The survival rate of children admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth is on the increase; hence, proper evaluation and care of their neurodevelopment has become an important issue. Neurodevelopmental assessments of individual domains regarding motor, language, cognition, and sensory perception are crucial in planning prompt interventions for neonates requiring immediate support and rehabilitation treatment. These assessments are essential for identifying areas of weakness and designing targeted interventions to improve future functional outcomes and the quality of lives for both the infants and their families. However, initial stratification of risk to select those who are in danger of neurodevelopmental disorders is also important in terms of cost-effectiveness. Efficient and robust functional evaluations to recognize early signs of developmental disorders will help NICU graduates receive interventions and enhance functional capabilities if needed. Several age-dependent, domain-specific neurodevelopmental assessment tools are available; therefore, this review summarizes the characteristics of these tools and aims to develop multidimensional, standardized, and regular follow-up plans for NICU graduates in Korea.

Citations

• Recurrent peripheral intravenous catheterization in neonates: A case series
  Stephanie Hall, Emily Larsen, Linda Cobbald, Nicole Marsh, Linda McLaughlin, Mari Takashima, Robert S. Ware, Amanda Ulman, Deanne August
  Nursing in Critical Care.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Improvement in functional motor scores in patients with non-ambulatory spinal muscle atrophy during Nusinersen treatment in South Korea: a single center study
  Jin A. Yoon, Yuju Jeong, Jiae Lee, Dong Jun Lee, Kyung Nam Lee, Yong Beom Shin
  BMC Neurology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• NICU Graduates and Psychosocial Problems in Childhood: A Systematic Review
  Ravi Gajula, Veerabadram Yeshala, Nagalakshmi Gogikar, Rakesh Kotha
  Cureus.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Performance of Activities of Daily Living in Typically Developing Children in Korea: Normative Value of K-MBI
  Mi-Jeong Yoon, Sungwoo Paek, Jongbin Lee, Youngdeok Hwang, Joon-Sung Kim, Yeun-Jie Yoo, Bo Young Hong
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2024; 48(4): 281.     CrossRef
• Modern approaches to assessing motor development in infants and young children in clinical practice
  Natalia V. Andrushchenko, Alexander B. Palchik, Marina V. Osipova
  Russian Family Doctor.2024; 28(4): 24.     CrossRef

To review the evidence about inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients in postoperative of cardiac surgery. We conducted this systematic review used the databases Ovid, LILACS, CINAHL, PubMed, PEDro, and CENTRAL. Randomized clinical trials that addressed IMT after cardiac surgery were selected. The outcomes assessed were maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), tidal volume (TV), peak expiratory flow (PEF), functional capacity (6-minute walk test) and length of hospital stay. The mean difference between groups and the respective 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and used to quantify the effect of continuous outcomes. Seven studies were selected. The IMT was superior to the control over MIP 15.77 cmH2O (95% CI, 5.95–25.49), MEP 15.87 cmH2O (95% CI, 1.16–30.58), PEF 40.98 L/min (95% CI, 4.64–77.32), TV 184.75 mL (95% CI, 19.72–349.77), hospital stay -1.25 days (95% CI, -1.77 to -0.72), but without impact on functional capacity 29.93 m (95% CI, -27.59 to 87.45). Based on the results presented, IMT was beneficial as a form of treatment for patients after cardiac surgery.

Citations

• Effect of inspiratory muscle training in esophageal cancer patients receiving esophagectomy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  Jianhua Su, Wei Huang, Pengming Yu, Fatma Abdelfattah Hegazy
  PLOS ONE.2024; 19(7): e0307069.     CrossRef
• Benefits from Implementing Low- to High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review
  Aphrodite Evangelodimou, Irini Patsaki, Alexandros Andrikopoulos, Foteini Chatzivasiloglou, Stavros Dimopoulos
  Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease.2024; 11(12): 380.     CrossRef
• The impact of threshold-loaded inspiratory muscle training and respiratory biofeedback on preserving inspiratory muscle strength and vital capacity after CABG: a randomized clinical trial
  Bahareh Mehregan-Far
  American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease.2024; 14(6): 375.     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate the effect on early mobilization in patients undergoing extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and acute blood purification therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods
We conducted this multicenter retrospective cohort study by collecting data from six ICUs in Japan. Consecutive patients who were admitted to the ICU, aged ≥18 years, and received mechanical ventilation for >48 hours were eligible. The analyzed were divided into two groups: ECMO/blood purification or control group. Clinical outcomes; time to first mobilization, number of total ICU rehabilitations, mean and highest ICU mobility scale (IMS); and daily barrier changes were also investigated.
Results
A total of 204 patients were included in the analysis, 43 in the ECMO/blood purification group and 161 in the control group. In comparison of clinical outcome, the ECMO/blood purification group had a significantly longer time to first mobilization: ECMO/blood purification group 6 vs. control group 4 (p=0.003), higher number of total ICU rehabilitations: 6 vs. 5 (p=0.042), lower mean: 0 vs. 1 (p=0.043) and highest IMS: 2 vs. 3 (p=0.039) during ICU stay. Circulatory factor were most frequently described as barriers to early mobilization on days 1 (51%), 2 (47%), and 3 (26%). On days 4 to 7, the most frequently described barrier was consciousness factors (21%, 16%, 19%, and 21%, respectively)
Conclusion
The results of this study comparing the ECMO/blood purification group and the untreated group in the ICU showed that the ECMO/blood purification group had significantly longer days to mobilization and significantly lower mean and highest IMS.

Citations

• Impact of ICU-Based Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Blood Purification Therapy on the Time Required for Early Rehabilitation
  Shinichi Watanabe, Tomohiro Yoshikawa, Yoshie Hirota, Yuji Naito, Daisetsu Yasumura, Kota Yamauchi, Keisuke Suzuki, Takayasu Koike, Yasunari Morita
  Cureus.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Survival outcomes and mobilization during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study
  Felix A. Rottmann, Christian Noe, Xavier Bemtgen, Sven Maier, Alexander Supady, Tobias Wengenmayer, Dawid L. Staudacher
  Frontiers in Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To investigate long-term changes in femoral anteversion angle (FAA) in children with intoeing gait and to identify factors that affect FAA changes.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed three-dimensional computed tomography data from 2006 to 2022 of children with intoeing gait with ≥3 years of follow-up without active treatment. The study examined the mean changes in FAA, the effects of sex, age, and initial FAA on FAA change, and mean FAAs by age. Changes in FAA severity up to eight years of age were also observed and analyzed by sex.
Results
A total of 126 lower limbs of 63 children (30 males, 33 females) with intoeing gait were included, with a mean age of 5.11±1.05 years and a mean follow-up period of 43.59±7.74 months. The initial FAA was 41.42°±8.29° and the follow-up FAA was 33.25°±9.19°, indicating a significant decrease (p<0.001). Significant correlations were observed between age and changes in FAA, as well as between initial FAA and changes in FAA (r=0.248, p=0.005; r=-0.333, p<0.001). At age 8 years, only 22 limbs were classified as having mild FAA severity.
Conclusion
During the follow-up period, children with intoeing gait had a significant decreased in FAA. No significant difference in FAA change was found between sex, but younger children and those with greater initial FAA were more likely to have decreased FAA. However, most children retained moderate to severe severity of increased FAA. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Citations

• Exertional Compartment Syndrome in a Volleyball Player with Structural Abnormalities: A Case Report
  Katherine Wilson, Michael Oca, Leo L.T. Meller, Matthew R. Allen, Michael B. Strauss
  Current Sports Medicine Reports.2024; 23(8): 280.     CrossRef

Objective
To determine correlations of alternation motor rate (AMR), sequential motor rate (SMR), and maximum phonation time (MPT) with the severity of dysphagia in subacute stroke patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective chart review study. Data of 171 subacute stroke patients were analyzed. Patient’s AMR, SMR, and MPT data were collected from their language evaluations. Video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was done. Data of dysphagia scales including penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcomes Measurement System (ASHA-NOMS) scale, clinical dysphagia scale (CDS), and videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) were obtained. AMR, SMR, and MPT were compared between a non-aspirator group and an aspirator group. Correlations of AMR, SMR, and MPT with dysphagia scales were analyzed.
Results
AMR ("ka"), SMR, and modified Rankin Scale were significant associated factors between non-aspirator group and aspirator group, while AMR ("pa"), AMR ("ta"), and MPT were not. AMR, SMR, and MPT showed significant correlations with PAS score, ASHA-NOMS scale, CDS, VDS oral, and VDS pharyngeal scores. The cut-off value for distinguishing non-aspirator group and aspiration group was 18.5 for AMR ("ka") (sensitivity of 74.4%, specificity of 70.8%) and 7.5 for SMR (sensitivity of 89.9%, specificity of 61.0%). AMR and SMR were significantly lower in before-swallow aspiration group.
Conclusion
Articulatory diadochokinetic tasks that can be easily performed at the bedside would be particularly helpful in determining the oral feeding possibility of subacute stroke patients who cannot undergo VFSS, which is the gold standard for dysphagia assessment.

Citations

• Application of B+M-Mode Ultrasound in Evaluating Dysphagia in Elderly Stroke Patients
  Jiaying Shuai, Linping Pian, Li Tian, Linying Wang, Miaomiao Deng, Chen Cheng
  Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.2025; 51(2): 273.     CrossRef
• Laryngeal and swallowing characteristics in elderly after stroke: a preliminary study
  Jonan Emi Valencia Cardenas, Cris Magna dos Santos Oliveira, Raquel Rodrigues Rosa, Gabriele Ramos de Luccas, Claudia Tiemi Mituuti, Kelly Cristina Alves Silverio, Alcione Ghedini Brasolotto, Giédre Berretin-Felix
  Audiology - Communication Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Características laríngeas e de deglutição em idosos pós-acidente vascular encefálico: um estudo preliminar
  Jonan Emi Valencia Cardenas, Cris Magna dos Santos Oliveira, Raquel Rodrigues Rosa, Gabriele Ramos de Luccas, Claudia Tiemi Mituuti, Kelly Cristina Alves Silverio, Alcione Ghedini Brasolotto, Giédre Berretin-Felix
  Audiology - Communication Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Comparative analysis of speech assessment tools for individuals with dysarthria in Chile and worldwide
  Marcela Sanhueza-Garrido, Virginia García-Flores, Carlos Rojas-Zepeda, Jaime Crisosto-Alarcón
  Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología.2024; 4: 626.     CrossRef
• Rehabilitation of Patients with Post-Stroke Dysarthria in the Russia and Abroad: a Literature Review
  Olga V. Loginova, Daria I. Bovtyuk
  Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine.2023; 22(6): 100.     CrossRef

Objective
To measure muscle activity before and after robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in patients with stroke and examine the differences in muscle activity changes compared with conventional gait training (CGT).
Methods
Thirty patients with stroke (RAGT group, n=17; CGT group, n=13) participated in the study. All patients underwent RAGT using a footpad locomotion interface or CGT for 20 minutes for a total of 20 sessions. Outcome measures were lower-limb muscle activity and gait speed. Measurements were performed before the start of the intervention and after the end of the 4-week intervention.
Results
The RAGT group showed increased muscle activity in the gastrocnemius, whereas the CGT group showed high muscle activity in the rectus femoris. In the terminal stance of the gait cycle, the gastrocnemius, the increase in muscle activity was significantly higher in the RAGT group than in the CGT group.
Conclusion
The results suggest that RAGT with end-effector type is more effective than CGT to increase the gastrocnemius muscle activity.

Citations

• Effect and optimal exercise prescription of robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity motor function in stroke patients: a network meta-analysis
  Haiping Huang, Xinyi Su, Beisi Zheng, Manting Cao, Yuqian Zhang, Jianer Chen
  Neurological Sciences.2025; 46(3): 1151.     CrossRef
• Efficacy of robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity function in subacute stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Miao-miao Hu, Shan Wang, Cai-qin Wu, Kun-peng Li, Zhao-hui Geng, Guo-hui Xu, Lu Dong
  Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To examine (1) the location of brain lesion that would predict post-traumatic delirium and (2) the association between volume of brain lesion and occurrence of delirium in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records of 68 TBI patients, categorized into two groups: the delirious group (n=38) and non-delirious group (n=30). The location and volume of TBI were investigated with the 3D Slicer software.
Results
The TBI region in the delirious group mainly involved the frontal or temporal lobe (p=0.038). All 36 delirious patients had brain injury on the right side (p=0.046). The volume of hemorrhage in the delirious group was larger by about 95 mL compared to the non-delirious group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.382).
Conclusion
Patients with delirium after TBI had significantly different injury site and side, but not lesion size compared to patients without delirium.

Citations

• Clinical Utility and Performance of the Traditional Chinese Version of the 4-As Test for Delirium due to Traumatic Brain Injury
  Yun-Hsuan Lai, Chia-Jou Lin, I-Chang Su, Sheng-Wen Huang, Chia-Chi Hsiao, Ying-Ling Jao, Pin-Yuan Chen, Victoria Traynor, Chuan-Ya Lee, Ting-Jhen Chen, Mu-Hsing Ho, Hsiao-Yean Chiu
  Journal of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.2025; 66(2): 130.     CrossRef
• Post–Intensive Care Syndrome in Neurocritical Care Patients
  Neha S. Dangayach, Natalie Kreitzer, Brandon Foreman, Jenna Tosto-Mancuso
  Seminars in Neurology.2024; 44(03): 398.     CrossRef
• Risk factors for delirium occurring after deep brain stimulation surgery in patients with Parkinson’s disease
  Enes Ozluk, Gulsah Ozturk
  Acta Neurochirurgica.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef

Objective
To determine the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of the Harris imprint index (HII), Chippaux-Smirak index (CSI), and Staheli index (SI) compared with the talar-first metatarsal angle.
Methods
Data was collected at the orthotic and prosthetic clinic, Thammasat University Hospital from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2020. The three footprints were measured by the rehabilitation physician and the orthotist. The talar-first metatarsal angle was measured by the foot and ankle orthopaedist.
Results
The data from 198 patients with 274 feet was analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy of the footprint triad showed that CSI was the most accurate in pes planus prediction, followed by HII and SI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]=0.73, 0.68, 0.68, respectively). In pes cavus, HII was the most accurate, followed by SI and CSI (AUROC=0.71, 0.61, 0.60, respectively). For pes planus, the intra-observer reliability by Cohen’s Kappa was 0.92 for HII, 0.97 for CSI, and 0.93 for SI, the inter-observer reliability 0.82, 0.85, and 0.70, respectively. For pes cavus, the intra-observer reliability was 0.89 for HII, 0.95 for CSI, and 0.79 for SI, inter-observer reliability of 0.76, 0.77, and 0.66, respectively.
Conclusion
The accuracy of HII, CSI, and SI was fair in screening of pes planus and pes cavus. The intra- and inter-observer reliability were in the moderate to almost perfect range by Cohen’s Kappa.

Citations

• Efficacy of Comprehensive Foot Strengthening Program on Foot Biomechanics and Plantar Pressure to Reduce Lower Limb Injury Risk in Male Bhangra Dancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
  Sakshi Sadhu, Ramesh Chandra Patra
  Journal of Dance Medicine & Science.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Change in Plantar Pressure and Plain Radiography in Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot: A Retrospective Cohort Study
  Sungjoon Kim, Yong Gyun Kim, Jun Yup Kim, Si-Bog Park, Kyu Hoon Lee
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2024; 48(5): 352.     CrossRef