Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review.

Meditation and mindfulness, rooted in ancient traditions, enhance mental well-being by cultivating awareness and emotional control. It has been shown to induce neuroplasticity, increase cortical thickness, reduce amygdala reactivity, and improve brain connectivity and neurotransmitter levels, leading to improved emotional regulation, cognitive function, and stress resilience. This systematic review will synthesize research on neurobiological changes associated with mindfulness and meditation practices.

The Neurological Impact of Leprosy: Manifestations and Treatment Approaches.

Background And Objectives: Leprosy primarily affects peripheral nerves, leading to significant neurological complications such as polyneuritis, mononeurosis, and autonomic dysfunction, which contribute to severe disabilities and impaired quality of life for patients. This scoping review aims to investigate the neurological manifestations and main treatments of leprosy patients.

Materials And Methods: Studies were identified from an online search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases.

The Role of Neuroinflammation in Shaping Neuroplasticity and Recovery Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation are variables seen during recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI), while biomarkers are useful in monitoring injury and guiding rehabilitation efforts. This systematic review examines how neuroinflammation affects neuroplasticity and recovery following TBI in animal models and humans. Studies were identified from an online search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases without any search time range.

Harnessing Virtual Reality: Improving Social Skills in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves challenges in social communication and daily functioning. Emerging research highlights that virtual reality (VR) interventions can significantly improve social skills in adults with ASD by providing immersive, controlled practice environments. This systematic review will assess the effectiveness of VR-based interventions for improving social skills in adults with ASD.

Towards Transforming Neurorehabilitation: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological Disorders.

Neurological disorders like stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and Parkinson's disease (PD) significantly affect global health, requiring accurate diagnosis and long-term neurorehabilitation. Artificial intelligence (AI), such as machine learning (ML), may enhance early diagnosis, personalize treatment, and optimize rehabilitation through predictive analytics, robotic systems, and brain-computer interfaces, improving outcomes for patients. This systematic review examines how AI and ML systems influence diagnosis and treatment in neurorehabilitation among neurological disorders.

Effects of Virtual Rehabilitation Training on Post-Stroke Executive and Praxis Skills and Depression Symptoms: A Quasi-Randomised Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Apraxia is a neurological disorder that is common after a stroke and impairs the planning and execution of movements. In the rehabilitation field, virtual reality (VR) presents new opportunities and offers advantages to both rehabilitation teams and individuals with neurological conditions. Indeed, VR can stimulate and improve cognitive reserve and abilities, including executive function, and enhance the patient's emotional status.

Is Virtual Reality Orientation Therapy Useful to Optimize Cognitive and Behavioral Functioning Following Severe Acquired Brain Injury? An Exploratory Study.

Introduction: Severe acquired brain injury (SABI) is a leading cause of death and disability, and it is defined as a brain injury that occurs after birth due to traumatic or non-traumatic causes. Reality orientation therapy (ROT) uses repeated time-place-person orientation and meaningful stimuli to develop a better understanding of the environment and has great potential as an effective strategy to improve cognitive and behavioral functioning.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the feasibility and potential effects of virtual reality orientation therapy (VR-rot) on optimizing cognitive and behavioral functioning and depressive symptoms post-SABI.

Cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury: a scoping review.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a condition where the spinal cord is damaged and experiences partial or complete loss of motor and/or sensory function, which is typically less than normal. After SCI, patients may exhibit more severe psychiatric symptoms and experience cognitive impairments, including reduced speed and attention processing capacity, as well as difficulties with executive function and episodic memory retention. Among the behavioral and psychiatric symptoms, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder are the most common.

The Quality of Life in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Assessment and Rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) develops when the spinal cord is damaged and leads to partial or complete loss of motor and/or sensory function, usually below the level of injury. Medical advances in the last few decades have enabled SCI patients to survive after their initial injury and extend their life expectancy. As a result, the need for outcome measures to assess health and Quality of Life (QoL) after rehabilitation is increasing.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuromodulation Techniques in Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review.

Background And Objectives: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a condition in which an external force, usually a violent blow to the head, causes functional impairment in the brain. Neuromodulation techniques are thought to restore altered function in the brain, resulting in improved function and reduced symptoms. Brain stimulation can alter the firing of neurons, boost synaptic strength, alter neurotransmitters and excitotoxicity, and modify the connections in their neural networks.

Brain Plasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes changes in brain structure and brain function due to the direct effects of nerve damage, secondary mechanisms, and long-term effects of the injury, such as paralysis and neuropathic pain (NP). Recovery takes place over weeks to months, which is a time frame well beyond the duration of spinal shock and is the phase in which the spinal cord remains unstimulated below the level of injury and is associated with adaptations occurring throughout the nervous system, often referred to as neuronal plasticity. Such changes occur at different anatomical sites and also at different physiological and molecular biological levels.

Use of Virtual Reality in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

Background And Objectives: ABI is found in all societies as the most severe, disabling neurological disorder. A cognitive rehabilitation program is essential for the clinical recovery of these patients, improving functional outcomes and quality of life. Modern technologies such as virtual reality (VR) offer several advantages over traditional therapies, including the ability to engage people in simulated performance of functional tasks.