Repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation for motor recovery after stroke: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Enhancing afferent information from the paretic limb can improve post-stroke motor recovery. However, uncertainties exist regarding varied sensory peripheral neuromodulation protocols and their specific impacts. This study outlines the use of repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation (RPSS) and repetitive magnetic stimulation (rPMS) in individuals with stroke. METHODS: This scoping review was conducted according to the JBI Evidence Synthesis guidelines. We searched studies published until June 2023 on several databases using a three-step analysis and categorization of the studies: pre-analysis, exploration of the material, and data processing. RESULTS: We identified 916 studies, 52 of which were included (N = 1,125 participants). Approximately 53.84% of the participants were in the chronic phase, displaying moderate-to-severe functional impairment. Thirty-two studies used RPSS often combining it with task-oriented training, while 20 used rPMS as a standalone intervention. The RPSS primarily targeted the median and ulnar nerves, stimulating for an average of 92.78 min at an intensity that induced paresthesia. RPMS targeted the upper and lower limb paretic muscles, employing a 20 Hz frequency in most studies. The mean stimulation time was 12.74 min, with an intensity of 70% of the maximal stimulator output. Among the 114 variables analyzed in the 52 studies, 88 (77.20%) were in the "s,b" domain, with 26 (22.8%) falling under the "d" domain of the ICF. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Sensory peripheral neuromodulation protocols hold the potential for enhancing post-stroke motor recovery, yet optimal outcomes were obtained when integrated with intensive or task-oriented motor training.

Does non-invasive brain stimulation improve spatiotemporal gait parameters in people with multiple sclerosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes progressive functional impairment, mainly in walking tasks. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) could influence the motor function and improving gait ability of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze the effects of NIBS (transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS] or transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS] on functional locomotion in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials published up to November 2023 comparing the application of NIBS versus a sham or control group. The primary outcome were spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional mobility. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias in the included studies, and we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to rate the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the appropriate data using RevMan Web. RESULTS: A total of four clinical trials were included for metanalysis. We observed that there is no statistically significant difference in overall effect in gait speed (MD = 0.08; 95% CI: -0.08-0.24; p = 0.32), and cadence (MD = 0.22; 95% CI: -11.54-11.98; p = 0.97%) between groups. But there was a statistically significant difference in overall effect in stride length between groups (MD:0.19; 95% CI: 0.07-0.31; p = 0.002), mainly when the intervention performed by multiple sessions and associated with motor rehabilitation (MD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14-0.44; p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: tDCS applied by multiple session and combined with motor rehabilitation (i.e., aerobic and/or resistance training) can improve stride length in PwMS.

Behavior of neuropathy symptom score and neuropathy disability score in patients with and without peripheral diabetic neuropathy: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to stablish cut-off of early diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy (PDN) based on neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS); to determine the behavior of NDD and NDS in patients with and without PDN; and to verify the association between clinical and demographic variables with both tests. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included 86 patients with diabetes. The NSS and NDS evaluations were collected in medical records in two moments: initial (entry into service) and final (after three years). Individuals were categorized in three groups: G1- PDN in both evaluations (N = 27); G2- PDN only in the final evaluation (N = 16); G3-individuals without PDN (N = 43). A ROC curve was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of NSS and NDS for PDN diagnosis. ANOVA was used to compare NSS and NDS between groups and evaluations, and multiple regression was performed to find predictors of PDN. RESULTS: The NSS and NDS showed excellent sensitivity and specificity (NDS ≥1.5 and NSS ≥6.5) for PDN diagnosis. There was a significant difference between groups in initial (p = 0.000) and final (p = 0.000) NDS and NSS evaluations. There was an association between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and increase in NSS (p = 0.024) in G2; and association between loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and increase in NSS in G3 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NSS and NDS tests showed excellent sensitivity and specificity for early PDN diagnosis. Behavior of both tests can differ patients with and without PDN. Furthermore, PAD and LOPS can be a predictor of PDN evolution.

To what extent does frailty mediate the association between age and the outcomes of brain reperfusion following acute ischemic stroke?

Objective: We evaluated the extent to which frailty mediated the association between age, poor functional outcomes, and mortality after acute ischemic stroke when patients were treated with brain reperfusion (thrombolytic therapy and/or thrombectomy). Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke who had undergone intravenous cerebral reperfusion therapy and/or mechanical thrombectomy. We created a mediation model by analyzing the direct natural effect of an mRS score > 2 and death on age-mediated frailty according to the Frailty Index. Results: We enrolled 292 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent brain reperfusion. Their mean age was 67.7 ± 13.1 years. Ninety days after the stroke ictus, 54 (18.5%) participants died, and 83 (28.4%) lived with moderate to severe disability (2 < mRS < 6). In the mediation analysis of the composite outcome of disability (mRS score > 2) or death, frailty accounted for 28% of the total effect of age. The models used to test for the interaction between age and frailty did not show statistically significant interactions for either outcome, and the addition of the interaction did not significantly change the direct or indirect effects, nor did it improve model fit. Conclusion: Frailty mediated almost one-third of the effect of age on the composite outcome of disability or death after acute ischemic stroke.

Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over motor cortex on resting-state brain activity in the early subacute stroke phase: A power spectral density analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite promising results, the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the early stages of stroke and its impact on brain activity have been poorly studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of tDCS applied over the ipsilesional motor cortex on resting-state brain activity in the early subacute phase of stroke. METHODS: This is a pilot, randomized, double-blind, proof-of-concept study. The patients with stroke were randomly assigned into two groups: anodal tDCS (A-tDCS) or sham tDCS (S-tDCS). For A-tDCS, the anode was placed over the ipsilesional motor cortex, while the cathode was placed over the left or right supraorbital area (Fp2 for left stroke or Fp1 for right stroke). For the real stimulation, a constant current of 1.0 mA was delivered for 20 min and then ramped down linearly for 30 s, maintaining a resistance below 10 kΩ. For the sham stimulation, the stimulator was turned on, and the current intensity was gradually increased for 30 s, tapered off over 30 s, and maintained for 30 min without stimulation. Each stimulation was performed for three consecutive sessions with an interval of 1 h between them. The primary outcome was spectral electroencephalography (EEG) analysis based on the Power Spectral Density (PSD) determined by EEG records of areas F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, and P4. Brain Vision Analyzer software processed the signals, EEG power spectral density (PSD) was calculated before and after stimulation, and alpha, beta, delta, and theta power were analyzed. The secondary outcomes included hemodynamic variables based on the difference between baseline (D0) and post-intervention session (D1) values of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SPO2). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare position measurements of two independent samples; Fisher's exact test was used to compare two proportions; paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the median differences in the within-group comparison, and Spearman correlations matrix among spectral power analysis between EEG bands was performed to verify consistency of occurrence of oscillations. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: An increase in PSD in the alpha frequency in the P4 region was observed after the intervention in the A-tDCS group, as compared to the placebo group (before = 6.13; after = 10.45; p < 0.05). In the beta frequency, an increase in PSD was observed in P4 (before = 4.40; after = 6.79; p < 0.05) and C4 (before = 4.43; after = 6.94; p < 0.05) after intervention in the A-tDCS group. There was a reduction in PSD at delta frequency in C3 (before = 293.8; after = 58.6; p < 0.05) after intervention in the A-tDCS group. In addition, it was observed a strong relationship between alpha and theta power in the A-tDCS group before and after intervention. However, the sham group showed correlations between more power bands (alpha and theta, alpha and delta, and delta and theta) after intervention. There was no difference in hemodynamic variables between the intra- (before and after stimulation) and inter-groups (mean difference). CONCLUSION: Anodal tDCS over the ipsilesional motor cortex had significant effects on the brain electrical activity in the early subacute stroke phase, increasing alpha and beta wave activities in sensorimotor regions while reducing slow delta wave activity in motor regions. These findings highlight the potential of anodal tDCS as a therapeutic intervention in the early stroke phase.

Challenges in adapting a stroke unit in a middle-income country: warning about costs and underfunding to achieve the Brazilian Ministry of Health's benchmark.

Background: Since the implementation of the stroke care line in Brazil, the relationship (adequacy) of costs spent during hospitalization with the Brazilian Ministry of Health indicators for a stroke unit have not yet been analyzed. Aims: This study aimed to assess the adequacy of a comprehensive stroke center for key performance indicators and analyze the costs involved in hospitalization. We verified the association between stroke severity at admission and care costs during hospitalization. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of 451 patients was performed using semiautomatic electronic data from a single comprehensive stroke center in Brazil between July 2018 and January 2020. Clinical and resource utilization data were collected, and the mean acute treatment cost per person was calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-test was used to compare the total costs between stroke types and reperfusion therapies. A robust linear regression test was used to verify the association between stroke severity at hospital admission and the total hospitalization costs. Good adequacy rates were observed for several indicators. Results: Data from 451 patients were analyzed. The stroke unit had good adaptation to key performance indicators, but some critical points needed revision and improvement to adapt to the requirements of the Ministry of Health. The average total cost of the patient's stay was the USD 2,637.3, with the daily hospitalization, procedure, operating room, and materials/medication costs equating to USD 2,011.1, USD 220.7, USD 234.1, and USD 98.8, respectively. There was a positive association between the total cost and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The stroke unit complied with most of the main performance indicators proposed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Underfunding of the costs involved in the hospitalization of patients was verified, and high costs were associated with the length of stay, stroke severity, and mechanical thrombectomy.

Decreased functional mobility in individuals with mild to moderate expanded disability status from relapsing multiple sclerosis: Analysis of the Glittre-ADL test.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease that significantly limits an individual's activities of daily living (ADLs) and negatively affects their social participation as it progresses. The impact of activities and participation must be continuously assessed, and the Glittre-ADL is a validated test for MS to assess functional capacity in tasks similar to ADLs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the Glittre-ADL test is a valid method for assessing functional mobility in individuals with MS and moderate disability or those who use assistive devices. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 30 individuals in two groups: 1) MS group (n = 15); and 2) healthy control group (n = 15). The MS group underwent three functional mobility tests: 1) Glittre-ADL; 2) Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FWT); and 3) Timed Up and Go (TUG) while the healthy group underwent only the Glittre-ADL test. RESULTS: An association was found between the Glittre-ADL time and T25FWT (r = 0.78, p < .001) and TUG (r = 0.56, p = .030) times. In the MS group, statistically significant differences were found in time (F = 2.88, p = .038) and speed (F = 5.17, p = .024) between laps. A statistically significant difference was observed between the total time in the MS and control groups (Area Under Curve - AUC: 0.982, p < .0001). A total time > 46.0s represents the reduction of functional performance during ADLs in individuals with MS (sensitivity: 93.3%; specificity: 92.2%). CONCLUSION: The Glittre-ADL test is a valid tool for assessing functional mobility in individuals with MS and mild to moderate disability (EDSS score ≤ 6.5).

Perception of verticality in the post-COVID-19 condition correlates to infection severity.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection affects multiple systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory systems. Changes associated with physical inactivity due to prolonged hospitalization can affect the functional capacity of individuals with long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or post-COVID-19 condition and may cause changes in some postural control functions, such as verticality. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of verticality in individuals with long COVID. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: This study included 60 participants with post-COVID-19 condition divided into 2 groups: hospitalized group (n = 24), those hospitalized owing to SARS-CoV-2 infection; and non-hospitalized group (n = 36), those infected with SARS-CoV-2 but not hospitalized. All participants were examined using a post-COVID-19 functional status (PCFS), sit-to-stand test, grip strength assessment, painful and tactile sensory assessments, visual acuity assessment, and vestibular assessment. Verticality perception was evaluated using the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and subjective haptic vertical (SHV) tests. In both tests, the absolute values (positive values only) and true values (positive and negative values) were considered. To verify potential confounders that could influence the verticality of the results, logistic regression models were used for categorical variables and multiple linear regressions were used for continuous variables. For analysis between groups, the independent samples test (Mann-Whitney U test) was used. Results: There were no confounders between clinical variables and verticality in either group. There was a significant increase in absolute SVV (mean deviation [MD]: 2.83; P < .0001) and true SVV (MD: -4.18; P = .005) in the hospitalized group compared to the non-hospitalized group. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the true SHV (MD: -3.6; P = .026) in the hospitalized group compared to that in the non-hospitalized group. Conclusion: Less accurate visual and haptic verticality perception task performance was observed in hospitalized patients with post-COVID-19 condition.

Post-coronavirus disease 2019 functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions: A prospective cohort study based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health.

Background: Current knowledge regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is constantly evolving, and the long-term functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions have not yet been well established. Objective: to evaluate the impact of post-COVID condition on the human functioning through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) classification. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study with 53 individuals with post-COVID condition at 3 time points: 0 to 3 (baseline), 3 to 6, and 6-12 months (follow-up). Outcomes were organized in dichotomous variable: No impairment (0); presence of impairment (≥1) in body function, structure, activities, and participation domains according to the ICF checklist. Chi-square test was used to determine the differences of 3 time points, and association with persistent symptoms. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the periods, with greater disabilities at 6-12 than at 0-3 months in mental, sensory, pain, and movement-related functions; cardiovascular, immunological, and respiratory systems. In terms of activity and participation, a greater limitation at 6-12 months was observed than at 0-3 months in learning and applying knowledge, general tasks, and mobility. In the domain of interpersonal interactions and relationships, there was a statistically significant difference between the 6-12 and 3-6 months groups. Associations between COVID-19 symptoms and ICF components at the first follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with weight maintenance, fatigue and irritability with pain, brain fog with watching and listening, walking difficulty with pain, and headache with pain, watching, and listening. At the second follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with energy and drive functions, attention, memory, and emotional functions; dizziness with watching and listening; fatigue with emotional function, pain, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and driving; irritability with energy and drive, emotional function, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; walking difficulty with energy and driving, emotional function, respiration, muscle power, cardiovascular system, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; and headache with emotional function, watching, and listening. Conclusions: Individuals with COVID-19 persistent symptoms showed impairments in structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions during the 1-year follow-up period.

Effect of a Physical Exercise Program on the Inflammatory Response, Cardiac Functions, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The beneficial effects of physical exercise on functional capacity and inflammatory response are well-known in cardiovascular diseases; however, studies on sickle cell disease (SCD) are limited. It was hypothesized that physical exercise may exert a favorable effect on the inflammatory response of SCD patients, contributing to an improved quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a regular physical exercise program on the anti-inflammatory responses in SCD patients. METHODS: A non-randomized clinical trial was conducted in adult SCD patients. The patients were divided into two groups: 1-Exercise Group, which received a physical exercise program three times a week for 8 weeks, and; 2-Control Group, with routine physical activities. All patients underwent the following procedures initially and after eight weeks of protocol: clinical evaluation, physical evaluation, laboratory evaluation, quality of life evaluation, and echocardiographic evaluation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Comparisons between groups were made using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in inflammatory response between the Control and Exercise Groups. The Exercise Group showed an improvement in peak VO2 values (p < 0.001), an increase in the distance walked (p < 0.001), an improvement in the limitation domain due to the physical aspects of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality of life questionnaire (p = 0.022), and an increase in physical activity related to leisure (p < 0.001) and walking (p = 0.024) in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). There was a negative correlation between IL-6 values and distance walked on the treadmill (correlation coefficient -0.444, p = 0.020) and the estimated peak VO2 values (correlation coefficient -0.480; p = 0.013) in SCD patients in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The aerobic exercise program did not change the inflammatory response profile of SCD patients, nor did it show unfavorable effects on the parameters evaluated, and patients with lower functional capacity were those with the highest levels of IL-6.

Neurofibromatosis type 1, fibromuscular dysplasia, and ischemic stroke: an association lost in time? A case report.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a rare cause of ischemic stroke (IS) in the general population. We report a case of a young patient with NF1 in whom IS was caused by fibromuscular dysplasia. An angiographic study demonstrated occlusion in the right internal carotid artery (ICA), just after its origin, and the left ICA, just before the intracranial portion, and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed the limits of an area of brain infarction in the right frontoparietal region. Despite these concomitant neuroimaging findings, this association is rare, and it is difficult to establish the contribution to the outcome made by each of these diseases, which treatment is the best to implement, or what prognosis is.

A neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF1) é uma causa rara de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) na população geral. Neste estudo, relatamos o caso de um paciente jovem com AVCi, com diagnóstico de NF1 associada a displasia fibromuscular. O estudo angiográfico demonstrou oclusão da carótida interna direita, logo após sua origem, e esquerda, antes da porção intracraniana. A ressonância magnética do encéfalo mostrou delimitação de um infarto na região frontoparietal direita. Apesar desses achados concomitantes na neuroimagem, essa associação é rara, sendo difícil de estabelecer a contribuição de cada uma dessas doenças no desfecho, tampouco qual o melhor tratamento a ser implementado e qual o prognóstico.

Effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are benefited from the continuous tactile information to enhance postural control. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effect of the haptic anchors during balancing and walking tasks in older adults. METHODS: The search strategy (up to January 2023) was based on the PICOT (older adults; anchor system during balance and walking tasks; any control group; postural control measurements; short and/or long-term effect). Two pairs of reviewers independently examined all titles and abstracts for eligibility. The reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies, assessed the risk of bias, and certainty of the evidence. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies used a 125-g haptic anchor system. Four studies used anchors when standing in a semi-tandem position, two in tandem walking on different surfaces, and one in an upright position after plantar flexor muscle fatigue. Two studies showed that the anchor system reduced body sway. One study showed that the ellipse area was significantly lower for the 50% group (reduced frequency) in the post-practice phase. One study showed that the reduction in the ellipse area was independent of the fatigue condition. Two studies observed reduced trunk acceleration in the frontal plane during tandem waking tasks. The studies had low to moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSION: Haptic anchors can reduce postural sway during balance and walking tasks in older adults. Also, positive effects were seen during the delayed post-practice phase after the removal of anchors only in individuals who used a reduced anchor frequency.

Neurofibromatosis type 1, fibromuscular dysplasia, and ischemic stroke: an association lost in time? A case report / Neurofibromatose tipo 1, displasia fibromuscular e acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico: uma associação perdida no tempo? Um relato de caso

Abstract Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a rare cause of ischemic stroke (IS) in the general population. We report a case of a young patient with NF1 in whom IS was caused by fibromuscular dysplasia. An angiographic study demonstrated occlusion in the right internal carotid artery (ICA), just after its origin, and the left ICA, just before the intracranial portion, and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed the limits of an area of brain infarction in the right frontoparietal region. Despite these concomitant neuroimaging findings, this association is rare, and it is difficult to establish the contribution to the outcome made by each of these diseases, which treatment is the best to implement, or what prognosis is.

Resumo A neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF1) é uma causa rara de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) na população geral. Neste estudo, relatamos o caso de um paciente jovem com AVCi, com diagnóstico de NF1 associada a displasia fibromuscular. O estudo angiográfico demonstrou oclusão da carótida interna direita, logo após sua origem, e esquerda, antes da porção intracraniana. A ressonância magnética do encéfalo mostrou delimitação de um infarto na região frontoparietal direita. Apesar desses achados concomitantes na neuroimagem, essa associação é rara, sendo difícil de estabelecer a contribuição de cada uma dessas doenças no desfecho, tampouco qual o melhor tratamento a ser implementado e qual o prognóstico.

Evaluating the performance of the PRISMA-7 frailty criteria for predicting disability and death after acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of the PRISMA-7 frailty criteria regarding the composite outcome of disability or death in patients with an acute ischemic stroke, and to compare it with the Frailty Index and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved all patients aged ≥ 40 years admitted with an acute ischemic stroke between March 2019 and January 2020. We performed survival analyses, calculated risk ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for the combined outcome of disability or death according to the presence of frailty as determined by the PRISMA-7 and the Frailty Index, and stroke severity based on the NIHSS. RESULTS: In 174 patients with acute ischemic stroke, being frail in the week before the stroke according to the PRISMA-7 was associated with a Risk Ratio of 4·50 (95%CI 1·77-11·43, P <0·001) and a Positive Predictive Value of 89% (95%CI 77-99%) for being disabled or dead 90 days after the stroke, and a Hazard Ratio of 3·33 (95%CI 1·48-7·51, P = 0·004) for the survival outcome. The predictive performance of the PRISMA-7 was not significantly different from the Frailty Index or the NIHSS. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that the PRISMA-7 frailty criteria may be a useful prognostication tool in acute ischemic stroke.

Brazilian practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: Part II.

The Brazilian Practice Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation - Part II, developed by the Scientific Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, in Portuguese), focuses on specific rehabilitation techniques to aid recovery from impairment and disability after stroke. As in Part I, Part II is also based on recently available evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other guidelines. Part II covers disorders of communication, dysphagia, postural control and balance, ataxias, spasticity, upper limb rehabilitation, gait, cognition, unilateral spatial neglect, sensory impairments, home rehabilitation, medication adherence, palliative care, cerebrovascular events related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the future of stroke rehabilitation, and stroke websites to support patients and caregivers. Our goal is to provide health professionals with more recent knowledge and recommendations for better rehabilitation care after stroke.

As Diretrizes Brasileiras de Reabilitação do Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) - Parte II, desenvolvida pelo Departamento Científico de Reabilitação Neurológica da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia é voltada para intervenções específicas de técnicas de reabilitação de déficits neurológicos e incapacidades. Seguindo o mesmo modelo da Parte I, a Parte II também se baseia em estudos randomizados, revisões sistemáticas, metanálises e outras diretrizes sobre o mesmo tema. A segunda parte aborda os distúrbios da comunicação, disfagia, controle postural e equilíbrio, ataxias, espasticidade, reabilitação do membro superior, marcha, cognição, negligência espacial unilateral, déficits sensoriais, reabilitação domiciliar, aderência ao uso de medicamentos, cuidados paliativos, o futuro da reabilitação no AVC, e websites de orientação sobre AVC para pacientes e cuidadores. Nosso objetivo é fornecer aos profissionais envolvidos na reabilitação conhecimento atualizado e recomendações para um melhor cuidado no pós-AVC.

Can the choice reaction time be modified after COVID-19 diagnosis? A prospective cohort study / O tempo de reação de escolha pode ser modificado após o diagnóstico de COVID-19? Um estudo de coorte prospectiva

ABSTRACT Assessment of cognitive processing speed through choice reaction time (CRT) can be an objective tool to assess cognitive functions after COVID-19 infection. Objective: This study aimed to assess CRT in individuals after acute COVID-19 infection over 1 year. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 30 individuals (male: 9, female: 21) with mild-moderate functional status after COVID-19 and 30 individuals (male: 8, female: 22) without COVID-19. Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. CRT (milliseconds) was evaluated by finding the difference between the photodiode signal and the electromyographic (EMG) onset latency of anterior deltoid, brachial biceps, and triceps during the task of reaching a luminous target. CRT was evaluated three times over 1 year after COVID-19: baseline assessment (>4 weeks of COVID-19 diagnosis), between 3 and 6 months, and between 6 and 12 months. Results: The multiple comparison analysis shows CRT reduction of the anterior deltoid in the COVID-19 group at 3-6 (p=0.001) and 6-12 months (p<0.001) compared to the control group. We also observed CRT reduction of the triceps at 6-12 months (p=0.002) and brachial biceps at 0-3 (p<0.001), 3-6 (p<0.001), and 6-12 months (p<0.001) in the COVID-19 compared to the control group. Moderate correlations were observed between MoCA and CRT of the anterior deltoid (r=-0.63; p=0.002) and brachial biceps (r=-0.67; p=0.001) at 6-12 months in the COVID-19 group. Conclusions: There was a reduction in CRT after acute COVID-19 over 1 year. A negative correlation was also observed between MoCA and CRT only from 6 to 12 months after COVID-19 infection.

RESUMO A avaliação da velocidade de processamento cognitivo por meio do tempo de reação de escolha (TRE) pode ser uma ferramenta objetiva para acompanhar as alterações cognitivas após a COVID-19. Objetivo: Avaliar o TRE em pacientes após infecção aguda por COVID-19 ao longo de um ano. Métodos: Foram avaliados 30 indivíduos (sexo masculino: nove; feminino: 21) com estado funcional leve-moderado após infecção por COVID-19 e 30 (sexo masculino: oito; feminino: 22) sem COVID-19. A avaliação foi feita pelo Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) e pela Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão. O TRE (milissegundos) foi avaliado pela diferença entre o sinal luminoso e a latência de início da atividade muscular (EMG) do deltoide anterior (DA), do bíceps braquial (BB) e do tríceps durante uma tarefa de alcance. O TRE foi avaliado ao longo de um ano: avaliação inicial (>4 semanas após diagnóstico de COVID-19), em 3-6 meses e em 6-12 meses. Resultados: Houve redução do TRE do DA no grupo COVID-19 em 3-6 meses (p=0,001) e 6-12 meses (p<0,001) em comparação com o grupo de controle. Também foi observada redução na TRE do tríceps em 6-12 meses (p=0,002) e do BB em 0-3 meses (p<0,001), 3-6 meses (p<0,001) e 6-12 meses (p<0,001) no grupo COVID-19 em comparação com o grupo de controle. Correlações moderadas foram observadas entre MoCA e TRE do DA (r=-0,63; p=0,002) e BB (r=-0,67; p=0,001) aos 6-12 meses no grupo COVID-19. Conclusões: Houve redução do TRE após COVID-19 ao longo de um ano, além de correlação negativa entre MoCA e TRE no período de seis a 12 meses após COVID-19.

Brazilian Academy of Neurology practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: part I.

The Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation are the result of a joint effort by the Scientific Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology aiming to guide professionals involved in the rehabilitation process to reduce functional disability and increase individual autonomy. Members of the group participated in web discussion forums with predefined themes, followed by videoconference meetings in which issues were discussed, leading to a consensus. These guidelines, divided into two parts, focus on the implications of recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in stroke rehabilitation literature. The main objective was to guide physicians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, nutritionists, and other professionals involved in post-stroke care. Recommendations and levels of evidence were adapted according to the currently available literature. Part I discusses topics on rehabilitation in the acute phase, as well as prevention and management of frequent conditions and comorbidities after stroke.