Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

18/03/2026

Different approach to bone mineral density in non-traumatic spinal cord injury: a comparison with traumatic spinal cord injury

Authors: Onyoo Kim, Jisun Lim, Geun-Young Park

The incidence of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is rising with an ageing population. This study identified diagnostic bone sites and risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with NTSCI and TSCI categorized by age. Some 1,159 and 475 patients had TSCI and NTSCI, respectively. BMD, Z-scores and T-scores were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In individuals over 50 years old, the lumbar spine BMD and T-score values for osteoporosis were lower in the NTSCI group than in the TSCI group. There was no significant difference in the DXA results between the NTSCI and the TSCI groups under 50 years old. As an osteoporotic diagnostic site in the NTSCI group (≥ 50 years) (43%), the lumbar spine had higher proportions than in the TSCI group (29%). Female s*x and low body mass index were risk factors for osteoporosis in both groups (≥ 50 years).

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.44836

18/03/2026

Towards an understanding of disturbed sleep phenotypes after traumatic spinal cord injury

Authors: Letitia Y. Graves-Dixon, Anna May, Susan Redline, Zixiang Xu, Jiayang Sun, Adam R. Ferguson, Kath M. Bogie

This study looked at how sleep problems relate to heart and metabolic health in Veterans with spinal cord injuries. Using a large database from the Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers analysed health records of nearly 19,000 Veterans with spinal cord injuries. We found that sleep apnoea and insomnia were the most common sleep issues. Two distinct groups emerged: 1 linked sleep apnoea and excessive sleepiness with heart failure and irregular heartbeats, along with other conditions like diabetes and obesity. The other group showed a strong connection between insomnia, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These findings suggest that sleep problems in people with spinal cord injuries are closely tied to overall health, especially heart health. The study also highlights that sleep issues may be underdiagnosed, and that using data-driven methods can help uncover important health patterns.

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.44651

10/03/2026

Comparison of the predictive value of upper limb somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potentials for functional recovery in subacute stroke: a retrospective study

Authors: Jungwoo Shim, Changju Kim

Recovery after stroke varies widely among patients, and predicting who will regain good arm and hand function remains challenging. This study examined whether 2 nerve tests, somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potentials, can help predict recovery in people with subacute stroke. We reviewed data from 111 patients who received both tests and completed rehabilitation. Somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potentials results were grouped as non-responsive, abnormal, or normal, and their relationships with movement and daily function at discharge were analysed. Patients with normal somatosensory evoked potentials showed greater independence in daily activities, while those with normal motor evoked potentials performed better in hand coordination tasks. These findings suggest that somatosensory evoked potentials and motor evoked potentials reflect different aspects of recovery, and when combined may improve early prediction of functional outcomes. This information could help clinicians plan individualized rehabilitation programmes more effectively for patients after stroke.

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.45010

10/03/2026

Translation, reliability, and validity of the trunk impairment scale in a Polish population after stroke

Authors: Joanna Małecka, Magdalena Goliwąs, Katarzyna Adamczewska, Jacek Lewandowski, Geert Verheyden, Dawid Łochyński

Two primary objectives were pursued in this study. The first aim was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the newly developed Polish version of the Trunk Impairment Scale. The second was to examine the relationship between trunk and upper extremity function. A total of 80 post-stroke participants were enrolled. The Trunk Impairment Scale was translated into Polish, and subsequently, the reliability and validity of the Polish version of the Trunk Impairment Scale were calculated. Furthermore, the correlation between the Polish version of the Trunk Impairment Scale and the Polish version of the Action Research Arm Test was analysed. The results showed that the Polish version of the Trunk Impairment Scale is a highly reliable and moderately valid outcome measure for assessing individuals in the Polish population after stroke. Moreover, a moderate relationship between trunk function and upper extremity activity was demonstrated.

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.44789

10/03/2026

Effect of early hybrid assistive limb assisted rehabilitation on functional outcomes and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Takaya Watabe, Ryota Muramatsu, Takuya Sengoku, Goro Sakurai, Shinya Yoshida, Yuta Taniguchi

This study investigated whether using a wearable robotic device called the single-joint hybrid assistive limb can improve early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. A total of 68 patients were divided into 3 groups, with 1 group starting hybrid assistive limb therapy within 4 h after surgery. The early hybrid assistive limb group showed better quality of life 12 months postoperatively compared with the other groups. They also recovered knee extension and range of motion more quickly. These results suggest that starting with the hybrid assistive limb soon after surgery may lead to faster and better recovery in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. These results suggest that HAL-SJ may be a feasible adjunct to early postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty, while further studies are required to clarify its clinical relevance and long-term benefits.

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.43925

09/03/2026

Recruitment of the central nervous system in different hand tasks in patients with hand dysfunction after stroke based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy: an exploratory study

After a stroke, many people have difficulty using their hand. We used a safe, portable brain scanner called fNIRS to compare 2 exercises: repeatedly opening and closing the hand, and using an arm-cycling machine. We found that both activities increased brain activity, but the hand movement stimulated more areas involved in motion, feeling, and thinking, and helped different brain regions communicate better. This suggests that simple hand opening and closing practice may be especially helpful for brain recovery after a stroke. Our results can assist therapists in choosing more effective rehabilitation methods.

Authors: Ning Zhang, Haolin Tian, Yuanbin Yang, Qinxuan Shen, Ziyi Li, Long He, Jing Zhou, Xuechao Li, Jingfeng Tian, Mengying Wan, Wei Yao, Longyue Yi

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.44712

09/03/2026

JRM Newsletter March 2026
https://gansub.com/t/pm/6534440405699/

05/03/2026

Coupling auditory cues and bilateral transauricular vagus nerve stimulation in Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait: an open-label feasibility study

Authors: Andrea Di Maio, Mario Meloni, Jae-Jun Song, Vincenzo Di Lazzaro, Massimo Marano

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.45165

05/03/2026

Professional consensus on UK national statements of best practice for ways of working to deliver orthotic interventions after stroke: an eDelphi study

Authors: Miriam Golding-Day, Shirley Thomas, Phillip Whitehead, Jane Horne, Marion Walker

Stroke survivors often have a need for supportive devices called orthotics to help them with standing, walking, and completing daily tasks. These orthotics are provided with the support of a specialist clinician called an orthotist. In the UK, these clinicians are not included in the main stroke rehabilitation team as standard and there are no guidelines for stroke clinical services to follow to help inform how and when orthotists should be involved with a stroke survivor’s care. Statements of best practice are a resource that clinical services, clinicians, and patients can use to guide their clinical care. The primary aim of this project was to develop UK-wide statements of best practice on the optimum ways of working to deliver orthotic intervention after stroke. This study is the culmination of several pieces of research, which ended in reaching a professional agreement with orthotists across the UK on what these statements of best practice should contain. This exercise is called a Delphi and is a tried and tested means of reaching agreement on a healthcare intervention.

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.44360

26/02/2026

Long-term outcomes following a pulmonary telerehabilitation trial for people with respiratory post-acute sequelae of COVID: a 12-month follow-up study

Authors: Jack M. Reeves, Lisa M. Spencer, Ling-Ling Tsai, Andrew J. Baillie, Joshua Bishop, Amanda McAnulty, Yuna Han, Regina Leung, Jennifer A. Alison

This study explored the recovery of people with persistent respiratory symptoms following COVID-19 infection who participated in a programme of pulmonary rehabilitation as part of a clinical trial. The clinical trial found no significant differences between those who participated vs did not participate in the pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Despite this, among the participants who were reassessed 12 months following participation in the trial, there were significant improvements in respiratory symptoms, lower-limb functional performance, and fatigue. This study demonstrates that individuals may experience improvement in post-COVID symptoms over time.

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.44828

12/02/2026

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Newsletter February 2026

Nienke ter Hoeve, Marie de Bakker, Madoka Sunamura, Jeanine E. Roeters van Lennep, Eric Boersma, Rita J.G. van den Berg-Emons

12/02/2026

Robot-assisted therapy following stroke: what effects on quality of life, cognitive and psychosocial outcomes? A systematic review

Authors: Francesco Zanatta, Alessandra Gorini, Luca Fiorentino, Silvia Traversoni, Cira Fundarò, Marco D'Addario, Patrizia Steca

After a stroke, many people struggle not only with movement but also with thinking, emotions, and social life. Robot-assisted therapy is a new rehabilitation approach that helps patients perform repeated and precise movements with robotic support. We reviewed the studies of the last 2 decades to understand whether this therapy also improves aspects of life beyond movement. The results show that robot-assisted therapy can have positive effects on quality of life, mood, memory, attention, and well-being. Some studies even found better outcomes than with traditional rehabilitation. However, the improvements did not always last over time, and the studies differed in duration and intensity. Overall, our findings suggest that robot-assisted therapy could support more complete recovery after stroke, addressing both body and mind. Further research is still needed to confirm its long-term benefits for everyday clinical practice.

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.44943