Effects of Timing and Intensity of Neurorehabilitation on Functional Outcome After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Association Between Pupil Light Reflex and Delirium in Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury: Preliminary Findings

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common neurological complication in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although current clinical guidelines prioritize delirium prevention, no specific tool is tailored to detect early signs of delirium in TBI patients. This preliminary 2-phase observational study investigated the correlation between the pupillary light reflex (PLR), measured with a pupillometer during mechanical ventilation, and the development of postextubation delirium in TBI patients. METHODS: A convenience sample of 26 adults with moderate to severe TBI under mechanical ventilation was recruited during their ICU stay. In phase I, PLR measurements were performed in the first 3 days of ICU admission using automated infrared pupillometry. In phase II, 2 raters independently extracted delirium data in the 72 hours post extubation period from medical records. Delirium was confirmed with a documented medical diagnosis. Point-biserial correlations (rpb) were used to examine the association between PLR scores and the presence of postextubation delirium. Student t tests were also performed to compare mean PLR scores between patients with and without delirium. RESULTS: Ten TBI patients (38%) were diagnosed with postextubation delirium, whereas 16 (62%) were not. Significant correlations between delirium and 2 PLR variables were found: pupil constriction percentage (rpb(24) = -0.526, P = .006) and constriction velocity (rpb(24) = -0.485, P = .012). The t test also revealed a significant difference in constriction percentage and velocity scores between TBI patients with and without delirium (P ≤ .01). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the use of pupillometry in the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation during an ICU stay may help identify TBI patients at risk for delirium after extubation. Although further research is necessary to support its validity, this technological tool may enable ICU nurses to better screen TBI patients for delirium and prevent its development.

A pilot exploration of staff and service-user perceptions of a novel digital health technology (Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant) in complex inpatient rehabilitation

PURPOSE

Digital health technologies have the potential to advance rehabilitation. The Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant (VERA) is a digital technology, co-designed to increase service-user engagement and promote self-management. This qualitative study explored staff and service-user perceptions of implementing VERA on a UK complex inpatient rehabilitation ward.

METHODS

Purposively sampled service-users were allocated to VERA for up to six weeks. The Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability (NASSS) framework underpinned service-user post-intervention interviews and staff focus groups, and structured analysis of the data. Seven service-users were interviewed. Nine staff contributed to focus groups.

RESULTS

A framework analysis identified themes (and subthemes) structured by the NASSS framework domains: 1. Nature of Clinical Condition, 2. Technology (Ease of Use, Holding Information/Resources in a single Digital Location, Appointments), 3. Value Proposition (Structuring Time, Feedback, Unexpected Benefits) 4. Adopters (Confidence in using Technology, Usefulness), 5. Wider Organisation. Ease of use and storage of key information in a single location were beneficial. Reliability, and provision of accurate and timely feedback to staff and service-users, were identified as essential.

CONCLUSIONS

A blended approach is required to meet staff and service-user needs. The potential for VERA in a community setting was identified and requires further investigation. Learning from VERA will support development of other digital technologies and their implementation.

Feasibility of overground exoskeleton gait training during inpatient rehabilitation after severe acquired brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To describe the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of overground exoskeleton gait training (OEGT) integrated into clinical practice for patients after severe acquired brain injury (ABI).

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Eligible patients with severe ABI met the following criteria: age > 18, medically stable, met exoskeleton frame limitations, and a score of ≤ 3 on the motor function portion of the Coma Recovery Scale - Revised (CRS-R). Presence of consciousness disorder was not exclusionary.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

MAIN MEASURES

Outcomes examined safety (adverse events), feasibility (session count and barriers to session completion), and tolerability of OEGT (session metrics and heart rate).

RESULTS

Ten patients with ABI completed 10.4 ± 4.8 OEGT sessions with no adverse events. Barriers to session completion included clinical focus on prioritized interventions. Sessions [median up time = 17 minutes, (IQR: 7); walk time = 13 minutes, (IQR: 9); step count = 243, (IQR: 161); device assist = 74, (IQR: 28.0)] were primarily spent in Very Light to Light heart rate intensities [89%, (IQR: 42%) and 9%, (IQR: 33%), respectively].

CONCLUSION

OEGT incorporated into the rehabilitation plan of care during inpatient rehabilitation after severe ABI was observed to be safe, feasible, and tolerable. However, intentional steps must be taken to facilitate patient safety.

Understanding the Barriers and Facilitators of Digital Health Technology (DHT) Implementation in Neurological Rehabilitation: An Integrative Systematic Review

Background

Digital Health technologies (DHT) have potential to deliver intensive, novel and engaging rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions, yet health services lack a strong track record in embedding DHT into practice. The aim of this review was to synthesise factors that have been shown to influence implementation of DHT into neurological rehabilitation.

Method

An integrative review was undertaken. An extensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE was undertaken. The title and abstract of all retrieved sources were screened against pre-defined criteria. Retained sources underwent full text review. The quality of all included sources was assessed. A meta-ethnographic synthesis explored commonalities and contradictions of the included studies.

Results

Fourteen studies (1 quantitative, 8 qualitative and 5 mixed methods) were included. Eleven implementation theories/models/frameworks were used across the 14 studies. Five themes were identified: (i) individual factors; (ii) user experience of the technology; (iii) the content of the intervention; (iv) access to the technology and (v) supporting use.

Conclusions

Key factors which appear to influence the implementation of DHT into clinical settings are highlighted. Implementation theories, models and frameworks are under-utilised in DHT rehabilitation research. This needs to be addressed if DHT are to realise their potential in neurological rehabilitation.

Registration

The protocol was registered and is available from PROSPERO (CRD42021268984).

Trajectories of fatigue and related outcomes following mild acquired brain injury: a multivariate latent class growth analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fatigue is a common symptom following acquired brain injury although the severity and course differs for many individuals. This longitudinal study aimed to identify latent trajectory classes of fatigue and associated outcomes following mild brain injury.

METHODS

204 adults with mild traumatic brain injury (159; 78%) or minor stroke (45; 22%) were assessed 4 times over 1 year. Subjective measures of fatigue, anxiety, depression, cognitive complaints and societal participation were collected. Multivariate Latent Class Growth Analysis identified classes of participants with similar longitudinal patterns. Demographic and injury characteristics were used to predict class membership.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed four classes. Class 1 (53%) had mild, decreasing fatigue with no other problems. Class 2 (29%) experienced high persistent fatigue, moderate cognitive complaints and societal participation problems. Class 3 (11%) had high persistent fatigue with anxiety, depression, cognitive complaints and participation problems. Class 4 (7%) experienced decreasing fatigue with anxiety and depression but no cognitive or participation problems. Women and older individuals were more likely to be in class 2.

CONCLUSION

Half the participants had a favourable outcome while the remaining classes were characterised by persistent fatigue with cognitive complaints (class 2), decreasing fatigue with mood problems (class 4) or fatigue with both cognitive and mood problems (class 3). Fatigue treatment should target combinations of problems in such individual trajectories after mild brain injury.

Prolonged duration of post-traumatic amnesia: A sensitive classification for predicting cognitive outcomes in children recovering from traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

A paucity of data exists regarding the duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) as a predictor of cognitive functioning among children after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aimed to assess the relationship between PTA duration and areas of neurocognitive function among the pediatric population in the sub-acute phase of recovery and rehabilitation.

METHODS

Data were collected from medical files on 103 children aged 5.5-16.5 hospitalized at a pediatric rehabilitation department with a diagnosis of moderate-severe TBI (msTBI) between the years 2004-2019. The Children Orientation and Amnesia Test was used to evaluate PTA duration. Measures of high-order cognitive abilities of attention and executive function were collected using the Test of Everyday Attention-Child version (TEA-Ch).

RESULTS

Three PTA duration groups were assembled out of a cluster analysis: "Long PTA" (M = 21 days), "Very Long PTA" (M = 47 days), and "Extremely Long PTA" (M = 94 days). Analyses revealed that the "Long PTA" group preformed significantly better than the "Very Long PTA" and "Extremely Long PTA" groups on all TEA-Ch measures, that is, Selective Attention, Attentional Control Switching, and Sustained Attention.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to demonstrate that PTA duration is a useful predictor of high-order cognitive functions among children with msTBI in the sub-acute phase of recovery and rehabilitation. The findings emphasize the importance of using a more sensitive classification of prolonged PTA durations to improve outcome prediction and allocation of resources to those who can benefit most after severe brain injuries.

"Your brain can't wait": perspectives of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury and their parents on physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase

PURPOSE

Physical interventions during subacute rehabilitation have potential to improve functional recovery. This study explored the perspectives of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their parents with respect to physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase.

METHODS

Thirteen children and adolescents with ABI and their parents were included and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: 1) beliefs of physical rehabilitation, 2) content of physical rehabilitation, 3) tailored care, 4) impact of context, 5) communication and 6) transition. The importance of intensive physical practice was widely supported. The positive can-do mentality was emphasised to create an atmosphere of hope, meaning that every effort would be made to achieve maximum recovery. Intensive involvement of parents is considered essential during subacute rehabilitation including an open and mutual dialogue about the focus of rehabilitation, therapy goals and future participation in their own environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the need for an intensive rehabilitation approach, tailored to the individual's needs. The perspectives of children and adolescents and their parents in our study contribute to a better understanding of factors that are important for optimal recovery through physical rehabilitation during the subacute phase.

Rehabilitation of Older Asian Traumatic Brain Injury Inpatients: A Retrospective Study Comparing Functional Independence between Age Groups

Across traumatic brain injury (TBI) severities, a geriatric TBI tsunami has emerged. Mixed outcomes are reported for elderly TBI with positive functional improvements with acute inpatient rehabilitation. We studied the effect of age at TBI on discharge functional outcomes, levels of independence and length of stay. A retrospective analysis of Asian TBI patients during inpatient rehabilitation over a 4-year period was conducted. Independent variables included admission GCS, post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) duration and injury subtypes. Primary outcomes were discharge Functional Independence Measure (Td-FIM) and FIM gain. In total, 203 datasets were analysed; 60.1% (122) were aged ≥65 years (older), while 39.9% (81) were <65 years (younger). At discharge, older TBI had a significantly lower Td-FIM by 15 points compared to younger (older 90/126 vs. younger 105/126, p < 0.001). Median FIM gains (younger 27 vs. older 23, p = 0.83) and rehabilitation LOS (older 29.5 days vs. younger 27.5 days, p = 0.79) were similar for both age groups. Older TBIs had significantly lower independence (Td-FIM category ≥ 91) levels (49.4% older vs. 63.9% younger, p = 0.04), higher institutionalisation rates (23.5% older vs. 10.7% younger, p = 0.014) and need for carers (81.5% older vs. 66.4% younger, p = 0.019) on discharge. Although 77% of older TBI patients returned home, a significantly higher proportion needed care. This study supports the functional benefits of TBI rehabilitation in increasing independence regardless of age without incurring longer inpatient rehabilitation days.

Perspectives of telehealth access and implementation in people recovering from serious transport injury, health care providers and compensation system staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

INTRODUCTION

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, few injury compensation schemes supported access to service-delivery via telehealth. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of people recovering from serious transport injury, health care providers, and senior staff of a transport injury compensation scheme, in relation to the uptake and implementation of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its ongoing use.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 35 participants, including 15 seriously injured patients, 16 health care providers and 4 compensation scheme staff. A thematic analysis was performed using a framework approach.

RESULTS

Themes identified included the need to provide continuity of care via telehealth during the pandemic for patients recovering from injury, and the associated organisational and technical support needs. It was noted that some types of services worked well via telehealth, including psychology, while others did not, including physical assessments. The convenience of telehealth was highlighted, in relation to reduced travel. However, there were often safety fears relating to falls, and communication issues with injured people.

CONCLUSIONS

This research found that the majority of injured patients and health care providers had benefitted from the introduction of service delivery via telehealth during the pandemic for some types of services. Participants saw opportunities for continued benefit post-pandemic, particularly for improving equity of access to health care for people with barriers to mobility and travel.

Effects of music therapy on mood, pain, and satisfaction in the neurologic inpatient setting

PURPOSE

Music therapy (MT) has been used in health care settings for a wide variety of treatment goals. Many inpatients with neurologic impairments struggle with low mood and pain for which MT may be a novel adjunct treatment. The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate change in mood and pain following a single MT session; (2) explore the impact of an MT program on mood, pain and satisfaction from the perspective of the patient, family and staff.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mixed-methods study was conducted. Forty participants completed pre/post MT surveys evaluating mood, pain and satisfaction. Individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 14 MT program participants (inpatients), 5 family members of participants and 16 staff.

RESULTS

There was significant improvement in mood (p < 0.001) and decrease in pain (p < 0.05) from pre-to-post MT with 74% reporting being "very satisfied" with the session. "Benefits of MT" was the overarching theme of the qualitative data. Subthemes were emotional regulation, pain management, effects on self-concept, enjoyment, and social connectedness.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in mood and pain were reported from pre-to-post MT session and in interviews. Further evaluation of MT effectiveness against standard of care rehabilitation and cost implications is required.Implications for RehabilitationMusic therapy (MT) is delivered by accredited music therapists (MTAs) in health care settings, including rehabilitation units, as an individual, group or co-treatment therapy.MT can be used for a range of health outcomes, including the treatment of mood and pain, in addition to improving inpatient satisfaction.Early evidence using pre/post MT surveys suggests an improvement in mood and pain following a single therapy session.Qualitative data suggest overall benefit of offering MT services in addition to standard neurorehabilitation therapy, including improvements to emotional regulation, pain management, self-concept, enjoyment, and social connectedness.

Development of expert consensus to guide physical rehabilitation in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury during the subacute phase

OBJECTIVE

To develop consensus among experts to guide physical rehabilitation in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury during the subacute phase.

DESIGN

International Delphi study.

METHODS

A 3-round online Delphi study was conducted with 11 international experts in rehabilitation for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury. The first round consisted of open-ended questions; the second and third round consisted of ranking 139 statements on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

The panel reached consensus on 116/139 statements. Consensus was reached on the importance of age, pre-injury developmental stage and the clinical presentation of the child when determining content and focus of physical rehabilitation. In addition, consensus was reached on the importance of participation-focused interventions, and involvement of family members in goal-setting and therapeutic activities. Although dosage was deemed very important, no consensus was reached for determination of dose-response variables to suit and influence the child's needs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a framework for clinicians to design physical rehabilitation interventions in children with acquired brain injury in the sub-acute recovery phase. The promotion of physical activity in meaningful contexts and involvement of family members are considered as important components to optimize recovery.

Early neuro-rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury: the need for an African perspective

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public health challenge, affecting about 69 million individuals annually and being one of the leading causes of mortality. It has adverse consequences in terms of cognitive and physical functioning, which makes rehabilitation interventions an integral part of its management. Early neuro-rehabilitation guidelines for traumatic brain injury have not yet been developed and implemented in most of Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa. BODY: We aimed with this Opinion to propose a collective reflection on the development and implementation of early neuro-rehabilitation guidelines as an integral part of the care in traumatic brain injury. The different aspects to be considered for reflection have been highlighted: Traumatic brain injury severity to be considered in early neuro-rehabilitation; who should be assessed and receive early neurorehabilitation, barriers to be considered for early neurorehabilitation; what early neurorehabilitation to be considered; the different phases involved in rehabilitation after mild, moderate, and severe TBI; and lastly, what perspective for the creation of neurorehabilitation teams. In conclusion, neuro-rehabilitation should start at the time of admission and should continue from the intensive care unit through the community for the moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury population. However, mild TBI should also be considered for long-term follow-up in the community due to the fact that some mild traumatic brain injury patients might develop chronic cognitive problems or fatigue with time.

CONCLUSION

Neurorehabilitation should start at the time of admission and continue from the intensive care unit through the community for the moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury population. There is a need to develop, agree on, and implement guidelines on early neuro-rehabilitation interventions for patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury in the African region, where disparities in care are common reality.

Psychosocial functioning mediates change in motor and cognitive function throughout neurorehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injury (ABI-RESTaRT)

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the mediational role of change in psychosocial abilities, adjustment and participation on change in motor and cognitive function from admission to discharge from a staged community-based brain injury rehabilitation (SCBIR) service in Western Australia, 2011-2020.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of n = 324 adults with ABI enrolled in SCBIR using routinely collected rehabilitation outcome measures data. Motor and cognitive function were assessed with the UK Functional Independence and Assessment Measure and psychosocial function with the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4. Six multilevel mediation regression analyses were conducted to determine whether change in psychosocial function (abilities, adjustment and participation) mediated change in motor and cognitive function from admission to discharge.

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated clinically significant improvements in both motor (+ 11.8, p < 0.001) and cognitive (+ 9.5, p < 0.001) functioning from admission to discharge. Statistically significant improvements in psychosocial abilities (- 4.8, p < 0.001), adjustment (- 2.9, p = 0.001) and participation (- 2.5, p < 0.001) were also seen but were not clinically significant. Mediation analyses showed that participation accounted for 81% of improvements in motor function at discharge and 71% of cognitive function improvements. Adjustment accounted for 26% and 32% of change in motor and cognitive function, respectively. Abilities accounted for 60% of change in cognitive function but did not significantly influence change in motor function. Changes in psychosocial participation fully mediated change in motor function during neurorehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial function, particularly participation, is an important driver of motor and cognitive recovery throughout neurorehabilitation. Functional rehabilitation programs should target psychosocial improvement as an important mechanism of change.

Time from injury and age interact in relationship with perceived quality of life outcomes following vocation-focused neuropsychological rehabilitation

At the group level, community-based neuropsychological rehabilitation interventions with a vocational focus are generally effective among individuals with brain injuries. However, individual participants vary significantly in the extent of their improvement, prompting attempts to elucidate individual, injury-related, and environmental factors affecting prognosis. In this study, we examined the relationships between one such factor - "time from injury" (the time between injury and intervention) - and two outcome measures: employment status and perceived quality of life (PQoL), in 157 brain injury survivors, before and after a holistic neuropsychological vocational rehabilitation program. We also examined whether relationships between the variables were moderated by age at onset of treatment and injury severity. In the entire sample, both the proportion of employed participants and average PQoL increased following program participation. Neither, time from injury, severity, nor age at onset of treatment predicted the increase in employment proportion, and severity was not a significant predictor of PQoL. However, an interactive effect indicated that when treatment was started at a younger age, longer time from injury predicted higher levels of PQoL, but when treatment was started at older ages, longer time from injury predicted lower levels of PQoL. When interpreted alongside existing literature, these results suggest that delaying vocational components of rehabilitation can be beneficial for younger participants, while the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation can be maximized by starting as early as possible among older participants. Most importantly, regardless of age, it appears that vocational rehabilitation can be effective even when initiated many years after injury.

Review: Emerging Eye-Based Diagnostic Technologies for Traumatic Brain Injury

The study of ocular manifestations of neurodegenerative disorders, Oculomics, is a growing field of investigation for early diagnostics, enabling structural and chemical biomarkers to be monitored overtime to predict prognosis. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a cascade of events harmful to the brain, which can lead to neurodegeneration. TBI, termed the "silent epidemic" is becoming a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. There is currently no effective diagnostic tool for TBI, and yet, early-intervention is known to considerably shorten hospital stays, improve outcomes, fasten neurological recovery and lower mortality rates, highlighting the unmet need for techniques capable of rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnostics, implemented in the earliest stages. This review focuses on the latest advances in the main neuropathophysiological responses and the achievements and shortfalls of TBI diagnostic methods. Validated and emerging TBI-indicative biomarkers are outlined and linked to ocular neuro-disorders. Methods detecting structural and chemical ocular responses to TBI are categorised along with prospective chemical and physical sensing techniques. Particular attention is drawn to the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive sensing of neurological molecular signatures in the ocular projections of the brain, laying the platform for the first tangible path towards alternative point-of-care diagnostic technologies for TBI.

Conceptualization, use, and outcomes associated with empathy and compassion in physical medicine and rehabilitation: a scoping review

The purpose of this review is to scope the literature on the conceptualization, use, and outcomes associated with empathy and compassion in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Eligible studies included quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research that presented primary data on the conceptualization, use, and outcomes associated with empathy and compassion in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Relevant studies were identified through CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PEDRO. Twenty-four studies were included (participant n = 3715): 13 quantitative, six mixed-methods, and five qualitative. In qualitative analysis, empathy and compassion were conceptualized as both intrinsic and exhibitory. Where self-compassion was examined as an intervention for patients, improvements in anxiety, depression, and quality of life were reported. Survey data suggested that when rehabilitation health care providers were perceived to be more empathic, patients reported greater treatment satisfaction, acceptance, adherence, and goal attainment. Individuals receiving and health care providers who deliver rehabilitative care conceptualize empathy and compassion as valuable in physical medicine and rehabilitation settings, with cognitive and behavioural elements described. Health care provider empathy and compassion-based interventions may influence outcomes positively in this context. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action of empathy and compassion and effectiveness in physical medicine and rehabilitation settings.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Clinical Practice Guideline: Cognitive Rehabilitation for the Management of Cognitive Dysfunction Associated With Acquired Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

Cognitive-communication impairments following acquired brain injury (ABI) can have devastating effects on a person's ability to participate in community, social, vocational, and academic preinjury roles and responsibilities. Guidelines for evidence-based practices are needed to assist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other rehabilitation specialists in the delivery of cognitive rehabilitation for the adult population.

PURPOSE

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, in conjunction with a multidisciplinary panel of subject matter experts, developed this guideline to identify best practice recommendations for the delivery of cognitive rehabilitation to adults with cognitive dysfunction associated with ABI.

METHOD

A multidisciplinary panel identified 19 critical questions to be addressed in the guideline. Literature published between 1980 and 2020 was identified based on a set of a priori inclusion/exclusion criteria, and main findings were pooled and organized into summary of findings tables. Following the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence to Decision Framework, the panel drafted recommendations, when appropriate, based on the findings, overall quality of the evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, resource implications, and the feasibility and acceptability of cognitive rehabilitation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This guideline includes one overarching evidence-based recommendation that addresses the management of cognitive dysfunction following ABI and 11 subsequent recommendations focusing on cognitive rehabilitation treatment approaches, methods, and manner of delivery. In addition, this guideline includes an overarching consensus-based recommendation and seven additional consensus recommendations highlighting the role of the SLP in the screening, assessment, and treatment of adults with cognitive dysfunction associated with ABI. Future research considerations are also discussed.

Rehabilitation among individuals experiencing homelessness and traumatic brain injury: A scoping review

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is disproportionately prevalent among individuals experiencing homelessness. While rehabilitation is critical to facilitating recovery after TBI, there is currently limited information on the extent to which rehabilitation is provided to individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI. If unaddressed, this knowledge gap can perpetuate TBI-related challenges and contribute to a repetitive cycle of TBI and homelessness. This scoping review explored the extent to which rehabilitation, including the types of rehabilitation interventions, are available to, or used by, individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI. A systematic search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Clinical Trials, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, and Proquest Nursing and Allied Health) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles that met predetermined eligibility criteria. Gray literature and reference lists of eligible articles were also searched for relevant content. A descriptive numerical summary of extracted data was conducted, and qualitative analytic techniques were applied to analyze the data. Fifteen peer-reviewed articles and three gray literature reports were included, describing interventions for individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI (N = 4), rehabilitation for individuals experiencing homelessness without specific inclusion criteria for TBI (N = 11), and rehabilitation interventions that included individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI, without specific inclusion criteria for experiences of homelessness or TBI (N = 3). This review demonstrates that rehabilitation programs or interventions for this population already exist, and those that are focused on individuals experiencing homelessness are already serving individuals with TBI. Findings highlight opportunities to adapt existing rehabilitation for individuals who experience homelessness and TBI through screening for TBI, conducting cognitive and functional assessments, and tailoring interventions with multidisciplinary teams. Education and training for healthcare professionals working with individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI should be explored, including structured education and training, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, and co-development of educational materials with service users. Research that considers the rehabilitation needs of diverse individuals experiencing homelessness and TBI is urgently needed.

Rehabilitation after paediatric acquired brain injury: Longitudinal change in content and effect on recovery

AIM

To describe cross-sectional and longitudinal variation in neurorehabilitation content provided to young people after severe paediatric acquired brain injury (pABI) and to relate this to observed functional recovery.

METHOD

This was an observational study in a cohort of admissions to a residential neurorehabilitation centre. Recovery was described using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability - Computer Adaptive Testing instrument. Rehabilitation content was measured using the recently described Paediatric Rehabilitation Ingredients Measure (PRISM) and examined using multidimensional scaling.

RESULTS

The PRISM reveals wide variation in rehabilitation content between and during admissions primarily reflecting proportions of child active practice, child emotional support, and other management of body structure and function. Rehabilitation content is predicted by pre-admission recovery, suggesting therapist decisions in designing rehabilitation programmes are shaped by their initial expectations of recovery. However, significant correlations persist between plausibly-related aspects of delivered therapy and observed post-admission recovery after adjusting for such effects.

INTERPRETATION

The PRISM approach to the analysis of rehabilitation content shows promise in that it demonstrates significant correlations between plausibly-related aspects of delivered therapy and observed recovery that have been hard to identify with other approaches. However, rigorous, causal analysis will be required to truly understand the contributions of rehabilitation to recovery after pABI.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Rehabilitation content varies widely between, and during, admissions for neurorehabilitation after paediatric acquire brain injury. Strong correlations are seen between plausibly-related aspects of rehabilitation content and observed recovery, though careful interpretation is necessary.

Balance impairment in patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: Which measures are appropriate for assessment?

Left untreated, balance impairment following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be highly debilitating and hinder activities of daily life. To detect impairments, clinicians need appropriate assessment tools. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a battery of clinical balance assessments in adults with moderate-to-severe TBI within 6-months of injury. Thirty-seven adults with TBI [Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 12 (33 M/4 F) age 18–50 years] participated in balance testing. Assessments included the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), National Institutes of Health Standing Balance Test (NIH-SBT), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), Advanced Functional Gait Assessment (FGA-A), Tandem Gait Test (TGT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Walking While Talking Test (WWTT). We identified pronounced ceiling effects on the BBS and FGA, two widely used clinical balance assessments. The NIH-SBT, WWTT, and FGA used in conjunction with the FGA-A, offered versatility in their capacity to assess patients across the balance severity spectrum. This study provides evidence to support a stepwise approach to balance assessment that can be adapted to the broad range of balance ability found in moderate-to-severe TBI.

Return to School Outcomes among Adults with TBI One Year After Rehabilitation Discharge: A TBIMS Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine return to school outcomes 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation discharge.

DESIGN

Longitudinal observational study using Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database (TBIMS-NDB) data at 1-year post-TBI.

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation centers using follow-up telephone calls.

INDIVIDUALS

Individuals (n = 237) enrolled in the TBIMS-NDB since 2001 between the ages of 18 and 59 years who were engaged in postsecondary education (full or part-time) before recorded TBI.

MAIN MEASURES

Return to school, categorized as in a postsecondary setting at first follow-up (reported hours in school greater than zero at one-year follow-up).

RESULTS

Using an alpha level of 0.05 binary logistic regression analysis identified four predictive variables. Significant predictors of return to school include being of lower age, possessing a higher level of functioning at discharge, reporting lower ratings of disability at discharge, and being able to use a vehicle independently for transportation.

CONCLUSION

Pursuit of higher education is a viable means of community reintegration after TBI. Some individuals with TBI face a myriad of barriers and challenges when returning to school. Study findings may facilitate understanding of how TBI affects return to school and community reintegration outcomes.

After 55 Years of Neurorehabilitation, What Is the Plan?

Neurological disorders often cause severe long-term disabilities with substantial activity limitations and participation restrictions such as community integration, family functioning, employment, social interaction and participation. Increasing understanding of brain functioning has opened new perspectives for more integrative interventions, boosting the intrinsic central nervous system neuroplastic capabilities in order to achieve efficient behavioral restitution. Neurorehabilitation must take into account the many aspects of the individual through a comprehensive analysis of actual and potential cognitive, behavioral, emotional and physical skills, while increasing awareness and understanding of the new self of the person being dealt with. The exclusive adoption by the rehabilitator of objective functional measures often overlooks the values and goals of the disabled person. Indeed, each individual has their own rhythm, unique life history and personality construct. In this challenging context, it is essential to deepen the assessment through subjective measures, which more adequately reflect the patient’s perspective in order to shape genuinely tailored instead of standardized neurorehabilitation approaches. In this overly complex panorama, where confounding and prognostic factors also strongly influence potential functional recovery, the healthcare community needs to rethink neurorehabilitation formats.

A neurobehavioral therapy approach to the rehabilitation and support of persons with brain injury: Practice-based evidence from a UK charitable rehabilitation provider

Background

The treatment and rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury is continually evolving, with increasing recognition of the importance of approaches that adopt a multi-disciplinary biopsychosocial perspective focused on improving adjustment, social participation, and wellbeing. However, there is significant variability as to how such approaches are delivered, across the various stages of recovery, rehabilitation settings, and within different healthcare systems.

Objective

This paper had three aims. The first was to describe the neurobehavioral therapy (NBT) approach to brain injury rehabilitation adopted in our charitable organization. The second aim was to report how the NBT approach evolved in response to changes in referral patterns, and patient needs within a broader, longer-term clinical pathway. The third aim was to assess the effectiveness of the NBT approach by analyzing outcome data.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of standardized outcome data were completed to investigate the effectiveness of our approach. Case vignettes are provided to illustrate the key components of the approach.

Results

Outcome data suggested that the approach is effective in delivering positive outcomes for patients. Furthermore, the data show differences in presentation between three clinical streams (restoration, compensation, and scaffolding) within the NBT approach.

Conclusions

This paper describes the adaption of the ‘traditional' neurobehavioral approach to brain injury rehabilitation into a model of delivery that can benefit a more diverse range of people living with the heterogenous and long-term consequences of brain injury.

Feasibility of virtual reality and treadmill training in traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of treadmill training with virtual reality compared to treadmill training alone and standard of care balance and mobility treatment in chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI).

PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN

Thirty-one individuals with chronic TBI with self-reported and objective balance deficits participated in a 4-week 12 session intervention of treadmill training with virtual reality, treadmill training alone, or standard of care overground therapy.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary measures included recruitment and enrollment rates, retention, tolerance to intervention, completeness of outcome measures, and adverse events. Secondary measures included the Community Balance and Mobility Scale, 10 Meter Walk Test, 6 Minute Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go.

RESULTS

No serious adverse events were reported. All participants completed all training sessions and assessments at all time points. Recruitment, enrollment, and retention rates were high. All groups showed a trend toward improvement in all balance and mobility measures following treatment.

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality and treadmill training are safe and feasibile for individuals with TBI. Participants show improvements on balance and mobility measures following a 4-week intervention. Future research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention compared to other modes of balance and mobility training.

The Outcome of Neurorehabilitation Efficacy and Management of Traumatic Brain Injury

For public health professionals, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its possible protracted repercussions are a significant source of worry. In opposed to patient neurorehabilitation with developed brain abnormalities of different etiologies, neurorehabilitation of affected persons has several distinct features. The clinical repercussions of the various types of TBI injuries will be discussed in detail in this paper. During severe TBI, the medical course frequently follows a familiar first sequence of coma, accompanied by disordered awareness, followed by agitation and forgetfulness, followed by return of function. Clinicians must be aware of common medical issues that might occur throughout the various stages of neurorehabilitation, for example, posttraumatic hydrocephalus, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity and posttraumatic neuroendocrine disorders, at each step of the process. Furthermore, we address problems about the scheduling of various rehabilitation programs as well as the availability of current data for comprehensive rehabilitative neuropsychology techniques.

Pharmacologic Therapies to Promote Recovery of Consciousness

Pharmacologic interventions are commonly used to support rehabilitation efforts of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). The 2018 practice guidelines recommend amantadine in adults with traumatic DoC to promote functional recovery, though several other stimulants are used off-label in clinical practice and trials, such as methylphenidate, bromocriptine, levodopa, and zolpidem. Differences in the mechanisms of action, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, and drug-drug interactions should be considered when selecting the best agent for each individual patient. Overall, pharmacologic stimulants may provide a safe and inexpensive pathway to increased functionality and participation in rehabilitation. This article provides a concise summary of scientific evidence supporting the use of pharmacologic therapies to stimulate recovery of consciousness in patients with DoC.

Multifactorial Causes of Paranoid Schizophrenia With Auditory-Visual Hallucinations in a 31-Year-Old Male With History of Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Abuse

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that classically presents with distortions of thought, behavior, and perceptions that are often misdiagnosed. One difficulty in diagnosing schizophrenia is due to its phenotypically heterogeneous condition that can be precipitated by a combination of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The prevalence of schizophrenia is roughly 1%, but it is often misdiagnosed. Possible differential diagnoses include depression or bipolar disorder with psychosis, psychosis due to a medical condition, schizotypal and schizoid personality disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. 

In this case report, a 31-year-old male presents with thoughts of suicide following a recent exacerbation of his hallucinations. On presentation, the patient presented with a historical diagnosis of “paranoid schizophrenia” as well as a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), poly-substance use disorder, and a family history of schizophrenia. This case serves to highlight the difficulties of making an accurate diagnosis and providing evidenced-based treatment.

Neurorehabilitation through Hippotherapy on Neurofunctional Sequels of Stroke: Effect on Patients' Functional Independence, Sensorimotor/Cognitive Capacities and Quality of Life, and the Quality of Life of Their Caregivers-A Study Protocol

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a high burden illness and the second leading cause of worldwide disability with generally poor recovery rates. Robust benefits of hippotherapy, a novel neurorehabilitation approach, in functional recovery following various severe neurological disabling conditions has been shown. In the present study, we will analyze the effect of a hippotherapy program on the outcome of post-stroke patients in the first year post-stroke.

METHOD

A randomized controlled clinical trial on the effectiveness of hippotherapy (4 weeks/18 weeks hippotherapy/conventional neurorehabilitation) versus conventional neurorehabilitation alone (22 weeks) will be conducted over 48 weeks. In the treated group, one-hour daily hippotherapy sessions will be exclusively conducted during the hippotherapy's cycles, alternated with periods of conventional neurorehabilitation. A test battery will measure both the functional and psychological outcomes. The primary endpoint will be the patient's functional independence. The secondary endpoints will measure the sensorimotor function, autonomy, and quality of life, as well as the caregivers' quality of life.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Individual brain connectome, life history and personality construct influence the brain's functional connectivity and are central to developing optimal tailored neurorehabilitation strategies. According to our current practice, hippotherapy allows the enhancement of substantial neuroplastic changes in the injured brain with significant neurological recovery. The protocol aims to confirm those issues. Trial registration in ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04759326 accessed on 19 February 2021.

Young Adults With Acquired Brain Injury Show Longitudinal Improvements in Cognition After Intensive Cognitive Rehabilitation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an intensive cognitive and communication rehabilitation (ICCR) program on language and other cognitive performance in young adults with acquired brain injury (ABI).

METHOD

Thirty young adults with chronic ABI participated in this study. Treatment participants (n = 22) attended ICCR 6 hours/day, 4 days/week for at least one 12-week semester. Deferred treatment/usual care control participants (n = 14) were evaluated before and after at least one 12-week semester. Pre- and postsemester standardized cognitive assessment items were assigned to subdomains. Between-groups and within-group generalized linear mixed-effects models assessed the effect of time point on overall item accuracy and differences by item subdomain. Subdomain analyses were adjusted for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Between-groups analyses revealed that treatment participants improved significantly faster over time than deferred treatment/usual care participants in overall item accuracy and specifically on items in the verbal expression subdomain. Investigating the three-way interaction between time point, group, and etiology revealed that the overall effects of the treatment were similar for individuals with nontraumatic and traumatic brain injuries. The treatment group showed an overall effect of treatment and significant gains over time in the verbal expression, written expression, memory, and problem solving subdomains. The control group did not significantly improve over time on overall item accuracy and showed significant subdomain-level gains in auditory comprehension, which did not survive correction.

CONCLUSIONS

Sustaining an ABI in young adulthood can significantly disrupt key developmental milestones, such as attending college and launching a career. This study provides strong evidence that integrating impairment-based retraining of language and other cognitive skills with "real-world" application in academically focused activities promotes gains in underlying cognitive processes that are important for academic success as measured by standardized assessment items. These findings may prompt a revision to the current continuum of rehabilitative care for young adults with ABI.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19320068.

Measurement Feedback System for Intensive Neurorehabilitation after Severe Acquired Brain Injury

Outcome of acquired brain injury (ABI) and the potential for neurorehabilitation are subject to distinct heterogeneity between patients. Limited knowledge of the complex constellation of determinants at play interferes with the possibility to deploy precision medicine in neurorehabilitation. Measurement Feedback Systems (MFS) structure clinical data collection and deliver the measurement results as feedback to clinicians, thereby facilitating progress monitoring, promoting balanced patient-centered discussion and shared decision making. Accumulation of clinical data in the MFS also enables data-driven precision rehabilitation medicine. This article describes the development and implementation of a MFS for neurorehabilitation after ABI. The MFS consists of specialized measurement tracks which are developed together with representatives of each discipline in the multidisciplinary team. The MFS is built into a digital platform that automatically distributes measurements among clinicians, at predetermined time points during the inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment and follow-up. The results of all measurements are visualized in individual patient dashboards that are accessible for all clinicians involved in treatment. Since step-wise implementation, 124 patients have been registered on the MFS platform so far, providing an average of more than 200 new measurements per week. Currently, more than 15,000 clinical measurements are captured in the MFS. The current overall completion rate of measurements is 86,4%. This study shows that structured clinical assessment and feedback is feasible in the context of neurorehabilitation after severe ABI. The future directions are discussed for MFS data in our Health Intelligence Program, which aims at periodic care evaluation and the transition of neurorehabilitation care towards precision medicine.

Long-term outcome after severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Expectation of long-term outcome is an important factor in treatment decision-making after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Conclusive long-term outcome data substantiating these decisions is nowadays lacking. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the scientific literature on long-term outcome after sTBI.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed from 2008 to 2020. Studies were included when reporting long-term outcome ≥ 2 years after sTBI (GCS 3-8 or AIS head score ≥ 4), using standardized outcome measures. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the QUIPS tool.

RESULTS

Twenty observational studies were included. Studies showed substantial variation in study objectives and study methodology. GOS-E (n = 12) and GOS (n = 8) were the most frequently used outcome measures. Mortality was reported in 46% of patients (range 18-75%). Unfavourable outcome rates ranged from 29 to 100% and full recovery was seen in 21-27% of patients. Most surviving patients reported SF-36 scores lower than the general population.

CONCLUSION

Literature on long-term outcome after sTBI was limited and heterogeneous. Mortality and unfavourable outcome rates were high and persisting sequelae on multiple domains common. Nonetheless, a considerable proportion of survivors achieved favourable outcome. Future studies should incorporate standardized multidimensional and temporal long-term outcome measures to strengthen the evidence-base for acute and subacute decision-making.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Expectation of long-term outcome is an important factor in treatment decision-making for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). 2. Favourable outcome and full recovery after sTBI are possible, but mortality and unfavourable outcome rates are high. 3. sTBI survivors are likely to suffer from a wide range of long-term consequences, underscoring the need for long-term and multi-modality outcome assessment in future studies. 4. The quality of the scientific literature on long-term outcome after sTBI can and should be improved to advance treatment decision-making.

Physical rehabilitation interventions in children with acquired brain injury: a scoping review

AIM

To synthesize the evidence about the characteristics (frequency, intensity, time, type) and effects of physical rehabilitation interventions on functional recovery and performance in daily functioning in children and young people with acquired brain injury (ABI), including traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and non-TBI, during the subacute rehabilitation phase.

METHOD

Using scoping review methodology, a systematic literature search was performed using four databases. Articles were screened by title and abstract and data from eligible studies were extracted for synthesis.

RESULTS

Nine of 3009 studies were included. The results demonstrated a variety of intervention characteristics: frequency varied between 1 and 7 days per week; time of intervention varied between 25 minutes and 6 hours a day; intervention types were specified in seven studies; and none of the included studies reported details of intensity of intervention. All studies reported positive results on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth (ICF-CY) levels of body function and activities after the intervention period, with study designs of included studies being cohort studies without concurrent controls (n=7) or case reports (n=2).

INTERPRETATION

Inconsistency in results hampers generalizability to guide clinical practice. Physical interventions during subacute rehabilitation have potential to improve functional recovery with intervention characteristics as an important factor influencing its effectiveness. Future well-designed studies are indicated to gain knowledge and optimize rehabilitation practice in paediatric ABI and high-quality research including outcomes across all ICF-CY domains is needed.

Trends in mortality after intensive care of patients with traumatic brain injury in Finland from 2003 to 2019: a Finnish Intensive Care Consortium study

Background

Several studies have suggested no change in the outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) treated in intensive care units (ICUs). This is mainly due to the shift in TBI epidemiology toward older and sicker patients. In Finland, the share of the population aged 65 years and over has increased the most in Europe during the last decade. We aimed to assess changes in 12-month and hospital mortality of patients with TBI treated in the ICU in Finland.

Methods

We used a national benchmarking ICU database (Finnish Intensive Care Consortium) to study adult patients who had been treated for TBI in four tertiary ICUs in Finland during 2003–2019. We divided admission years into quartiles and used multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted for case-mix, to assess the association between admission year and mortality.

Results

A total of 4535 patients were included. Between 2003–2007 and 2016–2019, the patient median age increased from 54 to 62 years, the share of patients having significant comorbidity increased from 8 to 11%, and patients being dependent on help in activities of daily living increased from 7 to 15%. Unadjusted hospital and 12-month mortality decreased from 18 and 31% to 10% and 23%, respectively. After adjusting for case-mix, a reduction in odds of 12-month and hospital mortality was seen in patients with severe TBI, intracranial pressure monitored patients, and mechanically ventilated patients. Despite a reduction in hospital mortality, 12-month mortality remained unchanged in patients aged ≥ 70 years.

Conclusion

A change in the demographics of ICU-treated patients with TBI care is evident. The outcome of younger patients with severe TBI appears to improve, whereas long-term mortality of elderly patients with less severe TBI has not improved. This has ramifications for further efforts to improve TBI care, especially among the elderly.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00701-021-05034-4.

Recommendations for the Design and Implementation of Virtual Reality for Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used for the assessment and treatment of impairments arising from acquired brain injuries (ABIs) due to perceived benefits over traditional methods. However, no tailored options exist for the design and implementation of VR for ABI rehabilitation and, more specifically, traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation. In addition, the evidence base lacks systematic reviews of immersive VR use for TBI rehabilitation. Recommendations for this population are important because of the many complex and diverse impairments that individuals can experience.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to conduct a two-part systematic review to identify and synthesize existing recommendations for designing and implementing therapeutic VR for ABI rehabilitation, including TBI, and to identify current evidence for using immersive VR for TBI assessment and treatment and to map the degree to which this literature includes recommendations for VR design and implementation.

METHODS

This review was guided by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A comprehensive search of 11 databases and gray literature was conducted in August 2019 and repeated in June 2020. Studies were included if they met relevant search terms, were peer-reviewed, were written in English, and were published between 2009 and 2020. Studies were reviewed to determine the level of evidence and methodological quality. For the first part, qualitative data were synthesized and categorized via meta-synthesis. For the second part, findings were analyzed and synthesized descriptively owing to the heterogeneity of data extracted from the included studies.

RESULTS

In the first part, a total of 14 papers met the inclusion criteria. Recommendations for VR design and implementation were not specific to TBI but rather to stroke or ABI rehabilitation more broadly. The synthesis and analysis of data resulted in three key phases and nine categories of recommendations for designing and implementing VR for ABI rehabilitation. In the second part, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2 studies reported on VR for assessment and three for treatment. Studies were varied in terms of therapeutic targets, VR tasks, and outcome measures. VR was used to assess or treat impairments in cognition, balance, and anxiety, with positive outcomes. However, the levels of evidence, methodological quality, and inclusion of recommendations for VR design and implementation were poor.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited research on the use of immersive VR for TBI rehabilitation. Few studies have been conducted, and there is limited inclusion of recommendations for therapeutic VR design and implementation. Future research in ABI rehabilitation should consider a stepwise approach to VR development, from early co-design studies with end users to larger controlled trials. A list of recommendations is offered to provide guidance and a more consistent model to advance clinical research in this area.

Cell-Based Therapies for Traumatic Brain Injury: Therapeutic Treatments and Clinical Trials

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents physical damage to the brain tissue that induces transitory or permanent neurological disabilities. TBI contributes to 50% of all trauma deaths, with many enduring long-term consequences and significant medical and rehabilitation costs. There is currently no therapy to reverse the effects associated with TBI. An increasing amount of research has been undertaken regarding the use of different stem cells (SCs) to treat the consequences of brain damage. Neural stem cells (NSCs) (adult and embryonic) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown efficacy in pre-clinical models of TBI and in their introduction to clinical research. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of TBI and the state of clinical trials aimed at evaluating the use of stem cell-based therapies in TBI. The primary aim of these studies is to investigate the safety and efficacy of the use of SCs to treat this disease. Although an increasing number of studies are being carried out, few results are currently available. In addition, we present our research regarding the use of cell therapy in TBI. There is still a significant lack of understanding regarding the cell therapy mechanisms for the treatment of TBI. Thus, future studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of the transplantation of SCs in TBI.

Heterogeneity Is a Hallmark of Traumatic Brain Injury, Not a Limitation: A New Perspective on Study Design in Rehabilitation Research

Purpose In both basic science and intervention research in traumatic brain injury (TBI), heterogeneity in the patient population is frequently cited as a limitation and is often interpreted as a factor reducing certainty in the generalizability of research findings and as a source of conflicting findings across studies. Historically, much of TBI research in rehabilitation and cognition has relied upon case-control studies, with small to modest sample sizes. In this context, heterogeneity is indeed a significant limitation. Here, however, we argue that heterogeneity in patient profiles is a hallmark characteristic of TBI and therefore cannot be avoided or ignored. We argue that this inherent heterogeneity must be acknowledged and accounted for prior to study design. Fortunately, advances in statistical methods and computing power allow researchers to leverage heterogeneity, rather than be constrained by it. Method In this article, we review sources of heterogeneity that contribute to challenges in TBI research, highlight methodological advances in statistical analysis and in other fields with high degrees of heterogeneity (e.g., psychiatry) that may be fruitfully applied to decomposing heterogeneity in TBI, and offer an example from our research group incorporating this approach. Conclusion Only by adopting new methodological approaches can we advance the science of rehabilitation following TBI in ways that will impact clinical practice and inform decision making, allowing us to understand and respond to the range of individual differences that are a hallmark in this population.

Discriminating cognitive motor dissociation from disorders of consciousness using structural MRI

An accurate evaluation and detection of awareness after a severe brain injury is crucial to a patient's diagnosis, therapy, and end-of-life decisions. Misdiagnosis is frequent as behavior-based assessments often overlook subtle signs of consciousness. This study aimed to identify brain MRI characteristics of patients with residual consciousness after a severe brain injury and to develop a simple MRI-based scoring system according to the findings. We retrieved data from 128 patients and split them into a development or validation set. Structural brain MRIs were qualitatively assessed for lesions in 18 brain regions. We used logistic regression and support vector machine algorithms to first identify the most relevant brain regions predicting a patient's outcome in the development set. We next built a diagnostic MRI-based score and estimated its optimal diagnostic cut-off point. The classifiers were then tested on the validation set and their performance compared using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Relevant brain regions predicting negative outcome highly overlapped between both classifiers and included the left mesencephalon, right basal ganglia, right thalamus, right parietal cortex, and left frontal cortex. The support vector machine classifier showed higher accuracy (0.93, 95% CI: 0.81-0.96) and specificity (0.97, 95% CI: 0.85-1) than logistic regression (accuracy: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.73 - 0.95; specificity: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.75-0.97), but equal sensitivity (0.67, 95% CI: 0.24-0.94 and 0.22-0.96, respectively) for distinguishing patients with and without residual consciousness. The novel MRI-based score assessing brain lesions in patients with disorders of consciousness accurately detects patients with residual consciousness. It could complement valuably behavioral evaluation as it is time-efficient and requires only conventional MRI.

Clinical Neurorehabilitation: Using Principles of Neurological Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Neuroplasticity in Assessment and Treatment Planning

Neurorehabilitation aspires to restore a person to his or her fullest potential after incurring neurological dysfunction. In medical rehabilitation, diagnosis involves assessment of medical conditions and their effects on functioning. It is usually a team effort that involves an amalgam of diagnostic assessments by multiple disciplines, leading to a collection of rehabilitative treatment plans and goals. This article discusses a clinical neurological paradigm, using rigorous clinical assessment of neuropathological and clinical diagnosis, along with prognostication of natural history and recovery. In the context of the role of neuroplasticity in recovery, this paradigm can add significant value to rehabilitation team management and planning. It contributes to enhanced understanding of neurological impairments and syndromes as they relate to functional disability, aiding in targeting deficits and setting treatment goals. Rehabilitation strategies and goals should be informed by natural history and prognosis, and viewed in the framework of the stage of recovery. Prognostic formulations should suggest an emphasis on restorative versus compensatory strategies for functional problems. Treatment planning should be informed by evidence on how interventions modulate brain reorganization in promoting recovery. Strategies that promote adaptive neuroplasticity should be favored, especially with restorative efforts, and evidence supporting optimal techniques, timing, and dosing of rehabilitation should be considered in treatment planning.

The Value and Role of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility: Association of Academic Physiatrists Position Statement

ABSTRACT

Although healthcare is always changing, the inpatient rehabilitation facility has indispensable and enduring roles in patient care, medical education, and research. For patients with complex medical and functional limitations, inpatient rehabilitation facility-level care fosters recovery and community reintegration and plays a strategic role in optimizing healthcare transitions from acute and to postacute settings. It is an incomparable and distinct zone for interprofessional education: the healthcare system is dependent on the inpatient rehabilitation facility as the epicenter for instruction to healthcare professionals on how to care for patients with complex rehabilitation needs. As healthcare evolves, patients' increasing medical complexity requires ongoing research focused on patients' evolving healthcare needs. The inpatient rehabilitation facility alone offers the requisite infrastructure to support such discovery. In this Association of Academic Physiatrists Position Paper, we provide a fresh perspective on the value proposition of the inpatient rehabilitation facility and advocate for this unique clinical environment as a critical component of contemporary healthcare.

The effectiveness of community neurorehabilitation for persons with an acquired brain injury: protocol for a systematic review

Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage after birth.  ABI from either traumatic or non-traumatic origin is a leading cause of death and long-term disability globally.  The impact of an ABI can be cognitive and/ or physical, greatly affecting their ability to function independently.  With a lack of specialist inpatient rehabilitation facilities and services many of these survivors reside within the community either alone, with family or in residential facilities.  Up-to-date evidence is required to indicate which forms of community rehabilitation are most effective in improving cognitive and physical outcomes for survivors. This systematic review aims to explore the clinical effectiveness of community neuro-rehabilitation services for persons living with an ABI. Methods: A systematic review of relevant electronic databases will be undertaken to identify eligible published randomised controlled trials.  The PRISMA statement will be used to guide the systematic review.  From running the initial search, we aim to submit the paper for publishing within 6 months.  This process will be completed using Covidence software.  Two reviewers will independently screen the search results and select studies using pre-defined selection criteria, extract data from and assess risk of bias for selected studies.     Discussion: This systematic review will aim to explore the clinical effectiveness of community neuro-rehabilitation services for persons with an ABI.  It plans to review and synthesize the current best available evidence base. A goal of this study is to positively inform ongoing service development within a quality framework. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020148604 (26/02/2020)

Intensity of usual care physical therapy during inpatient rehabilitation for people with neurologic diagnoses

BACKGROUND

Early, intense rehabilitation is essential to promote recovery after stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, intensity of usual care rehabilitation interventions during inpatient rehabilitation are poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the intensity of usual care rehabilitation interventions completed during the subacute phase of recovery from neurologic injury.

DESIGN

Observational.

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation facility.

INTERVENTIONS

Twenty-two usual care physical therapy interventions were grouped into six categories: gait (four activities), functional (two), strengthening (four), aerobic (six), balance (four), and wheelchair (two).

PATIENTS

Patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with a primary diagnosis of stroke, SCI or TBI within 6 months of injury.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Cardiovascular intensity (physiological and perceived) was recorded during rehabilitation activity sessions. Physiological intensity was assessed by heart rate reserve (HRR) via a Polar A370 Fitness Watch and characterized as very light (<30%), light (30-39%), moderate (40-59%), vigorous (60-89%), and near maximal (≥90%). Perceived intensity was assessed using the Rating of Perceived Exertion scale.

RESULTS

Patients (stroke n = 16 [number of activity sessions = 388/average session duration = 15.1 min]; SCI n = 15 [299/27.3 min]; TBI n = 15 [340/13.4 min]) participated. For patients with stroke, moderate-to-vigorous HRR was attained between 42% (aerobic exercise) to 55% (wheelchair propulsion) of activity sessions. For patients with SCI, moderate-to-vigorous HRR was attained between 29% (strength training) to 46% (gait training) of activity sessions. For patients with TBI, moderate-to-vigorous HRR was attained between 29% (balance activities) to 47% (gait training) of activity sessions. Associations between HRR and rate of perceived exertion were very weak across stroke (r = 0.12), SCI (r = 0.18), and TBI (r = 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stroke, SCI, and TBI undergoing inpatient rehabilitation achieve moderate-to-vigorous intensity during some usual care activities such as gait training. Patient perception of intensity was dissimilar to physiological response.

Recovery of Cognitive and Behavioural Function During Long-term Inpatient Rehabilitation in Patients with Moderate-To-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Evaluation of a Retrospective Case Series

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the characteristics of recovery progression during long-term rehabilitation after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

Longitudinal changes in consciousness, swallowing disorders, activities of daily living, and psychological and behavioural status were studied in 7 patients with moderateto-severe traumatic brain injury, using scores of the National Agency for Automotive Safety & Victim's Aid (NASVA score), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS), Eating Status Scale (ESS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Cognitive-related Behavioural Assessment (CBA), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Scores were collected every month until discharge (median 359 days after injury), or until the study end date for those patients who remained hospitalized (432 days).

RESULTS

Patients were qualitatively classified into those who improved well in the early phase, in terms of consciousness, swallowing, and activities of daily living, and those with less or delayed improvement. Psychological and behavioural difficulties appeared to remain less improved than the other functions for longer periods in many patients. Statistical comparisons that included all 7 patients revealed a significant improvement in NASVA score, GCS, DSS, and ESS, but not in FIM, CBA, and NPI at discharge/at the last measurement compared with scores at admission.

CONCLUSION

Swallowing function is more responsive to long-term rehabilitation in patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, while neuropsychiatric and behavioural difficulties tend to persist for longer periods.

Pattern of injuries and management of adolescent trauma in a combined adult and paediatric major trauma centre in United Kingdom

Background

Major trauma is a leading cause of death and disability in 16–18-year olds in the UK. Since the launch of major trauma centres (MTCs) in 2012 in UK, survival rates have improved on the whole. The aim of this study was to look at the pathways of 16–18-year olds through one MTC and patterns of rehabilitation provision.

Material and methods

A retrospective case notes review of all trauma patients aged between 16 and 18 years admitted to one MTC between October 2012 and May 2018.

Results

One hundred forty-seven young people were identified. 67.3% were male with a mean age of 17.1 years. Motor vehicle accidents were the most common cause of injury (59.2%). Thirty-nine percent had a Glasgow Coma Scale at scene >13. Sixty-three percent were admitted to an adult intensive care unit (ICU), 5.4% to paediatric ICU and 31.3% directly to a ward. Admissions to rehabilitation ward came through adult services with no commissioned equivalent in those admitted to paediatrics. Mean length of stay was 18.1 days. 75.5% of patients were discharged home from the MTC.

Discussion

The majority of young people were admitted on to adult wards and were able to access commissioned services. However, such services do not provide for the specialist needs of young people, with no access to schooling or parent’s accommodation. Those who were admitted to children’s services missed out on commissioned rehabilitation pathways.

Conclusion

Young people of transition age often fall between services. For the first time, we illustrate injury patterns and the fragmented services seen in this vulnerable patient group.

The dose of robot-assisted gait therapy may influence functional recovery in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program: an exploratory retrospective study

Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has been introduced in clinical practice to increase training intensity in patients with neurological disorders. In this observational study, we investigated the effect of the number of RAGT sessions on functional recovery in a heterogeneous cohort of patients. We included patients with a diagnosis of gait impairment due to a neurological disease. A set of demographic, clinical, functional and training parameters was collected for each participant. Each patient received RAGT with an exoskeleton (Lokomat; Hocoma, Volketswil, Switzerland) as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. We stratified the patients as good responders and poor responders and investigated the effect of varying the number of RAGT sessions with a series of logistic regression models. A total of 143 patients were included in this analysis (good responders = 65, poor responders = 78). Good responder patients spent more days in the hospital (P < 0.01) and underwent a higher number of RAGT sessions (P = 0.04) compared to poor responder patients. Logistic regression models estimated that adding six RAGT sessions mildly increased (by approximately 4%) the probability of a patient becoming a good responder. The rehabilitation phase (subacute/chronic) appeared to be the main determinant of the probability of being a good responder, and stroke patients appeared to be more sensitive to changes in the number of RAGT sessions. Our results seem to confirm previous observations that robotic therapy increases the intensity of rehabilitation, possibly leading to a greater functional recovery in subacute patients with greater impairment.

Quality of life after traumatic brain injury: a cross-sectional analysis uncovers age- and sex-related differences over the adult life span

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in the working population and becomes increasingly prevalent in the elderly. Thus, TBI is a major global health burden. However, age- and sex-related long-term outcome regarding patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is yet not clarified. In this cross-sectional study, we present age- and sex-related demographics and HRQoL up to 10 years after TBI using the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) instrument. The QOLIBRI total score ranges from zero to 100 indicating good (≥ 60), moderate (40–59) or unfavorable (< 40) HRQoL. Two-thirds of the entire chronic TBI cohort (102 males; 33 females) aged 18–85 years reported good HRQoL up to 10 years after TBI. TBI etiology differed between sexes with females suffering more often from traffic- than fall-related TBI (p = 0.01) with increasing prevalence during aging (p = < 0.001). HRQoL (good/moderate/unfavorable) differed between sexes (p < 0.0001) with 17% more females reporting moderate outcome (p = 0.01). Specifically, older females (54–76-years at TBI) were affected, while males constantly reported good HRQoL (p = 0.017). Cognition (p = 0.014), self-perception (p = 0.009), and emotions (p = 0.016) rather than physical problems (p = 0.1) constrained older females’ HRQoL after TBI. Experiencing TBI during aging does not influence HRQoL outcome in males but females suggesting that female brains cope less well with a traumatic injury during aging. Therefore, older females need long-term follow-ups after TBI to detect neuropsychiatric sequels that restrict their quality of life. Further investigations are necessary to uncover the mechanisms of this so far unknown phenomenon.

Early head-up mobilisation versus standard care for patients with severe acquired brain injury: A systematic review with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

There is increasing focus on earlier rehabilitation in patients with traumatic or hypoxic brain injury or stroke. This systematic review evaluates the benefits and harms of early head-up mobilisation versus standard care in patients with severe acquired brain injury.

METHODS

We searched Medline, CENTRAL, EMBASE, four other databases and 13 selected clinical trial registries until April 2020. Eligible randomised clinical trials compared early head-up mobilisation versus standard care in patients with severe acquired brain injury and were analysed conducting random- and fixed-effects meta-analyses and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA). Certainty of evidence was assessed by GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified four randomised clinical trials (total n = 385 patients) with severe acquired brain injury (stroke 86% and traumatic brain injury 13%). Two trials were at low risk and two at high risk of bias. We found no evidence of a difference between early mobilisation vs. standard care on mortality or poor functional outcome at end of the intervention (relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.53; I2 0%; very low certainty) or at maximal follow-up (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.21; I2 0%; very low certainty). We found evidence against an effect on quality of life at maximal follow-up. The proportion of patients with at least one serious adverse event did not differ at end of intervention or at maximal follow-up. For most comparisons, TSA suggested that further trials are needed.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence of a difference between early mobilisation versus standard care for patients with severe acquired brain injury. Early mobilisation appeared not to exert a major impact on quality of life. This systematic review highlights the insufficient evidence in patients with severe brain injury, and no firm conclusions can be drawn from these data.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Protocol uploaded to PROSPERO: April 2018 (revised October 2018, CRD42018088790).

Decompressive Craniectomy Is Associated With Good Quality of Life Up to 10 Years After Rehabilitation From Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVES

Traumatic brain injury is the number one cause of death in children and young adults and has become increasingly prevalent in the elderly. Decompressive craniectomy prevents intracranial hypertension but does not clearly improve physical outcome 6 months after traumatic brain injury. However, it has not been analyzed if decompressive craniectomy affects traumatic brain injury patients' quality of life in the long term.

DESIGN

Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study assessing health-related quality of life in traumatic brain injury patients with or without decompressive craniectomy up to 10 years after injury.

SETTING

Former critical care patients.

PATIENTS

Chronic traumatic brain injury patients having not (n = 37) or having received (n = 98) decompressive craniectomy during the acute treatment.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Decompressive craniectomy was necessary in all initial traumatic brain injury severity groups. Eight percent more decompressive craniectomy patients reported good health-related quality of life with a Quality of Life after Brain Injury total score greater than or equal to 60 compared with the no decompressive craniectomy patients up to 10 years after traumatic brain injury (p = 0.004). Initially, mild classified traumatic brain injury patients had a median Quality of Life after Brain Injury total score of 83 (decompressive craniectomy) versus 62 (no decompressive craniectomy) (p = 0.028). Health-related quality of life regarding physical status was better in decompressive craniectomy patients (p = 0.025). Decompressive craniectomy showed a trend toward better health-related quality of life in the 61-85-year-old reflected by median Quality of Life after Brain Injury total scores of 62 (no decompressive craniectomy) versus 79 (decompressive craniectomy) (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that decompressive craniectomy is associated with good health-related quality of life up to 10 years after traumatic brain injury. Thus, decompressive craniectomy may have an underestimated therapeutic potential after traumatic brain injury.

Physiotherapy in children hospitalized with traumatic brain injury in a South African tertiary paediatric hospital

INTRODUCTION

Physical impairments following traumatic brain injury (TBI) may limit participation in daily living. Physiotherapy could assist in managing these limitations, however, there is a paucity of literature on the physiotherapy management of children in the acute phase of TBI.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics, course and outcome of children hospitalized with TBI, with specific reference to the role of physiotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective folder review of all children (n = 130, median 5.37 years [IQR 1.88-7.88]) admitted in 2016 with a primary diagnosis of TBI was conducted at a tertiary paediatric hospital.

RESULTS

Most cases presented with mild TBI (66.2%). The most common cranial manifestation of the TBI was brain bleeds (80%) and most occurred as a result of road traffic accidents (50%, including both pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents). Physiotherapy was administered in 35 cases (26.9%), with functional interventions, such as mobilizations out of bed, the most common form of therapy (71.4%). Children involved in road traffic accidents, presenting with severe diffuse TBI, resulting in altered tone and coordination problems, admitted to intensive care, monitored with an intracranial pressure or Licox monitor, and receiving occupational therapy and/or been followed up by dieticians, were more likely to receive physiotherapy. The duration of hospitalization (median 4 days [IQR 2-9]) was associated with infections, severity of TBI, presence of an intracranial monitoring, and parietal lobe injury.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study in South Africa investigating standard physiotherapy care in children admitted with TBI. Physiotherapy was provided in a small portion of children and appeared to be well tolerated. However, due to the limited information recorded in the physiotherapy notes, results of this study need to be confirmed in larger, more well-documented studies before generalizations can be made.