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Ukachukwu AEK, Nischal SA, Trillo-Ordonez Y, Nwaribe EE, Abu-Bonsrah N, Malomo TA, Oyemolade TA, Badejo OA, Deng DD, Still MEH, Oboh EC, Okere OE, Asemota I, Oboh EN, Ogundeji OD, Ugorji C, Rahman R, Reddy P, Seas A, Waguia-Kouam R, von Isenburg M, Fuller AT, Haglund MM, Adeleye AO. Epidemiological Burden of Neurotrauma in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of 45,763 Patients. World Neurosurg 2024; 185:e99-e142. [PMID: 38741332 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.11.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurotrauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. We conducted this systematic review to generate nationally generalizable reference data for the country. METHODS Four research databases and gray literature sources were electronically searched. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions and Cochrane's risk of bias tools. Descriptive analysis, narrative synthesis, and statistical analysis (via paired t-tests and χ2 independence tests) were performed on relevant article metrics (α = 0.05). RESULTS We identified a cohort of 45,763 patients from 254 articles. The overall risk of bias was moderate to high. Most articles employed retrospective cohort study designs (37.4%) and were published during the last 2 decades (81.89%). The cohort's average age was 32.5 years (standard deviation, 20.2) with a gender split of ∼3 males per female. Almost 90% of subjects were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury, with road traffic accidents (68.6%) being the greatest cause. Altered consciousness (48.4%) was the most commonly reported clinical feature. Computed tomography (53.5%) was the most commonly used imaging modality, with skull (25.7%) and vertebral fracture (14.1%) being the most common radiological findings for traumatic brain injury and traumatic spinal injury, respectively. Two-thirds of patients were treated nonoperatively. Outcomes were favorable in 63.7% of traumatic brain injury patients, but in only 20.9% of traumatic spinal injury patients. Pressure sores, infection, and motor deficits were the most commonly reported complications in the latter. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and pooled analysis demonstrate the significant burden of neurotrauma across Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvan-Emeka K Ukachukwu
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Shiva A Nischal
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yesel Trillo-Ordonez
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Nancy Abu-Bonsrah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Toluyemi A Malomo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Oluwakemi A Badejo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Di D Deng
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Megan E H Still
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ena C Oboh
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Isaac Asemota
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ehita N Oboh
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Olaniyi D Ogundeji
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chiazam Ugorji
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raphia Rahman
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Padmavathi Reddy
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Andreas Seas
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Megan von Isenburg
- Duke University Medical Center Library and Archives, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony T Fuller
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael M Haglund
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amos O Adeleye
- Department of Neurosurgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Malomo TA, Nischal SA, Trillo-Ordonez Y, Oyemolade TA, Nwaribe EE, Okere OE, Deng DD, Abu-Bonsrah N, Oboh EC, Asemota I, Still MEH, Waguia-Kouam R, Seas A, Oboh EN, Ogundeji OD, Rahman R, Reddy P, Ugorji C, Badejo OA, von Isenburg M, Haglund MM, Fuller AT, Adeleye AO, Ukachukwu AEK. The Epidemiology of Spinal Neurosurgery in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Patient-Level Analysis. World Neurosurg 2024; 185:e209-e242. [PMID: 38741326 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal pathologies are prevalent in Nigeria, though epidemiological data remains sparse. This systematic review used pooled patient-level data from across the country to generate a standardized epidemiological reference. METHODS Four research databases and gray literature sources were searched. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies - of Interventions and Cochrane's risk of bias tool. We descriptively analyzed all article metrics and statistically analyzed relevant data variables via paired t-test and χ2 independence tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS One hundred twenty-seven articles, comprising a patient cohort of 8425 patients, were analyzed. Most were retrospective cohort studies (46.5%) and case reports/series (31.5%), with an overall moderate-high risk of bias. Most studies were published in the last 20 years. Most patients were male (∼2.5 males per female), with an average age of 43.2 years (±16.4). Clinical diagnoses spanned the breadth of spinal neurosurgery. Approximately 45.0% of patients had complete spinal impairment. Pain (41.7%) was the most reported presenting feature. X-ray (45.1%) was the most common investigation used. Intervertebral disc herniation (18.9%) was the most prevalent imaging finding on MRI. Most patients were managed nonoperatively (57.8%), with a favorable outcome in 27.4% of patients. Posttreatment complications included pressure sores, infection, and motor deficits. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and pooled analysis provide an epidemiological overview of spinal neurosurgery in Nigeria over the last 60 years and serves as a useful reference to direct future global research in this arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toluyemi A Malomo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shiva A Nischal
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yesel Trillo-Ordonez
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | - Di D Deng
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nancy Abu-Bonsrah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ena C Oboh
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Isaac Asemota
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Megan E H Still
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Andreas Seas
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ehita N Oboh
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Olaniyi D Ogundeji
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raphia Rahman
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Padmavathi Reddy
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Chiazam Ugorji
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Oluwakemi A Badejo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Megan von Isenburg
- Medical Center Library and Archives, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael M Haglund
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony T Fuller
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amos O Adeleye
- Department of Neurosurgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Alvan-Emeka K Ukachukwu
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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Feigin VL, Owolabi MO. Pragmatic solutions to reduce the global burden of stroke: a World Stroke Organization-Lancet Neurology Commission. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:1160-1206. [PMID: 37827183 PMCID: PMC10715732 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The burden of disability after a stroke is also large, and is increasing at a faster pace in low-income and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Alarmingly, the incidence of stroke is increasing in young and middle-aged people (ie, age <55 years) globally. Should these trends continue, Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 (reducing the burden of stroke as part of the general target to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030) will not be met. In this Commission, we forecast the burden of stroke from 2020 to 2050. We project that stroke mortality will increase by 50%—from 6·6 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 6·0 million–7·1 million) in 2020, to 9·7 million (8·0 million–11·6 million) in 2050—with disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) growing over the same period from 144·8 million (133·9 million–156·9 million) in 2020, to 189·3 million (161·8 million–224·9 million) in 2050. These projections prompted us to do a situational analysis across the four pillars of the stroke quadrangle: surveillance, prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation. We have also identified the barriers to, and facilitators for, the achievement of these four pillars. Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) The sum of the years of life lost as a result of premature mortality from a disease and the years lived with a disability associated with prevalent cases of the disease in a population. One DALY represents the loss of the equivalent of one year of full health On the basis of our assessment, we have identified and prioritised several recommendations. For each of the four pillars (surveillance, prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation), we propose pragmatic solutions for the implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce the global burden of stroke. The estimated direct (ie, treatment and rehabilitation) and indirect (considering productivity loss) costs of stroke globally are in excess of US$891 billion annually. The pragmatic solutions we put forwards for urgent implementation should help to mitigate these losses, reduce the global burden of stroke, and contribute to achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (2022–2031), and the WHO Global Action Plan for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. Reduction of the global burden of stroke, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, by implementing primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies and evidence-based acute care and rehabilitation services is urgently required. Measures to facilitate this goal include: the establishment of a framework to monitor and assess the burden of stroke (and its risk factors) and stroke services at a national level; the implementation of integrated population-level and individual-level prevention strategies for people at any increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, with emphasis on early detection and control of hypertension; planning and delivery of acute stroke care services, including the establishment of stroke units with access to reperfusion therapies for ischaemic stroke and workforce training and capacity building (and monitoring of quality indicators for these services nationally, regionally, and globally); the promotion of interdisciplinary stroke care services, training for caregivers, and capacity building for community health workers and other health-care providers working in stroke rehabilitation; and the creation of a stroke advocacy and implementation ecosystem that includes all relevant communities, organisations, and stakeholders. The Lancet Group takes a neutral position with respect to territorial claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valery L Feigin
- National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Mayowa O Owolabi
- Centre for Genomics and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Blossom Specialist Medical Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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Renner C, Jeitziner MM, Albert M, Brinkmann S, Diserens K, Dzialowski I, Heidler MD, Lück M, Nusser-Müller-Busch R, Sandor PS, Schäfer A, Scheffler B, Wallesch C, Zimmermann G, Nydahl P. Guideline on multimodal rehabilitation for patients with post-intensive care syndrome. Crit Care 2023; 27:301. [PMID: 37525219 PMCID: PMC10392009 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04569-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors often experience several impairments in their physical, cognitive, and psychological health status, which are labeled as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). The aim of this work is to develop a multidisciplinary and -professional guideline for the rehabilitative therapy of PICS. METHODS A multidisciplinary/-professional task force of 15 healthcare professionals applied a structured, evidence-based approach to address 10 scientific questions. For each PICO-question (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome), best available evidence was identified. Recommendations were rated as "strong recommendation", "recommendation" or "therapy option", based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation principles. In addition, evidence gaps were identified. RESULTS The evidence resulted in 12 recommendations, 4 therapy options, and one statement for the prevention or treatment of PICS. RECOMMENDATIONS early mobilization, motor training, and nutrition/dysphagia management should be performed. Delirium prophylaxis focuses on behavioral interventions. ICU diaries can prevent/treat psychological health issues like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders. Early rehabilitation approaches as well as long-term access to specialized rehabilitation centers are recommended. Therapy options include additional physical rehabilitation interventions. Statement: A prerequisite for the treatment of PICS are the regular and repeated assessments of the physical, cognitive and psychological health in patients at risk for or having PICS. CONCLUSIONS PICS is a variable and complex syndrome that requires an individual multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional approach. Rehabilitation of PICS should include an assessment and therapy of motor-, cognitive-, and psychological health impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Renner
- Department of Neurology and Neuro-Rehabilitation, Herz-Kreislauf-Zentrum, Klinikum Hersfeld-Rotenburg GmbH, Rotenburg a. F., University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marie-Madlen Jeitziner
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monika Albert
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation ZURZACH Care, Baden, Switzerland
| | | | - Karin Diserens
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Imanuel Dzialowski
- ELBLAND Neuro-Rehabilitation Center Grossenhain, Academic Teaching Hospital Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Peter S Sandor
- Department Neurology and Psych. ZURZACH Care, Bad Zurzach, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Schäfer
- Asklepios Center for Further Education in Intensive Care - and Anaesthesia Nursing North Hesse, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bettina Scheffler
- Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Claus Wallesch
- BDH-Hospital Elzach - Center for Neurorehabilitation and Intensive Care, Elzach, Germany
| | - Gudrun Zimmermann
- IB University of Health and Applied Social Science Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Nydahl
- Nursing Research, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
- Institute of Nursing Science and Development, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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Performance Index for in Home Assessment of Motion Abilities in Ataxia Telangiectasia: A Pilot Study. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12084093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background. It has been shown in the very recent literature that human walking generates rhythmic motor patterns with hidden time harmonic structures that are represented (at the subject’s comfortable speed) by the occurrence of the golden ratio as the the ratio of the durations of specific walking gait subphases. Such harmonic proportions may be affected—partially or even totally destroyed—by several neurological and/or systemic disorders, thus drastically reducing the smooth, graceful, and melodic flow of movements and altering gait self-similarities. Aim. In this paper we aim at, preliminarily, showing the reliability of a technologically assisted methodology—performed with an easy to use wearable motion capture system—for the evaluation of motion abilities in Ataxia-Telangiectasia (AT), a rare infantile onset neurodegenerative disorder, whose typical neurological manifestations include progressive gait unbalance and the disturbance of motor coordination. Methods. Such an experimental methodology relies, for the first time, on the most recent accurate and objective outcome measures of gait recursivity and harmonicity and symmetry and double support subphase consistency, applied to three AT patients with different ranges of AT severity. Results. The quantification of the level of the distortions of harmonic temporal proportions is shown to include the qualitative evaluations of the three AT patients provided by clinicians. Conclusions. Easy to use wearable motion capture systems might be used to evaluate AT motion abilities through recursivity and harmonicity and symmetry (quantitative) outcome measures.
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Bernini S, Panzarasa S, Sinforiani E, Quaglini S, Cappa SF, Cerami C, Tassorelli C, Vecchi T, Bottiroli S. HomeCoRe for Telerehabilitation in Mild or Major Neurocognitive Disorders: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Neurol 2022; 12:752830. [PMID: 35002919 PMCID: PMC8733654 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.752830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Given the limited effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for cognitive decline, non-pharmacological interventions have gained increasing attention. Evidence exists on the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in preventing elderly subjects at risk of cognitive decline and in reducing the progression of functional disability in cognitively impaired individuals. In recent years, telerehabilitation has enabled a broader application of cognitive rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this study is to test a computer-based intervention administered according to two different modalities (at the hospital and at home) using the tools CoRe and HomeCoRe, respectively, in participants with Mild or Major Neurocognitive Disorders. Methods: Non-inferiority, single-blind randomized controlled trial where 40 participants with Mild or Major Neurocognitive Disorders will be assigned to the intervention group who will receive cognitive telerehabilitation through HomeCoRe or to the control group who will receive in-person cognitive intervention through CoRe, with the therapist administering the same computer-based exercises. The rehabilitative program will last 6 weeks, with 3 sessions/week, each lasting ~45 min. All the participants will be evaluated on an exhaustive neuropsychological battery before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention; follow-up visits will be scheduled after 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3). Discussion: The results of this study will inform about the comparability (non-inferiority trial) of HomeCoRe with CoRe. Their equivalence would support the use of HomeCoRe for at distance treatment, favoring the continuity of care. Ethics and Dissemination: This study has been approved by the Local Ethics Committee and registered in https://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04889560). The dissemination plan includes the scientific community through publication in open-access peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations at national and international conferences. Trial Registration:Clinicaltrials.govhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04889560 (registration date: May 17, 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bernini
- Dementia Research Center, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Panzarasa
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Sinforiani
- Dementia Research Center, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvana Quaglini
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano F Cappa
- Dementia Research Center, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,IUSS Cognitive Neuroscience (ICoN) Center, Scuola Universitaria di Studi Superiori IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Cerami
- Dementia Research Center, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,IUSS Cognitive Neuroscience (ICoN) Center, Scuola Universitaria di Studi Superiori IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Centre, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tomaso Vecchi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Cognitive Psychology Research Center, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- Faculty of Law, Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, Italy.,Headache Science and Neurorehabilitation Centre, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Iosa M, Verrelli CM, Gentile AE, Ruggieri M, Polizzi A. Gaming Technology for Pediatric Neurorehabilitation: A Systematic Review. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:775356. [PMID: 35155305 PMCID: PMC8832052 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.775356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The emergence of gaming technologies, such as videogames and virtual reality, provides a wide variety of possibilities in intensively and enjoyably performing rehabilitation for children with neurological disorders. Solid evidence-based results are however required to promote the use of different gaming technologies in pediatric neurorehabilitation, while simultaneously exploring new related directions concerning neuro-monitoring and rehabilitation in familiar settings. AIM OF THE STUDY AND METHODS In order to analyze the state of the art regarding the available gaming technologies for pediatric neurorehabilitation, Scopus and Pubmed Databases have been searched by following: PRISMA statements, PICOs classification, and PEDro scoring. RESULTS 43 studies have been collected and classified as follows: 11 feasibility studies; six studies proposing home-system solutions; nine studies presenting gamified robotic devices; nine longitudinal intervention trials; and eight reviews. Most of them rely on feasibility or pilot trials characterized by small sample sizes and short durations; different methodologies, outcome assessments and terminologies are involved; the explored spectrum of neurological conditions turns out to be scanty, mainly including the most common and wider debilitating groups of conditions in pediatric neurology: cerebral palsy, brain injuries and autism. CONCLUSION Even though it highlights reduced possibilities of drawing evidence-based conclusions due to the above outlined biases, this systematic review raises awareness among pediatricians and other health professionals about gaming technologies. Such a review also points out a definite need of rigorous studies that clearly refer to the underlying neuroscientific principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Iosa
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Amalia Egle Gentile
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Polizzi
- Department of Educational Science, Chair of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Srivastava A, Swaminathan A, Chockalingam M, Srinivasan MK, Surya N, Ray P, Hegde PS, Akkunje PS, Kamble S, Chitnis S, Kamalakannan S, Ganvir S, Shah U. Tele-Neurorehabilitation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Practice in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Front Neurol 2021; 12:667925. [PMID: 34690907 PMCID: PMC8529345 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.667925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of neurorehabilitation services for people with disabilities is getting well-recognized in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) recently. However, accessibility to the same has remained the most significant challenge, in these contexts. This is especially because of the non-availability of trained specialists and the availability of neurorehabilitation centers only in urban cities owned predominantly by private healthcare organizations. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, the members of the Task Force for research at the Indian Federation of Neurorehabilitation (IFNR) reviewed the context for tele-neurorehabilitation (TNR) and have provided the contemporary implications for practicing TNR during COVID-19 for people with neurological disabilities (PWNDs) in LMICs. Neurorehabilitation is a science that is driven by rigorous research-based evidence. The current pandemic implies the need for systematically developed TNR interventions that is evaluated for its feasibility and acceptability and that is informed by available evidence from LMICs. Given the lack of organized systems in place for the provision of neurorehabilitation services in general, there needs to be sufficient budgetary allocations and a sector-wide approach to developing policies and systems for the provision of TNR services for PWNDs. The pandemic situation provides an opportunity to optimize the technological innovations in health and scale up these innovations to meet the growing burden of neurological disability in LMICs. Thus, this immense opportunity must be tapped to build capacity for safe and effective TNR services provision for PWNDs in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Srivastava
- Centre for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | - Murali K Srinivasan
- Faculty of Occupational Therapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Nirmal Surya
- Chairman Surya Neuro Centre Mumbai, President Indian Federation of Neurorehabilitation (IFNR), Mumbai, India
| | - Partha Ray
- National Health Services England, The Walton Centre Liverpool & National Professor of Neurology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Prasanna S Hegde
- Deglutology and Speech-Language Pathology, HCG Hospital, Bangalore, India
| | - Preetie Shetty Akkunje
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Sanjivani Kamble
- Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Sonal Chitnis
- Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, School of Audiology Speech Language Pathology, Pune, India
| | - Sureshkumar Kamalakannan
- South Asia Centre for Disability Inclusive Development and Research (SACDIR), Public Health Foundation of India, The Indian Institute of Public Health Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Suvarna Ganvir
- Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Dr. Vitalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation's College of Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar, India
| | - Urvashi Shah
- Department of Neurology, King Edward Memorial and Global Hospitals Mumbai, Mumbai, India
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9
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Gandhi DB, Kamalakannan S, Chockalingam M, Sebastian IA, Urimubenshi G, Alim M, Khatter H, Chakraborty S, Solomon JM. Expert consensus for in-hospital neurorehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:130. [PMID: 35118197 PMCID: PMC8787554 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16715.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: People with neurological dysfunction have been significantly affected by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in receiving adequate and quality rehabilitation services. There are no clear guidelines or recommendations for rehabilitation providers in dealing with patients with neurological dysfunction during a pandemic situation especially in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this paper was to develop consensus-based expert recommendations for in-hospital based neurorehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic for low- and middle-income countries based on available evidence. Methods: A group of experts in neurorehabilitation consisting of neurologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists were identified for the consensus groups. A scoping review was conducted to identify existing evidence and recommendations for neurorehabilitation during COVID-19. Specific statements with level 2b evidence from studies identified were developed. These statements were circulated to 13 experts for consensus. The statements that received ≥80% agreement were grouped in different themes and the recommendations were developed. Results: 75 statements for expert consensus were generated. 72 statements received consensus from 13 experts. These statements were thematically grouped as recommendations for neurorehabilitation service providers, patients, formal and informal caregivers of affected individuals, rehabilitation service organizations, and administrators. Conclusions: The development of this consensus statement is of fundamental significance to neurological rehabilitation service providers and people living with neurological disabilities. It is crucial that governments, health systems, clinicians and stakeholders involved in upholding the standard of neurorehabilitation practice in low- and middle-income countries consider conversion of the consensus statement to minimum standard requirements within the context of the pandemic as well as for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorcas B.C. Gandhi
- College of Physiotherapy and Department of Neurology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141008, India
| | | | - Manigandan Chockalingam
- Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Ivy A. Sebastian
- Department of Neurology, St. Stephen’s Hospital, New Delhi, New Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Gerard Urimubenshi
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Mohammed Alim
- Stroke Clinical Trials Group, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Himani Khatter
- Department of Neurology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141008, India
| | - Stuti Chakraborty
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632002, India
| | - John M. Solomon
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
- Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 567104, India
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10
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Bottiroli S, Bernini S, Cavallini E, Sinforiani E, Zucchella C, Pazzi S, Cristiani P, Vecchi T, Tost D, Sandrini G, Tassorelli C. The Smart Aging Platform for Assessing Early Phases of Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Psychol 2021; 12:635410. [PMID: 33790839 PMCID: PMC8005545 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Smart Aging is a serious game (SG) platform that generates a 3D virtual reality environment in which users perform a set of screening tasks designed to allow evaluation of global cognition. Each task replicates activities of daily living performed in a familiar environment. The main goal of the present study was to ascertain whether Smart Aging could differentiate between different types and levels of cognitive impairment in patients with neurodegenerative disease. Methods: Ninety-one subjects (mean age = 70.29 ± 7.70 years)—healthy older adults (HCs, n = 23), patients with single-domain amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, n = 23), patients with single-domain executive Parkinson's disease MCI (PD-MCI, n = 20), and patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (mild AD, n = 25)—were enrolled in the study. All participants underwent cognitive evaluations performed using both traditional neuropsychological assessment tools, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Overall Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Smart Aging platform. We analyzed global scores on Smart Aging indices (i.e., accuracy, time, distance) as well as the Smart Aging total score, looking for differences between the four groups. Results: The findings revealed significant between-group differences in all the Smart Aging indices: accuracy (p < 0.001), time (p < 0.001), distance (p < 0.001), and total Smart Aging score (p < 0.001). The HCs outperformed the mild AD, aMCI, and PD-MCI patients in terms of accuracy, time, distance, and Smart Aging total score. In addition, the mild AD group was outperformed both by the HCs and by the aMCI and PD-MCI patients on accuracy and distance. No significant differences were found between aMCI and PD-MCI patients. Finally, the Smart Aging scores significantly correlated with the results of the neuropsychological assessments used. Conclusion: These findings, although preliminary due to the small sample size, suggest the validity of Smart Aging as a screening tool for the detection of cognitive impairment in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bottiroli
- Faculty of Law, Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, Italy.,National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Bernini
- National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Cavallini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Sinforiani
- National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucchella
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefania Pazzi
- Consorzio di Bioingegneria Medica e Informatica CBIM, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Cristiani
- Consorzio di Bioingegneria Medica e Informatica CBIM, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tomaso Vecchi
- National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Tost
- Computer Graphics Division Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CREB), Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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11
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Stasolla F, Matamala-Gomez M, Bernini S, Caffò AO, Bottiroli S. Virtual Reality as a Technological-Aided Solution to Support Communication in Persons With Neurodegenerative Diseases and Acquired Brain Injury During COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2021; 8:635426. [PMID: 33665181 PMCID: PMC7921156 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.635426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 poses an ongoing threat to lives around the world and challenges the existing public health and medical service delivery. The lockdown or quarantine measures adopted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has caused the interruption in ongoing care and access to medical care including to patients with existing neurological conditions. Besides the passivity, isolation, and withdrawal, patients with neurodegenerative diseases experience difficulties in communication due to a limited access to leisure opportunities and interaction with friends and relatives. The communication difficulties may exacerbate the burden on the caregivers. Therefore, assistive-technologies may be a useful strategy in mitigating challenges associated with remote communication. The current paper presents an overview of the use of assistive technologies using virtual reality and virtual body ownership in providing communication opportunities to isolated patients, during COVID-19, with neurological diseases and moderate-to-severe communication difficulties. We postulate that the assistive technologies-based intervention may improve social interactions in patients with neurodegenerative diseases and acquired brain injury-thereby reducing isolation and improving their quality of life and mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Matamala-Gomez
- Department of Human Sciences for Education "Riccardo Massa", Center for Studies in Communication Sciences "Luigi Anolli" (CESCOM), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Bernini
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS), Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro O Caffò
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- "Giustino Fortunato" University of Benevento, Benevento, Italy.,Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare (IRCCS), Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Surya N, Srivastava A, Nagda T, Palande D, Someshwar H. Education, Training, and Practices of Neurorehabilitation in India During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Neurol 2021; 12:626399. [PMID: 33643202 PMCID: PMC7902936 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.626399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. This has affected service delivery among all medical disciplines in India including neurorehabilitation services. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study were to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on neurorehabilitation services across India. Methodology: A prospective nationwide survey study was undertaken by the Indian Federation of Neurorehabilitation during the pandemic. A questionnaire was prepared using Google forms software consisting of four sections: demography, neurorehabilitation practice before COVID-19 pandemic, neurorehabilitation practice during COVID-19 pandemic, and continuing medical education during COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Responses (872) were received from neurorehabilitation professionals across the country out of which 2.2% professionals did not give consent for participating in the survey. Participants (36.6%) were practicing traditional or independent referral basis rehabilitation, while 63.4% participants were practicing multidisciplinary rehabilitation. On an average, respective units were conducting 500–750 therapy sessions per month. Majority of the rehabilitation units in India lacked a physiatrist, rehabilitation nurse, music therapist, cognitive therapist, and urologist. Approximately 80% of the rehabilitation units have the basic rehabilitation modalities and advance technology was present in only 20% of the rehabilitation units. During COVID-19 pandemic, 19.5% centers were providing elective services, 50.3% emergency services, 15.6% new outpatient services, and 22.7% were providing follow-up outpatient services. Centers (51.5%) were providing telerehabilitation services for neurological conditions during the times of COVID-19 pandemic. Professionals (61.1%) providing telerehabilitation were working from home. Among the patients who needed neurorehabilitation, 28% were doing their exercises independently, 31% were supervised by caregivers, 17% were supervised by therapists, and 24% were not receiving any therapy. Participants (95.5%) wanted to receive more training in the field of neurorehabilitation. The participants utilized webinars (71%), online courses (22%), case discussion forums (19%), panel discussions (13%), and literature search (8%) during COVID-19 pandemic to continue education. Conclusion: The study reflects the situation of neurorehabilitation service delivery in India during the pandemic as the respondents were from all parts of the country and included most components of the neurorehabilitation team. Neurorehabilitation services were severely affected across India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-neurorehabilitation has emerged as a new service delivery model during the pandemic. Online means of education has emerged as the primary source of continuing medical education during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal Surya
- Epilepsy Foundation India, Mumbai, India.,Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Taral Nagda
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepak Palande
- Society for Rehabilitation and Care of Children Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Hitav Someshwar
- Grant Medical College and Sir Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, India
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13
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Bernini S, Stasolla F, Panzarasa S, Quaglini S, Sinforiani E, Sandrini G, Vecchi T, Tassorelli C, Bottiroli S. Cognitive Telerehabilitation for Older Adults With Neurodegenerative Diseases in the COVID-19 Era: A Perspective Study. Front Neurol 2021; 11:623933. [PMID: 33519704 PMCID: PMC7840692 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.623933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health problem that is radically transforming public and private healthcare organizations around the world, negatively affecting the rehabilitative treatments of non-COVID pathologies as well. In this situation, it becomes crucial to be able to guarantee the continuity of care also to all those patients with neurodegenerative diseases unable to reach healthcare services. Remote communication technologies are gaining momentum as potentially effective options to support health care interventions-including cognitive rehabilitation-while patients can stay safely at home. In this context, we are implementing HomeCoRe (i.e., Home Cognitive Rehabilitation software) in order to offer an innovative approach and a valid support for home-based cognitive rehabilitation in neurodegenerative diseases, such as mild cognitive impairment and early dementia. HomeCoRe has been developed within a research project between engineers and clinicians in order to obtain a usable and safe cognitive rehabilitation tool. This software has multiple advantages for patients and therapists over traditional approaches, as shown in its use in hospital settings. HomeCoRe could then represent an opportunity for accessing cognitive rehabilitation in all those situations where patients and therapists are not in the same location due to particular restrictions, such as COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bernini
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Panzarasa
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvana Quaglini
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Sinforiani
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tomaso Vecchi
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Faculty of Law, Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, Italy
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14
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Mantovani E, Zucchella C, Bottiroli S, Federico A, Giugno R, Sandrini G, Chiamulera C, Tamburin S. Telemedicine and Virtual Reality for Cognitive Rehabilitation: A Roadmap for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Neurol 2020; 11:926. [PMID: 33041963 PMCID: PMC7522345 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented new challenges to public health and medical care delivery. To control viral transmission, social distancing measures have been implemented all over the world, interrupting the access to routine medical care for many individuals with neurological diseases. Cognitive disorders are common in many neurological conditions, e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and other types of dementia, Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndromes, and multiple sclerosis, and should be addressed by cognitive rehabilitation interventions. To be effective, cognitive rehabilitation programs must be intensive and prolonged over time; however, the current virus containment measures are hampering their implementation. Moreover, the reduced access to cognitive rehabilitation might worsen the relationship between the patient and the healthcare professional. Urgent measures to address issues connected to COVID-19 pandemic are, therefore, needed. Remote communication technologies are increasingly regarded as potential effective options to support health care interventions, including neurorehabilitation and cognitive rehabilitation. Among them, telemedicine, virtual reality, augmented reality, and serious games could be in the forefront of these efforts. We will briefly review current evidence-based recommendations on the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation and offer a perspective on the role of tele- and virtual rehabilitation to achieve adequate cognitive stimulation in the era of social distancing related to COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we will discuss issues related to their diffusion and propose a roadmap to address them. Methodological and technological improvements might lead to a paradigm shift to promote the delivery of cognitive rehabilitation to people with reduced mobility and in remote regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucchella
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Bottiroli
- Giustino Fortunato University, Benevento, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angela Federico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rosalba Giugno
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristiano Chiamulera
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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