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These articles are the latest published in the journal. Brain Impairment is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 11 November 2024

IB24008Feasibility of accelerometry in a self-directed upper limb activity program of a subacute setting with stroke survivors

Tamara Tse , Yvonne Y. K. Mak-Yuen, Wesley Young and Susan Darzins

 

Wearable devices, such as accelerometers, offer new ways to assess arm movement in individuals recovering from a stroke. This study, conducted with 12 stroke survivors, aimed to investigate the practicality, acceptability, and limited effectiveness of using accelerometers in a self-directed arm rehabilitation program. While most participants found the wearable devices feasible, one-third reported discomfort, suggesting the need to consider this aspect in planning future studies.

IB24008 Abstract  |  IB24008 Full Text  | IB24008PDF (389 KB)  | IB24008Supplementary Material (111 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 October 2024

IB24098Editorial: Clinical implementation to optimise outcomes for people with brain conditions

Dana Wong , Sharon Kramer and Natasha Lannin

 

This Editorial introduces the Collection on Clinical Implementation to Optimise Outcomes. It describes common issues in implementation research and how the papers in the special collection address these. The content and key messages from the papers are described, and an overview of relevant implementation theories and frameworks is provided. It finishes with a call to action for researchers, clinicians and policymakers.

This article belongs to the Collection Clinical Implementation to Optimise Outcomes.

IB24098 Abstract  |  IB24098 Full Text  | IB24098PDF (351 KB)

Published online 24 October 2024

IB24034Use of the Fatigue Severity Scale to assess clinically reliable temporal changes in post-stroke fatigue by stroke type and subtype

Suzanne Barker-Collo , Rita Krishnamurthi, Valery Feigin, Balakrishnan Nair, Alan Barber, Amanda G. Thrift, Anna Ranta, Derrick Bennett, Jeroen Douwes, El-Shadan Tautolo, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Varsha Parag and Bruce Arroll

 

Fatigue is a major disabling condition and a substantial barrier to engaging in rehabilitation and other activities that improve quality of life after stroke. Here we present cut-off scores clinicians could use to determine if an individual patient has had a clinically reliable increase, decrease or no reliable change in fatigue scores using the Fatigue Severity Scale. These scores are provided on the basis of a large sample (n = 338) and presented by stroke type and ischaemic stroke subtypes.

IB24034 Abstract  |  IB24034 Full Text  | IB24034PDF (481 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 October 2024

IB23129Perceptions and experiences of health professionals when supporting adults with stroke to engage in physical activity

A. Pepar, N. Mahendran , E. Preston and R. Keegan

 

This study provides an exploration of the perspectives of health professionals on supporting people with stroke to increase their physical activity. It highlights that physical activity is a complex goal for people with stroke requiring tailored solutions in a resource-constrained health system. Clearly defined roles, pathways for people with stroke to access routine support, funding for staff time and capacity-building initiatives targeting healthcare providers’ self-efficacy may enable health professionals to facilitate post-stroke physical activity.

IB23129 Abstract  |  IB23129 Full Text  | IB23129PDF (456 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 October 2024

IB23116Health literacy after traumatic brain injury: characterisation and control comparison

Amelia J. Hicks , Angelle M. Sander, Dean P. McKenzie, Sarah Carrier, Elinor Fraser, Bronwyn Hall, Monique R. Pappadis and Jennie L. Ponsford

 

Little is known about health literacy in TBI survivors. We examined health literacy in a large cohort (n = 209) of individuals with a single complicated mild to severe TBI at least 1 year previously (up to 30 years 6 months) and compared data with a control group. Health literacy performance in individuals with TBI was not significantly different from that of controls, using the Health LiTT-SF measure. This may be partly due to the comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation received and critical cognitive reserve from high premorbid education.

IB23116 Abstract  |  IB23116 Full Text  | IB23116PDF (632 KB)  | IB23116Supplementary Material (190 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 September 2024

IB24014Spanish translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Box and Block Test: a pilot study in adults with chronic acquired brain injury

María-Paula Noce, Desirée Valera-Gran , Miriam Hurtado-Pomares, Encarni Serrano-Reina, Carlos Soler-Pons and Eva-María Navarrete-Muñoz

 

This study aimed to adapt the Box and Block Test (BBT) for Spanish-speaking survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI). Through a pilot study with 14 participants, the Spanish BBT, incorporating additional materials and revised terminology, was found to be suitable for evaluating upper limb motor function. These findings provide valuable insights for rehabilitation professionals working with Spanish-speaking individuals affected by ABI.

IB24014 Abstract  | PDF (411 KB) - $35.00   | IB24014Supplementary Material (223 KB)

Published online 16 September 2024

IB23124The effect of cranioplasty on outcomes and complications of unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally responsive state

Elena Aidinoff , Hiela Lehrer, Ilana Gelernter, Ilil Dayan, Adi Kfir, Lilach Front, Ana Oksamitny and Amiram Catz

 

Certain patients with reduced consciousness undergo an operation to remove a portion of the skull to relieve intracranial pressure. This study compared the outcomes of such patients with those of similar patients who later underwent an additional operation to repair the skull. The second operation, which restores cosmesis and has other advantages, did not decrease consciousness recovery or survival and did not increase the risk of complications; therefore, we concluded that it can be offered to these patients.

IB23124 Abstract  |  IB23124 Full Text  | IB23124PDF (559 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 September 2024

IB23058The development of a cognitive screening protocol for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples: the Guddi Way screen

Michelle McIntyre , Jennifer Cullen, Caoilfionn Turner, India Bohanna, Ali Lakhini and Kylie Rixon

 

Despite the high risk of cognitive impairment in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally sensitive and culturally appropriate methods for identifying cognitive problems are lacking. This paper reports on the development of the Guddi Way screen, which was designed to bridge this gap, and provide an appropriate cognitive screen and interview protocol that can be administered by laypersons with training. This is an important development for human services organisations who support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients.

IB23058 Abstract  | PDF (498 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 29 August 2024

IB23105Applying implementation science theories to support practice change in the assessment of cognition by occupational therapists

Jacqueline Wheatcroft , Rebecca J. Nicks, Laura Jolliffe, Danielle Sansonetti, Carolyn Unsworth and Natasha A. Lannin

 

Selecting and completing cognitive assessments is a crucial but challenging part of an occupational therapist’s role. Surveys and focus groups were completed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behaviour model (COM-B) to identify barriers to evidence-based cognitive assessment in the hospital setting. Subsequently, barriers were mapped to Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) interventions, which increased occupational therapists’ confidence in completing cognitive assessments.

This article belongs to the Collection Clinical Implementation to Optimise Outcomes.

IB23105 Abstract  |  IB23105 Full Text  | IB23105PDF (1.4 MB)  | IB23105Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)

Published online 02 August 2024

IB23102Using the Knowledge to Action framework to improve housing and support for people with Multiple Sclerosis

Lee Cubis , Sharyn McDonald , Pamela Dean, Robin Ramme, Kate D’Cruz , Megan Topping , Fiona Fisher, Di Winkler and Jacinta Douglas

 

This study explores the housing and support needs of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to enhance their independence at home, aiming to guide the development of community living options. It was found that participants commonly required home modifications, assistive technology, and substantial daily support. The findings underscore the importance of proactive funding, tailored housing design, and responsive support services, advocating for a co-designed intervention involving individuals with MS and stakeholders to enhance policy and improve living outcomes.

This article belongs to the Collection Clinical Implementation to Optimise Outcomes.

IB23102 Abstract  |  IB23102 Full Text  | IB23102PDF (560 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 June 2024

IB23059Characterisation of young stroke presentations, pathways of care, and support for ‘invisible’ difficulties: a retrospective clinical audit study

Michaela Grech , Toni Withiel , Marlena Klaic , Caroline A. Fisher , Leonie Simpson and Dana Wong

 

Young stroke survivors tend to be discharged from acute hospital care without rehabilitation, but it is unclear why. Younger patients presented with more unusual and less severe stroke aetiologies than their older counterparts, and therefore were often discharged without rehabilitation. However, young survivors presented with medical and cognitive needs that were not consistently met by post-acute care pathways. The findings highlight the need for increased attention to, and tailored post-care pathways, addressing cognitive and psychosocial needs of young survivors.

IB23059 Abstract  |  IB23059 Full Text  | IB23059PDF (906 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 June 2024

IB23111Life after lockdown: loneliness, exclusion and the impact of hidden disability

Chloe Bradbury , Abbey Fletcher and Stephen Dunne

 

This study investigates the impact of lockdown measures on loneliness among stroke survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interviews with 17 participants, we identified three main themes: hidden struggles, isolated lives; diverse experiences and adaptations; and rebuilding after lockdown. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing poststroke challenges to reduce stigma and promote empathy, while also advocating for hybrid support solutions to better prepare for future pandemics.

IB23111 Abstract  |  IB23111 Full Text  | IB23111PDF (776 KB)  | IB23111Supplementary Material (777 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 May 2024

IB23095Feasibility of a physiotherapist-supervised walking program with telephone coaching to increase physical activity following acquired brain injury

Caitlyn Payne, Janelle Gesch, Esther Smits , Charlotte Brakenridge , Venerina Johnston , Paul A. Gardiner , Tracy Comans , Ryan Bell and Elise Gane

 

Physical activity is important for the health of adults with acquired brain injury. This pilot study trialled a combination walking and behaviour change program with adults receiving rehabilitation in hospital, finding that while patients were interested in the program, they did not become more active as a result. This study does highlight the challenges for clinicians and for patients in increasing activity during rehabilitation in hospital.

IB23095 Abstract  |  IB23095 Full Text  | IB23095PDF (958 KB)  | IB23095Supplementary Material (316 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 May 2024

IB23122A comparison of public views about sports concussion recovery with current guidelines: where are the gaps and overlaps?

Karen A. Sullivan and Kannan Singaravelu Jaganathan

 

Sports concussion is a common injury that is concerning to the community. This study examined community awareness of current sports concussion management, finding that community members are aware of the importance of immediate postinjury rest but may underestimate the need for formal injury assessment and the importance of active recovery. Growing community awareness of these issues may improve injury outcomes and build confidence in the community about what to do for sports concussion.

IB23122 Abstract  |  IB23122 Full Text  | IB23122PDF (840 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 May 2024

IB23099A systematic review of remotely delivered interventions to support wellbeing amongst caregivers of adults with acquired brain injuries

Nils Rickardsson , Daniel Jon Stopforth and David Gillanders

 

Caring for someone with an acquired brain injury can impact negatively on wellbeing, and caregivers face a range of barriers to access services. This systematic review explored the evidence-base for supporting the psychological wellbeing of caregivers remotely. The literature was searched, and studies were summarised and evaluated on methodological quality. Eleven studies were found. In summary, there is currently little evidence supporting remote delivery to improve psychological wellbeing for this group. Recommendations for future research and intervention development are provided.

IB23099 Abstract  | PDF (900 KB) - $35.00 

More content

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

IB24021, Accepted 04 November 2024

Falls on an inpatient brain injury rehabilitation unit… What are the consequences?

Kathryn Marshall , Janelle Griffin, Joshua Knowles, Shannon Galletly, Freyr patterson and Ryan Bell

 

IB24021Abstract

IB24035, Accepted 04 November 2024

Association between adequate protein intake and quadriceps quantity and quality during rehabilitation in people with subacute stroke

Shu Tanaka , Mizue Suzuki, Yosuke Kimura, Shingo Koyama, Hiroaki Masuda, Iwao Kojima, Katsumi Suzukawa, Kenichiro Takasugi and Minoru Yamada

 

IB24035Abstract

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1. Using the Knowledge to Action framework to improve housing and support for people with Multiple Sclerosis

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   Lee Cubis , Sharyn McDonald , Pamela Dean, Robin Ramme, Kate D’Cruz , Megan Topping , Fiona Fisher, Di Winkler , Jacinta Douglas

2. Implementation of activities of daily living retraining for individuals in post-traumatic amnesia

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3. Health literacy after traumatic brain injury: characterisation and control comparison

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4. Understanding factors that influence goal setting in rehabilitation for paediatric acquired brain injury: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

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5. Health professionals’ practices and perspectives of post-stroke coordinated discharge planning: a national survey

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6. Perceptions and experiences of health professionals when supporting adults with stroke to engage in physical activity

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   Lee Cubis , Eve Roseingrave , Emily Z. Gosden-Kaye, Di Winkler , Jacinta Douglas

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13. Applying implementation science theories to support practice change in the assessment of cognition by occupational therapists

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20. Feasibility of a physiotherapist-supervised walking program with telephone coaching to increase physical activity following acquired brain injury

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    Caitlyn Payne, Janelle Gesch, Esther Smits , Charlotte Brakenridge , Venerina Johnston , Paul A. Gardiner , Tracy Comans , Ryan Bell, Elise Gane

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