The Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation and the Degree of Recovery in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke.

: To determine the effectiveness of computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation and compare the patterns of cognitive function recovery occurring in both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. A total of 62 patients were finally enrolled, consisting of 30 with TBI and 32 with stroke. The patients received 30 sessions of computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (Comcog) five times per week.

Prediction of Motor Recovery in Patients with Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

Predicting prognosis in patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage is difficult. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging in predicting motor outcome after basal ganglia hemorrhage. A total of 12 patients with putaminal hemorrhage were included in the study (aged 50 ± 12 years), 8 patients were male (aged 46 ± 11 years) and 4 were female (aged 59 ± 9 years).

Validity of the Buttoning Test in Hand Disability Evaluation of Patients With Stroke.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the buttoning test and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), and to determine the validity of using the buttoning test as a tool to evaluate hand disability in patients with stroke.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of the medical records of 151 ischemic stroke patients affecting the dominant hand. Patients underwent the buttoning test and JTHFT for their affected hand.

Balance Assessment in Subacute Stroke Patients Using the Balance Control Trainer (BalPro).

Objective: To demonstrate the efficacy of the balance control trainer (BCT), developed for training patients with balance problems, as a balance assessment tool in subacute stroke patients.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 38 subacute stroke patients in their first episode of a stroke, and having the ability to maintain a standing position without aid for at least 5 minutes. Patients were assessed using the BCT (BalPro) 43.

Recommendation of Nasogastric Tube Removal in Acute Stroke Patients Based on Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study.

Objective: To evaluate the safety of nasogastric tube (NGT) removal and change to oral feeding with a food thickener for acute stroke patients in whom a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) confirmed thin liquid aspiration.

Methods: We retrospectively examined data of 199 patients with first stroke who were diagnosed with dysphagia from 2011 to 2015. Swallowing function was evaluated using VFSS.

Validity of Quantitative Lymphoscintigraphy as a Lymphedema Assessment Tool for Patients With Breast Cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the validity of quantitative lymphoscintigraphy as a useful lymphedema assessment tool for patients with breast cancer surgery including axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).

Methods: We recruited 72 patients with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery that included ALND. Circumferences in their upper limbs were measured in five areas: 15 cm proximal to the lateral epicondyle (LE), the elbow, 10 cm distal to the LE, the wrist, and the metacarpophalangeal joint.