Mădălina Bucur, Francesca Zambon, Alberto Pisoni, Elena Baruzzo, Silvia Casarotto, Mario Rosanova, Costanza Papagno
{"title":"Feasibility of combining tDCS with TMS-EEG to probe neuroplasticity in post-stroke aphasia.","authors":"Mădălina Bucur, Francesca Zambon, Alberto Pisoni, Elena Baruzzo, Silvia Casarotto, Mario Rosanova, Costanza Papagno","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2603397","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2603397","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Increasing evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance language outcomes in people with post-stroke aphasia. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these behavioral improvements remain insufficiently characterized.This crossover feasibility study examined the clinical and technical viability of integrating transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to characterize cortical excitability and network dynamics before and after real and sham tDCS in individuals with chronic post-stroke non-fluent aphasia.Eight participants were enrolled; four completed the full protocol, while four discontinued due to scheduling or technical constraints. The completers underwent eight weeks of anodal tDCS and language exercises. They tolerated the combined procedures well, with full adherence, no adverse events, and good-quality TMS-EEG recordings, confirming the protocol's feasibility.Cortical responses were quantified using global and local mean field power (GMFP, LMFP) and a regional complexity index. Behaviorally, modest language improvements were observed in two participants with Broca's aphasia. Neurophysiologically, heterogeneous modulations of cortical reactivity were observed across cases.These findings indicate that this multimodal protocol can be practically and safely implemented, with no adverse effects observed, while also underscoring logistical, technical, and clinical considerations for larger-scale studies designed to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms supporting tDCS-driven language recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1464-1494"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145769825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ethan D L Brown, Brett Silber, Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi, Greer M Williams, Saarang Patel, Aladine A Elsamadicy, Daniel M Sciubba, Sheng-Fu Larry Lo, Daniel Schneider
{"title":"Life after traumatic brain injury: A social media analysis revealing unmet needs.","authors":"Ethan D L Brown, Brett Silber, Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi, Greer M Williams, Saarang Patel, Aladine A Elsamadicy, Daniel M Sciubba, Sheng-Fu Larry Lo, Daniel Schneider","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2600416","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2600416","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion present ongoing challenges in symptom management and care continuity. Traditional clinical methods may overlook key patient concerns during recovery. Social media platforms such as Reddit provide unsolicited, real-world accounts of the TBI experience, offering insights underexplored in clinical research. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2,024 Reddit posts from r/TBI and r/Concussion between January 2020 and May 2025. Posts were analysed using natural language processing (NLP) to identify themes related to symptoms, treatment experiences, healthcare interactions, and follow-up challenges. Statistical analyses examined discussion patterns and symptom co-occurrences. Information gaps were noted in 47.7% of posts, most often involving symptom interpretation (34.6%) and recovery timeline confusion (23.5%). Red flag symptoms, including worsening neurological deficits, were frequently reported without appropriate clinical guidance. Persistent symptoms such as mood changes (41.2%), memory issues (30.4%), and headaches (19.3%) often extended beyond the acute phase. Patients frequently described difficulty accessing appropriate care or specialist consultations. Reddit narratives reveal substantial unmet needs in post-TBI care. Leveraging social media content through NLP offers valuable insights into patient concerns, highlighting the need for improved education, follow-up, and patient centered communication in neurotrauma care.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1495-1511"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145821768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Dale, Katie Melvin, Fiona Juliet Rosalind Eccles, Lee Bell-Jones, Zaynah Khan, Robert Wells, Jenny Johnson, Nicolò Zarotti, Jane Simpson
{"title":"Experience and acceptability of a guided self-help intervention for anxiety for individuals with Huntington's disease (GUIDE-HD trial): A qualitative study.","authors":"Maria Dale, Katie Melvin, Fiona Juliet Rosalind Eccles, Lee Bell-Jones, Zaynah Khan, Robert Wells, Jenny Johnson, Nicolò Zarotti, Jane Simpson","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2600422","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2600422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>People with Huntington's disease (HD) commonly experience anxiety, yet access to psychological interventions remains limited. Guided self-help is a low-cost, scalable, evidence-based approach with the potential to improve access to psychological support. This qualitative study aimed to explore participants' experience of GUIDE-HD, a remote guided self-help intervention designed to address anxiety in people with HD based on cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, by examining: (i) the acceptability of the intervention, (ii) any perceived benefits or challenges, and (iii) ways to enhance its relevance and accessibility for people with HD (pwHD). Qualitative individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine pwHD and three carers and analysed using framework analysis. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) A therapeutic journey for people with and affected by HD; (2) Mechanisms of benefit; (3) Experiencing various gains. Participants valued the intervention's relevance, structure, accessibility, personalization and facilitation. Reported gains extended beyond reduced anxiety to increased acceptance of the realities of living with and managing the condition and better relationships. While a number of limitations should be considered, such as the sample size and its predominant female representation, the GUIDE-HD intervention was acceptable and showed promise as a tailored psychological approach for pwHD.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1440-1463"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145769752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carlotta Rivella, Alice Zanetti, Marta Bertamino, Ludovica Primavera, Chiara Tacchino, Paola Viterbori
{"title":"Telerehabilitation of executive functions after paediatric stroke: A feasibility study.","authors":"Carlotta Rivella, Alice Zanetti, Marta Bertamino, Ludovica Primavera, Chiara Tacchino, Paola Viterbori","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2590642","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2590642","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Executive Functions (EF) are particularly vulnerable among the cognitive functions affected by paediatric stroke. However, to date, only one study investigated EF rehabilitation for primary and secondary school children. The present study aims to investigate the feasibility of a home-based computerized cognitive EF training, with a sample of children aged 6-12 with a history of perinatal or childhood stroke referred to the Giannina Gaslini Children hospital in Italy. In addition, the feasibility of the recruitment and assessment process was also investigated, and the descriptive data for the pre- and post-training evaluation are presented. Twelve children with stroke were recruited. Ten indicators were used to assess the feasibility of the training and of the recruitment and assessment procedures. Results demonstrated high compliance and no relevant technical issues, demonstrating the feasibility of the computerized training at home. In addition, parents and children reported positive satisfaction with the training. The recruitment and assessment procedures were found to be feasible, as well. Results shed light on the potential of telerehabilitation for children with stroke, suggesting its utility to facilitate the rehabilitation of paediatric patients. Further efficacy and larger-scale studies are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1342-1364"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145597422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Romy Springer, Sascha Hansen, Regina Wilhelm-Meister, Susanne Kargl, Rüdiger Arlt, Patrick Oschmann, Jascha Rüsseler, Philipp M Keune
{"title":"Implementing a guided imagery intervention for early rehabilitation patients with acquired brain injury in intensive neurological care: Feasibility and preliminary efficacy.","authors":"Romy Springer, Sascha Hansen, Regina Wilhelm-Meister, Susanne Kargl, Rüdiger Arlt, Patrick Oschmann, Jascha Rüsseler, Philipp M Keune","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2600421","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09602011.2025.2600421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Being hospitalized at an intensive-care unit (ICU) is stressful and often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, loss of control, fear and traumatic memories. There is substantial influence on cognition and emotion. Relaxation interventions have proven to be effective for regulating affect and cognition for various patient groups. <i>N</i> = 30 patients currently hospitalized at the ICU ward of an early neurological rehabilitation department were exposed once to an audio recording of a self-recorded customized guided imagery intervention with basic mindfulness elements (GIME) and a fictional diagnostic dialogue (control), in randomized order. We recorded respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and perfusion. Functionally interactive patients were asked for self-report measures of mood, arousal and pain. We conducted repeated measures ANOVAs with the factors CONDITION and TIME and t-tests for all of the physiological parameters and self-report measures. Analyses showed significant interaction effects for systolic, as well as for diastolic blood pressure indicating a decrease during listening to the GIME. There also was a significant decrease in self-reported arousal after listening to the GIME. Our results suggest that an adapted GIME may induce a beneficial relaxation response and is suitable for administration to neurological patients within early neurological rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1512-1533"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145764444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ella Waldman, Jennie Ponsford, Michal Boneh, Jessica Trevena-Peters
{"title":"Environmental approaches to cognitive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury: A scoping review.","authors":"Ella Waldman, Jennie Ponsford, Michal Boneh, Jessica Trevena-Peters","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2026.2703739","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2026.2703739","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Environmental approaches to cognitive rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury (TBI) are recommended in international guidelines and frequently used in practice, yet their effectiveness and components are poorly understood. Existing synthesis of the literature has focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with prompting and trained communication partners showing the strongest evidence. However, as environmental interventions are typically individualized, they may be investigated using non-RCT designs. This review aimed to synthesize evidence beyond RCTs regarding the effectiveness and components of environmental approaches. We conducted a scoping review, searching for non-randomized controlled studies of adults with TBI who received environmental interventions for cognitive or related functional outcomes. Seven databases were systematically searched. Two reviewers independently undertook screening, data charting, and critical appraisal. Twenty studies were included. Prompting interventions had the strongest evidence of effectiveness, while communication environment modifications, feedback, and physical setting adaptations were investigated by few but promising studies. Intervention components were diverse, with environmental strategies targeting functional and cognitive outcomes, underpinned by compensatory hypothesized mechanisms of action. Findings suggest that several environmental approaches demonstrate potential for improving functional outcomes after TBI. However, a practice-to-research gap remains, providing impetus for further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-39"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The effects of background factors on working memory and processing speed in auditory processing intervention.","authors":"Bar Lambez, Eli Vakil, Gerald T Voelbel","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2026.2705980","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2026.2705980","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly produces persistent deficits in working memory and processing speed. This study examined whether background factors and time post-injury predict response to a 14-week auditory-based computerized cognitive remediation (CCR) program in 48 adults with chronic mild-to-severe TBI. Cognitive changes were assessed on measures of working memory and attention, processing speed, executive functions, and self-reported perceived cognitive difficulties. Multiple regression models tested age, education, premorbid intelligence, months since injury, and their interactions with group as predictors of change scores. Less time since injury significantly predicted greater gains in auditory processing speed. Higher premorbid intelligence predicted greater improvement on visual processing speed, while the inverse association on verbal attention and working memory was best interpreted as a ceiling effect. Age and education were non-significant predictors. These findings underscore the critical roles of time post-injury and cognitive reserve proxies in determining responsiveness to auditory CCR in chronic mild-to-severe TBI, supporting earlier intervention within the chronic phase and the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies tailored to premorbid cognitive capacity.<b>Trial registration:</b> ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02507271.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148610176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The EyeCon system for communication in patients with a disorder of consciousness: Initial case-based demonstrations of a differentiated positive response.","authors":"Aviah Gvion, Dana Baron Shahaf, Tamar Misha, Orit Stein Reisner, Goded Shahaf","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2026.2704675","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2026.2704675","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the last decades, we have learned that many patients, who are clinically suspected to be unconscious, demonstrate high level brain processing when assessed with functional brain imaging modalities. However, these insights had not been translated into a systematic rehabilitation protocol, which can advance patients with suspected disorders of consciousness (DOC) toward effective communication. There are rehabilitation protocols for DOC with certain efficacy, such as contingent stimulation. However, therapists often lack feedback regarding intervention efficacy, and whether they should adhere to a current intervention or switch to another one. Tools such as fMRI and multichannel EEG may provide valuable feedback, but are too cumbersome for routine use during rehabilitation. We suggest it might be possible to utilize mobile EEG + EMG for useful feedback. The EyeCon system combines this feedback with protocols of contingent stimulation in order to offer a tool for the rehabilitation of communication in DOC patients. In this paper, we suggest only the potential feasibility of the first stage of this feedback reliant rehabilitation - establishment of a differentiated positive response. We do this by case-based multiple baseline demonstrations of typical challenges encountered in the rehabilitation process, and the use of EyeCon to assess possible interventions to address these challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148594632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cristina Costescu, Carmen David, Adrian Roșan, Marian Pădure, Lia Cozma
{"title":"REMEX: A scale for executive functions and emotion regulation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: Validation study.","authors":"Cristina Costescu, Carmen David, Adrian Roșan, Marian Pădure, Lia Cozma","doi":"10.1080/09602011.2026.2701072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2026.2701072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this paper was to present the development and validation of a scale that measures executive functions (EFs) and emotion regulation strategies in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The REMEX scale has both direct and indirect measures of EFs and emotion regulation strategies. We enrolled 128 children and adolescents ages between 5 and 14 (M = 9.30, SD = 1.97). Of the 128, 91 were males, while 37 were females. Most of the children had a diagnosis of ASD (87). The Principal Component Analysis method was used for factor analysis, with Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization and we successfully refined each subscale, ensuring that items retained in the final versions were homogeneous and relevant to their respective constructs. REMEX scales are psychometrically sound, demonstrating strong internal consistency, factorial validity, and concurrent validity.</p>","PeriodicalId":54729,"journal":{"name":"Neuropsychological Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148550979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}