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Chan AS, Leung PY, Pang TWY, Sze SL. Eye-tracking training improves visuospatial working memory of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 39364754 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
Given the close connection between eye movement and frontal lobe functions and some evidence supporting the effect of eye-tracking training on enhancing cognitive performance mediated by the frontal lobe, this study aimed to explore if after-school eye-tracking training can improve the visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and cognitive flexibility performance in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study is a non-randomized cluster trial. Forty children from eight primary schools were selected, half receiving eye-tracking training for 20 sessions over 9 months, while the other half served as a waitlist control. They were matched on demographic characteristics and baseline cognitive performance. Their VSWM and cognitive flexibility were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Results showed that children who received eye-tracking training, but not those on a waitlist, exhibited significant improvements in the total score and working memory span of the VSWM tests, and the correct responses in cognitive flexibility tests. Specifically, VSWM performance at higher span levels (5 or above) yielded a greater improvement. The findings suggest that eye-tracking training can be a feasible and effective after-school program for improving working memory and cognitive flexibility performance in children with ADHD and ASD. This study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/, trial number: NCT05428657).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S Chan
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Laboratory, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for Neuropsychological Well-Being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pui-Ying Leung
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Laboratory, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for Neuropsychological Well-Being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tiffany Wing-Yin Pang
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Laboratory, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for Neuropsychological Well-Being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sophia L Sze
- Department of Psychology, Neuropsychology Laboratory, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for Neuropsychological Well-Being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China
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2
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Tost A, Bachiller A, Medina-Rivera I, Romero S, Serna LY, Rojas-Martínez M, García-Cazorla Á, Mañanas MÁ. Repetitive active and passive cognitive stimulations induce EEG changes in patients with Rett syndrome. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03254-9. [PMID: 39014240 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03254-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being considered a rare disease, Rett syndrome is a leading cause of profound cognitive impairment in females. This study explores game-based cognitive stimulation to enhance attention during learning tasks, offering an alternative treatment perspective. METHODS Fifteen diagnosed Rett syndrome girls participated in four 24-minute sessions, including a 5-minute initial resting state recording. Primary indicators for analysis included relative power and spectral entropy. RESULTS Significant findings indicated variations among conditions (resting state, active task, passive task) in response to stimulation. Notably, over four days, evolution occurred, characterized by decreasing delta power and increasing theta and beta power. Topographic maps confirmed these shifts, highlighting affected brain areas. Linear regression emphasized the most significant impact on the first day, with subsequent shifts towards higher frequencies, particularly during the resting state. By the fourth day, resting-state patterns resembled those during cognitive activities. CONCLUSION Findings suggest cognitive stimulation induces substantial EEG spectral changes, potentially linked to cognitive enhancements in Rett syndrome. The shift towards higher frequency bands and increased spectral entropy align with enhanced brain activation during cognitive sessions, underscoring the potential of cognitive stimulation therapies and calling for further research to optimize abilities in individuals with Rett syndrome. IMPACT Game-based cognitive stimulation induces substantial EEG changes in individuals with Rett syndrome, enhancing cognitive functions, notably attention during learning. This study conducts a distinctive examination, assessing the habituation paradigm through the combination of game-based cognitive stimulation and learning, providing valuable insights into enhancing attention in Rett syndrome. Impacting understanding of cognitive processes in Rett syndrome, this research reveals significant EEG variations during tasks, emphasizing the potential of cognitive stimulation for attention enhancement and the need for further research in tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Tost
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Alejandro Bachiller
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sergio Romero
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leidy-Yanet Serna
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Rojas-Martínez
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles García-Cazorla
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Neurology Department, Neurometabolic Unit and Synaptic Metabolism Lab, Institut Pediàtric de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, metabERN and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Mañanas
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
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Sigafoos J, Roche L, O'Reilly MF, Lancioni GE, Marschik PB. Updated systematic-narrative review on communication intervention in Rett Syndrome: 2010-2022. Augment Altern Commun 2023; 39:241-255. [PMID: 37526342 DOI: 10.1080/07434618.2023.2215864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to loss of spoken language and resulting complex communication needs, people with Rett syndrome are obvious candidates for communication intervention. To advance evidence-based practice and guide future research efforts, we identified and summarized 16 communication intervention studies published since a previous 2009 review on this topic. Studies were summarized in terms of (a) participants, (b) dependent variables related to communication, (c) intervention characteristics, (d) outcomes, and (e) certainty of evidence. Across the 16 studies, intervention was provided to a total of 100 participants from 3 to 47 years of age. Half of the studies used systematic instruction to teach aided AAC. Other interventions and associated technologies included music therapy, eye tracking technology, and transcranial stimulation. Positive outcomes (e.g., using AAC devices to make requests and/or initiate social-communication interactions) were reported in 13 of the studies. These 16 new studies provide additional guidance on how to enhance the communicative functioning of people with Rett syndrome. Future research directions are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Laura Roche
- School of Education, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Mark F O'Reilly
- Department of Special Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Giulio E Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Peter B Marschik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen and Leibniz Science Campus Primate Cognition, Gottingen, Germany
- Division of Phoniatrics, iDN - interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Romano A, Lotan M, Fabio RA. A Severity Comparison between Italian and Israeli Rett Syndrome Cohorts. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3390. [PMID: 37958286 PMCID: PMC10648171 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by profound cognitive, communication, and motor impairments. Despite identified genotype/phenotype connections, the extent of clinical severity varies even among individuals sharing the same genetic mutation. Diverse sociocultural environments, such as the level of inclusivity of the scholar system, the time spent with family, and the intensity of the rehabilitative intervention provided, might influence their development diversely. This study examines the severity of RTT in people in Italy and Israel, countries with distinct contradictory approaches to caring for those with intricate disabilities, across two age groups. Data from 136 Italian and 59 Israeli girls and women with RTT were assessed and divided into two age categories: above and below 12 years. The RARS, a standardized RTT-specific clinical severity tool, was administered. Despite no differences in age and genetic characteristics, the Italian group showed better scores in the RARS motor and disease-related characteristics areas in both age groups. Moreover, the young Italian participants gathered better total RARS scores and emotional and behavioral characteristics area scores. Furthermore, the young group showed significantly less scoliosis, foot problems, and epilepsy than the older group. These findings endorse the inclusion of girls with RTT in the regular schooling system for a limited daily period, investing in high activity levels within the home and community environments, and suggest continuously providing the person with daily occasions of physical activity and socialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romano
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
- Israeli Rett Syndrome National Evaluation Team, Ramat Gan 5200100, Israel
| | - Rosa Angela Fabio
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
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Lotan M, Downs J, Stahlhut M, Romano A. Evaluation Tools Developed for Rett Syndrome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1708. [PMID: 37238191 PMCID: PMC10217473 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a complex neurodevelopmental X-linked disorder associated with severe functional impairments and multiple comorbidities. There is wide variation in the clinical presentation, and because of its unique characteristics, several evaluation tools of clinical severity, behavior, and functional motor abilities have been proposed specifically for it. This opinion paper aims to present up-to date evaluation tools which have specifically been adapted for individuals with RTT often used by the authors in their clinical and research practice and to provide the reader with essential considerations and suggestions regarding their use. Due to the rarity of Rett syndrome, we found it important to present these scales in order to improve and professionalize their clinical work. The current article will review the following evaluation tools: (a) the Rett Assessment Rating Scale; (b) the Rett Syndrome Gross Motor Scale; (c) the Rett Syndrome Functional Scale; (d) the Functional Mobility Scale-Rett Syndrome; (e) the Two-Minute Walking Test modified for Rett syndrome; (f) the Rett Syndrome Hand Function Scale; (g) the StepWatch Activity Monitor; (h) the activPALTM; (i) the Modified Bouchard Activity Record; (j) the Rett Syndrome Behavioral Questionnaire; and (k) the Rett Syndrome Fear of Movement Scale. The authors recommend that service providers consider evaluation tools validated for RTT for evaluation and monitoring to guide their clinical recommendations and management. In this article, the authors suggest factors that should be considered when using these evaluation tools to assist in interpreting scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
- Israeli Rett Syndrome National Evaluation Team, Ramat Gan 5211401, Israel
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alberto Romano
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
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Fabio RA, Bhattacharya U, Wei X, Canegallo V. Reading and Writing in Severe Intellectual Disability: a Systematic Review. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-023-00269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Ban S, Lee YJ, Kim KR, Kim JH, Yeo WH. Advances in Materials, Sensors, and Integrated Systems for Monitoring Eye Movements. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1039. [PMID: 36421157 PMCID: PMC9688058 DOI: 10.3390/bios12111039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Eye movements show primary responses that reflect humans' voluntary intention and conscious selection. Because visual perception is one of the fundamental sensory interactions in the brain, eye movements contain critical information regarding physical/psychological health, perception, intention, and preference. With the advancement of wearable device technologies, the performance of monitoring eye tracking has been significantly improved. It also has led to myriad applications for assisting and augmenting human activities. Among them, electrooculograms, measured by skin-mounted electrodes, have been widely used to track eye motions accurately. In addition, eye trackers that detect reflected optical signals offer alternative ways without using wearable sensors. This paper outlines a systematic summary of the latest research on various materials, sensors, and integrated systems for monitoring eye movements and enabling human-machine interfaces. Specifically, we summarize recent developments in soft materials, biocompatible materials, manufacturing methods, sensor functions, systems' performances, and their applications in eye tracking. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and suggest research directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghyeb Ban
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
- IEN Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Yoon Jae Lee
- IEN Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ka Ram Kim
- IEN Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jong-Hoon Kim
- School of Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Woon-Hong Yeo
- IEN Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Neural Engineering Center, Institute for Materials, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Fabio RA, Chiarini L, Canegallo V. Pain in Rett syndrome: a pilot study and a single case study on the assessment of pain and the construction of a suitable measuring scale. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:356. [PMID: 36104823 PMCID: PMC9476284 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02519-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a severe, neurodevelopmental disorder mainly caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, affecting around 1 in 10,000 female births. Severe physical, language, and social impairments impose a wide range of limitations in the quality of life of the patients with RTT. Comorbidities of patients with RTT are varied and cause a lot of pain, but communicating this suffering is difficult for these patients due to their problems, such as apraxia that does not allow them to express pain in a timely manner, and their difficulties with expressive language that also do not permit them to communicate. Two studies, a pilot study and a single case study, investigate the manifestation of pain of patients with RTT and propose a suitable scale to measure it. AIMS OF THIS STUDY The first aim was to describe pain situations of RTT by collecting information by parents; the second aim was to test and compare existing questionnaires for non-communicating disorders on pain such as Pain assessment in advanced demenzia (PAINAD), the Critical care pain observation tool (CPOT) and the Non-communicating Children's Pain Checklist-Revised (NCCPC-R) to assess which of them is best related to the pain behavior of patients with RTT. The third aim was to identify the specific verbal and non-verbal behaviors that characterize pain in girls with Rett syndrome, discriminating them from non-pain behaviors. METHOD Nineteen participants, eighteen girls with RTT and one girl with RTT with 27 manifestations of pain were video-recorded both in pain and base-line conditions. Two independent observers codified the 90 video-recording (36 and 54) to describe their behavioral characteristics. RESULTS The two studies showed that the most significant pain behaviors expressed by girls with respect to the baseline condition, at the facial level were a wrinkled forehead, wide eyes, grinding, banging teeth, complaining, making sounds, crying and screaming, and the most common manifestations of the body were tremors, forward and backward movement of the torso, tension in the upper limbs, increased movement of the lower limbs and a sprawling movement affecting the whole body. CONCLUSION The results of the two studies helped to create an easy-to-apply scale that healthcare professionals can use to assess pain in patients with Rett's syndrome. This scale used PAINAD as its basic structure, with some changes in the items related to the behavior of patients with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Angela Fabio
- Department of Economy, University of Messina, via Dei Verdi, 75, 98123 Messina, Italy
| | - Liliana Chiarini
- Department of Economy, University of Messina, via Dei Verdi, 75, 98123 Messina, Italy
- CARI, (Airett Center Innovation and Research), Vicolo Volto S. Luca, 16, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Virginia Canegallo
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milano, MI Italy
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Zwilling M, Romano A, Favetta M, Ippolito E, Lotan M. Impact of a Remotely Supervised Motor Rehabilitation Program on Maternal Well-Being During the COVID-19 Italian Lockdown. Front Psychol 2022; 13:834419. [PMID: 35345633 PMCID: PMC8957072 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.834419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 Lockdown was particularly challenging for most mothers of people with intellectual disabilities, including those with Rett syndrome (RTT), leading to feelings of abandonment from healthcare services of their children. Within those days, telerehabilitation has represented a valid alternative to support physical activity and treatment, supporting parents in structuring their children’s daily routine at home. This article aims to describe the well-being level of two groups of mothers of girls and women with RTT who were involved in a home-based remotely supervised motor rehabilitation program, respectively, before and during the COVID-19 Italian lockdown. Forty participants with classic RTT were recruited before the lockdown and randomly assigned to two groups that performed the intervention immediately before (Group 1) and during (Group 2) the lockdown, respectively. The intervention included an individualized daily physical activity program carried out for 12 weeks by participants’ parents and fortnightly supervised throughout Skype contacts to plan, monitor, and accommodate individual activities in the participant’s life at home. The short form Caregivers Well-Being Scale was collected for the mothers in each group 12 weeks before intervention (T1), at intervention initiation (T2), immediately after intervention termination (T3), as well as at 12 weeks after intervention termination (T4). Mothers of participants in the Group 1 showed a stable level of well-being across all four evaluations with a slight improvement during the lockdown, without significant change. Similarly, the well-being level of mothers in the Group 2 showed a statistically significant increase in their well-being between T2 and T3 (during the lockdown) and its reduction to the pre-intervention level between T3 and T4 (after the lockdown). The results suggest that the lockdown did not negatively affect the participants’ mothers’ well-being, leading to its improvement. Moreover, the proposed intervention could have supported the mothers in managing the new daily routine at home, positively affecting maternal well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moti Zwilling
- Department of Economics and Business Administration, Ariel University, Ari'el, Israel
| | - Alberto Romano
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ari'el, Israel.,Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Centro AIRETT Ricerca e Innovazione (CARI), Research and Innovation Airett Center, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Favetta
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ari'el, Israel.,Israeli Rett Syndrome National Evaluation Team, Sheba Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Migliorelli C, Medina-Rivera I, Bachiller A, Tost A, Alonso JF, López-Sala A, Armstrong J, O'Callahan MDM, Pineda M, Mañanas MA, Romero S, García-Cazorla Á. Cognitive stimulation has potential for brain activation in individuals with Rett syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:213-224. [PMID: 34796573 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge regarding neuropsychological training in Rett syndrome (RS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome and the duration of the effect of cognitive stimulation on topographic electroencephalography (EEG) data in RS. METHODS Twenty female children diagnosed with RS were included in the analysis. Girls with RS conducted a cognitive task using an eye-tracker designed to evaluate access and choice skills. EEG data were acquired during the experimental procedure including two 10-min baseline stages before and after the task. Topographical changes of several EEG spectral markers including absolute and relative powers, Brain Symmetry Index and entropy were assessed. RESULTS Topographic significance probability maps suggested statistical decreases on delta activity and increases on beta rhythm associated with the cognitive task. Entropy increased during and after the task, likely related to more complex brain activity. A significant positive interaction was obtained between Brain Symmetry Index and age showing that the improvement of interhemispheric symmetry was higher in younger girls (5-10 years). CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, significant alterations of brain rhythms were observed during and after cognitive stimulation, suggesting that cognitive stimulation may have effects on brain activity beyond the stimulation period. Finally, our promising results also showed an increase brain symmetry that was especially relevant for the younger group. This could suggest an interaction of the eye-tracking cognitive task; however, further studies in this field are needed to assess the relation between brain asymmetries and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Migliorelli
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Medina-Rivera
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Neurology Department, Neurometabolic Unit and Synaptic Metabolism Lab, Institut Pediàtric de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, metabERN and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Bachiller
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Tost
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J F Alonso
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A López-Sala
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Neurology Department, Neurometabolic Unit and Synaptic Metabolism Lab, Institut Pediàtric de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, metabERN and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Armstrong
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Genetics Medicine Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M D M O'Callahan
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Neurology Department, Neurometabolic Unit and Synaptic Metabolism Lab, Institut Pediàtric de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, metabERN and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pineda
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M A Mañanas
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Romero
- Department of Automatic Control (ESAII), Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (CREB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Á García-Cazorla
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Neurology Department, Neurometabolic Unit and Synaptic Metabolism Lab, Institut Pediàtric de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, metabERN and CIBERER-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
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Comparing Advanced with Basic Telerehabilitation Technologies for Patients with Rett Syndrome-A Pilot Study on Behavioral Parameters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010507. [PMID: 35010767 PMCID: PMC8744542 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to compare the performances of patients with Rett syndrome that were undergoing advanced telerehabilitation (ATR) and patients that were undergoing basic telerehabilitation (BTR). It was hypothesized that patients that were undergoing ATR training would have better improvement in nearly all the motor and cognitive scale scoring activities that were administered, thus showing reduced disability. A total of 20 young girls and women with a diagnosis of RTT, ranging from age 4 to 31 years old (Median: 12.50; IQR: 9.50–17.25) underwent a pre-test, treatment post-test 1, treatment, and post-test 2 procedure. The treatment consisted of either ATR or BTR, lasting 10 weeks with three sessions a week of about an hour. The results showed that the group with advanced telerehabilitation improved their performance better than the control group only in some neuropsychological measurements. The results are discussed in the light of critical factors of telerehabilitation.
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Esposito G, Marschik PB, Nordahl-Hansen A. Technological advancements in the assessment and intervention of developmental disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 119:104088. [PMID: 34610524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Esposito
- Affiliative Behavior and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy; Social and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Psychology Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Peter B Marschik
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany and Leibniz Science Campus Primate Cognition, Göttingen, Germany; iDN - Interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Division of Phoniatrics, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anders Nordahl-Hansen
- Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages, Østfold University College, Halden, Norway.
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