THE INDEX

Every paper we have read

Each one summarised from the full article, not its abstract, and kept only if it speaks to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology or nursing. Newest first.

35,183 PAPERS · PAGE 627 OF 704 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTQualitative2025A longitudinal qualitative study on the care needs journey map of primary caregivers of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesCaregivers of knee replacement patients described shifting from administrative tasks to quasi-professional roles, facing severe gaps in rehabilitation guidance and emotional support after discharge. They reported anxiety and helplessness when left without clear instructions on home exercises and complication prevention.
• PTOTRCT2025Transcranial magnetic stimulation regulates brain functional network dynamics in stroke patients: a randomised controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding 1Hz rTMS to standard rehab improved upper limb movement and daily self-care more than rehab alone. Brain scans showed increased network flexibility in sensory and cognitive areas, which correlated with better arm recovery and predicted treatment success.
• OTSLPSurvey2025Examining an integrated path model of psychological and sociocultural predictors of camouflaging in autistic adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceFear of negative evaluation and past victimisation strongly predicted camouflaging. Unexpectedly, higher self-esteem and a stronger autistic identity also linked to more camouflaging, suggesting some adults mask strategically to access opportunities rather than solely out of shame.
• PTOTOther2025Innovative stimulated muscle contraction signals based digital muscle marker: a reliable tool for assessing muscle in persons with stroke.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA wearable device that stimulates muscles and reads their response tracked muscle mass and strength in stroke survivors reliably, even on the weak side. It requires no voluntary effort, offering a way to assess muscle wasting in patients who cannot cooperate with standard strength tests.
• PTCase Report2025Case Report: Electrophysiological characteristics of the pelvic floor in spinal epidural lipomatosis.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesIn one young man with saddle pain and urinary retention, pelvic floor electrophysiology detected nerve damage months before MRI confirmed spinal epidural lipomatosis. The sympathetic skin response was the earliest abnormality. This case report describes the findings in one person, not a pattern of efficacy.
• PTOTOther2025Reliability of upper limb kinematic variables: adults with unilateral cerebral palsy performing a standardized drinking task.Journal of rehabilitation medicineIn adults with spastic unilateral CP, a motion-capture drinking task gave repeatable upper limb movement results over consecutive days. Small day-to-day differences were usually measurement noise; changes above the reported change thresholds likely reflect real movement differences.
• PTOTCohort2025Clinical assessments and gait characteristics by subtype classification using temporal and kinematic symmetry indices during gait in patients with chronic stroke.Journal of rehabilitation medicineStroke survivors who walk independently split into four distinct gait subtypes based on symmetry. Those with severe motor impairment had the lowest walking speed and most asymmetry. However, patients with similar moderate impairment and speed showed different underlying movement problems, meaning one subtype needs different rehab than another.
• PTOther2025The role of surface EMG in predicting responsiveness of muscles to FES therapy after cervical SCI.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationBaseline surface EMG predicted which upper limb muscles would strengthen during FES after cervical SCI better than clinical scores. The best model caught many non-responders but missed many true responders, so it is not ready for routine use.
• PTOther2025Does body weight support improve neural and biomechanical measures during treadmill gait in children with unilateral cerebral palsy?Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPartial body weight support improved gait kinematics in high-functioning children with cerebral palsy but did not change muscle synergy patterns. Benefits peaked at 20% support and reversed at 40%. The study was observational, not a training trial.
• SLPCase-Control2025Narrative Ability in Autism and First-Degree Relatives.Journal of autism and developmental disordersUnaffected siblings of autistic people narrated a wordless picture book with fewer references to characters' feelings and causal links than controls. These siblings also omitted the story setting more often. Parents showed no such differences. Narrative profiles appear distinct in siblings even without a diagnosis.
• OTOther2025Are a Child's Autistic Traits, Behavioural Difficulties, Prosocial Behaviour and Temperament Predictors of Parental Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction? A Study on Parents of Autistic and Neurotypical Children Aged 7-11 Years.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn parents of autistic children, behavioural difficulties and prosocial behaviour predicted lower parenting confidence and satisfaction. In parents of neurotypical children, only behavioural difficulties predicted confidence. Autistic traits themselves did not significantly predict either outcome in the final models.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Developmental Impacts of Early Sensory Patterns on School-Age Adaptive, Maladaptive, and Participation Outcomes in Autistic and Non-autistic Children.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren whose sensory sensitivity increased during preschool had lower adaptive skills and more anxiety at school age. This pattern also predicted less participation in classroom and community activities. These links were stronger in autistic children than in non-autistic peers.
• PTOTQualitative2025User Engagement and Experiences With an Online Unsupervised Tai Chi Program for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: Mixed Methods Process Evaluation Nested in a Randomized Controlled Trial.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesMost users found this unsupervised online Tai Chi program engaging and easy to follow, with nearly three-quarters adhering to the schedule. However, the lack of instructor feedback and technical issues frustrated some, highlighting a need for hybrid models or better digital support for complex movements.
• OTSLPOther2025Camouflaging in Autistic Adults is Modulated by Autistic and Neurotypical Characteristics of Interaction Partners.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutistic adults reported camouflaging more when interacting with other autistic people than with neurotypical people. This contradicts the common assumption that masking is primarily a survival strategy to fit into neurotypical society, suggesting it may instead reflect a motivation to build relationships with autistic peers.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Rehabilitation needs and healthcare utilization of adults with cerebral palsy: A mixed methods study.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineAdults with cerebral palsy still seen in pediatric rehabilitation had shifting equipment, therapy, and specialist needs, but only 21 of 280 had documented transition efforts.
• PTOther2025Impact of Neural network-quantified musical groove on cyclists' joint coordination and muscle synergy: a repeated measures study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationHigh-groove music increased hip-ankle and pelvis-trunk coordination and added a fifth muscle synergy pattern during high-torque cycling compared to low-groove music or metronome. These findings suggest rhythmic auditory cues can refine neuromuscular control, but this was a lab study on healthy cyclists.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Competency requirements for patients and therapists in telerehabilitation aftercare: a qualitative study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesTherapists and patients described telerehabilitation competencies as mostly social and professional, not just technical. They stressed that prior in-person therapy experience and structured onboarding are essential. Current training was reported as inconsistent and often insufficient.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025ICF-based functioning profiles in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: Evidence from a population-based study in Argentina.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineChildren with severe motor impairments rated technology as a major facilitator, while those with milder issues saw it as neutral. Immediate family supported all levels, but health services and societal attitudes only helped the milder group.
• PTOTCohort2025Exploring exercise intolerance in adult patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury.Journal of rehabilitation medicineIn adults with persistent concussion symptoms, 81% had exercise intolerance confirmed by treadmill testing. Higher overall symptom burden predicted this intolerance. Within those intolerant, higher resting heart rate allowed more exercise, while higher anxiety lowered the threshold for symptoms.
• OTSurvey2026Depressive symptoms in people with late effects of polio and the association with sociodemographic and disability-related factors.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationIn 81 people with late effects of polio, 43% scored in the range where depression should be suspected. Being single, having more self-reported impairments, and lower perceived participation were associated with these high scores. Mobility alone was not.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Prior Diagnoses and Age of Diagnosis in Children Later Diagnosed with Autism.Journal of autism and developmental disordersBlack children were diagnosed with autism about six months earlier than White children. White children had higher rates of prior diagnoses like ADHD and anxiety. More prior diagnoses predicted later autism diagnosis. These findings contradict expected disparities in access to care.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026Reacting, Retreating, Regulating, and Reconnecting: How Autistic Adults in the United Kingdom Use Time Alone for Well-Being.Autism in adulthoodAutistic adults described time alone as a recovery strategy from sensory and social overwhelm, not a lack of social interest. They used specific sanctuary spaces and intense interests to regulate before reconnecting. Individual needs varied widely, challenging assumptions that minimalist rooms are universally calming.
• PTQualitative2026Exploring the role of patient activity in the clinical decision-making processes of health care practitioners working in hospital care: A qualitative study.Clinical rehabilitationPractitioners rely on intuition and subjective impressions of patient activity rather than objective measures when making decisions about discharge, medication, and mobility aids. This lack of standardized assessment creates inconsistent communication across wards and complicates shared decision-making.
• OTSLPQualitative2026Neurodivergence and the Rabbit Hole of Extremism: Uncovering Lived Experience.Autism in adulthoodAutistic people who joined far-right groups described trauma and rejection, not autism itself, as the driver. They found belonging, structure, and validation in hate groups that mainstream society and services failed to provide. Clinical care must address these unmet needs to reduce vulnerability to recruitment.
• PTRCT2026Does radial shockwave therapy lead to immediate improvements in pain in people with insertional Achilles tendinopathy? A randomised controlled trial.Clinical rehabilitationWith identical exercise and education, radial shockwave did not lower calf raise or hop pain more than sham across three sessions in insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Both groups had small before-after improvements, so any immediate benefit was not attributable to shockwave.
• OTSLPOther2026Does Camouflaging Cause Reduced Quality of Life? A Co-Twin Control Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn twin pairs, the sibling who reported more camouflaging had lower quality of life than their co-twin. This held even in identical twins, suggesting the link isn't just due to shared genetics or environment.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Health Literacy and Access to Care among Patients with and Without Traumatic Brain Injury: An All of Us Analysis.NeuroRehabilitationPatients with a history of traumatic brain injury are significantly more likely to report difficulty understanding health information, needing help with medical forms, and delaying care due to cost or transportation compared to matched controls.
• SLPCohort2026Modification and Validation of an Autism Observational Assessment Including ADOS-2® for Use with Children with Visual Impairment.Journal of autism and developmental disordersA modified autism assessment using touch and sound instead of vision accurately identified ASD risk in blind and visually impaired children. It distinguished those at high risk from those at low risk with very high sensitivity and specificity, offering a valid tool for this population.
• SLPQualitative2025Caregiver Perspectives on Telehealth Assessment and Other Supports for Infants with Early Developmental Concerns.Journal of autism and developmental disordersNineteen caregivers of infants with early developmental concerns felt uncertain and dismissed by providers. They valued live telehealth sessions and written reports for validation and advocacy, and wanted navigation help, parent coaching, and connection with other families.
• SLPCohort2025Examination of the Potential Moderating Role of Psychological Wellbeing in the Relationship Between Depression and Thoughts of Self-Harm in Autistic Adolescents and Adults: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersPsychological wellbeing did not buffer the link between depression and thoughts of self-harm in autistic adolescents and adults. Instead, baseline depression and higher autistic traits independently predicted thoughts of self-harm two years later. These factors remained stable over time, suggesting early intervention is needed.
• PTOTOther2025Characterization of motor unit activities during isometric elbow flexion with different speeds.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationFaster muscle contractions require the nervous system to recruit motor units more aggressively and synchronize them more tightly. This increased neural drive comes at a cost: tracking the target force accurately becomes significantly harder, especially when trying to generate force quickly at high intensities.
• Qualitative2025'Does that mean you will be violent?': A qualitative exploration into Autistic women's experiences of relationships with lecturers at university.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic women described supportive lecturers as luck, not a right. Without a diagnosis, some could not access support. They wanted universities to accept autism, listen to their voices, and train staff without relying on stereotypes.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Design and functional validation of a needs-driven multifunctional integrated nursing wheelchair for elder individuals with disability.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA new multifunctional wheelchair prototype successfully automated bed and toilet docking in lab tests, achieving alignment within 5 mm. However, testing was performed by healthy researchers simulating disability, not actual patients. Clinical benefits for mobility or caregiver strain remain unproven.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2025The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPulmonary rehabilitation improved walking distance, fatigue, and quality of life in long-COVID patients. Telerehabilitation worked as well as in-person sessions. Dyspnea scores did not change significantly. Try remote programs for patients who struggle to attend clinics.
• OTSLPCohort2025Retrospective Analysis of Dog Bite Injuries in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren with autism spectrum disorder suffered dog bites with similar severity and treatment needs as peers without the disorder. They were more likely to have head injuries and require blood transfusions, but mortality and overall clinical care needs did not differ between the groups.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2025Autistic and autism community perspectives on infant and family support in the first two years of life: Findings from a community consultation survey.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic and non-Autistic community members largely agreed that early infant supports should help parents understand their child's needs and improve quality of life. They rejected goals like reducing autistic behaviours or forcing eye contact. Reinforcement strategies and the term 'intervention' were viewed with concern.
• OTSLPCohort2025Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring of Parents with Major Depressive Disorder: A Birth Cohort Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersChildren of parents with depression were more likely to receive diagnoses of ADHD, autism, tics, and developmental delays. Prenatal parental depression was linked to more conditions; postnatal depression was linked only to ADHD, developmental delay, and coordination delay. Association, not proof of cause.
• SLPSystematic Review2025Parent-led Communication Therapy for Young Bilingual Autistic Children: A Scoping Review.Journal of autism and developmental disordersMost parent-led communication programs for bilingual autistic children show promise, but the evidence is too weak to guide practice. Studies rarely report which languages families actually use, making it impossible to know if these programs work specifically for bilingual contexts.
• SLPOther2025Effect of Parental Severe Mental Disorders on the Timing of Autism Diagnosis: A Family Linkage Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn Taiwan, children diagnosed with autism at age 12 or older were more likely to have a parent with schizophrenia or substance use disorder. Children diagnosed at age 6 to 11 were more likely to have a parent with bipolar disorder or major depression.
• SLPSurvey2025Vaccine Hesitancy in the Autism Spectrum Disorder Context: Parental Vaccine Decision-Making and Coping with Stress Strategies.Journal of autism and developmental disordersParents of children with autism showed higher vaccine hesitancy and lower personal COVID-19 vaccination rates than parents of children with other disorders or no disorders. They also used different coping styles, notably less humor, linked to their hesitation.
• PTOTSurvey2025Shoulder problems after spinal cord injury. Part one: self-assessment by questionnaires.Journal of rehabilitation medicine54 of 100 people with spinal cord injury reported shoulder pain after injury, and 34 reported pain in the last week. Pain was common across injury levels and among wheelchair users and ambulatory people.
• SLPSurvey2025Re-Evaluating the Appropriateness of the "Don't Know" Response Option: Guessing Rate as a Source of Systematic Error on Autism Knowledge Assessments.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAutism knowledge tests that include a “don’t know” option can make guessing count as knowledge. In 396 school-based professionals, tendency to guess was linked with higher scores, so a low score may not mean low knowledge and a high score may not mean certainty.
• OTOther2025Psychological Capital, Self-Advocacy, and Future Orientation among Adults on the Autism Spectrum.Journal of autism and developmental disordersIn 40 adults with autism, future-oriented thinking linked to self-advocacy only through psychological capital (hope, resilience, optimism, self-efficacy). The direct link was not significant. This is a cross-sectional survey, so it cannot show that improving any of these causes change in the others.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Complete Spectrum of Physical Comorbidities with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Nationwide Cohort.Journal of autism and developmental disordersPeople with autism have a higher risk of developing most physical diseases from childhood into adulthood compared to the general population. This risk is especially high for nervous system and ear diseases, and females with autism face greater physical health risks than males.
• SLPQualitative2026Perceived Impact, Needs, and Resources of Grandparents of Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Qualitative Study.Journal of autism and developmental disordersGrandparents of autistic children felt stuck between wanting to help and being blocked by parents or physical limits. They desperately wanted training on managing disruptive behaviors, but almost none sought professional psychological support themselves, relying instead on faith and family.
• PTMeta-Analysis2026High-intensity interval training after stroke: A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis of safety, feasibility and acceptability.Clinical rehabilitationHIIT after stroke showed no difference in adverse events or dropouts versus control, with 94.4% attendance. It was considered safe and feasible only for carefully screened chronic stroke survivors under supervision.
• RCT2026Gastrointestinal, Behaviour and Anxiety Outcomes in Autistic Children Following an Open Label, Randomised Pilot Study of Synbiotics vs Synbiotics and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy.Journal of autism and developmental disordersAdding gut-directed hypnotherapy to a daily synbiotic did not improve gastrointestinal severity more than synbiotic alone in autistic children. Both groups had symptom reductions, but no control group means these changes cannot prove treatment effect.
• Survey2026A comparative analysis of self-identification and functional measures of disability.Disability and health journalSelf-identification captures people with disabilities that standard functional questions miss, doubling the count compared to the Washington Group Short Set. However, those who meet both criteria report the worst health and highest unmet needs. Functional-only groups often report sensory or memory difficulties.
• PTOTSurvey2026A research priority setting for ankle-foot orthosis care in the Netherlands; a survey among rehabilitation specialists, orthotists, and orthotic users.Prosthetics and orthotics internationalClinicians prioritized research on AFO properties and gait effects, while users prioritized comfort, fitting, and shoe compatibility. There was no overlap in priorities between professionals and patients, indicating a gap between clinical focus and user experience.
• Other2026Genetically predicted KIR2DS4 mediate the association between gut microbe K10 and osteoporosis fractures: A mediation Mendelian randomization study.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationGenetic data links a specific gut bacterium, K10, to lower fracture risk, partly by suppressing the immune protein KIR2DS4. This identifies a biological pathway for future research. It does not show that probiotics or diet prevent fractures in patients.