NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 32, issue 4

Authors: Wallace, Sarah E. | Kimelman, Mikael D.Z.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: The effectiveness of a Semantic Feature Treatment (SFT) at increasing word retrieval accuracy of untreated words was examined in relation to the influence of the number of shared features with treated words. Generalization of these improvements to discourse was also examined. Methods: Three adults with chronic aphasia completed 12 SFT sessions. Generalization to untreated words with many shared features (SFs) and with no shared features (NSFs), as well as generalization to discourse tasks, was analyzed. Results: All participants improved in word retrieval accuracy for treated words. Accuracy of retrieving untreated words improved for two participants. …Retrieval accuracy for untreated words with SF improved more than for words with NSF. Generalization of improvements to discourse tasks occurred for two participants. Conclusions: SFT improves word retrieval accuracy for some people with aphasia during confrontation naming and discourse tasks. Generalization may be slightly higher for untreated words with SFs than untreated words with NSFs. Future research is needed to further investigate the effect shared features have on generalization of improvements, and to determine candidacy for SFT. Show more

Keywords: Aphasia, semantic feature treatment, generalization, word retrieval

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130914

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 899-913, 2013

Authors: Barwood, Caroline H.S. | Murdoch, Bruce E. | Riek, Stephan | O'Sullivan, John D. | Wong, Andrew | Lloyd, David | Coulthard, Alan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic tool for the rehabilitation of language in chronic non-fluent aphasia post-stroke. Previous studies report that low frequency (1 Hz) rTMS applied to homologous language sites can facilitate behavioural language changes. Improvements in picture naming performance and speech output are frequently reported. Objectives: This study aims to assess the efficacy of inhibitory rTMS to modulate language performance in non-fluent aphasia. Methods: Low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS was applied to six active stimulation and six placebo patients for 20 min per day over 10 days, as outlined …in a previous published investigation. Behavioural language outcome measures were taken at baseline (pre-stimulation) and 1 week, 2 months, 8 months and 12 months post-stimulation. Results: The findings demonstrate treatment-related changes observed in the stimulation group, up to 12 months post-stimulation, when compared to the placebo control group over time for naming performance, expressive language and auditory comprehension. Conclusion: These outcomes provide considerable evidence to support the theory of rTMS modulating mechanisms of transcallosal disinhibition in the aphasic brain, and highlight the potential clinical application of rTMS for language rehabilitation in chronic aphasia. Show more

Keywords: Non-fluent aphasia, aphasia, transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS, rehabilitation, stroke, language

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130915

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 915-928, 2013

Authors: Tamplin, Jeanette | Baker, Felicity A. | Jones, Bronwen | Way, Anneliis | Lee, Stuart

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Communication deficits resulting from aphasia can negatively impact stroke survivors' relationships and social participation. Despite their difficulties, singing is accessible and enjoyable for many people with aphasia. Objectives: To explore the effects of group singing for people with aphasia. Methods: A community choir was established and facilitated by a neurologic music therapist. Mood (General Health Questionnaire-12; Visual Analogue Mood Scale), communication, cognition and global functioning (Stroke Impact Scale-3) and social functioning (Sense of Belonging Instrument) were measured before, and at 12-weeks and 20-weeks after joining the choir. Three choir members and five caregivers also completed …semi-structured interviews about their experience of the choir. Results: Baselines measures were collected for 13 participants with aphasia. Prior to joining the choir, participants had higher levels of negative mood symptoms and poorer subjective sense of belonging compared to Australian general population samples. Results from the GHQ-12 suggested a trend towards reduction of psychological distress after participating in the choir. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed five common themes: increased confidence, peer support, enhanced mood, increased motivation, and changes to communication. Conclusion: The strength of findings was limited by the number of participants and lack of a control group, however clear benefits of choir participation were demonstrated. Preliminary findings were encouraging and warrant further rigorous investigation. Show more

Keywords: Singing, music therapy, choir, aphasia, stroke, communication, well-being, mood

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130916

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 929-941, 2013

Authors: Kalron, Alon | Greenberg-Abrahami, Michal | Gelav, Simona | Achiron, Anat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To describe and evaluate the effects of a new home-based sensory re-education training tool on hand sensibility and manual dexterity in people with MS experiencing upper limb sensory deficits. Methods: Twenty-five people with relapsing-remitting MS (18 women), mean age 50.6 years (SD = 11.4), volunteered to participate. Participants were initially assigned to a 7-week control phase followed by a 3-week home-based sensory re-education phase. Measurements used were the nine-hole peg test, the two point discrimination test, the monofilaments test and the functional dexterity test. Measurements were collected at baseline, following the control phase and at the end …of the trial. Results: Participants demonstrated an improvement in the nine-hole peg (26.8 (SD = 3.5) vs. 22.6 (SD = 3.2); mean difference (95% CI) 4.9 (0.9, 7.1), P = 0.03) and functional dexterity tests (38.6 (SD = 4.4) vs. 33.8 (SD = 4.9); mean difference (95% CI) 4.8 (1.8, 7.0); P = 0.02) at the end of the sensory re-education phase compared to the end of the control phase. No differences were observed as to the monofilaments and two-point discrimination tests. Conclusions: Sensory re-education training does not affect the level of sensory impairment in the hand but may lead to improvement in select measures of manual dexterity. Show more

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, sensory deficits, sensory retraining, manual dexterity

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130917

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 943-948, 2013

Authors: Argolo, Natalie | Sampaio, Marília | Pinho, Patrícia | Melo, Ailton | Nóbrega, Ana Caline

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of motor swallowing exercises on swallowing dynamic, quality of life and swallowing complaints in Parkinson's disease (PD). Design: A before-after trial. Setting: University Medical Center. Participants: Parkinson's disease patients with dysphagia complaints. Interventions: Motor swallowing exercises designed to increase the strength and range of motion of the mouth, larynx and pharyngeal structures, coordination between breathing and swallowing, and airway protection. Patients should perform the exercises twice a day, five days a week, for five weeks. Main outcome measure(s): The primary outcome was the difference before …and after the intervention in number of swallowing videofluoroscopic events (Swallowing Score). The secondary outcomes were quality of life (QOL) and swallowing complaints. Results: Fifteen patients concluded the study (10 man/5 woman; mean age 59.2 ± 9.17). The videofluoroscopic events with greater improvement were loss of bolus control (P < 0.03), piecemeal swallow (P = 0.05) and residue on the tongue (P < 0.01), valleculae (P = 0.01) and pyriform sinuses (P = 0.05). Lingual pumping and dental absence were interfering factors associated with treatment failure (beta standardized coefficient = −16.6, 26.2; P = 0.02, 0.002, respectively). The domains with greater improvements in QOL were fear (P = 0.02) and symptom frequency (P = 0.05). Regarding swallowing complaints, patients reported to have reduced mainly their difficulty in moving food in the mouth when chewing (P = 0.02). Reduction in swallowing disorders was not related with QOL improvement (cor = 0.13, [95% CI, 0.6–0.4], P = 0.63). Conclusions: Motor swallowing exercises may reduce swallowing disorders in PD patients without lingual pumping and dental absence and impact positively QOL and swallowing complaints in individuals with PD. Show more

Keywords: Parkinson's disease, rehabilitation, deglutition disorders

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130918

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 949-955, 2013

Authors: Johnston, Maureen | de Morton, Natalie | Harding, Katherine | Taylor, Nick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Question: Is the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) valid for measuring the mobility of patients living in the community with Parkinson disease (PD)? Design: A prospective cohort study comparing the DEMMI with existing mobility-related activity measures. Participants: 102 consecutive patients with PD (mean age 72.4 years, SD 8.3) who received multidisciplinary outpatient care in a community rehabilitation facility over 6 to 8 weeks. Outcome measures and analysis: The DEMMI and other measures of mobility-related activity at admission and discharge (10 metre walk test, Berg balance scale, timed up and go test, functional reach test …and pull test) were used to assess convergent validity. Discriminant validity of the DEMMI was assessed by comparison to measures of other constructs, and. unidimensionality was examined using Rasch analysis. Results: Evidence of convergent (rho ranged from 0.47 to 0.84), discriminant (rho ranged 0.12 to 0.22), and known groups validity were obtained for the DEMMI (Mean difference 20.3 units, 95% CI 14.5 to 26.0). Rasch analysis confirmed that the DEMMI was unidimensional. Conclusion: The DEMMI has a broader scale width than existing mobility-related activity measures, provides interval level measurement and is a unidimensional measure of mobility in patients with PD living in the community. Show more

Keywords: Parkinson disease, mobility measurement, DEMMI scale, mobility outcome, balance

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130919

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 957-966, 2013

Authors: Cheng, S.P. | Yang, C.Y. | Tang, F.I. | Chen, I. Ju

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Introducing evidence-based exercise guidelines of Parkinson's disease (PD) into clinical practice and community settings has been highlighted. Aim: This study tested the feasibility and compared the weekly effects of a 12-week walking training program on PD patients and community-dwelling seniors. Design: A prospective quasi-experimental design was used. PD patients in Hoehn and Yahr Stage I through III (PG) and community-dwelling adults older than 65 were recruited (CG). Methods: In the outpatient department of a hospital, the information of personal data, coordination test, and walking ability of participants were collected first. They then participated …in a 36-session, 12-week treadmill walking training program. Results: Weekly data of step length and velocity in PG and CG were collected. The walking training program achieved significant velocity (χ2 = 126.38, p < 0.001) and step length (χ2 = 27.27, p = 0.001) improvements in PG. Differences in improvement between PG and CG in terms of velocity (χ2 = 7.089, df = 1, p = 0.008) and step length (χ2 = 7.718, df = 1, p = 0.005) were also identified. Conclusion: The applicability of this 12-week walking program both for PD patients and community-dwelling older adults was identified. Conducting the economic evaluation and neurology studies of the 12-week walking program and test the effects of five-week walking program are suggested. Show more

Keywords: Parkinson disease, aged, rehabilitation, walking

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130920

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 967-976, 2013

Authors: Lee, Jung Ah | You, Joshua H. | Kim, Dong A. | Lee, Min Jin | Hwang, Pil Woo | Lee, Nam Gi | Park, Jeong Joon | Lee, Dong Ryul | Kim, Hyun-Kyung

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130983

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 977-977, 2013

Authors: Jones, Ciara | O'Keeffe, Kiadhnait | Kingston, Craig | Carroll, Aine

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130984

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 979-979, 2013

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2013-32430

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 981-988, 2013