the Skin Management Needs Assessment Checklist (SMnac), a questionnaire evaluating the knowledge on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention measures in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). SUBJECTS: 138 persons with SCI, mean age 45.9 years, mean time since injury 94 months. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was carried out in two stages. First, the questionnaire went through a forward-backward translation process and was cross-culturally adapted, according to a validated methodology for self-reported measures. Then, the test-retest reliability was evaluated on a population of persons with SCI. RESULTS: The standardized back-translation and cross-cultural adaptation led to the revised Smack grid, with the addition of seven items representing an update of PU prevention measures. The reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.899). CONCLUSION: The revised SMnac is an adaptation of the SMnac, including therapeutic education frameworks and the latest PU prevention practices. It appears to be a reliable tool for assessing the knowledge and benefits of PU prevention in persons with SCI. Further studies are needed to explore its validity and responsiveness to change.

Effect of sildenafil on erectile dysfunction in spinal cord injured patients.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is a preoccupying issue, just like motor and bladder disability, in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. This is particularly so because of the increasing prevalence of paraplegic and tetraplegic subjects and the fact that these patients are younger, and sexually active. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of Sildenafil (Viagra((R))) on erectile dysfunction in SCI patients. METHODS: After medical ethics committee approval and informed patient consent, we conducted a prospective inquiry between January and March 2007 in 16 SCI patients who were under Sildenafil treatment for erectile dysfunction. An abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was completed the patients. RESULTS: The mean age (range) of the patients was 32.75 yrs (21-53 yrs). The mean duration of their disability was 47.75 months (4 yr). Trauma was the etiology in 87.5% of the cases (44% were road accidents). 12/16 patients were paraplegics (10 above T10) and 4 were tetraplegics (1 above C4 and 3 below C5). The mean duration of sildenafil treatment was 18.75 months (17 days-7 yr). 70% of the patients were satisfied with their erection after treatment. However, 10/16 patients had concomitant treatment with alprostadil. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil is a vasoactive drug which can be used as a simple, discrete and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in SCI patients. This approach is compatible with the efforts to improve the quality of life and rehabilitation of these patients.

Is there a link between alertness and fatigue in patients with traumatic brain injury?

OBJECTIVES: Many patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) report chronic fatigue, and previous studies showed a potential relationship between sleepiness and fatigue in these patients. Our study first looked at the impact of objective and subjective sleepiness on fatigue in patients with TBI. We then investigated how fatigue could affect driving performance in these patients. METHODS: Nocturnal polysomnography, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and five 40-minute maintenance of wakefulness tests (MWT) were collected in 36 patients with TBI. Fitness to drive was assessed in a subsample of 22 patients compared to 22 matched controls during an hour simulated driving session. RESULTS: In patients with TBI, FSS, ESS, and mean MWT scores (+/-SD) were 27 +/- 10, 8 +/- 4, and 35 +/- 7 minutes vs 15 +/- 2.5, 5 +/- 3, and 37 +/- 5 minutes in controls. Patients with TBI reported more chronic fatigue (W = 99, p < 0.001) than controls, and, unlike in controls, the level of chronic fatigue was correlated to their MWT scores. Patients' driving performances were worse than the controls' (W = 79, p < 0.001). The best predictive factors of driving performance were fatigue scores and body mass index (multiple R = 0.458, 41.8% of explained variance). CONCLUSION: In patients with TBI, chronic fatigue is significantly related to subjective and objective levels of alertness, even though these levels are not highly pathologic. This might suggest that a small level of sleepiness (i.e., MWT scores between 33 and 39 minutes) worsens fatigue in these patients. Chronic fatigue and body mass index could predict driving simulator performance in patients with TBI.

[Intrathecal baclofen in hereditary spastic paraparesis: benefits and limitations]. / Intérêts et limites du baclofène intrathécal dans les paraparésies spastiques héréditaires.

BACKGROUND: Chronic intrathecal delivery of baclofen has been introduced for treatment of severe spinal spasticity. Very little is known about this treatment in hereditary spastic paraparesis. Here we review the benefits and limitations of pump implantation for baclofen delivery in this population. METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting with hereditary spastic paraparesis were assessed for spasticity (Ashworth and Penn scores), muscular strength and walking (speed, comfort and perimeter length). The effect of intrathecal delivery of baclofen was judged after progressive bolus injections or chronic administration by electrical syringe. The pump implantation was proposed when spasticity scores decreased by 2 or more points, with muscular strength preserved and walking area increased. RESULTS: We investigated 6 patients (3 males; mean age 48 years) with hereditary spastic paraparesis. The mean follow-up was 19 years; for 4 patients who received pump implantation, the mean follow-up was 6.2 years. The mean baclofen daily dose was 75 mug. Satisfaction was high for patients who received implantation early instead of waiting for the natural course of the disease. DISCUSSION: Some patients with hereditary spastic paraparesis have good functional improvement with chronic intrathecal delivery of baclofen if walking is still possible. Despite the natural history of the disease, functional results are stable during the first 5 years of treatment. The data indicate a possible compromise between decreased spasticity and muscular strengthening with the treatment.

[Outcome of the Aquitaine Unit for Evaluation, Training and Social and Vocational Counselling (UEROS) at 5-year follow-up in young adults with brain damage]. / Programme d'aide à la réinsertion sociale et professionnelle de jeunes adultes cérébrolésés: résultats à cinq ans du réseau UEROS-Aquitaine.

INTRODUCTION: Difficulties in social and vocational adjustment are common in adults with brain damage. A French government-funded program, UEROS (Unit for Evaluation, Training and Social and Vocational Counselling), was developed to improve cognitive adjustment, social autonomy and return to work for these people. OBJECTIVES: To describe the outcome and satisfaction with life after 5 years for patients who participated in the UEROS-Aquitaine network program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: EBIS Document to evaluate people with traumatic brain injury. RESULTS: Seventy-five of the 102 patients participating in UEROS from 1997 to 1999 were assessed during a phone-structured interview based on the EBIS Document. The sample consisted of young adults (mean age 28.5 years), most (65, 85%) with brain injury and moderate disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale 2: 57%) or severe disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale 3: 42%). On entering the program, 33% of the subjects needed no help physically or cognitively. None were employed. At the end of the program, 9% were students or were learning a job, 8% worked full-time, 16% were in sheltered conditions, and 13% had volunteer activities. At 5-year follow-up, 50% of the subjects were independent, 4% were in school, 10.6% worked full-time, and 26.7% were in sheltered conditions. Playing sports was associated with good social adjustment. The professional status at 5 years was significantly correlated with following the UEROS program (r=0.30, P<0.01) and status at the end of the program (r=0.29, P<0.05). However, 41.3% of the subjects were still unsatisfied with their conditions of life. DISCUSSION-CONCLUSION: In patients with brain damage, the UEROS-Aquitaine network program improves independence in daily living and allows for nearly one inactive adult in two (42%) to be engaged in an activity or a job.

Early changes in isokinetic lower limb muscle strength in recovering geriatric subjects on the basis of nutritional status.

BACKGROUND: In older people, the decrease in muscle mass and strength has a bad effect on functional status. Malnutrition and lack of physical activity exacerbate this phenomenon. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study was to estimate isokinetic lower limb muscle strength in recovering older subjects on the basis of nutritional status. DESIGN: Twenty-eight elderly subjects hospitalized for an acute event (85.8 +/- 6 years), including 16 malnourished, were enrolled in this study when clinically stable (T0). Re-assessment at one-month was performed in nine after oral supplementation and conventional physiotherapy (T1). The Maximal Peak Torque (MPT) of the ankle plantar flexors was estimated in concentric mode at 30 and 60 degrees /s. The MPT of the knee flexors and extensors was evaluated in the same mode at 30 degrees /s, 60 degrees /s and 120 degrees /s. All patients underwent a nutritional examination with anthropometric measures, dietary intake survey, biochemical indexes and determination of the medial gastrocnemius volume by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: At T0, whatever the muscle group tested (except at 120 degrees /s for the knee), the MPT appeared significantly lower in the malnourished group. At T1, the increase in MPT (plantar flexors) in malnourished patients was greater at 60 degrees /s (+23.8 %) than at 30 degrees /s (+14.8 %). Correlations between MPT and nutritional parameters were observed in the malnourished group only at T1 and in the normal-nourished group. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic assessment seems to be a pertinent method to estimate lower limb muscle strength in older and frail subjects. Early modifications in strength were observed in malnourished patients who received oral supplementation and physiotherapy.

[Functional prognosis of paraplegia due to cord ischemia: a retrospective study of 23 patients]. / Pronostic fonctionnel des paraplégies par ischémie médullaire: étude rétrospective de 23 cas.

The functional prognosis of spinal cord infarct is not well known, complicating care of patients suffering from ischemic paraplegia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of patients with spinal cord infarct treated in rehabilitation centers in order to identify factors influencing functional outcome. We studied cases of non-trauma-related paraplegia treated between 1992 and 1999. Spinal compression and infectious and inflammatory myelopathy were excluded. Age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, initial and final clinical findings according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA/IMSOP) criteria, MRI findings, and initial urodynamic findings were analyzed. Two groups were identified regarding extension of the spinal cord infarct to the cone or not. Assessment of functional outcome was based on the Frankel classification, ambulatory ability, wheelchair use, and bladder control. Cases of spinal cord infarct were then classified according to extension to the cone or not, determined on the basis of initial clinical, MRI, and urodynamic findings. Twenty-three patients (19 males and 4 females) were selected for analysis. Mean age was 54 years, with no mortality during the follow-up period. At discharge, the group of nine patients whose infarct had not extended to the medullary cone had a significantly better motor recovery using the ASIA motor score (p<0.01). Patients whose infarct did not extend to the cone used wheelchairs less often, were more often in Frankel class D (p<0.05), and had normal bladder control more often (p<0.05) than patients whose infarct extended to the cone. Lack of extension to the medullary cone appeared to be a factor predictive of better functional outcome.