This study aimed to determine whether sex-related differences exist in resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (rs-QEEG), along with post-concussion symptoms and psychological health indicators, at baseline and within 72 h following a sport-related concussion. Baseline visit included 115 (31 women) student-athletes aged 16-22 years old where self-reported measures of psychological health and post-concussion symptoms, as well as 10 min of rs-QEEG (five minutes eyes-closed, five minutes eyes-open) were recorded. 30 athletes (8 women) subsequently sustained a sport-related concussion during training or competition of the 2019-2020 season and were reassessed with the same post-concussion symptoms scale and 10 min of rs-QEEG. Primary rs-QEEG outcomes included absolute and relative power across standard frequency bands. At baseline, women exhibited higher beta1 power (absolute and relative) and higher beta2 power (absolute), primarily in the eyes-open condition, after Benjamini-Hochberg corrections were applied. They also reported greater scores for anxiety, sleep-arousal, affective and total symptoms. No significant associations between rs-QEEG power and symptoms were observed after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Following a concussion, no statistically significant main effect of time on rs-QEEG measures was observed after correction for multiple comparisons. However, theta absolute power showed a decrease across regions in the eyes-open condition at the unadjusted level. Additionally, women continued to show higher beta2 power (absolute and relative) than men. An association between alpha absolute power and affective symptoms was observed in women at the post-concussion assessment but did not remain significant in sensitivity analyses. Overall, these findings indicate sex-related differences across rs-QEEG parameters and symptom profiles, both before and after a concussion. Although the clinical utility of rs-QEEG has not yet been established, our findings underscore the importance of considering biological sex when interpreting rs-QEEG metrics and evaluating post-concussion symptomatology.

PURPOSE:We aimed to describe the development of a tailored, theory-informed training session for an outcome measure (the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory), and evaluate the session's impact on clinician reactions, learning, and behavioural intent. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We developed the training session using an integrated knowledge translation approach with stroke outpatient rehabilitation clinicians in Québec, Canada. We conducted a mixed-method explanatory sequential evaluation informed by the New World Kirkpatrick Model (reaction, learning, behavioural intent) composed of three surveys followed by interviews. We analyzed survey data using cumulative link mixed models, and interviews using directed content analysis. RESULTS:Eighty clinicians attended the training session, of which 51 responded to the surveys and 6 participated in interviews. Odds ratios indicate that individuals were more likely to rate themselves higher post-training on most outcomes. During the interviews, participants indicated that: they experienced positive reactions, learning and behavioural impacts from the session, negative attitudes and commitment were due to perceived limitations in the outcome measure, and training impacts were affected by contextual factors including a provincial mandate for the measure. CONCLUSION:Implementation teams could adapt this training design process to their context. Further research to understand how educational strategies work would produce more robust guidance.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity as one of the major lifestyle-related health determinants is partially addressed by the Montreal Walking Exoskeleton Satisfaction and Perspectives-Questionnaire (MWESP-Q). OBJECTIVE: To document satisfaction of people with chronic spinal cord injury after the completion of a 10 to 16 weeks of the wearable robotic exoskeleton-assisted walking program, with the MWESP-Q updated to a context of health promotion. METHODS: Following a walking program (10-16 weeks), wheelchair users with chronic SCI completed the MWESP-Q online. Modification of the original questionnaire was conducted with 4 experts to ensure its content validity with a human framework to promote physical activity for health. RESULTS: Ten wheelchair users completed the questionnaire (men = 6; 45.8 +/- 13.4 years, SCI duration: 10.1 +/- 5.8 years). Participants strongly agreed to be satisfied with the overall program; agreed to be satisfied towards exoskeleton, motivation to engage in physical activity, learnability and program attributes; rated "medium effort" for physical and cognitive exertion during training; reported light improvements for health benefit domain, but light to moderate improvements for general endurance (mean 5.5 /7, SD 1.4) and psychological well-being (mean 5.7 /7, SD 1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The updated MWESP-Q is now better equipped to measure physical and cognitive efforts in physical activity and changes in body and organic systems and in capabilities (health promotion). The updated MWESP-Q has 54 statements (14 additional statements and 1 deleted) organized around seven domains. The original measure was replaced by three 7-point Likert scales, one regarding agreement level (40 statements), level of effort (12 statements), and level of change (2 statements).

PURPOSE:To examine the perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (WUSCI) regarding their participation in a 16-week walking program using a wearable robotic exoskeleton (WRE); and explore concerns and expectations regarding potential use of this device and intervention in the context of a home or community-based adapted physical activity program. METHOD:Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a narrative research, 3 weeks post-intervention. Thematic analysis resulted in 6 themes and 21 subthemes. RESULTS:Seven men and 4 women aged between 32 and 72 years were interviewed; 8 of them had a complete SCI. After the walking program, WUSCI reported positive psychological aspects (having fun and motivation) and experiencing improvements in physical aspects (strength, endurance, balance and flexibility, blood circulation and intestinal transit). The structural aspects of the WRE device were acceptable in a lab with research personnel (appearance, size, weight, and comfort). Participants had concerns about safety on uneven surfaces, and possibility of falling. They expressed the desire to use the WRE for more life habits than just walking. CONCLUSION:This is the first study in which WUSCI report that the WRE should be implemented in initial rehabilitation. Lack of availability for community use after rehabilitation remains a concern.

IntroductionStroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, placing an immense burden on patients and the health system. Timely access to rehabilitation services can improve stroke survivors' quality of life. The use of standardised outcome measures is endorsed for optimising patient rehabilitation outcomes and improving clinical decision-making. This project results from a provincially mandated recommendation to use the fourth version of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI-4) to measure changes in social participation of stroke survivors and to maintain commitment to evidence-informed practices in stroke care. This protocol outlines the implementation process of the MPAI-4 for three rehabilitation centres. The objectives are to: (a) describe the context of MPAI-4 implementation; (b) determine clinical teams' readiness for change; (c) identify barriers and enablers to implementing the MPAI-4 and match the implementation strategies; (d) evaluate the MPAI-4 implementation outcomes including the degree of integration of the MPAI-4 into clinical practice and (e) explore participants' experiences using the MPAI-4.Methods and analysisWe will use a multiple case study design within an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach with active engagement from key informants. Each case is a rehabilitation centre implementing MPAI-4. We will collect data from clinicians and programme managers using mixed methods guided by several theoretical frameworks. Data sources include surveys, focus groups and patient charts. We will conduct descriptive, correlational and content analyses. Ultimately, we will analyse, integrate data from qualitative and quantitative components and report them within and across participating sites. Results will provide insights about iKT within stroke rehabilitation settings that could be applied to future research projects.Ethics and disseminationThe project received Institutional Review Board approval from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal. We will disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications and at local, national and international scientific conferences.

Objective: Little is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on quality of life and social participation in individuals with traumatic brain injury. We aimed to compare social participation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample of individuals with TBI before and during the second wave of COVID-19 and explored the relationships between the perceived impacts of COVID-19, social participation, and HRQoL.Patients and methods: Eighteen individuals with traumatic brain injury with a mean (standard deviation) age of 47.7 (17.0) years at 48.2 (10.5) months post-injury were administered a questionnaire on overall disability and participation (Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4th edition; MPAI-4), HRQoL (Quality of Life after Brain Injury Questionnaire; QOLIBRI), and the Coronavirus Impacts Questionnaire before and during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic at an interval of 6.4 (SD = 8.2) months. Results: Compared with pre-pandemic levels, individuals with traumatic brain injury reported a statistically significant decrease in the QOLI-BRI total score and its emotional subscale (with medium to large effect sizes), but without statistically significant differences in MPAI-4 scores. Increased difficulties with access to resources during COVID-19 were associated with increased adjustment problems on the MPAI-4, and with daily life and autonomy difficulties, emotional issues, and lower physical functioning on the QOLIBRI. Conclusion: The relationships identified in this exploratory correlational study suggest that COVID-19 had a negative impact on quality of life in individuals with traumatic brain injury, but not specifically on their social participation. LAY ABSTRACTLittle is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the lives of individuals with traumatic brain injury. This study compared social participation and health-related quality of life in individuals with TBI before and during the second wave of COVID-19 and explored relationships between the perceived impacts of COVID-19, social participation, and health-related quality of life, but not specifically on social participation in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Also, increased difficulties with access to resources during COVID-19 were associated with increased adjustment problems, daily life and autonomy difficulties, emotional issues, and lower physical functioning.

Objective:Social participation (SP) represents a key goal in TBI rehabilitation, as it allows the individual to return to active and purposeful roles in the community. However, studies on predictors of SP specific to post-acute universally accessible specialized rehabilitation pathways following TBI are scarce. Our objectives were thus to 1) characterize a literature-based set of pre-injury, injury-related, and post-injury variables, as well as SP (measured with the MPAI-4 Participation scale) in individuals participating in inpatient-outpatient or outpatient rehabilitation pathways within a universally accessible and organized trauma continuum of care and 2) assess the use of these variables to predict SP outcome after TBI for each rehabilitation pathway.Participants and Methods:Participants (N = 372) were adults admitted between 2016 and 2020 to an inpatient-outpatient rehabilitation pathway or an outpatient rehabilitation pathway after sustaining a mild, moderate or severe TBI. The French-Canadian adaptation of the MPAI-4 questionnaire (Malec, 2005; Guerrette & McKerral, 2021; McKerral et al., 2014) presents three subscales (Abilities, Adjustment, Participation) and a total score, assessing functional and SP outcome after TBI. The MPAI-4 is completed for all individuals at admission and discharge in three major rehabilitation centers in the greater Montreal region. Independent variables consisted of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics collected from medical files and rehabilitation databases. Outcome measures consisted of a general SP level (MPAI-4 Participation subscale score at discharge from outpatient rehabilitation) and productivity status at discharge (productive if employed, child rearing, homemaker, student or volunteering; unproductive if unemployed or retired). Multiple and logistic regressions investigated the predictive value of each variable for SP outcome and productivity, separately for each rehabilitation pathway.Results:Samples’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics differed between rehabilitation pathways. The inpatient-outpatient sample presented older age, lower productivity before TBI and poorer SP levels at admission and discharge from rehabilitation. However, both samples showed significant improvement on SP levels during rehabilitation. For the inpatient-outpatient rehabilitation path, general SP outcome was significantly predicted by three variables (education years, MPAI-4 Ability and Adjustment scores at rehabilitation intake; R2 = 49%), whereas productivity status at discharge was significantly predicted by age at time of injury (R2 = 72%). For the outpatient rehabilitation path, general SP outcome was significantly predicted by five variables: premorbid hypertension, mental health diagnosis, total indirect rehabilitation hours received, MPAI-4 Abilities and Adjustment scores at rehabilitation intake (R2 = 47%), while productivity status at discharge was significantly predicted by age at time of injury and education years (R2 = 44%).Conclusions:Different TBI rehabilitation care pathways showed distinct sample characteristics, as well as different premorbid and post-injury predictors of SP outcome and productivity. This highlights the importance of being aware of the potential limited generalizability of previously identified predictors when extrapolated to different clinical, rehabilitation and sociocultural contexts. The predictive models obtained could help clinicians identify more accurately patients at risk of showing poorer SP and productivity outcomes at end of rehabilitation, influence intervention approaches put forward with these individuals and set more appropriate goals and expectations.

Objective:A non-negligeable proportion of individuals who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at risk of developing persistent symptoms. The impact of persistent post-mTBI symptoms can be profound, causing significant disruptions in well-being, functioning and quality of life (Agtarap, et al., 2021). Reduced social participation often extends beyond the acute recovery period and continues to be associated with lower quality of life for many months after mTBI (Voormolen et al., 2019). Coping was found to be essential in order to decrease physical symptoms, have better psychological health, as well as increase social participation (Vos et al., 2019). The variables of perceived stress and depression were also linked directly and indirectly to mild post-TBI adjustment in terms of their return-to-work status (Strom and Kosciulek, 2007). Furthermore, a greater percentage of individuals with mTBI report chronic pain as compared to individuals with more severe TBIs (Weyer Jamora, Schroeder & Ruff, 2013). Given these implications and the growing concern for mTBI as a potentially disabling and chronic medical condition, it is important to focus on identifying the processes that can lead to persistent symptoms and related preventive interventions that can be applied. This present study aimed to investigate the association between coping and social participation according to anxiety, depression, and pain symptomatology, before and after rehabilitation in a mild TBI population benefiting from an outpatient rehabilitation program.Participants and Methods:A prospective longitudinal cohort study design was employed, with two-time points for outcome assessment (i.e., start and end of rehabilitation). This study included 70 adults aged between 18 and 78 who experienced a mTBI between February 2016 and January 2020 and received interdisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation services at a major rehabilitation centre in the Greater Montreal region.Measures administered pre and post rehabilitation included the Rehabilitation Survey of Problems and Coping (R-SOPAC), the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21), and the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF). Mediation analyses were carried out via PROCESS macro for SPSS, model 4 and 6 (Hayes, 2013).Results:Mediation analyses indicated a partial indirect link between coping, anxiety, and pain on the level of social participation at the pre-rehabilitation time point. Post-rehabilitation, a significant partial mediating relationship regarding the impact of pain on the link between coping and social participation, was found. In addition, a statistically significant mediation relationship was found, where anxiety mediated the relationship of coping and social participation. These relationships suggest that lower levels of coping appear to be linked to a higher self-reported level of psychological distress and pain, resulting in lower social participation.Conclusions:This observational rehabilitation cohort study demonstrates how anxiety and pain are associated with coping and social participation outcome following mTBI. These results are quite pertinent for clinical purposes in that paying close attention to the level of anxiety and perceived impact of pain during rehabilitation, and applying targeted interventions at these levels, in particular to increase coping, may prove particularly beneficial to improve social participation outcome.

Objective To assess the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory—version 4 (MPAI-4) and related measures' measurement properties and the quality of evidence supporting these results; and identify the interpretability and feasibility of the MPAI-4 and related measures. Data Sources We conducted a systematic review according to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. We searched 9 electronic databases and registries, and hand searched reference lists of included articles. Study Selection Two independent reviewers screened and selected all articles. From 605 retrieved articles, 48 were included. Data Extraction Two independent reviewers appraised the evidence quality and rated the extracted classical test theory and Rasch results from each study. Data Synthesis We used meta-analysis and COSMIN's approach to synthesize measurement properties evidence (insufficient, sufficient), and the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to synthesize evidence quality (very low, low, moderate, high) by diagnosis (traumatic brain injury [TBI], stroke), and setting (inpatient, outpatient). The MPAI-4 and its subscales are sufficiently comprehensible (GRADE: very low), but there is currently no other content validity evidence (relevance, comprehensiveness). The MPAI-4 and its participation index (M2PI) have sufficient interrater reliability for stroke and TBI outpatients (GRADE: moderate), whereas interrater reliability between TBI inpatients and clinicians is currently insufficient (GRADE: moderate). There is no evidence for measurement error. For stroke and TBI outpatients, the MPAI-4 and M2PI have sufficient construct validity (GRADE: high) and responsiveness (GRADE: moderate-high). For TBI inpatients, the MPAI-4 and M2PI have mixed indeterminant/sufficient construct validity and responsiveness evidence (GRADE: moderate-high). There is 1 study with mixed insufficient/sufficient evidence for each MPAI-4 adaptation (21- and 22-item MPAI, 9-item M2PI) (GRADE: low-high). Conclusion Users can be most confident in using the MPAI-4 and M2PI in TBI and stroke outpatient settings. Future research is needed on reliability, measurement error, predictive validity, and content validity of the MPAI-4 and its related measures across populations and settings.

Objective:To explore the use of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) tests in the follow-up of concussions among college athletes. To provide a foundation for interpreting changes following a concussion by exploring the effects of self reported biological sex at birth on ImPACT and HRV values at baseline and after a concussion.Participants and Methods:Data was prospectively collected within a pre-existing concussion management program. Baseline assessment (T1) included psychological questionnaires, the ImPACT test, and six minutes of HRV recording (standing, sitting, following a pacer). When a concussion occurred, the athlete was re-tested within 72 hours (T2) and tested again before returning to play (T3). 169 (55 females) athletes aged 16 to 22 years old completed the baseline testing and 30 (8 females) concussion cases were followed.Results:At baseline, females had higher Total Symptom scores, Sleep-Arousal Symptoms scores and Affective Symptoms scores (p ≤ 0.001). They also displayed significantly higher relative power of the very low-frequency bands (%VLF) (p < 0.05) in sitting position compared to males. There were no significant sex-related differences for any of the five ImPACT Index scores (Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Impulse Control, Visual Motor, Reaction Time).Mixed model repeated measure ANOVAs were performed within the concussed group. Significant differences were found between T1 and T2 as well as between T2 and T3 for Vestibular-Somatic Symptoms scores (p < 0.05); as expected, athletes displayed higher scores at T2 and scores were similar at T1 and T3. Total Symptoms scores and Cognitive-Sensory Symptoms scores were only found significantly higher at T2 compared to T3. Affective Symptoms scores were significantly higher at T1 and T2 compared to T3. < 0.05). There was no significant influence of sex on symptom scores. Of the ImPACT scores, the Visual Memory Index score showed a significant increase after concussion (T2 vs T1) (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between T2 and T3. For HRV, concussion showed a significant effect on %High Frequency (HF) HRV value sitting (p < 0.05) where T2 was significantly lower than T3.There was also a significant effect of sex on %HF when time and position were considered, with males having higher %HF values at T1 and lower %HF at T2 and T3 than females.Conclusions:At baseline, females displayed higher symptoms scores than males but after a concussion there were no significant differences in symptoms scores. No sex-related differences were found for any of the ImPACT scores at baseline nor after a concussion. Before concussion, female athletes had higher HRV %VLF while sitting, suggesting more activation of their sympathetic nervous system and stress. For concussed athletes, Vestibular-Somatic Symptoms seemed to be the most stable and reliable when assessing symptoms at baseline and before returning to play. For ImPACT, Visual Memory Index was decreased significantly after a concussion. HRV %HF values showed significant variations according to sex after a concussion. HF values are thought to reflect parasympathetic nervous system activation. Our results support the idea that the activity of the autonomic nervous system can be disturbed in the days/weeks following a concussion.

Finding reliable biomarkers to assess concussions could play a pivotal role in diagnosis, monitoring, and predicting associated risks. The present study aimed to explore the use of heart rate variability (HRV) in the follow-up of concussions among college athletes and to investigate the relationships between biological sex, symptomatology, and HRV values at baseline and after a concussion. Correlations between measures were also analyzed. A total of 169 (55 females) athletes aged 16 to 22 years old completed baseline testing, and 30 (8 females) concussion cases were followed. Baseline assessment (T1) included psychosocial and psychological questionnaires, symptoms report, and four minutes of HRV recording. In the event of a concussion, athletes underwent re-testing within 72 h (T2) and before returning to play (T3). Baseline findings revealed that girls had higher %VLF while sitting than boys, and a small negligible correlation was identified between %HF and total symptoms score as well as %HF and affective sx. Post-concussion analyses demonstrated a significant effect of time × position × biological sex for %HF, where girls exhibited higher %HF at T3. These findings suggest disruptions in HRV following a concussion and underscore biological sex as an important factor in the analysis of HRV variation in concussion recovery trajectory.

Social participation (SP) is one of many objectives in the rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies on predictors of SP specific to post-acute universally accessible specialized rehabilitation pathways following TBI are scarce. Our objectives were to: 1) characterize SP, as well as a set of pre-injury, injury-related, and post-injury variables in individuals participating in inpatient-outpatient or outpatient rehabilitation pathways within a universally accessible and organized trauma continuum of care; and 2) examine the ability of pre-injury, injury-related, and post-injury variables in predicting SP outcome after TBI according to rehabilitation path. Participants (N = 372) were adults admitted to an inpatient-outpatient rehabilitation pathway or an outpatient rehabilitation pathway after sustaining a TBI between 2016 and 2020, and for whom Mayo-Portland Adaptability Intentory-4 (MPAI-4) outcomes were prospectively obtained at the start and end of rehabilitation. Additional data was collected from medical files. For both rehabilitation pathways, predicted SP outcome was MPAI-4 Participation score at discharge from outpatient rehabilitation. Multiple regression models investigated the predictive value of each variable for SP outcome, separately for each care pathway. Main findings show that for the inpatient-outpatient sample, three variables (education years, MPAI-4 Ability and Adjustment scores at rehabilitation intake) significantly predicted SP outcome, with the regression model accounting for 49% of the variance. For the outpatient sample, five variables (pre-morbid hypertension and mental health diagnosis, total indirect rehabilitation hours received, MPAI-4 Abilities and Adjustment scores at rehabilitation intake) significantly predicted SP outcome, with the regression model accounting for 47% of the variance. In conclusion, different pre-morbid and post-injury variables are involved in predicting SP, depending on the rehabilitation path followed. The predictive value of those variables could help clinicians identify patients more likely of showing poorer SP at discharge and who may require additional or different interventions.

Objective(s) (1) To assess the MPAI-4 and related measure's (e.g., Participation Index (M2PI)) measurement properties and evidence quality; and (2) identify the interpretability and feasibility of these measures. Data Sources Two independent reviewers searched nine electronic databases and trials registries from inception to 2021 using the 2018 COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines for systematic reviews. Study Selection Forty-eight of the 605 retrieved peer-reviewed primary articles concerning the MPAI-4 or related measures were retained. Data Extraction We extracted study and patient characteristics, critically appraised risk-of-bias (COSMIN checklist) and rated the extracted results. Data Synthesis We used COSMIN's approach to synthesize measurement properties (insufficient, sufficient), and modified GRADE approach to assess evidence quality (very low, low, moderate, high) by diagnosis (traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke) and setting (inpatient, outpatient). The MPAI-4 is sufficiently comprehensible (GRADE: very low), with no evidence reported for its relevance or comprehensiveness. The MPAI-4 and M2PI have sufficient interrater reliability for stroke and TBI outpatients (GRADE: moderate), whereas interrater reliability between TBI inpatients and clinicians is insufficient (GRADE: moderate). There is no evidence for measurement error. The MPAI-4 and M2PI have sufficient construct validity and responsiveness across TBI inpatients (GRADE: high) and outpatients (GRADE: high), and stroke outpatients (GRADE: moderate-high). There is one study with mixed insufficient/sufficient evidence for each adapted version (21- and 22-item MPAI, 9-item M2PI) (GRADE: low-high). Conclusions In response to recent outcome standardization initiatives using the MPAI-4 and M2PI, this systematic review provides diagnosis and setting-specific supporting evidence for each measure. The MPAI-4 and M2PI have sufficient evidence to support their use in TBI inpatient and outpatient, and stroke outpatient populations. Adapted versions of the MPAI-4 warrant further study to generate clear recommendations for use. Since the MPAI-4 and related measures are formative as opposed to reflective models, structural validity, internal consistency and cross-cultural validity results are uninterpretable. Future studies should focus on measurement properties congruent with a formative model, especially reliability, measurement error, content validity and predictive validity. Author(s) Disclosures The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Introduction Persistent post-concussion symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can impact function and participation of adults. Physical activity is recommended to reduce symptoms and foster return to normal activities. Adults with a mTBI may have personal factors or experience accessibility issues restricting physical activity. Walking is a physical activity accessible to most that could be delivered remotely. Objectives Determine the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a remotely delivered progressive walking intervention designed for adults with persistent mTBI symptoms and explore its effects on health-related outcomes. Methodology This feasibility study using a single-group pre-post mixed methods convergent parallel design was conducted remotely. Adults aged 18–65 years with a mTBI reporting persistent symptoms for ≥3 months were recruited. The 8-week remote progressive walking intervention aimed to increase the weekly number of steps walked by 40% based on a 1-week baseline measured by a Fitbit Inspire 2 activity monitor. Feasibility measures were about the intervention, its remote delivery, safety, and acceptability. Health-related outcomes were post-concussion symptoms, kinesiophobia, mood, sleep, fatigue, and quality of life. Semi-structured exit interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately, and results merged, compared, and contrasted. Descriptive statistics and paired samples t -tests were used. The qualitative analyses followed an iterative content analysis approach using reflexivity and triangulation of sources. Results Twenty adults (16 women) aged 42.5 ± 11.51 years with persisting symptoms for 9.25 ± 6.43 months participated, adhered to 94.38% of sessions, completed the intervention, and found it to be feasible, safe and acceptable. Participants increased weekly total number of steps walked (change = 14,886 ± 18,283; t = 3.55, p = 0.002). Severity of post-concussion symptoms (change = −6.42 ± 10.69; t = −2.62, p = 0.018), kinesiophobia (change = −5 ± 6.86; t = 3.18, p = 0.005), anxiety (change = −1.53 ± 3.01; t = −2.21, p = 0.04), and fatigue (change = −10.21 ± 10.20; t = −4.37, p < 0.001) were reduced, whilst quality of life improved (change = 10.58 ± 13.35; t = 3.46, p = 0.003). Participants' perceptions corroborate most quantitative results; they felt improved self-efficacy about physical activity and provided five key recommendations. Discussion This study demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of the remote 8-week progressive walking intervention, a promising approach to reduce persisting symptoms, improve physical activity level health-related outcomes and quality of life of adults with persistent post-concussion symptoms following a mTBI.

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multimodal cognitive intervention, the Cognitive Enrichment Program (CEP), on episodic memory in traumatic brain injured (TBI) older adults, as compared to an active control group that received usual care in the form of holistic rehabilitation.MethodsThe CEP’s Memory module consisted in memory strategies to promote encoding. Effectiveness was evaluated by psychometric tests (Face-name association, Word list recall, Text memory), while generalization was measured through self-reported questionnaires about daily memory functioning (Self-Evaluation Memory Questionnaire) and psychological well-being (Psychological General Well-Being Index). Measures were obtained before and after intervention, and six months later.ResultsBoth groups showed improvement on most measures, but the experimental group showed greater statistically significant improvement. ANCOVA mixed model repeated measures analysis showed a strong group-by-time interaction for theFace-name associationtest, with a large effect size. A significant group-by-time interaction was obtained on three generalization self-report measures, including increased memorization of the content ofConversations, reducedSlips of attention, and increased memory ofPolitical & social Events, with moderate to large effect sizes. Clinically significant improvements were found forPsychological well-beingin the experimental group, where 50% of participants improved to the well-being category and remained stable six months later (9/17; 53%). Also, the number of experimental participants showing severe distress before CEP training (9) was reduced after intervention (5) and remained relatively stable at 6 months.ConclusionsThe CEP is a promising cognitive rehabilitation program that showed high satisfaction in participants and that can not only improve episodic memory in terms of psychometric scores, but also in daily life situations, as well as enhance psychological well-being in older individuals having sustained a TBI.

Purpose Validate the factor structure and establish internal consistency reliability of the French-Canadian version of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI-4), using a Canadian sample of adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) receiving post-acute rehabilitation services. Materials and methods Psychometric analysis of French-Canadian MPAI-4 data from TBI adults (N = 1012) who received rehabilitation interventions and for whom a first French-Canadian MPAI-4 measure was completed between 2016 and 2020. Results Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the factor structure of the French-Canadian MPAI-4. The final and best solution revealed three factors, which accounted for 48.68% of the variance. Using Cronbach's alpha, all subscales showed good internal consistency (all 0.70 <= alpha <= 0.89). Reference norms for the TBI sample are provided, as well as descriptive raw data according to sex, age, TBI severity and rehabilitation setting. Conclusions The French-Canadian MPAI-4 factor structure is validated. The three factors extracted are similar to the three subscales of the original MPAI-4. The questionnaire shows good psychometric properties and represents a suitable tool for TBI adults receiving rehabilitation services in a French-Canadian context. The provided reference norms will also help guide the clinical use of the MPAI-4 in French-Canadian TBI populations.

Motor control deficits outlasting self-reported symptoms are often reported following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The exact duration and nature of these deficits remains unknown. The current study aimed to compare postural responses to static or dynamic virtual visual inputs and during standard clinical tests of balance in 38 children between 9 and 18 years-of-age, at 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months post-concussion. Body sway amplitude (BSA) and postural instability (vRMS) were measured in a 3D virtual reality (VR) tunnel (i.e., optic flow) moving in the antero-posterior direction in different conditions. Measures derived from standard clinical balance evaluations (BOT-2, Timed tasks) and post-concussion symptoms (PCSS-R) were also assessed. Results were compared to those of 38 healthy non-injured children following a similar testing schedule and matched according to age, gender, and premorbid level of physical activity. Results highlighted greater postural response with BSA and vRMS measures at 3 months post-mTBI, but not at 12 months when compared to controls, whereas no differences were observed in post-concussion symptoms between mTBI and controls at 3 and 12 months. These deficits were specifically identified using measures of postural response in reaction to 3D dynamic visual inputs in the VR paradigm, while items from the BOT-2 and the 3 timed tasks did not reveal deficits at any of the test sessions. PCSS-R scores correlated between sessions and with the most challenging condition of the BOT-2 and as well as with the timed tasks, but not with BSA and vRMS. Scores obtained in the most challenging conditions of clinical balance tests also correlated weakly with BSA and vRMS measures in the dynamic conditions. These preliminary findings suggest that using 3D dynamic visual inputs such as optic flow in a controlled VR environment could help detect subtle postural impairments and inspire the development of clinical tools to guide rehabilitation and return to play recommendations.

BackgroundIn wheelchair users with a chronic spinal cord injury (WUSCI), prolonged nonactive sitting time and reduced physical activity—typically linked to this mode of mobility—contribute to the development or exacerbation of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and endocrine-metabolic health complications that are often linked to increased risks of chronic pain or psychological morbidity. Limited evidence suggests that engaging in a walking program with a wearable robotic exoskeleton may be a promising physical activity intervention to counter these detrimental health effects. ObjectiveThis study’s overall goals are as follows: (1) to determine the effects of a 16-week wearable robotic exoskeleton–assisted walking program on organic systems, functional capacities, and multifaceted psychosocial factors and (2) to determine self-reported satisfaction and perspectives with regard to the intervention and the device. MethodsA total of 20 WUSCI, who have had their injuries for more than 18 months, will complete an overground wearable robotic exoskeleton–assisted walking program (34 sessions; 60 min/session) supervised by a physiotherapist over a 16-week period (one to three sessions/week). Data will be collected 1 month prior to the program, at the beginning, and at the end as well as 2 months after completing the program. Assessments will characterize sociodemographic characteristics; anthropometric parameters; sensorimotor impairments; pain; lower extremity range of motion and spasticity; wheelchair abilities; cardiorespiratory fitness; upper extremity strength; bone architecture and mineral density at the femur, tibia, and radius; total and regional body composition; health-related quality of life; and psychological health. Interviews and an online questionnaire will be conducted to measure users’ satisfaction levels and perspectives at the end of the program. Differences across measurement times will be verified using appropriate parametric or nonparametric analyses of variance for repeated measures. ResultsThis study is currently underway with active recruitment in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Results are expected in the spring of 2021. ConclusionsThe results from this study will be essential to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of future evidence-based wearable robotic exoskeleton–assisted walking programs offered in the community, and to initiate a reflection regarding the use of wearable robotic exoskeletons during initial rehabilitation following a spinal cord injury. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03989752; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03989752 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/19251