Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Commentary Open Access

Spinal Cord Injury: Epidemiology, Spontaneous Recovery, and Surgical Reconstruction for the Physiatrist

Jacqueline M Ihnat, BS, Jayme Bertelli, MD, PhD, Elspeth JR Hill, MBChB, PhD, MRes, MRCS

The focal article provides hand surgeons with an exploration of the basic principles of spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as the role that hand therapy, nerve transfers, and tendon transfers can play in maximizing the quality of life of these patients. In this commentary, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for physiatrists, who often meet SCI patients early in their recovery course, on the role that nerve transfer and tendon transfer can play in the treatment of SCI patients, with the aim of optimizing referral patterns between providers in order to best serve SCI patients and improve their quality of life.

Case Series Open Access

Under-recognized Cause of Buttock Pain; Superior Cluneal Neuropathy and Diagnostic Utility of Combined Ultrasonography and Neurostimulation Guidance: Case Series

Eric Jones, Mooyeon Oh-Park, Se Won Lee, Farrah Asaad, Andrew Rivera, Soo Kim

Background: Superior cluneal neuropathy (SCN) is an under-recognized source of unilateral low back and buttock pain, representing approximately 14% of lower back pain cases. The condition is caused by entrapment or irritation of the superior cluneal nerves. Diagnosis is challenging due to symptom overlap with other spinal and pelvic conditions and the absence of gold-standard diagnostic criteria. 

Commentary Open Access

Postnatal Care Service Needs in Nigeria: An Autobiographical-based Commentary

Anireju A Omatsuli, Charles C Ofili, Ezekiel Uba Nwose

Background: Postnatal care (PNC) service can be described as the attention to mental, physical, and physiological rehabilitation. At the physiological level, postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of death among postnatal women. Objective: The aim of this report is to advance experiential opinion on barriers to PNC services in Nigeria. Method: This was an autobiographical case report.

Research Article Open Access

Network and Pathway Analyses of Exercise Therapy on Cerebral Infarction Related Genes

Mengxian Luo, Chuanmei Zhu, Yujie Xie, Xin Zeng, Akira Miyamoto, Bo Qin, Chi Zhang

Few efforts were made to conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential genes within the action of exercise therapy on cerebral infarction (CI). We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to provide more important insights information than the conventional single-gene analyses. We performed RNA-Seq on the macroscopically preserved and lesioned SD rat CI model (N=4 pairs).

Research Article Open Access

Effects of Thrust Manipulation for Thoracic Spine on Plantar Pressure Distribution at Trained Men and Women: Analysis Through Baropodometry

Alex Souto Maior, Lucileia Venâncio, Roberto Magalhães

Thoracic spine thrust (TST) manipulation has been investigated for its mechanical and neurophysiological effect. However, changes in plantar pressure distribution still does not directly relate to TST manipulation in scientific literature.

Protocol Open Access

Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Epidural Stimulation Usage by Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Margaux B. Linde, Megan L. Gill, Daniel D. Veith, Lisa A. Beck, Crystal L. Whitmarsh, Peter J. Grahn, Andrew R. Thoreson, Rena F. Hale, Carmen M. Terzic, Kristin D Zhao

Over the last decade, several pilot phase clinical trials of electrical stimulation, applied to the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) have shown that SCI-related sensorimotor and autonomic dysfunction can be improved via rehabilitation with epidural stimulation (ES). To deliver ES, clinical trial participants undergo surgical placement of stimulating electrodes within the spinal canal which are connected to an implanted pulse generator.

Research Article Open Access

Changes in Obesity Prevalence Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective Review of Body Mass Index

Daniel D. Veith, Cesar Lopez, Margaux B. Linde, Andrew R. Thoreson, Ryan J. Lennon, Brittany A. Snider, Megan L. Gill, Lisa A. Beck, Kristin Garlanger, Kristin D Zhao

Background: The prevalence of obesity is high in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) due to the alterations in body composition that occur as a direct result of injury. Body mass index (BMI) is used to classify body habitus. In 2009, an adjusted BMI classification, with lower thresholds for obesity, was recommended for individuals with SCI. Objective: Determine obesity prevalence before and after SCI to examine the trajectory of obesity development. 

Commentary Open Access

A Commentary on "Electroacupuncture Attenuates Ketamine-Induced Neuronal Injury in the Locus Coeruleus of Rats through Modulation of the CAMK II/CREB Pathway"

Runzhi Li, Huachun Miao, Hong Luo

The research article entitled “Electroacupuncture (EA) attenuates ketamine-induced neuronal injury in the locus coeruleus of rats through modulation of the CAMK II/CREB pathway” makes a substantial contribution to our comprehension of the neuroprotective effects associated with EA. In this commentary, our objective is to intricately expand upon the discourse initiated by the focal article, scrutinizing recent advancements in the field and subjecting pivotal issues to critical analysis.

Research Article Open Access

Post-Exercise Carbohydrate Intake in the Early Postoperative Phase Following Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Christine Fagervik Walnum, Mette Straszek, Kristian Husted, Jens Bagger, Ida Lysdahl Fahrenholtz, Anna Melin, Jens Rikardt Andersen

The aim of this study was to investigate whether post exercise carbohydrate intake improves training effect in the first postoperative days, in patients who have had a primary total knee or hip arthroplasty. Subjects were primary total hip (THA) (n=18), and total knee arthroplasties (TKA)(n=25) patients randomized to consume 30 g maltodextrin or placebo within 15 minutes after each training session as a supplement to the standard diet.

Commentary Open Access

The Interplay of Interferon-Beta, Cobalamin, and MicroRNA Regulation in Multiple Sclerosis Therapy

Nahid Eskandari, Alireza Andalib

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, is a complex disorder affecting millions globally, which necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies. In the quest for novel treatments, we have conducted a recent study that has provided crucial insights into the potential synergistic effects of interferonbeta (IFN-β) and cobalamin (Vitamin B12) in MS therapy, targeting interleukin-10 (IL-10), osteopontin (OPN), and specific microRNAs (miR-106a, let-7c, and miR-146a]

Review Article Open Access

The Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as an Effective Biomarker for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Navid Fazlinejad, Samaneh Hosseini, Shirin Yaghoobpoor, Mina Dehghani, Hanieh Bazrafshan, Shokoufeh Khanzadeh, Brandon Lucke-Wold

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is a serious condition associated with inflammation. Early diagnosis and detection are critical for early intervention. In this systematic review, we investigate the role of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an important biomarker for NMO.

Research Article Open Access

Kinematic and Kinetic Assessment of a Novel Polycentric Knee Joint for Powered Walking Assist Exoskeletons

Émélie Séguin, Marc Doumit

Loss of mobility and independence directly affects the quality of life of many vulnerable individuals. In order to address this, researchers have been developing wearable walking assist exoskeletons to aid users with their daily activities. While this technology has advanced tremendously in the past decade, current exoskeletons are yet to be ergonomic, causing discomfort and injuries to the user, leading to early device rejection.

Case Report Open Access

Extensor Tendon Rupture in Ulnar Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report

LOW Yi Xian, Adriel Guang Wei GOH, Swee Tian QUEK

Ulnar impingement syndrome is caused by a shortened ulna impinging on the distal radius and causing a painful, disabling pseudoarthrosis. Vaughan-Jackson syndrome is characterized by a disruption of the digital extensor tendons, beginning on the ulnar side with the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon of the small finger.

Mini Review Open Access

Radiographic Features of Lateralized Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Osteoarthritis

Giovanni Merolla

RSA is a worldwide treatment to manage pain and improve shoulder function in patients with advanced gleno-humeral osteoarthritis. The main efforts of researchers were directed to address glenoid replacement, using devices that would preserve glenoid bone stock and ensure prosthesis stability.

Review Article Open Access

The Essential Elements of the PNF-concept, an Educational Narrative

Fred Smedes

The term Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) was introduced in the 1950s by Dr. Kabat and Mrs. Knott. From the mid-1950s the PNF-concept has been in a progressive development clarifying the use of techniques, performances and clinical applications. The concept of PNF was originally developed by Dr. Kabat and Mrs. Knott for rehabilitation purposes. The International PNF Association (IPNFA) consider themselves to be the official successor of Dr. Kabat and Mrs. Knott.

Research Article Open Access

Manual Therapy Improves Immediate Blood Flow and Tissue Fiber Alignment of the Forearm Extensors

Timothy E. Speicher, Noelle M. Selkow, Aric J. Warren

It is well established that lateral elbow pain and dysfunction is a common pathology in general and sport populations [1-3]. Lateral elbow pain has been termed tennis elbow, epicondylitis, elbow tendinosis, elbow tendinopathy, but currently, the term lateral epicondylalgia (LE) encompasses the spectrum of degeneration and

Commentary Open Access

Commentary on Association between Birth Weight and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Evidence from UK Biobank

Jingjia Liang, Aihua Gu

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major causes of death worldwide and poses a huge public health burden [1,2]. Early identification of individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease is crucial to develop effective preventions. The DOHAD hypothesis proposed by Professor Barker et al. states that an abnormal environment

Review Article Open Access

Leg Augmentation Surgical Procedures: A Review

Cristiano Monarca , Marco Alessi

Calf augmentation is indicated for cosmetic reasons or for reconstruction of a shrunken lower leg resulting from injury, illness, or congenital disability [1]. Historically, calf reshaping has been carried out with silicone implants, mainly in the subaponeurotic plane; nonetheless, as in other body sites it is possible to perform lipoinjection.

Research Article Open Access

Comparative Effect of Levetiracetam and Carbamazepine versus Levetiracetam and Sodium Valproate on Seizure Frequency in Patients with Epilepsy

Surena Nazarbaghi, Hamid Hosseinpour, Samaneh Mirzaie, Tella Sadighpour

Epilepsy involves one or a group of chronic disorders in which seizures recur unprovoked and unpredicted. Epidemiological studies in the United States estimate that about 2 million people have epilepsy. About 44 cases per 100,000 people annually are diagnosed with epilepsy, which is about 1% in the United States at the age of about

Research Article Open Access

Ischemic Preconditioning Contribute to Improving the Static and Dynamic Stability of Male Trained

Bruno Guimarães de Oliveira, Alex Souto Maior

Hyperemia is the transient increase in organ blood flow that occurs following a brief period of ischemia (e.g., blood flow restriction), thus, promote greater shear stress against blood vessel walls on restoration of blood flow that occurs with release of occlusive pressure that contribute with a vasodilatation by increase in blood flow to a tissue

Commentary Open Access

Exercise Benefits on Alzheimer’s Disease

Yiyun Feng, Fang Lin

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder [1] and the most common cause of human dementia, accounting for approximately 60%?80% of cases. It is estimated that more than 30 million AD patients, and the number likely to increase to over 100 million by 2050 because of the increase of the elderly population [2].

Commentary Open Access

An Extended Interpretation and Practice of Rehabilitation

Ping-Chung LEUNG

Rehabilitation is an essential part of Medical and Health Care. Rehabilitation helps people of all ages to be independent, particularly after health hazards: which for children and young people are related to congenital anomalies, injuries and acute illnesses; for elderly people, the chronic diseases and aging itself could be the culprit.

Review Article Open Access

The Use of Consumer Wearable Physical Activity Monitors in Clinical Populations with Functional L imitations

Julian Martinez, Taylor M. Gordon, Scott J. Strath

The prevalence of many musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases that cause limitations in physical functioning has increased globally [1] with age-adjusted rates of incidence rising for many of these diseases [2-5]. In the United States alone, chronic health conditions that limit physical function have an estimated economic impact of $200

Review Article Open Access

A Neuromuscular Integration Approach to the Rehabilitation of Forward Head and Rounded Shoulder Posture: Systematic Review of Literature

Samuel T. Lauman, David I. Anderson

Forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) are common postural misalignments caused by muscular imbalance that lead to a variety of pain patterns in the neck and shoulder [1,2]. FHP prevalence ranges from 61% to 85% and is associated with RSP [3-7]. RSP prevalence ranges from 66% to 78% [3,5,7]. Importantly,

Research Article Open Access

Rehabilitation Providers’ Experiences with Rapid Telerehabilitation Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Rupali Kumar, Candice Osborne, Robert Rinaldi, Jason A. D. Smith, Shannon B.Juengst, Surendra Barshikar

Telehealth has been around since the 1960s as a healthcare delivery modality, though it did not gain widespread acceptance as a viable and reliable clinical tool until the late 1990s, when digital imaging and high speed, high bandwidth telecommunications technology became widely available [1]. Historical boundaries to its acceptance and

Review Article Open Access

Role of Exercise and Natural Protective Substances on Sirtuin Activation

Camillo Ricordi, Silvano Zanuso, Marco Menichelli

The advancement of chronological age is characterized by the progression of symptoms of chronic degenerative diseases that are triggered or accelerated in their progression by unhealthy lifestyles, decreased fitness and inadequate nutrition with decreased consumption of natural protective substances. Recent scientific evidence

Review Article Open Access

Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Operation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Esra Pehlivan

The main symptom in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is shortness of breath. Shortness of breath occurs especially with exercise and progresses over the years despite all medical treatments. One of the main mechanisms by which this symptom occurs is hyperinflation in the lungs [1].

Commentary Open Access

Risks and Countermeasures for the Musculoskeletal systems in the Extreme Environment of Aviators and Astronauts

Rujman Khan, Daphne Ryan, Ryan Keller, Reece Rosenthal, Radina Khalid, Jeffrey Jones

Resistive Exercise in Astronauts on Prolonged Spaceflights provides partial Protection against Spaceflight-induced Bone Loss showed very promising data on measures that can be employed to preserve the bone and muscular health of astronauts. The value of the information from these measures of bone and muscular health is how the

Review Article Open Access

Evaluating an Approach to Improving Attention Networks by Theta Stimulation

Pascale Voelker, Aldis P. Weible, Cristopher M. Niell, Robert S. Chavez, Dale T. Tovar, Mary K. Rothbart, Michael I. Posner

In this paper we consider the hypothesis, based on our human and mouse studies, that white matter connectivity can be altered by appropriate stimulation at the theta frequency [1,2]. In one study we used optogenetics to change the output of cells in the mouse anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) at 1, 8 or 40Hz.

Review Article Open Access

Exercise, Strains and Their Impact on Bone Mineral Content and Density Losses

John Francis Caruso, Alex Christopher-Svendsen Shefflette, Chris Edward Colborn, Steve Ryan Soltysiak

Bone mineral content and density (BMC, BMD) losses, which may subsequently lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis, appear in various disuse (aging, space flight and its analogs, spinal cord injury, etc.) conditions. While diet and hormonal status impact BMC and BMD values, a major factor responsible for these losses are the

Research Article Open Access

Changes in the Distribution of Digit Forces and Associated Finger Functions during Prehension

Mitsuo NAKAMURA, Mariko NAKAMURA

We grasp and manipulate various types of objects during activities of daily living. To explain how we do this in a stable manner, a neural mechanism has been proposed that involves judging the position of the object and its characteristics (e.g., size, shape, material, and weight), executing the motor program based on sensory

Short Communication Open Access

Long-Term Use of Oral Bisphosphonates and Fracture Risk in Men with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Laura D. Carbone, Beverly Gonzalez, Scott Miskevics, Cara Ray, Bella Etingen, Marylou Guihan, B. Catharine Craven, Frances M. Weaver

Lower extremity fractures in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) cause significant morbidity [1] and contribute to excess mortality [2]. Early identification of persons at highest risk for fracture is possible using bone mineral density (BMD) testing by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging

Review Article Open Access

No Studies in Stroke Regarding Brain fMRI Activity and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training/Activation - Only Studies in Non-stroke Population: A Review of Neuroimaging Studies

Sigrid Tibaek

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is highly prevalent in poststroke patients, leading to major impact on the quality of life (QoL) and healthcare resources. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has, over the past two decades, been recommended as first-line treatment for neurologically healthy patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). 

Research Article Open Access

Pain Outcomes with an Elliptical Regimen (POWER) Study: Identifying the Proper Dosage of Exercise for Therapeutic Effect in Persons with Chronic Back Pain

Timothy Dillingham, Jessica Kenia, Adrian Popescu, Christopher Plastaras, Scott Becker, Frances Shofer

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent conditions that will affect 70-85% of individuals at some point in their life [1]. LBP accounts for 2.3% of all visits to the physician, and is the most common area of the body to experience pain [2]. Exercise has been a mainstay for managing persons with chronic low back pain for almost 40

Brief Report Open Access

The Algotect Descriptor Index: An Algorithm for Quantifying Hyperalgesia in Response to a Topical Cold Stimulus

Penny Moss, Heather A E Benson, Anthony Wright

The presence of cold hyperalgesia may indicate widespread pain sensitivity or central pain augmentation. Its presence has been associated with poor outcomes in a range of chronic pain conditions and may offer an important prognostic indicator for persistent pain. Cold pain threshold (CPT) is considered the “gold standard”.

Short Communication Open Access

Diet and Exercise: A Novel Cure for Asthma? - A Short Communications on a Non-Pharmacological Strategy

Søren Malte Rasmussen, Erik Sören Halvard Hansen, Louise Lindhart Toennesen, Anders Pitzner-Fabricius, Nikolaj Brix Hansen, Vibeke Backer

Behavioral interventions with regular physical activity, weight loss and diet have repeatedly demonstrated preventive effects in a wide range of diseases. Furthermore, an unhealthy lifestyle is a known predictor for increased use of medication and also the leading risk factor for global mortality.

Commentary Open Access

Energy Expenditure and Nutrition in Neurogenic Obesity following Spinal Cord Injury

Gary J. Farkas, David R. Gater

Worldwide, obesity is a public health concern and a metabolic ailment characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation resulting from an imbalance of energy expenditure and energy intake [1]. This disorder is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic

Commentary Open Access

Modern Rehabilitation Strategies of Post-Stroke Motor Disfunctions: Functional Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback-Stabilometric Postural Training

E. Kostenko, L. Petrova, A.Rylsky, M. Eneeva, A. Ivanov

More than 80% of patients after a stroke have limited daily activity due to a complex polymorphic motor deficiency of various nature and severity, which leads to postural disorders (PD) [1]. Because of paresis, develops different changes in the musculoskeletal system (MSS) such as PD, restrictions of movements in the joints, impaired

Commentary Open Access

When does the Brain Ask for Help from the Eyes?

Parastou Kordestani-Moghadam, Henk Koppelaar, Sareh Kouhkani, Gijs Segers

By deduction from complexity of (behavioral) models, we develop an entropic computational tool to distinguish erroneous/redundant eye movements from task relevant eye movements.

Commentary Open Access

STARTTS Capoeira Angola Project Bantu: Combining Alternative Therapeutic Intervention with Sport for Traumatized Young Refugees: On the Way to Recovery

Shakeh Momartin, Edielson Da Silva Miranda (Mestre Roxinho), Jorge Aroche, Ansuya Naguran, Abhinandan Emmadi, Mariano Coello

During the last decade, the world experienced an incredible increase in displaced populations; a staggering 70.8 million, which has been a direct outcome of war and human rights violations. This figure includes 25.9 million having been identified as refugees, and 51% constituting children below 18 years of age which has been documented as the highest figure in a decade.

Commentary Open Access

Motor Imagery in Facial Palsy Rehabilitation

Teresa Paolucci

Intentional facial expression of emotion named facial mimic is critical to healthy social interactions. Psychological and functional implications of the facial paralysis present a devastating management problem to patients afflicted because their face have an important challenge of facial muscles that are fundamental also for affective communication.

Editorial Open Access

Introducing the New Journal in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Arzu Razak Ozdincler

It gives us great pleasure to introduce readers with our international peer-reviewed, open access journal. Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is devoted to publish original research, reviews, and clinical reports on key areas of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and related fields.

Review Article Open Access

Physiotherapy Research in a Danish University Hospital: A Retrospective Review, 2010-2018

Sigrid Tibaek

Patients of all ages with motor disorders expect highquality assessments and evidence- based treatment [1]. In university hospitals, alongside medical training and treatment of patients, research [2] is an integral part of the skills for medical professionals e.g. doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Short Communication Open Access

Flat Grounding by Consciousness of Plantar Triangle with Decreased Impact

Mitsuru Murakami, Hiroshi Bando

In recent years, various discussions, disagreements and opinions are seen in the field of athletics. For example, in long distance such as marathon, the recommended way of running has changed. In other words, it has been said that landing with the heel is good before, but recently there is some information that the first-class runner is landing on the toe