Functional imaging of intervention effects in stroke motor rehabilitation.

ObjectiveTo assess intervention-specific effects on cortical reorganization after stroke as shown by available functional neuroimaging studies.Data sourcesWe searched Medline for clinical trials that contained the terms stroke, reorganization, and recovery, as well as either positron-emission tomography and PET, near-infrared spectroscopy and NIRS, single-photon emission tomography and SPECT, or functional magnetic resonance imaging and functional MRI; we reviewed primary and secondary references.Study selectionArticles that reported neuroimaging findings as a result of a specific treatment involving more than 1 subject were included.Data extractionWe included clinical trials that contained the terms stroke, reorganization, and recovery, as well as functional neuroimaging data findings as a result of a specific treatment involving more than 1 subject.Data synthesisIncluded studies differed clearly from one another with regard to patient characteristics, intervention protocol, and outcome measures. Most studies used functional magnetic resonance imaging and a motor paradigm. Studies were limited in size.ConclusionsDespite the methodologic differences, several common features can be identified based on the reviewed studies. Clinical improvements occurred even late after injury, after subjects were deemed to have reached a recovery plateau. This clinical improvement was accompanied by cortical reorganization that depended on the type of intervention as well as other factors. This review also suggests direction for future research studies

Physiotherapy based on problem-solving in upper limb function and neuroplasticity in chronic stroke patients: A case series

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Upper limb recovery is one of the main concerns of stroke neurorehabilitation. Neuroplasticity might underlie such recovery, particularly in the chronic phase. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of physiotherapy based on problem-solving in recovering arm function in chronic stroke patients and explore its neuroplastic changes. Methods: A small sample research design with a n of 3 using a pre-post test design was carried out. Neuroplasticity and function were assessed by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (during motor imagery and performance), action research arm test, motor assessment scale, and Fugl-Meyer assessment scale, at 3 sequential time periods: baseline(m0before a 4-week period without physiotherapy), pre-treatment(m1), and post-treatment(m2). Minimal clinical important differences and a recovery score were assessed. Assessors were blinded to moment assignment. Patients(1) underwent physiotherapy sessions, 50minutes, 5days/week for 4weeks. Four control subjects served as a reference for functional magnetic resonance imaging changes. Results: All patients recovered more than 20% after intervention. Stroke patients had similar increased areas as healthy subjects during motor execution but not during imagination at baseline. Consequently, all patients increased activity in the contralateral precentral area after intervention. Conclusions: This study indicates that 4weeks of physiotherapy promoted the recovery of arm function and neuroplasticity in all chronic stroke patients. Future research is recommended to determine the efficacy of this therapy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Valuation of the share of Macfarlane Group PLC

INST: Szakdolgozatok (GTK) - Szakdolgozatok (GTK)This document focuses on the valuation of the U.K.-based company Macfarlane Group PLC. The main goal is to determine the price per share via fundamental analysis, enabling a decision about the worthiness of this investment

Functional imaging of intervention effects in stroke motor rehabilitation.

ObjectiveTo assess intervention-specific effects on cortical reorganization after stroke as shown by available functional neuroimaging studies.Data sourcesWe searched Medline for clinical trials that contained the terms stroke, reorganization, and recovery, as well as either positron-emission tomography and PET, near-infrared spectroscopy and NIRS, single-photon emission tomography and SPECT, or functional magnetic resonance imaging and functional MRI; we reviewed primary and secondary references.Study selectionArticles that reported neuroimaging findings as a result of a specific treatment involving more than 1 subject were included.Data extractionWe included clinical trials that contained the terms stroke, reorganization, and recovery, as well as functional neuroimaging data findings as a result of a specific treatment involving more than 1 subject.Data synthesisIncluded studies differed clearly from one another with regard to patient characteristics, intervention protocol, and outcome measures. Most studies used functional magnetic resonance imaging and a motor paradigm. Studies were limited in size.ConclusionsDespite the methodologic differences, several common features can be identified based on the reviewed studies. Clinical improvements occurred even late after injury, after subjects were deemed to have reached a recovery plateau. This clinical improvement was accompanied by cortical reorganization that depended on the type of intervention as well as other factors. This review also suggests direction for future research studies