Aim: To analyse and summarise modern scientific research related to the problems of organising the rehabilitation of patients with lower limb amputations due to mine-explosive trauma. Materials and Methods: To achieve this aim, we used the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies published between 2010 and 2025 related to the organisation of rehabilitation of patients with lower limb amputations due to mine-explosive trauma. A total of 68 sources were reviewed, and 30 were selected as containing relevant information directly related to this topic. Conclusions: Currently, in Ukraine, clinical pathways for patients with amputations and criteria for the stages of medical and rehabilitation care have been developed, reflecting the current amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Rehabilitation in the Healthcare Sector”. The development and implementation of rehabilitation pathways for patients with lower limb amputations due to mine-explosive trauma are important for the effective organisation of the rehabilitation process. The use of these pathways will ensure consistency and continuity of rehabilitation and facilitate patients’ return to an active life.
Aim: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is recommended for vestibular migraine (VM); however, existing reviews include heterogeneous study designs, limiting the reliability of their conclusions. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of VRT in adults with VM by restricting the analysis to prospective studies published between 2016 and 2026, with an exploratory consideration of its potential relevance to spa and health resort settings. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library was conducted for studies published from January 2016 to May 2026. Inclusion criteria comprised adults (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of VM according to the Bárány Society/International Headache Society criteria, prospective study design, VRT as the primary or adjunctive intervention, and reporting of at least one standardized outcome measure. Retrospective studies, case reports, and narrative reviews were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Two prospective studies meeting all inclusion criteria were identified, comprising 311 participants overall, including 58 patients with VM. Both studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores following VRT (p<0.001). Significant improvements were also observed in balance confidence, gait stability, activities of daily living, headache impact, and psychological well-being. Clinical improvements were reported following VRT used both as monotherapy and in combination with pharmacological treatment. Conclusions: Although based on a limited number of prospective studies, the available evidence suggests that VRT may reduce dizziness-related disability and improve quality of life in adults with VM. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols, larger VM-specific cohorts, and long-term follow-up are urgently needed.
Neuroimmune interactions play a fundamental role in the regulation of anxiety and stress responses, particularly in conditions associated with chronic stress exposure and neuropsychiatric dysregulation. Growing evidence indicates that inflammatory signalling pathways, including cytokine activation, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine imbalance, contribute to altered emotional regulation, autonomic dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and persistent low-grade inflammation may increase vulnerability to anxiety symptoms and impair adaptive stress responses. From a balneological perspective, spa-based therapeutic strategies may support the modulation of neuroimmune mechanisms through combined thermal, hydrostatic, and environmental stimuli. Balneotherapy, hydrotherapy, climatotherapy, and structured spa rehabilitation programmes may influence autonomic balance, promote parasympathetic activation, and reduce inflammatory burden, thereby contributing to improved psychological resilience and stress adaptation. Exposure to natural environments and relaxation-oriented interventions may additionally support neurobiological recovery and emotional stabilisation. Integrating contemporary neuroimmunology with balneological medicine provides a multidisciplinary framework for non-pharmacological rehabilitation targeting both physiological and psychosocial aspects of anxiety and stress-related disorders. This review highlights the potential of balneotherapy as a complementary strategy within environmental neurorehabilitation and emphasises the need for further clinical studies evaluating neuroimmune biomarkers as outcomes of spa-based interventions.
Aim: To compare the preliminary effects of post-isometric relaxation and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, each added to an identical standardised physiotherapy programme, on pain, disability, and cervical mobility in older women with neck-related arm pain. Materials and Methods: Eight women aged 53–74 years with non-traumatic neck pain radiating to the upper limb were consecutively recruited and allocated, using simple non-randomised sequential allocation, to a post-isometric relaxation group or a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group. Both groups completed ten 60-minute physiotherapy sessions over five weeks; the respective intervention was additionally applied for 10–15 minutes after each session. Outcomes were pain intensity, Neck Disability Index score, and cervical range of motion. Results: Pain decreased in both groups, disability scores improved, and cervical mobility increased after treatment. The observed changes in several range-of-motion parameters and pain reduction were generally greater in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group, while post-isometric relaxation was also associated with meaningful within-group improvement. Conclusions: Both approaches appear feasible and may support pain reduction and improved cervical mobility in older women with neck-related arm pain. Because of the very small, non-randomised pilot sample, the findings are exploratory and require confirmation in adequately powered randomised trials.
Aim: To determine the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy with functional electrical stimulation in improving motor hand function among post-stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: This experimental study involved 60 stroke patients with middle cerebral artery syndrome, selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria using convenience sampling. Participants were divided into two groups: constraint-induced movement therapy with functional electrical stimulation and conventional therapy with functional electrical stimulation. Both groups underwent interventions five days per week for four weeks, with sessions lasting 45-50 minutes. The interventions included task-specific exercises such as reach and grasp, object manipulation, and buttoning practice. Functional electrical stimulation targeted the wrist and finger muscles with specific stimulation parameters. Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test before and after treatment. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvement in hand function following the interventions. In the CIMT group, the JTHFT mean score decreased from 96.73 ± 1.55 at pre-test to 93.37 ± 2.98 at post-test (p < 0.001). The CT group also showed improvement, with scores decreasing from 96.00 ± 1.62 to 95.40 ± 1.77 (p = 0.010). Between-group comparison of post-test values revealed significantly greater improvement in the CIMT group (p = 0.0021). Baseline values did not differ significantly (p = 0.0785), indicating comparability of the groups prior to treatment. Conclusions: Combining constraint-induced movement therapy with functional electrical stimulation improves hand function after stroke more effectively than conventional therapy by promoting use of the affected limb and motor recovery. This approach shows promise for improving motor hand function and functional use of the affected upper limb among post-stroke survivors; however, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term effects and effectiveness across diverse patient populations.
