A narrative review of the use of a cutting-edge virtual reality rehabilitation technology in neurological and neuropsychological rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) interventions have been increasingly used in the rehabilitation of a wide range of neurological and neuropsychological dysfunctions. Findings of previous reviews showed positive and promising effects of VR-based interventions. However, they summarized findings on VR-based intervention carried out through different VR systems and tasks. OBJECTIVE: We carried out a narrative review with the aim of qualitatively synthesising the results of previous studies that used specific VR systems, i.e. the Khymeia -Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System, for treatment purposes. METHODS: We searched the literature in various databases (i.e. EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed and PubMed Central) for studies published until November 23, 2023. RESULTS: 30 studies were selected. The VRRS was used for neuromotor rehabilitation only in 13 studies, for cognitive rehabilitation in 11 studies, and for both neuromotor and cognitive rehabilitation in six studies. The study design was heterogeneous including 15 randomised controlled trials. CONCLUSION: After discussing each study according to the type of rehabilitation we concluded that the use and efficacy of VRRS rehabilitative intervention for increasing the neurological and neuropsychological functioning of patients are promising but more evidence is needed to make a comparison with conventional treatment. Future studies should also include long-term follow-up as well as cost-effectiveness analysis.

Peripheral circulation disturbances in two consecutive children with spinal muscular atrophy and literature review.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a progressive and severe hereditary (autosomal recessive) neuromuscular disease characterized by lower motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord and brainstem causing a clinical picture of progressive muscle atrophy and weakness of skeletal and respiratory muscles. There is an ongoing discussion on the extent to which other tissues might be affected in patients with SMA. Several animal models and some case reports or small case series report involvement of other organ systems, such as peripheral nerve, brain, muscle, heart, vascular system, and pancreas. Recent literature reviews identified a number of cases with vascular abnormalities. We present two consecutive cases of patients diagnosed with SMA who developed peripheral circulation disturbances and combine the findings with a thorough review the literature.

Neuromuscular disorders and transition from pediatric to adult care in a multidisciplinary perspective: a narrative review of the scientific evidence and current debate.

Objective: Standards of care and new genetic and molecular therapies have contributed to increasing life expectancy of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). This review presents the clinical evidence for an adequate transition from pediatric to adult care in patients with NMDs considering both physical and psychosocial aspects and attempts at identifying a general pattern of transition in the literature that can be used for all patients with NMDs. Method: A search was performed on PubMed, Embase and Scopus using generic terms that could be referred to the transition construct specifically related to NMDs. A narrative approach was used to summarise the available literature. Results: Our review shows that few or no studies explored the transition process from pediatric to adult care in neuromuscular diseases and tried to identify a general pattern of transition applicable to all NMDs. Conclusions: A transition process taking into consideration physical, psychological, social needs of patient and caregiver could produce positive outcomes. However, there is still no unanimous agreement in the literature on what it consists of and how to achieve an optimal and effective transition.