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Tsiakiri A, Christidi F, Tsiptsios D, Vlotinou P, Kitmeridou S, Bebeletsi P, Kokkotis C, Serdari A, Tsamakis K, Aggelousis N, Vadikolias K. Processing Speed and Attentional Shift/Mental Flexibility in Patients with Stroke: A Comprehensive Review on the Trail Making Test in Stroke Studies. Neurol Int 2024; 16:210-225. [PMID: 38392955 PMCID: PMC10893544 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint16010014] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Trail Making Test (TMT) is one of the most commonly administered tests in clinical and research neuropsychological settings. The two parts of the test (part A (TMT-A) and part B (TMT-B)) enable the evaluation of visuoperceptual tracking and processing speed (TMT-A), as well as divided attention, set-shifting and cognitive flexibility (TMT-B). The main cognitive processes that are assessed using TMT, i.e., processing speed, divided attention, and cognitive flexibility, are often affected in patients with stroke. Considering the wide use of TMT in research and clinical settings since its introduction in neuropsychological practice, the purpose of our review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of TMT in stroke patients. We present the most representative studies assessing processing speed and attentional shift/mental flexibility in stroke settings using TMT and applying scoring methods relying on conventional TMT scores (e.g., time-to-complete part A and part B), as well as derived measures (e.g., TMT-(B-A) difference score, TMT-(B/A) ratio score, errors in part A and part B). We summarize the cognitive processes commonly associated with TMT performance in stroke patients (e.g., executive functions), lesion characteristics and neuroanatomical underpinning of TMT performance post-stroke, the association between TMT performance and patients' instrumental activities of daily living, motor difficulties, speech difficulties, and mood statue, as well as their driving ability. We also highlight how TMT can serve as an objective marker of post-stroke cognitive recovery following the implementation of interventions. Our comprehensive review underscores that the TMT stands as an invaluable asset in the stroke assessment toolkit, contributing nuanced insights into diverse cognitive, functional, and emotional dimensions. As research progresses, continued exploration of the TMT potential across these domains is encouraged, fostering a deeper comprehension of post-stroke dynamics and enhancing patient-centered care across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, research institutions, and community health settings. Its integration into both research and clinical practice reaffirms TMT status as an indispensable instrument in stroke-related evaluations, enabling holistic insights that extend beyond traditional neurological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tsiakiri
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Foteini Christidi
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Pinelopi Vlotinou
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Sofia Kitmeridou
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Paschalina Bebeletsi
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Christos Kokkotis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 691 00 Komotini, Greece; (C.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Aspasia Serdari
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Tsamakis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London SE5 8AB, UK;
| | - Nikolaos Aggelousis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 691 00 Komotini, Greece; (C.K.); (N.A.)
| | - Konstantinos Vadikolias
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (A.T.); (F.C.); (P.V.); (S.K.); (P.B.); (K.V.)
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Zanatta F, Steca P, Fundarò C, Giardini A, Felicetti G, Panigazzi M, Arbasi G, Grilli C, D’Addario M, Pierobon A. Biopsychosocial effects and experience of use of robotic and virtual reality devices in neuromotor rehabilitation: A study protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282925. [PMID: 36897863 PMCID: PMC10004562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Robot-assisted therapy (RAT) and virtual reality (VR)-based neuromotor rehabilitation have shown promising evidence in terms of patient's neuromotor recovery, so far. However, still little is known on the perceived experience of use of robotic and VR devices and the related psychosocial impact. The present study outlines a study protocol aiming to investigate the biopsychosocial effects and the experience of use of robotic and non-immersive VR devices in patients undergoing neuromotor rehabilitation. METHODS Adopting a prospective, two-arm, non-randomized study design, patients with different neuromotor diseases (i.e., acquired brain injury, Parkinson's Disease, and total knee/hip arthroplasty) undergoing rehabilitation will be included. In a real-world clinical setting, short- (4 weeks) and long-term (6 months) changes in multiple patient's health domains will be investigated, including the functional status (i.e., motor functioning, ADLs, risk of falls), cognitive functioning (i.e., attention and executive functions), physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the psychological status (i.e., anxiety and depression, quality of life satisfaction). At post-intervention, the overall rehabilitation experience, the psychosocial impact of the robotic and VR devices will be assessed, and technology perceived usability and experience of use will be evaluated through a mixed-methods approach, including both patients' and physiotherapists' perspectives. Repeated measures within-between interaction effects will be estimated, and association analyses will be performed to explore the inter-relationships among the variables investigated. Data collection is currently ongoing. IMPLICATIONS The biopsychosocial framework adopted will contribute to expanding the perspective on patient's recovery within the technology-based rehabilitation field beyond motor improvement. Moreover, the investigation of devices experience of use and usability will provide further insight into technology deployment in neuromotor rehabilitation programs, thereby maximising therapy engagement and effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05399043.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Zanatta
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Steca
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cira Fundarò
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurophysiopathology Unit of Montescano Institute, Montescano, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Giardini
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Information Technology Department of Pavia Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Guido Felicetti
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neuromotor Rehabilitation Unit of Montescano Institute, Montescano, Italy
| | - Monica Panigazzi
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Occupational Physiatry and Ergonomics Unit of Montescano Institute, Montescano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Arbasi
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neuromotor Rehabilitation Unit of Montescano Institute, Montescano, Italy
| | - Cesare Grilli
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Occupational Physiatry and Ergonomics Unit of Montescano Institute, Montescano, Italy
| | - Marco D’Addario
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Pierobon
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Psychology Unit of Montescano Institute, Montescano, Italy
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