Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Practice

2025

Volume 6, Issue 1, p1-71

Articles published in this issue are Open Access and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY NC) where the readers can reuse, download, distribute the article in whole or part by mentioning proper credits to the authors.

Brief Report Open Access

Patient-reported outcomes and speech intelligibility test results in cancer survivors: Preliminary findings

Stephanie M. Knollhoff, Madeline Hamilton, Ella Rolf

Communication is essential to quality of life, linked to social interactions, employment, and independence. Verbal communication is judged using speech intelligibility, or how well a speaker is understood. When communication is negatively impacted it affects every aspect of an individual's life resulting in smaller social networks, fewer positive interactions, and higher levels of loneliness.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p1-8 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.032

Original Research Open Access

Comparison of walking performance with the 6-minute and the 2-minute walk tests in elderly living in the community and in a nursing home

Duy Thanh Nguyen, Massimo Penta, Nguyen Van Chinh, Chloé Sauvage

In 2021, older adults were making up about 13.5% of the global population and projections indicated that by 2030, one in six people would be aged 60 years or more. Aging is associated with a progressive decline in exercise capacity, along with changes in physical function and walking ability, which can influence the performance of daily activities and the preservation of personal independence.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p9-16 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.033

Short Communication Open Access

Rehabilitation of pre-existing neurologically disabled children in emergency situations

Hitav Someshwar, Nirmal Surya

Disasters such as earthquakes and armed conflicts are threats for every child but especially concerning those children having pre-existing neurological impairments. This exacerbates their health challenges as care is further disrupted, resources are scarce, and support systems miss the mark.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p17-19 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.034

Perspective Open Access

Tailoring interval training in stroke rehabilitation: The role of peak velocity

Sangeetha Madhavan, Brice Cleland, Aditi Doshi, Cemal Ozemek

Stroke rehabilitation demands innovative approaches to address the diverse physical limitations and functional goals of stroke survivors. Traditional interval training paradigms, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT), often fall short of meeting the specific needs of this population due to their reliance on sustained or maximal efforts.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p20-26 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.035

Review Article Open Access

Physical activity and fitness in patients with end-stage renal disease: A review

Shyamal Koley, Mitali Kar

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for dialysis, also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and is closely related to lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Moreover, dialysis patients develop complications including cardiovascular diseases, infections, and malignant neoplasms and have very poor prognosis.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p27-30 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.036

Systematic Review Open Access

Exploring the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: A systematic review of systematic reviews

Fateme Tahmasbi, Salar Ghaderi, Sarvin Sanaie, Alireza Rahimi-Mamaghani

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord caused by disease, degeneration, or trauma (such as a car accident). The yearly incidence of SCI is believed to be between 40 and 80 cases per million people, while the world health organization (WHO) notes that a precise worldwide prevalence is unknown. Up to 90% of SCI cases have traumatic etiology, however the proportion of spinal cord injuries that are not traumatic seems to be increasing.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p31-43 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.037

Original Research Open Access

Nurses’ insights on challenges and strategies to enhance rehabilitation in rural primary care settings

Marie Josée Dukuzimana, Nadine Mugisha, Jean Baptiste Ukwizabigira, Clement Muhire, Emmanuel Ngwakongnwi

Rehabilitation is a fundamental component of health care that focuses on enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life for individuals experiencing physical, mental, or cognitive limitations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rehabilitation is an essential component of universal health coverage and primary healthcare (PHC).

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p44-50 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.038

Review Article Open Access

A multidisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD): A synthetic review

Stephen Smith, Danai Aivalioti, Amy MacNamara, Claire Gordon

Alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) is a term now widely used across the UK and Europe, though it is also referred to as alcohol related brain injury and neurological impairments in alcohol use disorder. Although often referred to as a “diagnosis”, it does not yet appear in the standard diagnostic manual as a stand-alone diagnosis.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p51-55 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.039

Original Research Open Access

Psychosomatic rehabilitation in migrant women from Turkey in Germany: Cultural stressors and gender-specific challenges

Jan Ilhan Kizilhan, Esmanur Yarbas, Sükran Sever

Psychosomatic disorders are highly prevalent in modern healthcare systems, reflecting the intricate interplay between psychological distress, sociocultural stressors, and physical symptomatology. Migration represents one of the major psychosocial stressors of the 21^st century, yet its effects on mental health are highly heterogeneous and influenced by intersecting factors such as gender, socioeconomic position, and discrimination experiences.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p56-61 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.040

Editorial Open Access

Nephrological physiotherapy: A new approach towards patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis

Shyamal Koley, Harpreet Kaur

Over recent years, the concept of renal rehabilitation has steadily gained acceptance and recognition within numerous medical and allied health specialties. Practitioners such as nephrologists, dialysis and transplantation experts, rehabilitation professionals, nutritionists, nursing staff, physiotherapists, clinical guideline developers, and patient representatives have collectively contributed to expanding awareness and understanding of this vital intervention.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p62-64 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.041

Short Communication Open Access

Heart rate responses to peak velocity interval training post-stroke: A secondary analysis

Aditi Doshi, Fernando Testai, Sangeetha Madhavan

Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with up to 70% of survivors experiencing persistent lower limb impairments such as reduced walking speed, decreased endurance, and asymmetrical gait patterns.

J Rehabil Res Pract, 2025, Volume 6, Issue 1, p65-71 | DOI: 10.46439/rehabilitation.6.042

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New Frontiers in the Rehabilitation of Neurological Damage

Epidemiologic data show a high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) disease, which therefore is a prominent healthcare issue. Adults and the elderly are most commonly affected, with heavy repercussions on society and caregivers. The outcome of CNS disease, whether the etiology is vascular, degenerative or traumatic, is often significant disability or death. Motor, language and cognitive deficits are most prevalent, but vision is also frequently affected, in the form of visual field defects or oculomotor and binocular disorders. In the present paper, we discuss peripheral and central visual field defects.

Drug delivery via the upper nasal space: A novel route for anesthesiologists, intensivists and emergency department physicians?

Many drugs are effective systemically, but slow onset of non-intravenous routes of administration may limit their clinical utility. While anesthesiologists usually have intravenous (IV) access for drug delivery, other healthcare professionals in less controlled situations such as acute crises in the emergency room, critical care settings, or urgent needs in the community, may need non-invasive drug delivery [1].

Hippocampal and reproductive aging in female rats- emerging rejuvenation strategies

Aging is associated with a progressive increase in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, both in laboratory animals and humans. In rats, aging is accompanied by degenerative and/or atrophic processes in the cholinergic system of the forebrain, as well as morphological changes which parallel a reduction in spatial learning capacity.

Fronting the twin challenges: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

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The emergence of new coronaviruses: A critical evaluation of factors, implications, and mitigation strategies

The emergence of new coronaviruses poses a significant global health threat, as witnessed during recent outbreaks. Coronaviruses were first identified in the 1960s, primarily causing mild respiratory illnesses in humans. The introduction of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2002, on the other hand, constituted a watershed moment. The outbreak began in China and swiftly spread to numerous nations, resulting in severe respiratory sickness and a global public health disaster. The SARS-CoV outbreak demonstrated coronaviruses' ability to cause severe illness and inspired substantial study into their origins and transmission patterns.

Goals for pediatric inpatient pain management: Best care everywhere

Acute pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling actual or potential tissue damage as a result of a surgical procedure, physical trauma, or as a consequence of a medical condition [1]. The prevalence of moderate-severe pain, defined as pain which significantly interferes with daily living activities, ranges between 27% and 66% in hospitalized pediatric patients and remains inconsistent even in those institutions with excellent resources and good reputations [2,3].

Pediatric convulsive status epilepticus: Is levetiracetam another arrow in the quiver?

Pediatric convulsive status epilepticus is a neurological emergency requiring termination in a time critical fashion, if permanent brain damage or death are to be avoided. Levetiracetam has been suggested as a potential second line agent for benzodiazepine refractory seizures. This review will examine the evidence for levetiracetam’s efficacy and safety in the management of pediatric convulsive status epilepticus.

Escaping a storm alive: A case report of a young woman’s acute presentation of thyroid storm leading to cardiac arrest salvaged by VA-ECMO

Thyroid storm is a rare but potentially life-threatening form of thyrotoxicosis. The presence of excessive thyroid hormones leads to toxic direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system resulting in entity known as thyrotoxicosis-induced cardiomyopathy (TCM).

Potential enhanced association between obstructive lung disease and history of depression in patients with diabetes

Depression is one of the most common comorbidities of chronic diseases including diabetes and obstructive lung diseases (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma). Obstructive lung diseases and depression have few symptoms in common. However, they are both common in adults and associated with chronic inflammation. It is not clear if their coappearance in diabetic patients is coincidental or associated beyond that expected by chance.

Molecular signatures of aggressive pediatric liver cancer

Liver masses account for 5 to 6% of pediatric cancer, which includes hepatoblastoma (HBL) along with rare cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The most dangerous form of pediatric liver cancer is aggressive HBL, which can be characterized by chemo-resistance and multiple nodules or metastases at diagnosis, all correlating with worse clinical prognosis. Despite intensive studies and a significant improvement in overall outcomes, very little is known about the key molecular pathways which determine the aggressiveness of pediatric liver cancer.

Craniovertebral junction abnormalities in children: Surgical, anesthetic and intensive care implications

The craniovertebral junction is unique and the most complex of the axial skeleton in multiple aspects; embryology, anatomy, pathology and kinematics. A surgical physiological approach to management of its abnormalities was instituted at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) in 1977 and has been the accepted treatment algorithm worldwide.

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Worldwide, hypertension is a substantial cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death. In the past few decades, global mean blood pressure has been somewhat stable and decreased due to the advancement and utilization of antihypertensive medications [1]. According to the Sept. 2023 WHO report, Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide, among which 4 out of every 5 people are not effectively treated.

Improving cardiac rehabilitation referral rates in patients with coronary heart disease from diverse communities using an electronic order system

Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is a medically supervised preventative cardiovascular program that involves a multi-disciplinary approach including physician-prescribed exercises, cardiac risk factor modification (education, counseling, and behavioral intervention), psycho-social assessment, outcomes assessment, and individual treatment plans [1,2].

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome and hyper IgM syndrome in the pediatric patient: A nonimmunosuppressive approach

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS), also known as Kinsbourne Syndrome, is a rare disorder affecting the central nervous system. It presents clinically with ataxia, diffuse or focal muscle spasms, and rapid, irregular eye movements.

Logic model of a case management program in primary care for frequent users of healthcare services

A logic model was developed as part of an evaluation of a case management program (CMP) for frequent users in a health and social services center in the province of Québec (Canada). Five approaches were used as part of a qualitative multiple case study methodology: analysis of unpublished documents, review of literature on CMPs for frequent users, in-depth interviews, focus groups with stakeholders and participant observations.

Commentary on: Some aspects of rehabilitation of the disabled elderly at the present stage

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Impact of hemisphere localization and the frequency of physical and occupational therapy sessions on functional independence of stroke patients in inpatient rehabilitation

Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a stroke, resulting in approximately 133,000 deaths per year. Stroke related deaths accounted for 11.8% of total deaths in 2015, making stroke the second leading cause of death worldwide, second only to heart disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation in candidates for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) may be considered in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients with advance emphysema who are symptomatic and have refractory hyperinflation despite optimal medical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.

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Commentary on "Empirical profile Bayesian estimation for extrapolation of historical adult data to pediatric drug development"

We are writing to promote a novel Bayesian dynamic borrowing approach, the empirical profile Bayesian estimation, in the published article "Yaoshi Wu, Jianan Hui, Qiqi Deng. Empirical profile Bayesian estimation for extrapolation of historical adult data to pediatric drug development. Pharmaceutical statistics 2020; 19; 787-802. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pst.2031."