TOPIC

Neurological research

Everything we have read on neurological. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

2,792 PAPERS · PAGE 42 OF 56 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTCohort2025Characteristics of subacute stroke patients who achieve earlier independence in real-life walking performance during hospitalization.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAfter subacute stroke, younger age, higher cognition, and better walking ability on admission predicted earlier independence in real ward walking; low daily-living ability or no walking ability predicted slower achievement.
• OTPilot2025ENGAGE-TBI: adaptation of a community-based intervention to improve social participation after brain injury.Brain injuryAdapting a community-based stroke participation programme for brain injury was feasible in a small pilot. Participants showed improved social participation and mental health, but social isolation and physical health did not change. It cannot show the programme works.
• PTOTCohort2025Enhancing safety monitoring in post-stroke rehabilitation through wearable technologies.Clinical rehabilitationStroke survivors took much longer to complete the Timed Up and Go test, but their movements appeared smoother than healthy controls. This suggests they consciously trade speed for stability. Wearable sensors detected this cautious strategy, potentially offering a way to monitor fall risk in real time.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2025Return to sports after pediatric traumatic brain injury: An expert panel survey.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationExpert opinions on when children with serious brain injuries can return to sports vary widely. Risk of the activity mattered more than injury severity for most scenarios. For severe injuries and high-contact sports, many experts recommended waiting months or never returning, highlighting the need for individualized decision-making.
• OTRCT2025Improving Outcomes for Care Partners of Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: Results for a mHealth Randomized Control Trial of the CareQOL App.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationAdding personalized self-care push notifications to a self-monitoring app did not improve health-related quality of life for care partners of people with TBI. Some scores worsened. Only participants who actively engaged with the app showed improvements, suggesting engagement matters more than the prompts.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study of 1,140 individuals.Journal of rehabilitation medicineStroke survivors who did more than 75 minutes of vigorous or 150 minutes of moderate activity per week had lower odds of depressive symptoms. However, exceeding 300 minutes of moderate activity weekly removed this benefit. The study cannot prove exercise prevented the depression.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2025Genetic investigations in cerebral palsy.Developmental medicine and child neurologyA genetic cause is found in many children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, especially those with normal MRI scans or worsening symptoms. Therapists should flag these signs for medical review. A genetic diagnosis does not rule out the cerebral palsy label or its management.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Cognitive Training Using Virtual Reality: An Assessment of Usability and Adverse Effects.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationTen stroke survivors and twenty clinicians tried a new VR cognitive training program. Both groups reported only moderate usability and mild-to-moderate motion sickness. No differences in comfort or ease of use were found between experienced and novice users.
• PTOTSLPPilot2025Multiparametric MRI Assessment of Morpho-Functional Muscle Changes Following a 6-Month FES-Cycling Training Program: Pilot Study in People With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesFour men with complete spinal cord injury who cycled with electrical stimulation for six months showed increased thigh muscle volume and reduced fat infiltration on MRI. These changes reversed slightly after stopping. No control group was used, so this is a feasibility check, not proof of efficacy.
• PTOTSurvey2024Nonresponse Bias on Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals' Experience of Care Quality Measure Scores.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationRoutine inpatient rehabilitation experience surveys underrepresented patients with lower cognition, stroke or brain injury, and proxy answers differed from patient answers. These scores may not represent all patients.
• PTOTOther2024Robotic Rigor: Validity of the Kinarm End-Point Robot Visually Guided Reaching Test in Multiple Sclerosis.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationRobotic movement planning metrics correlated moderately with standard dexterity tests, and reaction time distinguished those reporting hand problems. Movement correction metrics showed no significant relationship with either clinical measure, suggesting they may assess distinct aspects of motor function.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Association of Rate of Functional Recovery With Therapy Time and Content Among Adults With Acquired Brain Injuries in Inpatient Rehabilitation.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationMore OT ADL/IADL training linked to faster daily self-care gains, but more PT bed mobility training linked to slower daily mobility recovery. These observational findings suggest a mismatch between billed therapy time and functional progress rates, not proof that PT bed mobility training harms recovery.
• PTOTCase Report2024Cryoneurolysis and Quadriplegia: A Case Report on Pain and Severe Spasticity Management.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationA man with long-standing quadriplegia and severe spasticity had cryoneurolysis to hip and hand muscles. His hip and knee range of motion and hand function improved for months, and he regained some daily independence. This is one person's story, not proof the treatment works for others.
• PTOTSLPRCT2025Clinical validation of an individualized auto-adaptative serious game for combined cognitive and upper limb motor robotic rehabilitation after stroke.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationThe game automatically adjusted difficulty to match each person's motor and attention impairment levels. It reached an individualized challenge level within about 30 minutes, confirming the system works as designed for combined rehabilitation.
• PTOTRCT2025Myoelectric pattern recognition with virtual reality and serious gaming improves upper limb function in chronic stroke: a single case experimental design study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationSix people with chronic stroke completed six weeks of high-dose training using myoelectric pattern recognition, virtual reality, and gaming. All six improved upper limb motor function, with five reaching the minimal clinically important difference. Follow-up data showed some deterioration.
• PTOTOther2025Insights into the dependence of post-stroke motor recovery on the initial corticospinal tract connectivity from a computational model.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA computer model suggests initial corticospinal tract strength shapes stroke upper-limb recovery. With stronger connectivity, people reached about 70% recovery quickly. With weaker connectivity, recovery was slower and more variable.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Towards personalized immersive virtual reality neurorehabilitation: a human-centered design.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationNeurorehabilitation experts described training environments for brain injury as specific, meaningful, versatile, educational, safe, and supportive. For virtual reality, they recommended adjusting stimuli, offering video instructions, realistic tasks, and monitoring fatigue. These are design recommendations, not tested treatments.
• PTOTSystematic Review2024Overview of Effects of Motor Learning Strategies in Neurologic and Geriatric Populations: A Systematic Mapping Review.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationMost trials on motor learning strategies in older adults had weak methods. Only 5 studies were reliable enough to interpret. Results were mixed: dual-task and observational learning showed some promise in specific groups, but firm conclusions on effectiveness cannot be drawn.
• OTRCT2025Effects of home-based virtual reality upper extremity rehabilitation in persons with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationIn 14 people with chronic stroke, adding home VR task practice to weekly occupational therapy improved arm movement and hand use more than conventional home exercises with the same weekly therapy. The study was small and baseline scores differed.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025Factors influencing participation and engagement in post-stroke cardiac rehabilitation and exercise: an exploratory qualitative study.International journal of rehabilitation research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Rehabilitationsforschung. Revue internationale de recherches de readaptationStroke survivors and staff identified barriers like transport costs, fatigue, and lack of stroke-specific training. Enablers included social connection, adapted exercises, and supportive staff. Home-based classes were unpopular due to lost camaraderie. Prioritising accessible venues and staff upskilling may improve engagement.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Within-session propulsion asymmetry changes have a limited effect on gait asymmetry post-stroke.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationIncreasing paretic propulsion with biofeedback reduced propulsion asymmetry but did not significantly improve overall gait asymmetry. Clinicians should not expect single-limb propulsion training to automatically normalize the entire walking pattern.
• PTOTSystematic Review2025Outdoor experiences and outdoor-based activities and interventions for individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic scoping review.Journal of rehabilitation medicinePeople with spinal cord injury often find joy and freedom in outdoor activities, but face barriers like inaccessible terrain and high equipment costs. Most evidence describes experiences rather than testing whether outdoor rehabilitation improves health outcomes.
• PTOTCase Report2024Case Report: Targeted plasticity in spinal cord injury-the role of focal muscle vibration and neurocognitive rehabilitation in adaptative synaptic change along sensory and motor circuit.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesOne patient with chronic spinal cord injury improved walking speed from 0.2 to 0.4 m/s and reduced pain scores after five weeks of combined vibration and neurocognitive therapy. Because many treatments were given together, the specific contribution of vibration cannot be isolated.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Health and Health Care Utilization Outcomes for Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationOne year after injury, people with traumatic brain injury used significantly more health care than matched controls without injury. They had higher rates of emergency visits, hospital admissions, and new diagnoses, including headaches and anxiety. This suggests a need for closer long-term monitoring.
• PTOTCohort2025Construct validity and responsiveness of clinical upper limb measures and sensor-based arm use within the first year after stroke: a longitudinal cohort study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationClinical scores and real-world arm use measure different things. A 4-point improvement in motor recovery did not guarantee patients felt better. Use arm use data to see how much patients actually use the arm, not just how well they can move it.
• PTOTSLPRCT2025Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation combined with robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training enhances motor score and gait recovery in incomplete spinal cord injury: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdding transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation to robotic treadmill training improved leg strength and walking speed more than sham stimulation at one-month follow-up. The effect appeared after the stimulation phase ended, not immediately, and the study was small.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Functional independence trajectories over 5 years in older veterans with traumatic brain injury: A model systems study.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationFunctional independence declined over five years in older veterans with TBI. Those with longer posttraumatic amnesia or preinjury substance use had lower scores and steeper drops. Clinicians should monitor these high-risk groups closely, as their recovery trajectory is worse than average.
• PTOTOther2024Validation of a tri-axial accelerometer for measuring physical activity in patients with subacute stroke.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThe Active Style Pro accelerometer accurately estimated energy expenditure during walking and reaching in patients with subacute stroke who could walk independently. Scores were similar regardless of whether the device was worn on the affected or unaffected side.
• PTOTQualitative2025Advancing stroke rehabilitation: the role of wearable technology according to research experts.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyStroke researchers believe wearable technology is vital for measuring real-world movement but too burdensome for routine use due to cost, data overload, and poor integration into clinical workflows.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024Caregiver perceptions of usual care home programs for persons with acquired brain injury: a qualitative descriptive study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesCaregivers of people with acquired brain injury valued home programs but described limited training and repetitive exercises. They mostly encouraged rather than directly participated, and reported motivation, boredom, fatigue, and system barriers as key to engagement.
• PTOTCohort2025Machine learning techniques for independent gait recovery prediction in acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA machine learning model predicted independent walking recovery in stroke patients more accurately than standard statistics. It relied on the Timed Up and Go test, brain scan markers, and cognitive scores to identify those likely to recover gait by 90 or 180 days.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Cerebral palsy characteristics in term-born children with and without detectable perinatal risk factors: A cross-sectional study.Developmental medicine and child neurologyTerm-born children with cerebral palsy and no detectable perinatal risk factors had milder motor and communication impairments than those with risk factors. They were more likely to have unilateral spastic CP and focal brain injuries, particularly venous stroke, despite normal birth histories.
• PTOTCohort2025Etiological factors and clinical outcomes in extracapsular and intracapsular hip fractures among older adults: A gender-specific analysis.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationOlder women with extracapsular hip fractures are significantly less likely to return home and more likely to need rehabilitation or readmission than those with intracapsular fractures. Men with the same fracture types showed no difference in discharge outcomes. Risk factors for severe fractures differed by gender.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2025Characterizing the attitudes, proficiency, and usage patterns for daily technology among older adults with a cognitive impairment.Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technologyOlder adults with mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, or post-stroke cognitive impairment reported positive attitudes and proficiency with technology. They used social and domestic tools most often, but transportation and leisure technologies least. Age was a barrier, while interest and comfort predicted usage.
• OTRCT2025Coming to my own wisdom: A qualitative study exploring the role of the Take Charge intervention in stroke recovery.Clinical rehabilitationStroke survivors who received Take Charge said being listened to and setting their own goals helped them regain confidence. Control participants also took charge, but did not describe feeling heard or speak with the same hope.
• PTOTRCT2025Cardiopulmonary exercise tests in people with chronic stroke: Interpretation and clinical application.Clinical rehabilitationMost treadmill exercise tests in chronic stroke stop due to walking problems, not heart or lung limits. Only 1.9% met criteria for a true maximal effort. Peak oxygen consumption from these tests likely underestimates fitness. Consider alternative modalities or clinical judgment for training intensity.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2025Neuroimaging and cognitive correlates of postural control in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationPoorer cognition, especially executive function, is linked to worse balance in Parkinson's. Brain scans show patients rely more on conscious cortical control for posture. However, protocols varied widely, so no single test or intervention is proven.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2025High Intensity Interval Training POst-STroke (HIIT-POST): Perspectives of People Living With Stroke and Health Professionals.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairPeople with stroke and clinicians view high-intensity interval training as beneficial but intimidating. The term 'high intensity' limits uptake. Focus education on personalization and relative effort rather than absolute speed. Safety screening and confidence in prescribing remain key barriers to routine use.
• PTOTOther2025Clinical Relevance of the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold and μ as Measures of Upper Limb Spasticity and Motor Impairment After Stroke.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairA portable device measuring the elbow's stretch reflex threshold predicted 72% of upper limb motor impairment variance in stroke survivors. This offers a more objective way to define the specific joint range where muscle activation becomes disordered compared to standard clinical scales.
• PTOTOther2025Touchscreen-based assessment of upper limb kinematics after stroke: Reliability, validity and sensitivity to motor impairment.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA large touchscreen reaching task produced consistent movement measures in 64 people after stroke and related to standard upper limb tests. In two extreme cases it distinguished best from worst function, but it is not evidence that it changes care.
• PTOTSurvey2025A path analysis of the healthcare utilization and services satisfaction among community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury in Malaysia.Journal of rehabilitation medicineFor Malaysian adults with spinal cord injury, the severity of health problems drove healthcare utilization, while activity and participation restrictions drove satisfaction with services. Sexual dysfunction was the most severe health problem reported. These are correlations, not proof of cause.
• PTOTOther2025Beyond Arm Capacity in Chronic Stroke: Evaluating Paretic Arm Non-Use Through Arm Efficiency-A Cross-Sectional Study.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairIn 30 adults after stroke, home use of the paretic arm matched a model based on arm efficiency better than a model based on arm capacity. A paretic-to-non-paretic Box and Block ratio predicted real-life arm use better than Fugl-Meyer or Wolf Motor Function Test.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025Impact of a stroke care pathway on self-perceived health 3 months after stroke.Journal of rehabilitation medicineMeeting stroke care time targets did not improve how patients rated their own health three months later. The study included mostly mild strokes, so it does not tell you whether these pathways help patients with severe deficits feel better.
• PTOTCohort2025Self-reported sleep disturbances and its determinants in people 1 year or more after stroke: A cross-sectional study.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationMore than half of stroke survivors reported sleep disturbances over a year after their stroke. Women and those using mobility devices reported significantly worse sleep. Factors like age, time since stroke, and stroke location were not linked to sleep quality, suggesting these disturbances persist long-term in specific groups.
• PTOTCase-Control2024Prestroke Physical Activity Matters for Functional Limitations: A Longitudinal Case-Control Study of 12,860 Participants.Physical therapyPeople who were physically active before their stroke had fewer limitations in daily tasks like dressing and walking than those who were inactive. This protective effect of activity was stronger in stroke survivors than in matched adults who did not have a stroke.
• PTOTSystematic Review2025Factors associated with upper extremity use after stroke: a scoping review of accelerometry studies.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationStroke survivors' daily arm use is driven mainly by severity and motor capacity, not age, sex, or time since stroke. Therapists should use wearable sensors to spot patients who have the ability to use their arm but do not, as clinical observation often misses this gap.
• PTOTSLPRCT2025Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on paroxysmal sympathetic hyperexcitability with acquired brain injury and cortical excitability: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationPatients receiving tDCS plus medication showed a 19.8-point drop in PSH severity scores, compared to 6.9 points with sham plus medication. This pilot study suggests tDCS may help reduce sympathetic hyperexcitability and medication needs in acquired brain injury.
• PTOTPilot2024A Falls Prevention Program for People After Stroke in Guyana: An International Collaboration.Physical therapyIn Guyana, 19 people post-stroke who joined an 8-week home and clinic falls prevention program showed improved walking speed and sit-to-stand time. Most reported less fear of falling and continued the exercises at home. This is a small pilot study, so it shows feasibility and preliminary benefit, not proven efficacy.
• PTOTCohort2025Post-stroke Stiff-Knee gait: are there different types or different severity levels?Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationGait patterns in post-stroke stiff-knee gait cluster into three groups based on compensatory movements, not just knee angle. However, the differences reflect varying severity of impairment rather than distinct neurological subtypes. Clinicians should assess overall gait severity, not just knee flexion.
• OTSLPOther2025The Oxford Visual Perception Screen: Development and normative data of a standardised assessment for visual perception difficulties.Clinical rehabilitationOxford Visual Perception Screen now has 107 healthy older participants' scores that set normal score thresholds. It can flag possible visual perception problems after stroke, but has not yet been validated against a gold standard.