Working memory load increases movement-related alpha and beta desynchronization.

Working memory (WM) load has been well-documented to impair selective attention and inhibitory control. However, its effects on motor function remain insufficiently explored. To extend the existing literature, we investigated the impact of WM load on force control and movement-related brain activity.

Effects of Motor and Cognitive Dual-Task Demands on Ankle Dorsiflexor and Plantarflexor Force Control in Older Adults.

Background: Force steadiness can be impaired under dual-task conditions in older adults. Since this impairment is attributed to their limited attentional resources, we hypothesized that the degree of cortical activity involved in muscle contraction would affect force steadiness under dual-task conditions. To test this hypothesis, based on the premise that dorsiflexion requires more cortical resources than plantarflexion, we compared the effects of additional motor and cognitive task demands on force steadiness between dorsiflexion and plantarflexion contractions in young and older adults.

Time-course for acquiring transfer independence in patients with subacute stroke: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To clarify the time-course of longitudinal changes in the independence level of subtasks composing bed-wheelchair transfer among patients with stroke.

Design: Single-institution prospective cohort study.

Patients: A total of 137 consecutive post-stroke patients using wheelchair on admission to the subacute rehabilitation wards.

Applying a Motivational Instructional Design Model to Stroke Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Study on Occupational and Swallowing Therapies.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of poststroke interventions using a motivational instructional design model with occupational therapy (OT) and swallowing therapy (ST) and the model's potential physical and mental health effects.

Design: An open-label, single-arm, feasibility study on the Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction model.

Setting: Two convalescent rehabilitation wards.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation phase-dependently modulates spinal reciprocal inhibition induced by pedaling in healthy individuals.

Reciprocal inhibition (RI) between leg muscles is crucial for smooth movement. Pedaling is a rhythmic movement that can increase RI in healthy individuals. Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) stimulates spinal neural circuits by targeting the afferent fibers.

Logistic regression analysis and machine learning for predicting post-stroke gait independence: a retrospective study.

This study investigated whether machine learning (ML) has better predictive accuracy than logistic regression analysis (LR) for gait independence at discharge in subacute stroke patients (n = 843) who could not walk independently at admission. We developed prediction models using LR and five ML algorithms-specifically, the decision tree (DT), support vector machine, artificial neural network, ensemble learning, and k-nearest neighbor methods. Functional Independence Measure sub-items were used to evaluate the ability to walk independently.

A qualitative study of stressors faced by older stroke patients in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital.

This study aimed to explore the stressors experienced by older patients with stroke in convalescent rehabilitation wards in Japan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four stroke patients aged > 65 years who experienced a stroke for the first time in their lives. The interviews were analyzed using the Steps for Coding and Theorization method for qualitative data analysis.

Efficacy of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Cognition in Patients with Vascular Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

The efficacy of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) in patients with vascular cognitive impairment has not been explored, and no studies investigating CST in the convalescent rehabilitation phase have been reported. This study examined the effect of CST on the cognitive function of patients with vascular cognitive impairment. A randomized controlled, assessor-blinded, single-centered trial with two parallel groups was conducted in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital.

Simulating tDCS electrode placement to stimulate both M1 and SMA enhances motor performance and modulates cortical excitability depending on current flow direction.

Introduction: The conventional method of placing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) electrodes is just above the target brain area. However, this strategy for electrode placement often fails to improve motor function and modulate cortical excitability. We investigated the effects of optimized electrode placement to induce maximum electrical fields in the leg regions of both M1 and SMA, estimated by electric field simulations in the T1and T2-weighted MRI-based anatomical models, on motor performance and cortical excitability in healthy individuals.

Categorizing knee hyperextension patterns in hemiparetic gait and examining associated impairments in patients with chronic stroke.

Background: Post-stroke hemiparetic gait exhibits considerable variations in motion patterns and abnormal muscle activities, notably knee hyperextension during the stance phase. Existing studies have primarily concentrated on its joint angle or moment. However, the underlying causes remain unclear.

Predicting interindividual response to theta burst stimulation in the lower limb motor cortex using machine learning.

Using theta burst stimulation (TBS) to induce neural plasticity has played an important role in improving the treatment of neurological disorders. However, the variability of TBS-induced synaptic plasticity in the primary motor cortex prevents its clinical application. Thus, factors associated with this variability should be explored to enable the creation of a predictive model.

Working memory load modulates anticipatory postural adjustments during step initiation.

Working memory (WM) can influence selective attention. However, the effect of WM load on postural standing tasks has been poorly understood, even though these tasks require attentional resources. The purpose of this study was to examine whether WM load would impact anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) during step initiation.

Development of the Japanese version of the stroke stigma scale: a validity and reliability assessment.

Background: The stigma perceived by many post-stroke persons hinders their social lives. A scale to measure stigma is needed to identify social problems related to stigma, and to evaluate effectiveness of interventions.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Stroke Stigma Scale (SSS-J), and confirm its utility by examining reliability and validity.

Presence and Characteristics of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Subacute Stroke Patients with Cognitive Impairment.

This retrospective cross-sectional study is aimed at investigating the prevalence and characteristics of behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPS) in subacute stroke patients with cognitive impairment. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) was used to assess BPS. A total of 358 consecutive patients with first-ever stroke admitted to rehabilitation wards and with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores < 24 on admission were included.

Intermuscular Coherence during Quiet Standing in Sub-Acute Patients after Stroke: An Exploratory Study.

Asymmetrically impaired standing control is a prevalent disability among stroke patients; however, most of the neuromuscular characteristics are unclear. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate between-limb differences in intermuscular coherence during quiet standing. Consequently, 15 patients who had sub-acute stroke performed a quiet standing task without assistive devices, and electromyography was measured on the bilateral tibialis anterior (TA), soleus (SL), and medial gastrocnemius (MG).

Blind Spots in Hospital Fall Prevention: Falls in Stroke Patients Occurred Not Only in Those at a High Risk of Falling.

Objectives: Although the standard falls prevention strategy is to identify and respond to patients with high-risk conditions, it remains unclear whether falls in patients with high fall risk account for most observed falls. In this study, fall risk and number of falls were calculated based on patients' motor and cognitive abilities, and the relationship between the two was examined.

Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study.

Acute and Prolonged Effects of 300 sec of Static, Dynamic, and Combined Stretching on Flexibility and Muscle Force.

Static stretching (SS), dynamic stretching (DS), and combined stretching (CS; i.e., DS+SS) are commonly performed as warm-up exercises.

Risk Factors for Post-Stroke Pneumonia in a Patient Population with Subacute Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The risk of pneumonia and death is higher in acute stroke patients with signs of pulmonary infection on chest computed tomography (CT) at admission. However, few reports have examined the incidence of pneumonia and its predictors in subacute stroke patients. The aim of this study was to examine factors related to post-stroke pneumonia in subacute stroke patients.

Influence of motivation on rehabilitation outcomes after subacute stroke in convalescent rehabilitation wards.

Background: The motivation for rehabilitation is important in encouraging stroke patients to participate in rehabilitation; however, its relationship with outcomes is not well known. In addition, changes in patient motivation during hospitalization have not been examined.

Aim: To examine the relationship between motivation and rehabilitation outcomes for subacute stroke patients and to investigate the changes in motivation.

Comparing the contribution of each clinical indicator in predictive models trained on 980 subacute stroke patients: a retrospective study.

Post-stroke disability affects patients' lifestyles after discharge, and it is essential to predict functional recovery early in hospitalization to allow time for appropriate decisions. Previous studies reported important clinical indicators, but only a few clinical indicators were analyzed due to insufficient numbers of cases. Although review articles can exhaustively identify many prognostic factors, it remains impossible to compare the contribution of each predictor.

Parameter mapping of hemiplegic shoulder electrical stimulation for motor function: A scoping review.

Background: Electrical stimulation (ES) of the shoulder is effective in treating subluxation and shoulder pain. However, few studies have reported on ES of the hemiplegic shoulder with motor function as an outcome; thus, the method remains unclear.

Objective: We aimed to map the existing evidence and identify the parameters for ES of the hemiplegic shoulder for motor function in stroke patients.

Immediate effects of elastic tape application on the foot sole: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of elastic tape in increasing the dorsiflexion angle and plantar flexor strength in healthy individuals. [Participants and Methods] This randomized controlled trial included 24 healthy university students who were categorized into the following groups (12 participants in each group): the intervention group (elastic tape was applied to the dominant foot) and the control group (no intervention was performed). We performed intergroup comparison of the pre- and post-intervention dorsiflexion angles and plantar flexor strength.

Discrepancies in perception of fall risk between patients with subacute stroke and physical therapists in a rehabilitation hospital: a retrospective cohort study.

Falls are one of the most common complications of a stroke. This study aimed to clarify the discrepancy between the perceived fall risk of hospitalized patients with stroke and the clinical judgment of physical therapists and to examine the changes in discrepancy during hospitalization. Retrospective cohort study.

A multicenter explanatory survey of patients' and clinicians' perceptions of motivational factors in rehabilitation.

Background: Patient motivation is an important determinant of rehabilitation outcomes. Differences in patients' and clinicians' perceptions of motivational factors can potentially hinder patient-centered care. Therefore, we aimed to compare patients' and clinicians' perceptions of the most important factors in motivating patients for rehabilitation.