Motor Intentions Decoded from fMRI Signals.

Motor intention is a high-level brain function related to planning for movement. Although studies have shown that motor intentions can be decoded from brain signals before movement execution, it is unclear whether intentions relating to mental imagery of movement can be decoded. Here, we investigated whether differences in spatial and temporal patterns of brain activation were elicited by intentions to perform different types of motor imagery and whether the patterns could be used by a multivariate pattern classifier to detect such differential intentions. The results showed that it is possible to decode intentions before the onset of different types of motor imagery from functional MR signals obtained from fronto-parietal brain regions, such as the premotor cortex and posterior parietal cortex, while controlling for eye movements and for muscular activity of the hands. These results highlight the critical role played by the aforementioned brain regions in covert motor intentions. Moreover, they have substantial implications for rehabilitating patients with motor disabilities.

Use of Biomedical Engineering for Rehabilitation of Patients with Disability Caused by Guillain-Barré Syndrome: a Systematic Review / Uso de la Ingeniería Biomédica para Rehabilitación de Pacientes con Discapacidad Causada por el Síndrome de Guillain-Barré: Una Revisión Sistemática

Abstract This systematic review aims to assess the extent to which biomedical engineering has been applied in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), given the scarcity of information on this topic. We conducted a thorough analysis of research articles, conference abstracts, and case reports published between 2000 and 2023, specifically from ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Springer, and Dimensions. 19 articles were extensively discussed, complemented by an additional 40 information sources providing supplementary information. Each paper underwent a meticulous review process by the four authors, where each separately examined the title and abstract of the papers and subsequently provided a thorough examination of the full text; when conflicts arose, a clear consensus was reached through discussion. The analysis of the articles revealed a notable improvement in upper and lower limb function of GBS patients that was facilitated by both custom-made and commercial devices. Likewise, a small handful of other devices have been used (e.g., to improve urinary retention issues). There is a clear opportunity for new research, innovation and applications.

Resumen Esta revisión sistemática tiene como objetivo evaluar hasta qué punto se ha aplicado la ingeniería biomédica en la rehabilitación de pacientes que padecen el Síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB), dada la escasez de información sobre este tema. Realizamos un análisis exhaustivo de artículos de investigación, resúmenes de conferencias e informes de casos publicados entre 2000 y 2023, específicamente de ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Springer y Dimensions. Se discutieron ampliamente 19 artículos, complementados con 40 fuentes de información adicionales. Cada artículo pasó por un meticuloso proceso de revisión por parte de los cuatro autores, donde cada uno examinó por separado el título y el resumen de los artículos y posteriormente proporcionó un examen exhaustivo del texto completo; cuando surgieron conflictos, se alcanzó un consenso mediante la discusión. El análisis de los artículos reveló una mejora notable en la función de las extremidades superiores e inferiores de los pacientes con SGB que fue facilitada por dispositivos tanto hechos a medida como comerciales. Asimismo, se han creado un pequeño puñado de otros dispositivos, (por ejemplo, para mejorar los problemas de retención urinaria). Existe una clara oportunidad para nueva investigación, innovación y aplicaciones.

Disfunciones ejecutivas en la rehabilitación física de población con accidente cerebrovascular: revisión narrativa

Introducción: Seguir instrucciones, inhibir distracciones del entorno, planificar y ejecutar actos motores complejos, así como controlar la impulsividad; son habilidades ejecutivas fundamentales para participar de un programa de rehabilitación de manera satisfactoria. El propósito de esta revisión es concientizar al equipo rehabilitador sobre la importancia de las disfunciones ejecutivas en el proceso de rehabilitación de personas post ACV. Método: se realizó una revisión de literatura a través de las bases de datos PubMed, Embase, Web of Science y Cochrane Library, incluyendo artículos publicados hasta abril 2023. Se emplearon combinaciones de términos de búsqueda para tres categorías: ACV, funciones ejecutivas (FE), y disfunciones ejecutivas. Se seleccionaron diseños de corte transversal, ensayos clínicos y revisiones sistemáticas que incluyeran los términos funciones /disfunciones ejecutivas y ACV. Resultados: Se identificaron 174 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de búsqueda, de los cuales fueron descartados 121 por abordar conceptos distintos al objetivo de estudio y 7 artículos que se encontraban duplicados. Fueron seleccionados 46 artículos considerando su pertinencia, relevancia y actualización en el tema. Conclusión: El deterioro de las EF es un síndrome heterogéneo en el cual la interacción simultánea de múltiples procesos cognitivos, como la capacidad para razonar y resolver problemas a menudo se ve gravemente comprometida. Este deterioro puede resultar perjudicial durante el proceso rehabilitador posterior a un ACV, ya que los componentes de la función ejecutiva son principios necesarios para el funcionamiento en el mundo real.

Introduction: Following instructions, inhibiting distractions from the environment, planning and executing complex motor task, as well as controlling impulsivity are fundamental executive skills to participate in a rehabilitation program in a satisfactory manner. The purpose of this review is to make the rehabilitation team aware of the importance of executive dysfunctions in the rehabilitation process of post-stroke patients. Method: a literature review was carried out using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases, including articles published up to April 2023. Combinations of search terms were used for three categories: stroke, executive functions (EF) and executive dysfunctions. We selected cross-sectional designs, clinical trials and systematic review that included the terms /dysfunctions and stroke. Results: we identified 174 articles that met the search criteria, of which 121 were discarded because they addressed concepts other than the study objective and 7 articles were found to be duplicates. Forty-six articles were selected considering their pertinence, relevance and up-to-dateness in the subject. Conclusion: impaired EF is a heterogeneous syndrome in which the simultaneous interaction of multiple cognitive processes, such as the ability to reason and solve problems is often severely compromised. This impairment can be detrimental during the post-stroke rehabilitative process, as components of executive function are necessary principles for real-world functioning.

Exploring the art and experiences of painters with epilepsy / Explorando a arte e as experiências de pintores com epilepsia

This narrative review addresses the world of artists who linked their creative journeys alongside their battles with epilepsy, a neurological condition engineered by recurrent epileptic seizures, with multifaceted implications in biopsychosocial domains. By examining the lives and works of celebrated artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and contemporary painters, particularly those possibly affected by epilepsy, a narrative transcends clinical elucidations, investigating historical contexts, artistic expressions, and therapeutic interventions. The focus is on uncovering the transformative influence of engaging in artistic activities for individuals struggling with epilepsy. It investigates the profound impact of artistic pursuits on people affected by epilepsy, showing the resilience of the human spirit in harnessing adversity as a source of creativity. This exploration illuminates the potential of art, not only as a means of self-expression, but also as a therapeutic medium in the setting of epilepsy and associated neurorehabilitation.

Esta revisão narrativa aborda o mundo dos artistas que associaram as suas jornadas criativas paralelamente às suas batalhas contra a epilepsia, uma condição neurológica caracterizada por ataques epilépticos recorrentes, com implicações multifacetadas em domínios biopsicossociais. Ao examinar as vidas e obras de artistas célebres como Vincent Van Gogh e pintores contemporâneos, particularmente aqueles possivelmente afetados pela epilepsia, a narrativa transcende as elucidações clínicas, investigando contextos históricos, expressão artística e intervenções terapêuticas. O foco está em desvendar a influência transformadora do envolvimento em atividades artísticas para indivíduos que lutam contra a epilepsia. Ele investiga o profundo impacto das atividades artísticas nas pessoas afetadas pela epilepsia, mostrando a resiliência do espírito humano ao aproveitar a adversidade como uma fonte de criatividade. Esta exploração ilumina o potencial da arte, não apenas como meio de autoexpressão, mas também como meio terapêutico no cenário da epilepsia e da neurorreabilitação associada.

Natural Semantic Networks of the Neurorehabilitation Concept by Spanish Physiotherapists-A Qualitative Phenomenological Representational Study.

The Natural Semantic Networks (NSN) model is highly useful in analyzing the words that define a concept in terms of the value, strength, weight, or density that a specific population assigns to the construction of a learned concept. The main objective of this study was to describe the conceptualization of the concept of neurorehabilitation by Spanish physiotherapists specializing in this field using NSN. A phenomenological study is presented. The participants were physiotherapy professionals who graduated from three Spanish universities and were working in the field of neurorehabilitation. A questionnaire was administered via Google Forms, which was constructed using the NSN technique. A total of 191 physiotherapists participated in this study. The Spanish physiotherapists interviewed used a total of 1247 defining words for the concept of neurorehabilitation. The semantic core of the concept was mainly formed by the words 'treatment', 'recovery', 'functionality', 'neuroplasticity', and 'learning', which carried significant weight. Results were also presented taking into account the academic level and years of professional experience of the sample. The semantic network observed in this study allows us to elucidate the polysemy of the concept of neurorehabilitation, which is composed not only of certain associated words but also the meanings they imply.

Aphasia improvement without logotherapy during motor neurorehabilitation of post-stroke hemiparesis using virtual reality or modified constraint-induced movement therapy: A retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Some research suggests that post-stroke aphasia can recover "on its own", however, there is evidence of a common neural substrate for motor and language systems. We hypothesize, that motor neurorehabilitation of hemiparesis could be related to simultaneous improvement in aphasia. OBJECTIVE: To measure changes in post-stroke aphasia and its relation with hemiparesis treated with different therapies. METHODS: Database information (n = 32) on post-stroke hemiparesis (Fugl-Meyer Scale evaluated) managed with virtual reality (VR) versus modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) or regular therapy (rPT/OT) was analyzed. None received logotherapy (LT) by appointment at four months. INCLUSION CRITERIA: < 3 months after the stroke, aphasia severe (Boston Aphasia Intensity Scale), and all three evaluations. RESULTS: Twenty-one patient records met inclusion criteria (71,4% women and mean age 66,67±3,13 years) who received VR, mCIMT, or rPT/OT (n = 6, 8, and 7, respectively). There was continuous intra-groups improvement in aphasia (p < 0.05), but inter-groups the greater aphasia recovery (p = 0.05) and hemiparesis (p = 0.02) were in VR, with a high correlation in evolution between them (r = 0.73; p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: High clinical correlation between aphasia, without LT, and hemiparesis evolution during motor neurorehabilitation would support common neural connections stimulation. We will conduct a clinical trial, with a larger sample size to contrast our hypothesis.

Cognitive functions in COVID-19 survivors, approaches strategies, and impact on health systems: a qualitative systematic review.

Post-COVID syndrome has been defined as signs and symptoms that develop after an infection consistent with COVID-19 and continue for more than 12 weeks, including neurocognitive signs and symptoms that have an impact on the functioning and quality of life of middle-aged adult and older survivors. This systematic review describes the current knowledge of long-term cognitive impairments in COVID-19 survivors, approaches strategies, and their impact on public and private health services worldwide. The systematic review was conducted under the criteria and flowchart established in the PRISMA statement, considering studies from the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases between 2020 and 2023. The included studies considered participants over 40 years of age, COVID-19 survivors. A total of 68 articles were included, most of which had high to excellent quality. The analysis showed the presence of heterogeneous cognitive symptoms in COVID survivors, persistent for at least 12 weeks from the onset of infection, mostly unsystematized and nonspecific approaches strategies, and a lack of methods for monitoring their effectiveness, with a significant economic and logistical impact on health systems. Specific protocols are required for the rehabilitation of persistent cognitive dysfunction in COVID-19 survivors, as well as longitudinal studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.

Neuro rehabilitation effectiveness based on virtual reality and tele rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis in Argentina: Reavitelem study.

Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a new treatment approach in neurorehabilitation (NR). REAVITELEM Study is a specific NR intervention program based on VR at center (VRC) and tele-rehabilitation (TR) in Argentina. Methods First national multicenter study with a 12-week program intervention of VRC and TR. Participants were assessed at baseline, at 6th and 12th week. Phase I: recruitment and gather of 5 NR Centers from Argentina by the coordinator center (INEBA) to unify evaluation and intervention criteria. Phase II, all centers completed VRC an TR programs. Intervention was 30-minute session, twice a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Fist and Key Pinch Dynamometry, Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen, Fatigue Severity Scale, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), International Questionnaire investigating Quality of life in MS (MusiQol) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of satisfaction after treatment. Results A total of 54 PWMS (23 males) were recruited for VRC. Afterwards, 14 completed TR. The mean age for VRC was 44.72 (SD ± 13.74) and 41.71 (SD ± 10.5) for TR. The median EDSS was 4, 75 for VR. At VRC, 42 have RRMS, 8 have SPMS and 4 PPMS. At TR, 13 have RRMS and 1 have SPMS. The VAS reported an excellent level of satisfaction after treatment with an average of 9, 02 (SD±1.35) in VRC and 9.42 (SD±0.66) in TR. There were significant differences for MusiQol, which improved from baseline to the post-intervention assessment at VRC (p=<0.001) and at TR (p = 0.004) as well as FIM post-intervention assessment at VCR (p = 0.02) and TR (p = 0.04). Conclusion this study suggest that the NR treatment based on VR in MS in Argentina, is an additional effective tool, which favors improvements in the level of functioning in activities of daily living, quality of life, mood, and satisfaction with the treatment.

The Importance of Sleep for Successful Neurorehabilitation after Stroke.

Sleep has important clinical implications for neurorehabilitation after stroke. We aimed to systematically explore sleep (including naps) as an essential factor in the neurorehabilitation of patients after stroke. After titles and abstracts were screened, 49 full texts were reviewed, and 7 were included in this review. Data were extracted and assessed for quality and risk of bias. We looked at any neurorehabilitation setting, and compared sleep with no sleep and explored these factors in stroke patients versus healthy individuals. Rehabilitation is critical for many activities that may need to be learned or re-learned following stroke and for returning to everyday life. In this context, sleep is essential in neurorehabilitation and physical therapy practice as it supports neuroplasticity, memory, and learning. The available data suggest that sleep should be considered in the treatment plan for successfully targeted physiotherapy to optimize cognitive and motor learning. Physical therapists should advise about sleep hygiene and therapies to improve sleep, both quality and quantity.

Neurorrestauración integral en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente-recurrente: estudio piloto / Comprehensive neurorestoration in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

Introducción: La neurorrestauración integral en la esclerosis múltiple mejora los déficits funcionales. Dentro de la atención de las personas con la enfermedad, se ha incluido la valoración de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, que es un elemento clave para la evaluación subjetiva de las influencias del estado de salud actual. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de la neurorrestauración integral en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente-recurrente. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental en 78 pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente-recurrente, tratados en el Hospital Universitario Clínico-quirúrgico Arnaldo Milián Castro de Santa Clara, en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2014 a diciembre de 2020. Los pacientes se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en un grupo estudio y un grupo control, asignados por sorteo. Resultados: En cuanto a las actividades de la vida diaria mostró una media al final de la intervención de 95,89 para el grupo estudio; y para el grupo control de 81,28. Posterior a la intervención se evidenció una mejoría del funcionamiento de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud del grupo estudio en los componentes de la escala en comparación con los controles. Conclusiones: se determinó como el desarrollo de intervenciones promueven el mayor bienestar posible de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente-recurrente a través de la neurorrestauración integral(AU)

Introduction: Comprehensive neurorestoration in Multiple Sclerosis improves functional deficits. The assessment of health-related quality of life, which is a key element for the subjective evaluation of the influences of the current state of health, has been included in the care of people with the disease. Objective: To determine the influence of comprehensive neurorestoration on the health-related quality of life of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in 78 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated at the "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical-Surgical University Hospital in Santa Clara, in the period between January 2014 and December 2020. The patients were randomly assigned to a study group and a control group. Results: Regarding activities of daily living, the study group showed a mean of 95.89 at the end of the intervention, while the control group showed a mean of 81.28. After the intervention, an improvement in the functioning of the health-related quality of life of the study group was evidenced in the components of the scale, compared with the controls. Conclusions: It was determined that the development of interventions through comprehensive neurorestoration promote the best possible well-being of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis(AU)

Sensory and motor cortical excitability changes induced by rTMS and sensory stimulation in stroke: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: The ability to produce coordinated movement is dependent on dynamic interactions through transcallosal fibers between the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain. Although typically unilateral, stroke induces changes in functional and effective connectivity across hemispheres, which are related to sensorimotor impairment and stroke recovery. Previous studies have focused almost exclusively on interhemispheric interactions in the primary motor cortex (M1). Objective: To identify the presence of interhemispheric asymmetry (ASY) of somatosensory cortex (S1) excitability and to investigate whether S1 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with sensory stimulation (SS) changes excitability in S1 and M1, as well as S1 ASY, in individuals with subacute stroke. Methods: A randomized clinical trial. Participants with a single episode of stroke, in the subacute phase, between 35 and 75 years old, were allocated, randomly and equally balanced, to four groups: rTMS/sham SS, sham rTMS/SS, rTMS/SS, and sham rTMS/Sham SS. Participants underwent 10 sessions of S1 rTMS of the lesioned hemisphere (10 Hz, 1,500 pulses) followed by SS. SS was applied to the paretic upper limb (UL) (active SS) or non-paretic UL (sham SS). TMS-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the paretic UL and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) of both ULs assessed M1 and S1 cortical excitability, respectively. The S1 ASY index was measured before and after intervention. Evaluator, participants and the statistician were blinded. Results: Thirty-six participants divided equally into groups (nine participants per group). Seven patients were excluded from MEP analysis because of failure to produce consistent MEP. One participant was excluded in the SSEP analysis because no SSEP was detected. All somatosensory stimulation groups had decreased S1 ASY except for the sham rTMS/Sham SS group. When compared with baseline, M1 excitability increased only in the rTMS/SS group. Conclusion: S1 rTMS and SS alone or in combination changed S1 excitability and decreased ASY, but it was only their combination that increased M1 excitability. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT03329807).

Metodología para el entrenamiento de la marcha convencional en pacientes con lesiones medulares. Estudio preliminar / Metodologia para o treinamento de marcha convencional em pacientes com lesões medulares. Estudo preliminar / Methodology for conventional gait training in patients with spinal injuries. Preliminary study

RESUMEN La lesión de la médula espinal es un estado médico complejo que trastorna la vida de las personas que la padecen, los afectados pasan a ser dependientes por las múltiples secuelas que le acompañan entre las que se destaca la pérdida de la marcha, erigiéndose como una de las prioridades en la neurorrehabilitación. La mayoría de los programas internacionales de neurorrehabilitación no incluyen una metodología definida para la recuperación de la marcha de los pacientes lesionados medulares. Los especialistas del Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica crearon una metodología con este fin. El objetivo del estudio fue comprobar el comportamiento de la aplicación de la metodología, con una muestra de cinco pacientes atendidos en la institución y se utilizaron métodos de análisis de contenido, observación y medición. Los pacientes de la muestra se evaluaron antes y después de aplicada la metodología con las escalas SCIM III, WISCI II. El tratamiento duró ocho semanas para cada paciente. Los resultados mostraron un incremento de la capacidad funcional de la marcha en los pacientes, sin la presencia de complicaciones. Se presupone que el empleo de la metodología puede garantizar un proceso funcional para el entrenamiento de la marcha, de forma organizada en pacientes lesionados medulares.

RESUMO A lesão medular é uma condição médica complexa que perturba a vida das pessoas que sofrem com ela, e os afetados se tornam dependentes devido às múltiplas seqüelas que a acompanham, entre as quais se destaca a perda da caminhada, tornando-a uma das prioridades na neuroreabilitação. A maioria dos programas internacionais de neuroreabilitação não inclui uma metodologia definida para a recuperação de pacientes com lesões da medula espinhal. Os especialistas do Centro Internacional de Restauração Neurológica desenvolveram uma metodologia para este fim. O objetivo do estudo foi testar o comportamento da aplicação da metodologia, com uma amostra de cinco pacientes tratados na instituição, utilizando métodos de análise de conteúdo, observação e medição. Os pacientes da amostra foram avaliados antes e depois da aplicação da metodologia com as escalas SCIM III e WISCI II. O tratamento durou oito semanas para cada paciente. Os resultados mostraram um aumento na capacidade de marcha funcional dos pacientes, sem a presença de complicações. Assume-se que o uso da metodologia pode garantir um processo funcional para o treinamento da marcha de forma organizada em pacientes lesionados pela medula espinhal.

ABSTRACT Spinal cord injury is a complex medical condition that disrupts the lives of people who suffer from it, those affected become dependent due to the multiple sequelae that accompany it, among which the loss of gait stands out, standing as one of priorities in neurorehabilitation. Most international neurorehabilitation programs do not include a defined methodology for gait recovery in spinal cord injured patients. Specialists from the International Center for Neurological Restoration created a methodology for this purpose. The objective of the study was to verify the behavior of the application of the methodology with a sample of 5 patients treated at the institution using content analysis, observation and measurement methods. The patients in the sample were evaluated before and after applying the methodology with the SCIM III, WISCI II scales. Treatment lasted 8 weeks for each patient. The results showed an increase in the functional capacity of walking in the patients, without the presence of complications. It is assumed that the use of the methodology can guarantee a functional process for gait training, in an organized manner in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Neurorehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injury Patients: A Systematic Review / Eficacia de la Realidad Virtual en la Neurorrehabilitación de Pacientes con Lesión de Médula Espinal: una Revisión Sistemática

ABSTRACT This systematic review (SR) analyzed the effectiveness of interventions using virtual reality (VR) technology as a neurorehabilitation therapy in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The SR was developed under the guidelines of the PRISMA statement and the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration, along with the PEDro and National Institute of Health scales to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality. The Cochrane, IEEE, BVS/LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Web of Science databases were browsed to identify studies that, between 2010 and 2020, evaluated the efficacy of these therapies. Out of 353 retrieved studies, 11 were finally selected after the application of the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles presented good methodological quality as they were mostly controlled clinical trials that analyzed mixed therapies with conventional therapies. Interventions based on non-immersive or immersive VR technology that achieved functional motor, balance, and psycho-emotional health improvement with positive effects on motivation, self-confidence, commitment, and active participation were identified in a total sample of 155 SCI patients. It was concluded that such VR technology is an effective tool of neurorehabilitation complementary to conventional therapies, which promotes functional improvement in SCI patients both in the clinic and at home.

RESUMEN Esta revisión sistemática (RS) analizó la eficacia de las intervenciones que utilizan la tecnología de realidad virtual (RV) como terapia de neurorrehabilitación en personas con lesión de médula espinal (LME). La RS fue desarrollada bajo los lineamientos de la declaración PRISMA y las recomendaciones de la Colaboración Cochrane, junto con las escalas de PEDro y del National Institute of Health para evaluar el riego de sesgo y la calidad metodológica. Se revisaron las bases de Cochrane, IEEE, BVS/LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed y Web of Science para identificar estudios que, entre 2010 y 2020, evaluaron la eficacia de dichas terapias. De 353 estudios recuperados, 11 fueron finalmente seleccionados tras la aplicación de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión definidos. Dichos artículos presentaron una buena calidad metodológica, al ser mayormente ensayos clínicos controlados que analizaron terapias mixtas con terapias convencionales. Se identificaron intervenciones basadas en tecnología de RV no inmersiva o inmersiva que lograron una mejora funcional motora, de equilibrio y de salud psico-emocional con efectos positivos de motivación, seguridad, compromiso y activa participación en una muestra total de 155 pacientes con LME. Se concluyó que dicha tecnología de RV es una herramienta eficaz de neurorrehabilitación complementaria a las terapias convencionales, al promover una mejora funcional en pacientes con LME tanto en la clínica como en casa.

Music Based Assessment for Cognitive Functions for Spanish-Speaking Adults With Acquired Brain Injury (ECMUS): A Pilot-Validation Study.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) commonly causes cognitive dysfunction that needs to be assessed and treated to maximize rehabilitation outcomes. Research suggests that music, emotion, and cognition are intimately linked, and that music can contribute to the assessment and treatment of cognitive functions of adults who have suffered from ABI. To this date, no standardized music based assessment tool exists to identify and measure cognitive functioning and mood states of Spanish-speaking persons with ABI at treatment intake and over time. The objective of this study was to develop such a scale and determine its psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, reliability, and concurrent validity. The "Evaluación de la Cognición Musical para Adultos con Lesión Cerebral Adquirida" (in English "Music Based Assessment for Cognitive Functions of Adults with Acquired Brain Injury - ECMUS") was developed and tested at a neurorehabilitation institute in Argentina. Twenty-four healthy adults and 20 adults with ABI were recruited and assessed with the ECMUS. Despite the limited number of participants, this preliminary psychometric examination shows promising results. The tool has an acceptable internal consistency, excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability, and, depending on the subscale, weak to strong correlations to related, nonmusical constructs. Overall, this pilot study opens the possibility to further explore the inclusion of music in assessment procedures of Spanish-speaking individuals with ABI in rehabilitation settings. It is clinically derived and emphasizes evidence-based contributions of the field of music therapy to interdisciplinary assessment and treatment in rehabilitation settings.

A Flexible Pulse Generator Based on a Field Programmable Gate Array Architecture for Functional Electrical Stimulation.

Non-invasive Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a technique applied for motor rehabilitation of patients with central nervous system injury. This technique requires programmable multichannel systems to configure the stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, and pulse width). Most FES systems are based on microcontrollers with fixed architecture; this limits the control of the parameters and the scaling to multiple channels. Although field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) have been used in FES systems as alternative to microcontrollers, most of them focus on signal acquisition, processing, or communication functions, or are for invasive stimulation. A few FES systems report using FPGAs for parameter configuration and pulse generation in non-invasive FES. However, generally they limit the value of the frequency or amplitude parameters to enable multichannel operation. This restricts free selection of parameters and implementation of modulation patterns, previously reported to delay FES-induced muscle fatigue. To overcome those limitations, this paper presents a proof-of-concept (technology readiness level three-TRL 3) regarding the technical feasibility and potential use of an FPGA-based pulse generator for non-invasive FES applications (PG-nFES). The main aims were: (1) the development of a flexible pulse generator for FES applications and (2) to perform a proof-of-concept of the system, comprising: electrical characterization of the stimulation parameters, and verification of its potential for upper limb FES applications. Biphasic stimulation pulses with high linearity (r 2 > 0.9998) and repeatability (>0.81) were achieved by combining the PG-nFES with a current-controlled output stage. Average percentage error in the characterizations was under 3% for amplitude (1-48 mA) and pulse width (20-400 µs), and 0% for frequency (10-150 Hz). A six-channel version of the PG-nFES was implemented to demonstrate the scalability feature. The independence of parameters was tested with three patterns of co-modulation of two parameters. Moreover, two complete FES channels were implemented and the claimed features of the PG-nFES were verified by performing upper limb functional movements involving the hand and the arm. Finally, the system enabled implementation of a stimulation pattern with co-modulation of frequency and pulse width, applied successfully for efficient elbow during repetitions of a functional movement.

Intervención temprana en un lactante con agenesia de cuerpo calloso / Early intervention in a newborn with agenesis of the corpus callosum

Introducción: El programa de estimulación temprana en la primera infancia, está diseñado para promover y mejorar el neurodesarrollo. El cuerpo calloso es una masa arqueada de sustancia blanca, compuesta por un haz de fibras transversales, situada al fondo del surco longitudinal que conecta a ambos hemisferios cerebrales. Se asocia con prematuridad y edad materna avanzada. Objetivo: Demostrar la validez de un programa de intervención temprana en la evolución de un paciente con agenesia de cuerpo calloso en las etapas del neurodesarrollo. Presentación del caso: Lactante venezolano, masculino de 4 meses de edad, blanco, producto de un segundo embarazo. Padres jóvenes, no consanguíneos. A las 19 semanas le realizan ecografía fetal: imagen quística cerebral interhemisférica, sugestivo de agenesia del cuerpo calloso. Parto por cesárea de urgencia: 34 semanas por: CIUR, oligoamnios severo, sufrimiento fetal agudo y preeclampsia, con Apgar 7-9, peso: 1800 g. Es traído al Centro Internacional de Salud La Pradera, con el diagnóstico de agenesia de cuerpo calloso más retardo del desarrollo psicomotor. Se inicia programa de intervención temprana cinco veces por semana con evaluaciones cuatrimestrales. Se involucra a los familiares. A los 18 meses de edad alcanza los hitos longitudinales propios de la edad Conclusiones: La intervención temprana favorece los mecanismos de neuroplasticidad cerebral y proporciona una evolución satisfactoria en las etapas del neurodesarrollo independiente de la agenesia de cuerpo calloso. La participación intensiva de la madre del niño es crucial para el éxito de la intervención(AU)

Introduction: The program of early stimulation in the early childhood is designed to foster and improve neurodevelopment. The callused body is a curved mass of a white substance composed by a beam of transverse fibers located in the back of the longitudinal track that connects both brain hemispheres. It is associated to prematurity and advanced maternal age. Objective: To prove the validity of an early intervention program in the evolution of a patient with agenesis of corpus callosum in the stages of neurodevelopment. Case presentation: Venezuelan newborn, 4 months old, masculine, white skin, product of a second pregnancy. Young parents, no blood relation. At 19 weeks of pregnancy, it is conducted a fetal echography: interhemispheric cystic image, suggestive to agenesis of the corpus callosum. Emergency cesarean section at 34 weeks of pregnancy due to: IUGR, severe oligoamnios; acute fetal distress and preeclampsia, with 7-9 Agar, weight: 1800 g. The newborn was admitted in La Pradera International Health Center with a diagnosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum, and delay in the psychomotor development. It was started a program of early intervention five times in the week with four-monthly assessments. Relatives were involved in the program. At 18 months old, the patient achieved the longitudinal milestones of that age. Conclusions: Early interventions favour brain neuroplasticity mechanisms, and provide a satisfactorily evolution in the stages of neurodevelopment, obviating the agenesis of the corpus callosum. Intensive participation of the child's mother is essential for the success of the intervention(AU)