An international study to explore the feasibility of collecting standardised outcome data for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: recommendations for an international clinical research registry.

Introduction: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a persistent pain condition with low prevalence. Multi-centre collaborative research is needed to attain sufficient sample sizes for meaningful studies. This international observational study: (1) tested the feasibility and acceptability of collecting outcome data using an agreed core measurement set (2) tested and refined an electronic data management system to collect and manage the data.

Quantitative Dynamic Allodynograph-A Standardized Measure for Testing Dynamic Mechanical Allodynia in Chronic Limb Pain.

Background: Dynamic mechanical allodynia (DMA) is both a symptom and a central sensitization sign, yet no standardized method for quantifying the DMA area has been reported. This study aimed to establish psychometric properties for (), a newly developed protocol measuring the DMA area as a percentage of the body surface.

Methods: Seventy-eight patients aged 18-65 diagnosed with chronic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) participated in this study.

Central Sensitization and Psychological State Distinguishing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome from Other Chronic Limb Pain Conditions: A Cluster Analysis Model.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) taxonomy has been updated with reported subtypes and is defined as primary pain alongside other chronic limb pain (CLP) conditions. We aimed at identifying CRPS clinical phenotypes that distinguish CRPS from other CLP conditions. Cluster analysis was carried out to classify 61 chronic CRPS and 31 CLP patients based on evoked pain (intensity of hyperalgesia and dynamic allodynia, allodynia area, and after-sensation) and psychological (depression, kinesiophobia, mental distress, and depersonalization) measures.

Pain Catastrophizing Mediates the Association Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress in Chronic Pain Syndrome.

Aim: Trait mindfulness has been found to be inversely associated with emotional distress such as depression and anxiety among patients suffering from pain. The current study investigated the putative mechanisms underlying these associations by examining whether pain catastrophizing mediates the association between mindfulness and psychological distress and whether this model differs in patients suffering from chronic pain compared to patients experiencing nonchronic pain in a medical rehabilitation setting.

Methods: Forty-eight patients in their subacute stage of recovery participated in the study.

A pilot study on the electrophysiological monitoring of patient's engagement in post-stroke physical rehabilitation.

This study discusses the feasibility of an electrophysiological monitor for patient engagement during rehabilitation sessions. While patient engagement has a significant clinical role, it is not obvious how its real-time monitoring could be used. We designed this study to provide further support for the feasibility of such a tool based on the Brain Engagement Index (BEI), and to discuss clinical usefulness and its evaluation.

Proximal myofascial pain in patients with distal complex regional pain syndrome of the upper limb.

Background: Patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) endure myofascial-related pain in at least 50% of cases.

Aims: To evaluate the association of upper limb CRPS with myofascial pain in muscles that might influence arm or hand pain, and to evaluate whether the paraspinal skin and subcutaneous layers' tenderness and allodynia are associated with CRPS.

Methods: A case-control study comprising 20 patients presenting with upper limb CRPS, and 20 healthy controls matched for sex and age, were evaluated in the thoracic paraspinal area and myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) (infraspinatus, rhomboids, subclavius, serratus posterior superior and pectoralis minor) via a skin rolling test.

A multi-centre study to explore the feasibility and acceptability of collecting data for complex regional pain syndrome clinical studies using a core measurement set: Study protocol.

Objectives: This international, multicentre study will inform the final data collection tools and processes which will comprise the first international, clinical research registry for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This study will: (a) test the feasibility and acceptability of collecting outcome measurement data using a patient reported, questionnaire core measurement set (COMPACT [Core Outcome Measurement set for complex regional PAin syndrome Clinical sTudies]); and (b) test and refine an electronic data management system to collect and manage the data.

Methods: A maximum of 240 adults, meeting the Budapest diagnostic clinical criteria for CRPS type I or II, will be recruited across eight countries.

The associations between executive functions and different aspects of perceived pain, beyond the influence of depression, in rehabilitation setting.

We investigated the relations between several aspects of Perceived Pain (PP) and different measurements of Executive Functions (EFs), above the influence of depression, in the context of medical rehabilitation. Eighty-one neurologically intact patients participated in this study in their sub-acute stage of recovery. Different aspects of EFs were assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Stop-Signal Test (SST) and the Digit Span Backward subtest of the WAIS-III (Span-B).

Sensory modulation dysfunction is associated with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Objective: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition, develops mainly after limb trauma and severely inhibits function. While early diagnosis is essential, factors for CRPS onset are elusive. Therefore, identifying those at risk is crucial.

Effect of telerehabilitation on mobility in people after hip surgery: a pilot feasibility study.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of telerehabilitation on mobility in people following hip surgery. This feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial included a sample of 40 participants, with 22 male and 18 female patients and mean age (SD) of 67.5 (7.

An EEG Tool for Monitoring Patient Engagement during Stroke Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Study.

Objective: Patient engagement is of major significance in neural rehabilitation. We developed a real-time EEG marker for attention, the Brain Engagement Index (BEI). In this work we investigate the relation between the BEI and temporary functional change during a rehabilitation session.

A prospective, multisite, international validation of the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Severity Score.

Clinical diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a dichotomous (yes/no) categorization, a format necessary for clinical decision making. Such dichotomous diagnostic categories do not convey an individual's subtle gradations in the severity of the condition over time and have poor statistical power when used as an outcome measure in research. This prospective, international, multicenter study slightly modified and further evaluated the validity of the CRPS Severity Score (CSS), a continuous index of CRPS severity.

Recommendations for a first Core Outcome Measurement set for complex regional PAin syndrome Clinical sTudies (COMPACT).

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a persistent pain condition that remains incompletely understood and challenging to treat. Historically, a wide range of different outcome measures have been used to capture the multidimensional nature of CRPS. This has been a significant limiting factor in the advancement of our understanding of the mechanisms and management of CRPS.

Complex regional pain syndrome: evidence for warm and cold subtypes in a large prospective clinical sample.

Limited research suggests that there may be Warm complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and Cold CRPS subtypes, with inflammatory mechanisms contributing most strongly to the former. This study for the first time used an unbiased statistical pattern recognition technique to evaluate whether distinct Warm vs Cold CRPS subtypes can be discerned in the clinical population. An international, multisite study was conducted using standardized procedures to evaluate signs and symptoms in 152 patients with clinical CRPS at baseline, with 3-month follow-up evaluations in 112 of these patients.

Detailed behavioral assessment promotes accurate diagnosis in patients with disorders of consciousness.

Introduction: Assessing the awareness level in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is made on the basis of exhibited behaviors. However, since motor signs of awareness (i.e.

Complex regional pain syndrome, alexithymia, and psychological distress.

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the relationships between alexithymia, psychological distress, and pain in persons with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Methods: Participants were 60 Israeli adults ages 19-65. This is a cross sectional study with a comparison group.

Heart rate autonomic regulation system at rest and during paced breathing among patients with CRPS as compared to age-matched healthy controls.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the autonomic nerve heart rate regulation system at rest and its immediate response to paced breathing among patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) as compared with age-matched healthy controls.

Design: Quasiexperimental.

Setting: Outpatient clinic.

Reduction of healthcare-associated infections in a long-term care brain injury ward by replacing regular linens with biocidal copper oxide impregnated linens.

Background: Contaminated textiles in hospitals contribute to endogenous, indirect-contact, and aerosol transmission of nosocomial related pathogens. Copper oxide impregnated linens have wide-spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Our aim was to determine if replacing non-biocidal linens with biocidal copper oxide impregnated linens would reduce the rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in a long-term care ward.

Motor imagery group practice for gait rehabilitation in individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis: a pilot study.

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, with walking impairment being a devastating indicator of chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Limited resources exist for individual treatments; therefore, the delivery of safe group exercise therapy is highly desired.

Objective: To examine whether the application of group-based motor imagery practice to community-dwelling individuals with chronic hemiparesis improves gait.

Atypical central pain processing in sensory modulation disorder: absence of temporal summation and higher after-sensation.

Sensory over-responsivity (SOR), a subtype of the proposed sensory modulation disorder (SMD), is characterized by over-responsiveness to stimuli in several sensory modalities. SMD individuals demonstrate abnormal responses to naturally occurring stimuli in a manner that interferes with daily life participation. Previous psychophysical testing of the somatosensory system revealed that SOR individuals rated pain sensations higher than controls, demonstrating hyperalgesia that can be centrally mediated.

Dual-channel functional electrical stimulation improvements in speed-based gait classifications.

Background: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is becoming an accepted treatment method for enhancing gait performance in patients who present with gait difficulties resulting from hemiparesis. The purpose of this study was to test whether individuals with hemiparesis who have varied gait speeds, which place them in different functional categories, benefit to the same extent from the application of FES.

Methods: Thirty-six subjects with chronic hemiparesis demonstrating foot-drop and deficits in knee and/or hip control were fitted with a dual-channel FES system activating the dorsiflexors and hamstring muscles.

The effects of dual-channel functional electrical stimulation on stance phase sagittal kinematics in patients with hemiparesis.

Sixteen subjects (aged 54.2 ± 14.1 years) with hemiparesis (7.

Effects of dual-channel functional electrical stimulation on gait performance in patients with hemiparesis.

The study objective was to assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the peroneal nerve and thigh muscles on gait performance in subjects with hemiparesis. Participants were 45 subjects (age 57.8 ± 14.

A novel technique for conduction studies of the infrapatellar nerve.

Objective: To introduce a noninvasive method for electrodiagnostic evaluation of the infrapatellar nerve (IPN).

Design: A prospective cohort study.

Setting: Electrodiagnostic laboratory, rehabilitation department, Hadassah University Hospital.