NeuroRehabilitation
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2008
Case ReportsCasual leisure and the sensory diet: a concept for improving quality of life in neuropalliative conditions.
This case report describes the leisure lifestyle of two individuals with neuropalliative conditions who expressed themselves satisfied with their use of leisure time and whose leisure occupations were based around sensory stimulation to each of the five senses, proprioception and vestibular stimulation in turn. It evaluates the concept of leisure as a means of giving a meaning to life and therefore increasing quality of life, suggests greater use of the existing sensory diet framework in the domain of neuropalliative conditions and proposes a direction for future research in order to provide casual leisure opportunities for individuals with severe cognitive dysfunction in order to improve their quality of life.
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2008
A pilot study into the effect of vocal exercises and singing on dysarthric speech.
This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of vocal exercises and singing on intelligibility and speech naturalness for subjects with acquired dysarthria following traumatic brain injury or stroke. A multiple case study design was used, involving pre, mid, and post-treatment assessments of intelligibility, rate, naturalness, and pause time for four subjects with dysarthria. Each subject participated in 24 individual music therapy sessions over eight weeks involving oral motor respiratory exercises, rhythmic and melodic articulation exercises, rhythmic speech cuing, vocal intonation therapy, and therapeutic singing using familiar songs. ⋯ Statistically significant improvements in functional speech intelligibility were achieved but improvements in rate of speech were not significant. Speech naturalness improved post-treatment and a reduction in the number and length of pauses was verified via waveform analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that a program of vocal exercises and singing may facilitate more normative speech production for people with acquired dysarthria and support the need for further research in this area.
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To explore agonist and antagonist muscle characteristics, depression and physical functioning of patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). ⋯ These findings suggest presence of unusual muscle activity occurring in the bicep muscle of FMS and non-FMS chronic pain patients, which establishes a possible link between muscle dysfunction, mood and pain.
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2007
Review Case ReportsUse of computer based testing of youth hockey players with concussions.
Concussion is a potentially serious injury for athletes. Recent statistics suggest that approximately 300,000 sports-related traumatic brain injuries occur annually in the United States. Soccer, rugby, football, and ice hockey are all considered high-risk team sports for concussion. ⋯ Return to play issues are one of the most difficult issues for physicians caring for concussed athletes. The advent of computerized neuropsychological testing adds another tool to assist in this process. It also appears to enhance the education process for players, coaches, and parents on the potential seriousness of concussion for these young athletes.
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NeuroRehabilitation · Jan 2007
ReviewA review of the complications of intrathecal baclofen in patients with cerebral palsy.
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) has become a standard treatment for spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) over the last ten years. This review summarizes and assesses the evidence for the safety of ITB in patients with CP. The literature was searched using electronic databases and reference lists from March 2000 through April 2007. ⋯ Children appear to be at higher risk for complications than adults. However, until we have consistent, reliable reports of complications, it will not be possible to perform specific risk/benefit analyses. Recommendations for improving investigation in this important area are discussed.