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Primary objective: To investigate how many people return to work (RTW) after acquiring brain injury (ABI) due to traumatic or non-traumatic causes. Secondary objectives were to investigate the differences in outcome between traumatic and non-traumatic causes, the development of RTW over time and whether or not people return to their former job. Methods: A systematic literature search (1992-2008) was performed using terms of ABI and RTW. The methodological quality of the studies was determined. An overall estimation of percentage RTW 1 and 2 years post-injury was calculated by data pooling. Main outcomes and results: Finally, 49 studies were included. Within 2 years post-injury, 39.3% of the subjects with non-traumatic ABI returned to work. Among people with traumatic ABI, 40.7% returned to work after 1 year and 40.8% after 2 years. No effect of cause or time since injury was found. Some people with traumatic ABI who returned to work were not able to sustain their job over time. Changes of occupation and job demands are common among people with ABI. Conclusions: About 40% of the people with traumatic or non-traumatic ABI are able to return to work after 1 or 2 years. Among those with acquired traumatic brain injury a substantial proportion of the subjects were either not able to return to their former work or unable to return permanently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The RYSEN body weight support device enables multidirectional overground gait training and can be combined with augmented reality (RYSEN-AR). The aim of this study was to investigate differences in training goals, intensity and acceptance between RYSEN, RYSEN-AR and conventional gait training (CGT) during rehabilitation., Materials and Methods: Eleven individuals after stroke (60.1 ± 13.4 years) and eleven individuals with SCI (66.5 ± 13.2 years) performed CGT, RYSEN and RYSEN-AR as part of their rehabilitation program. Heart rate and trunk accelerometry data were collected to assess training intensity. Patients rated their confidence in balance control, level of conscious movement processing and training experiences using questionnaires. Therapists reported their intended training goals. The (interaction) effects of modality and group on these outcomes were assessed using linear mixed-effects models., Results: Training intensity in terms of heart rate and trunk accelerometry did not differ between modalities. Confidence in balance control was higher during RYSEN-AR than during CGT ( p  = 0.004). The level of conscious movement processing did not differ between modalities. Training goals did not considerably differ between modalities overall. RYSEN and RYSEN-AR training were well-accepted among patients and therapists., Conclusions: In current practice, there is limited distinction in terms of training intensity and goals between RYSEN and RYSEN-AR training relative to CGT. Further research, guideline development and implementation strategies are needed to use the RYSEN to its full potential in rehabilitation practice.

Background: Several Patient Reported Outcome Measurements (PROMs) can be used to quantify participation in rehabilitation patients, yet there is limited comparative research on their content and psychometric properties to make an informed decision between them., Objective: To compare the content and several psychometric properties of the Restriction and Satisfaction subscales of the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation - Participation (USER-P) with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities (PROMIS-APS) and Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities (PROMIS-SPS) v2.0 8-item short forms., Methods: A cross-sectional survey among patients who received rehabilitation treatment ( N  = 563). Coverage of participation domains, distributions, inter-item correlations, internal consistency, construct validity, and discriminative validity were compared between the PROMs., Results: The USER-P subscales cover more participation domains than the PROMIS short forms. All PROMs demonstrated adequate internal consistency ( α  > 0.82) and each had >75% of the hypotheses regarding construct validity confirmed., Conclusions: The internal consistency, construct and discriminative validity were similar between the USER-P subscales and the PROMIS short forms. It appeared that the USER-P offers more broad information about participation on item level and the total scores of PROMIS short forms offer more precise general information regarding participation.

Purpose: Clinical work-integrating care (CWIC) refers to paying attention to work participation in a clinical setting. Working patients may benefit from CWIC. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent and nature to which medical specialists provide CWIC and what policies and guidelines oblige or recommend specialists to do., Methods: A scoping review was conducted. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psychinfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for studies on the extent and nature of CWIC and supplemented by gray literature on policies and guidelines. Six main categories were defined a priori. Applying a meta-aggregative approach, subcategories were subsequently defined using qualitative data. Next, quantitative findings were integrated into these subcategories. A separate narrative of policies and guidelines using the same main categories was constructed., Results: In total, 70 studies and 55 gray literature documents were included. The main findings per category were as follows: (1) collecting data on the occupation of patients varied widely; (2) most specialists did not routinely discuss work, but recent studies showed an increasing tendency to do so, which corresponds to recent policies and guidelines; (3) work-related advice ranged from general advice to patient-physician collaboration about work-related decisions; (4) CWIC was driven by legislation in many countries; (5) specialists sometimes collaborated in multidisciplinary teams to provide CWIC; and (6) medical guidelines regarding CWIC were generally not available., Conclusion: Medical specialists provide a wide variety of CWIC ranging from assessing a patient's occupation to extensive collaboration with patients and other professionals to support work participation. Lack of medical guidelines could explain the variety of these practices., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Body weight support (BWS) training devices are frequently used to improve gait in individuals with neurological impairments, but guidance in selecting an appropriate level of BWS is limited. Here, we aim to describe the initial BWS levels used during gait training, the rationale for this selection and the clinical goals aligned with BWS training for different diagnoses., Method: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, including terms related to the population (individuals with neurological disorders), intervention (BWS training) and outcome (gait). Information on patient characteristics, type of BWS device, BWS level and training goals was extracted from the included articles., Results: Thirty-three articles were included, which described outcomes using frame-based (stationary or mobile) and unidirectional ceiling-mounted devices on four diagnoses (multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI)). The BWS levels were highest for individuals with MS (median: 75%, IQR: 6%), followed by SCI (median: 40%, IQR: 35%), stroke (median: 30%, IQR: 4.75%) and TBI (median: 15%, IQR: 0%). The included studies reported eleven different training goals. Reported BWS levels ranged between 30 and 75% for most of the training goals, without a clear relationship between BWS level, diagnosis, training goal and rationale for BWS selection. Training goals were achieved in all included studies., Conclusion: Initial BWS levels differ considerably between studies included in this review. The underlying rationale for these differences was not clearly motivated in the included studies. Variation in study designs and populations does not allow to draw a conclusion on the effectiveness of BWS levels. Hence, it remains difficult to formulate guidelines on optimal BWS settings for different diagnoses, BWS devices and training goals. Further efforts are required to establish clinical guidelines and to experimentally investigate which initial BWS levels are optimal for specific diagnoses and training goals., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Attention to paid work in clinical health care-clinical work-integrating care (CWIC)-might be beneficial for patients of working age. However, the perceptions and expectations of patients about CWIC are unknown. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of current practices, needs, and expectations among patients for discussing work with a medical specialist., Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken involving patients with diverse medical conditions ( n  = 33). Eight online synchronous focus groups were held. A thematic analysis was then performed., Results: Three themes emerged from the data: (1) the process of becoming a patient while wanting to work again, (2) different needs for different patients, (3) patients' expectations of CWIC. We identified three different overarching categories of work-concerns: (a) the impact of work on disease, (b) the impact of disease or treatment on work ability, and (c) concerns when work ability remained decreased. For each category of concerns, patients expected medical specialists to perform differing roles., Conclusions: Patients indicated that they need support for work-related concerns from their medical specialists and/or other professionals. Currently, not all work concerns received the requested attention, leaving a portion of the patients with unmet needs regarding CWIC.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can have lifelong consequences and accordingly, persons with ABI often receive various types of healthcare. Facilities have their own preferences towards measurement instruments used to evaluate patients, impeding data comparison across healthcare settings. In this cross-sectional study, we used the previously developed minimal dataset for persons with ABI (MDS-ABI) to uniformly document and compare characteristics and outcomes of ABI patients in three healthcare settings: (1) residential care ( n  = 21), (2) non-residential care ( n  = 80), and (3) no ABI-related care ( n  = 22). Overall, patients of residential care settings had the lowest functional outcome compared with patients in the remaining groups. Nonetheless, all groups showed substantial disabilities within numerous life domains, indicating that the consequences of ABI are widespread among patients within and outside of healthcare facilities. These results demonstrate the need for a broad measurement of the potential consequences of ABI. The MDS-ABI covers twelve life domains most frequently affected by ABI and therefore helps to better recognize the consequences of ABI. In research contexts, implementation of the MDS-ABI allows for direct comparison of research findings. Future directions should be aimed at further implementation of the MDS-ABI to guide clinical decision-making and assist in identifying treatment goals specific to each healthcare setting.

Background: Knowledge on long-term participation is scarce for patients with paid employment at the time of stroke., Objective: Describe the characteristics and the course of participation (paid employment and overall participation) in patients who did and did not remain in paid employment., Methods: Patients with paid employment at the time of stroke completed questions on work up to 30 months after starting rehabilitation, and the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P, Frequency, Restrictions and Satisfaction scales) up to 24 months. Baseline characteristics of patients with and without paid employment at 30 months were compared using Fisher's Exact Tests and Mann-Whitney U Tests. USER-P scores over time were analysed using Linear Mixed Models., Results: Of the 170 included patients (median age 54.2 interquartile range 11.2 years; 40% women) 50.6% reported paid employment at 30 months. Those returning to work reported at baseline more working hours, better quality of life and communication, were more often self-employed and in an office job. The USER-P scores did not change statistically significantly over time., Conclusion: About half of the stroke patients remained in paid employment. Optimizing interventions for returning to work and achieving meaningful participation outside of employment seem desirable.

Purpose: Sleep is essential for our overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, stroke often induces insomnia, which has been shown to impede rehabilitation and recovery of function. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the treatment of choice for insomnia in the general population and is efficacious both when delivered face-to-face or online. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of blended CBT-I (eCBT-I) in five poststroke participants with insomnia according to DSM-5 criteria., Methods: A randomized multiple baseline design was used to evaluate improvements in total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, nocturnal awakenings and sleep quality. The intervention included six weeks of eCBT-I combined with two face-to-face sessions., Results: All participants completed the intervention. One participant stopped using the diary, while the other four completed it fully. All five sleep diary measures improved, significantly so for nocturnal awakenings. Moreover, after completion of the treatment, four out of five participants no longer fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for insomnia disorder., Conclusions: This is the first study to show that blended CBT-I is potentially effective in participants with post-stroke insomnia. The findings justify extension to a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To provide reference values of cardiorespiratory fitness for individuals post-stroke in clinical rehabilitation and to gain insight in characteristics related to cardiorespiratory fitness post stroke., Design: A retrospective cohort study. Reference equations of cardiopulmonary fitness corrected for age and sex for the fifth, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentile were constructed with quantile regression analysis. The relation between patient characteristics and cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by linear regression analyses adjusted for sex and age. Multivariate regression models of cardiorespiratory fitness were constructed., Setting: Clinical rehabilitation center., Participants: Individuals post-stroke who performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test as part of clinical rehabilitation between July 2015 and May 2021 (N=405)., Main Outcome Measures: Cardiorespiratory fitness in terms of peak oxygen uptake (V˙O 2 peak) and oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold (V˙O 2 -VT)., Results: References equations for cardiorespiratory fitness stratified by sex and age were provided based on 405 individuals post-stroke. Median V˙O 2 peak was 17.8[range 8.4-39.6] mL/kg/min and median V˙O 2 -VT was 9.7[range 5.9-26.6] mL/kg/min. Cardiorespiratory fitness was lower in individuals who were older, women, using beta-blocker medication, and in individuals with a higher body mass index and lower motor ability., Conclusions: Population specific reference values of cardiorespiratory fitness for individuals post-stroke corrected for age and sex were presented. These can give individuals post-stroke and health care providers insight in their cardiorespiratory fitness compared with their peers. Furthermore, they can be used to determine the potential necessity for cardiorespiratory fitness training as part of the rehabilitation program for an individual post-stroke to enhance their fitness, functioning and health. Especially, individuals post-stroke with more mobility limitations and beta-blocker use are at a higher risk of low cardiorespiratory fitness., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Cooperation between clinical and occupational health care practitioners is a key aspect of clinical work-integrating care. This study aimed to gain insight into patients' experiences, needs, and expectations regarding cooperation between medical specialists and occupational health physicians., Methods: A thematic qualitative study was conducted involving a total of 33 participants in eight online focus groups., Results: Participants indicated practitioners are currently working in an isolated manner. However, participants desired for partnership between specialists and occupational health physicians to address work-related concerns and showed a need for explanation of the consequences of their diagnosis, so this can be translated into their ability to work., Conclusions: Currently, cooperation between clinical and occupational health care is lacking. Yet, some participants experienced that these disciplines could complement each other by working together to support patients in work participation., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None declared., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.)

Purpose: To develop and explore underlying dimensions of the Self-Regulation Assessment (SeRA) and psychometric features of potential components. Further, to identify associations between the SeRA and disability-management self-efficacy, type of diagnosis, and type of rehabilitation., Materials and Methods: Based on a previously developed model of self-regulation, expert and patient opinions, and cognitive interviews, a list of 22 items on self-regulation (the SeRA) was constructed. The SeRA was included in a cross-sectional survey among a multi-diagnostic group of 563 former rehabilitation patients. Exploratory analyses were conducted., Results: Respondents had a mean age of 56.5 ( SD 12.7) years. The largest diagnostic groups were chronic pain disorder and brain injury. Four components were found within the SeRA, labelled as "insight into own health condition," "insight into own capabilities," "apply self-regulation," and "organization of help." Cronbach's alpha was high (total scale: 0.93, subscales: range 0.85-0.89). Only scores on the first subscale showed a ceiling effect. Subscale three showed the highest correlation with a self-efficacy measure. Small differences in SeRA total scores (range 71.6-78.1) were found between different diagnostic groups., Conclusion: The SeRA is a new self-regulation measure with four subscales. Further research is needed to establish the validity and reliability of the SeRA. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Self-Regulation Assessment (SeRA) was developed to provide a comprehensive measurement of self-regulation among rehabilitation populations.The SeRA could potentially be used to identify persons with self-regulation problems at the start of rehabilitation treatment and measure outcomes of rehabilitation for self-regulation.The SeRA could potentially be used to help analyse outcomes of rehabilitation practice as well as evaluate interventions on self-regulation.

Objective: Individuals after stroke are less active, experience more fatigue, and perform activities at a slower pace than peers with no impairments. These problems might be caused by an increased aerobic energy expenditure during daily tasks and a decreased aerobic capacity after stroke. The aim of this study was to quantify relative aerobic load (ie, the ratio between aerobic energy expenditure and aerobic capacity) during daily-life activities after stroke., Methods: Seventy-nine individuals after stroke (14 in Functional Ambulation Category [FAC] 3, 25 in FAC 4, and 40 in FAC 5) and 22 peers matched for age, sex, and body mass index performed a maximal exercise test and 5 daily-life activities at a preferred pace for 5 minutes. Aerobic energy expenditure (mL O2/kg/min) and economy (mL O2/kg/unit of distance) were derived from oxygen uptake ($\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2$). Relative aerobic load was defined as aerobic energy expenditure divided by peak aerobic capacity (%$\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2$peak) and by $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{o}}_2$ at the ventilatory threshold (%$\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{o}}_2$-VT) and compared in individuals after stroke and individuals with no impairments., Results: Individuals after stroke performed activities at a significantly higher relative aerobic load (39%-82% $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{o}}_2$peak) than peers with no impairments (38%-66% $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{o}}_2$peak), despite moving at a significantly slower pace. Aerobic capacity in individuals after stroke was significantly lower than that in peers with no impairments. Movement was less economical in individuals after stroke than in peers with no impairments., Conclusion: Individuals after stroke experience a high relative aerobic load during cyclic daily-life activities, despite adopting a slower movement pace than peers with no impairments. Perhaps individuals after stroke limit their movement pace to operate at sustainable relative aerobic load levels at the expense of pace and economy., Impact: Improving aerobic capacity through structured aerobic training in a rehabilitation program should be further investigated as a potential intervention to improve mobility and functioning after stroke., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Physical Therapy Association.)

Objective: Self-regulation, participation and health-related quality of life are important rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore associations between these outcomes in a multi-diagnostic and heterogenic group of former rehabilitation patients., Methods: This cross-sectional survey used the Self-Regulation Assessment (SeRA), Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-participation (USERParticipation) and the Patient-Reported-Outcome-Measurement-System (PROMIS) ability and PROMIS satisfaction with participation in social roles, and the EuroQol-5L-5D and PROMIS-10 Global Health. Regression analyses, controlling for demographic and condition-related factors, were performed., Results: Respondents (n = 563) had a mean age of 56.5 (standard deviation (SD) 12.7) years. The largest diagnostic groups were chronic pain disorder and brain injury. In addition to demographic and condition-related factors, self-regulation subscales explained 0-15% of the variance in participation outcome scores, and 0-22% of the variance in HRQoL outcome scores. Self-regulation subscales explained up to 22% of the variance in satisfaction subscales of participation (USER-Participation and PROMIS) and the mental health subscale of the PROMIS-10. Self-regulation subscales explained up to 11% of the restriction and frequency subscales of participation (USER-Participation) and the physical health subscale of the PROMIS-10., Conclusion: Self-regulation is more strongly associated with outcomes such as satisfaction with participation and mental health compared with outcomes such as restrictions in participation and physical health.

The high prevalence and severe consequences of poor sleep following acquired brain injury emphasises the need for an effective treatment. However, treatment studies are scarce. The present study evaluates the efficacy of blended online cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (eCBT-I) developed specifically for people with acquired brain injury. In a multicentre prospective, open-label, blinded end-point randomised clinical trial, 52 participants with insomnia and a history of a stroke or traumatic brain injury were randomised to 6 weeks of guided eCBT-I or treatment as usual, with a 6-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the change in insomnia severity between baseline and after treatment, measured with the Insomnia Severity Index. Results showed that insomnia severity improved significantly more with eCBT-I than with treatment as usual compared to baseline, both at post-treatment (mean [SEM] 4.0 [1.3] insomnia severity index points stronger decrease, d = 0.96, p < 0.003) and at follow-up (mean [SEM] 3.2 [1.5] insomnia severity index points, d = -0.78, p < 0.03). In conclusion, our randomised clinical trial shows that blended CBT is an effective treatment for insomnia, and feasible for people with acquired brain injury, regardless of cognitive and psychiatric complaints. Online treatment has major advantages in terms of availability and cost and may contribute to the successful implementation of insomnia treatment for people with acquired brain injuries., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Sleep Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Sleep Research Society.)

Acquired Brain Injury and Work Participation - A Dutch Interdisciplinary Guideline for Occupational and Insurance Physicians Abstract. This article discusses the Dutch interdisciplinary guideline 'Acquired brain injury and work participation'. Its development follows the methodology of evidence-based medicine and supports all professionals involved in the vocational re-integration of workers with traumatic (e.g., traffic accident) and non-traumatic (e.g., stroke) acquired brain injury.

Purpose: Self-regulation refers to self-management and self-control, with or without disability. Outcomes of rehabilitation with respect to self-regulation are unclear. This study aims to identify elements of self-regulation that former patients consider important in the context of medical rehabilitation., Materials and Methods: Qualitative exploration based on focus group discussions (FGDs). Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis as well as open coding. Forty individuals participated in seven diagnosis-related FGDs., Results: Six subthemes were raised in the FGDs which could be merged into three main themes. Two main themes are conditional for regaining self-regulation: 1) having insight into one's condition and abilities (i.e., insight into impairments. consequences of impairments. abilities); 2) to know how to cope with the consequences of the condition (be able to communicate limitations; have to trust in body and functioning). The subject of the last theme 3) is how to apply self-regulation in one's own life (to make use of abilities and optimize functioning)., Conclusions: Three main themes of self-regulation in the context of medical rehabilitation were identified by former patients, partly relating to the ability to self-regulate and partly to the execution of self-regulation. This knowledge can be used to define specific rehabilitation goals and further develop rehabilitation outcome measurement.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAwareness of the fundamental subthemes of self-regulation in rehabilitation will positively contribute to theory building and improve clinical practice (e.g., goal setting).Paying explicit attention to the six subthemes as standard elements of rehabilitation will help to provide a comprehensive view concerning self-regulation.The conceptual model of self-regulation, based on patient perspectives, can contribute to the measurement of rehabilitation outcomes.

Objective: We aimed to identify generic measures of self-regulation and to examine the degree to which these measures fit a recently developed conceptual model of self-regulation in a rehabilitation context., Data Sources: Pubmed, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL were searched., Review Methods: Articles were included if they were published between January 2015 and August 2020 and reported on empirical studies (trials and observational studies) using a measure of self-regulation or a related concept, in an adult rehabilitation population. Main content was analysed by linking all items of the selected measures to one or more of the six sub-themes of self-regulation: (1) insight into physical and cognitive impairments, (2) insight into the consequences of the impairments, (3) insight into abilities, (4) to be able to communicate limitations, (5) trust in body and functioning, and (6) make use of abilities., Results: Two reviewers independently screened 7808 abstracts, resulting in the inclusion of 236 articles. In these articles, 80 different measures were used to assess self-regulation or related concept. Nineteen of these measures met the inclusion criteria and were included for the content analyses. Nine of these were self-efficacy measures. No measures covered four or more of the six sub-themes of self-regulation. The three sub-themes on gaining insights were covered less compared to the sub-domains 'trust' and 'make use of abilities'., Conclusions: Many measures on self-regulation exist None of these measures cover all six sub-themes of self-regulation considered important to measure self-regulation as a rehabilitation outcome.

Purpose: (1) to analyze training characteristics of recreationally active wheelchair users during handcycle training, and (2) to examine the associations between training load and change in physical capacity., Methods: Former rehabilitation patients ( N  = 60) with health conditions such as spinal cord injury or amputation were included. Participants trained for five months. A handcycling/arm crank graded exercise test was performed before and after the training period. Outcomes: peak power output per kg (POpeak/kg) and peak oxygen uptake per kg (VO 2 peak/kg). Training load was defined as Training Impulse (TRIMP), which is rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) multiplied by duration of the session, in arbitrary units (AU). Training intensity distribution (TID) was also determined (time in zone 1, RPE ≤4; zone 2, RPE 5-6; zone 3, RPE ≥7)., Results: Multilevel regression analyses showed that TRIMP sRPE was not significantly associated with change in physical capacity. Time in zone 2 (RPE 5-6) was significantly associated with ΔVO 2 peak, %ΔVO 2 peak, ΔVO 2 peak/kg and %ΔVO 2 peak/kg., Conclusion: Training at RPE 5-6 was the only determinant that was significantly associated with improvement in physical capacity. Additional controlled studies are necessary to demonstrate causality and gather more information about its usefulness, and optimal handcycle training regimes for recreationally active wheelchair users.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMonitoring of handcycle training load is important to structure the training effort and intensity over time and to eventually optimize performance capacity. This is especially important for relatively untrained wheelchair users, who have a low physical capacity and a high risk of overuse injuries and shoulder pain.Training load can be easily calculated by multiplying the intensity of the training (RPE 0-10) with the duration of the training in minutes.Results on handcycle training at RPE 5-6 intensity in recreationally active wheelchair users suggests to be promising and should be further investigated with controlled studies.

Purpose: To explore the usefulness and feasibility of a comprehensive vocational rehabilitation (C-VR) program and less comprehensive (LC-VR) program for workers on sick leave due to chronic musculoskeletal pain, from the perspective of patients, professionals, and managers., Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were held with patients, professionals, and managers. Using topic lists, participants were questioned about barriers to and facilitators of the usefulness and feasibility of C-VR and LC-VR. Thirty interviews were conducted with thirteen patients ( n  = 6 C-VR, n  = 7 LC-VR), eight professionals, and nine managers. All interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by systematic text condensation using inductive thematic analysis., Results: Three themes emerged for usefulness ("patient factors," "content," "dosage") and six themes emerged for feasibility ("satisfaction," "intention to continue use," "perceived appropriateness," "positive/negative effects on target participants," "factors affecting implementation ease or difficulty," "adaptations"). The patients reported that both programs were feasible and generally useful. The professionals preferred working with the C-VR, although they disliked the fixed and uniform character of the program. They also mentioned that this program is too extensive for some patients, and that the latter would probably benefit from the LC-VR program. Despite their positive intentions, the managers stated that due to the Dutch healthcare system, implementation of the LC-VR program would be financially unfeasible., Conclusions: The main conclusion of this study is that it is not useful to have one VR program for all patients with CMP and reduced work participation, and that flexible and tailored-based VR are warranted.Implications for rehabilitationBoth comprehensive and less comprehensive vocational rehabilitation are deemed useful for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and reduced work participation. Particular patient factors, for instance information uptake, discipline, willingness to change, duration of complaints, movement anxiety, obstructing thoughts, and willingness to return to work might guide the right program for the right patient.Both comprehensive and less comprehensive vocational rehabilitation are deemed feasible in practice. However, factors such as center logistic (schemes, rooms, professionals available) and country-specific healthcare insurance and sickness compensation systems should foster the implementation of less comprehensive programs.

Assessment of metabolic energy expenditure from indirect calorimetry is currently limited to sustained (>4 min) cyclic activities, because of steady-state requirements. This is problematic for patient populations who are unable to perform such sustained activities. Therefore, this study explores validity and reliability of a method estimating metabolic energy expenditure based on oxygen consumption (V̇O 2 ) during short walking bouts. Twelve able-bodied adults twice performed six treadmill walking trials (1, 2 and 6 min at 4 and 5 km/h), while V̇O 2 was measured. Total V̇O 2 was calculated by integrating net V̇O 2 over walking and recovery. Concurrent validity with steady-state V̇O 2 was assessed with Pearson's correlations. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses. Total V̇O 2 was strongly correlated with steady-state V̇O 2 (r=0.91-0.99), but consistently higher. Test-retest reliability of total V̇O 2 (ICC=0.65-0.92) was lower than or comparable to steady-state V̇O 2 (ICC=0.83-0.92), with lower reliability for shorter trials. Total V̇O 2 discriminated between gait speeds. Total oxygen uptake provides a useful measure to estimate metabolic load of short activities from oxygen consumption. Although estimates are less reliable than steady-state measurements, they can provide insight in the yet unknown metabolic demands of daily activities for patient populations unable to perform sustained activities., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Purpose To study the longitudinal relationship between interdisciplinary vocational rehabilitation (VR) with and without additional work module on work participation of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and sick leave from work. Methods Retrospective longitudinal data retrieved from care as usual in seven VR centers in the Netherlands was used. The VR program without work module consisted of multi-component healthcare (physical exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, education, relaxation). The other program with additional work module (VR+) included case management and a workplace visit. Generalized estimating equations using binary logistic was applied. The dependent variable was work participation (achieved/not achieved) on discharge and 6-months follow-up. Independent variables were type of intervention, return to work expectation, sick leave duration, working status, job strain, and job dissatisfaction. Results Data from N = 470 patients were analyzed, of which 26% received VR and 74% VR+. Both programs increased work participation at 6-months follow-up (VR 86%, VR+ 87%). The crude model showed a significant longitudinal relationship between type of intervention and work participation in favor of VR+ (OR 1.8, p = 0.01). The final model showed a non-significant relationship on discharge (OR 1.3, p = 0.51) and a significant relationship on 6-months follow-up in favor of VR+ (OR 1.7, p = 0.04). RTW expectation was a significant confounder in the final model on discharge and 6-months follow up (OR 3.1, p = 0.00). Conclusions Both programs led to increased work participation. The addition of a work module to the VR program lead to a significant increase in odds of work participation at 6-months follow-up.

Objective: To safely and effectively train the exercise capacity of post-COVID-19 patients it is important to test for cardiopulmonary risk factors and to assess exercise limitations. The goal of this study was to describe the exercise capacity and underlying exercise limitations of mechanically ventilated post-COVID-19 patients in clinical rehabilitation., Design: A retrospective cohort study., Method: Twenty-four post-COVID-19patients that were mechanically ventilated at ICU and thereafter admitted for clinical rehabilitation performed a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with breath-by-breath gas-exchange monitoring, ECG-registration, blood pressure- and saturation monitoring. In absence of a primary cardiac or ventilatory exercise limitation patients were considered to be limited primarily by decreased peripheral muscle mass., Results: Twenty-three patients could perform a maximal exercise test and no adverse events occurred. Cardiorespiratory fitness was very poor with a median peak oxygen uptake of 15.0 [10.1-21.4] mlO2/kg/min (57% of predicted values). However, we observed large differences within the group in both exercise capacity and exercise limitations. While 7/23 patients were primarily limited by ventilatory function, the majority (70%) was limited primarily by the decreased peripheral muscle mass., Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness of post-COVID-19 patients in clinical rehabilitation is strongly deteriorated. The majority of patients seemed primarily limited for exercise by the decreased peripheral muscle mass.

Background: Up to a third of stroke patients and patients with traumatic brain injury suffer from insomnia, including problems to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. Insomnia may exacerbate other brain damage-related problems, for example regarding cognitive functioning and emotional well-being; may lead to poorer quality of life; and may complicate recovery processes. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, delivered face-to-face or online, is found to be effective in the general population. However, despite the high prevalence and serious consequences of insomnia following acquired brain injury, studies on the efficacy of face-to-face cognitive behavioral treatment in this population are scarce, and this applies even more for studies on online cognitive behavioral therapy. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed guided online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia following acquired brain injury., Methods: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point study (PROBE) will be conducted, in which 48 patients diagnosed with stroke or traumatic brain injury and insomnia will be randomly allocated to the online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia treatment group or the treatment as usual group. The treatment consists of 6 online cognitive behavioral therapy sessions given on a weekly basis and personalized feedback after each session, combined with 2 face-to-face sessions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention period and at 6-week follow-up. The primary outcome is the insomnia severity assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index. Secondary outcome measures include sleep quality, sleep features derived from the sleep diary, fatigue, anxiety and depression, subjective cognitive functioning, and societal participation., Discussion: This study will provide insight on the efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia following stroke and traumatic brain injury., Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR7082 . Registered on 12 March 2018.

Objective: To provide an overview of the availability of and process involved in vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) provided in Dutch rehabilitation institutions., Methods: A survey on the availability and characteristics of the VR intervention process for people with ABI was conducted in all Dutch rehabilitation centers and rehabilitation departments of general and academic hospitals (n = 120). Different domains of the VR intervention process were included in the questionnaire, the number (and percentage) of respondents giving a certain answer within a domain was reported., Results: Fifty-five institutions replied (response rate 46%). VR services for ABI were provided in 34 (62%) of these, of which 20 (59%) used a VR protocol. The main similarities found among different organizations providing VR services were the involvement of different disciplines, determination of the gap between job requirements and the patient's abilities, goal-setting for VR, involvement of external partners, timing, and source of funding. The main differences found concerned start and stop criteria, and coordination of the VR process., Conclusions: Currently, at least 30% of the Dutch rehabilitation institutions offer VR services for people with ABI; there is variation in processes.

Objective: Data collection in the field of acquired brain injury (ABI) lacks uniformity due to the broad spectrum of available measurement instruments, leading to incomparability of data and the need for patients to 'repeat their story'. To pursue uniform data collection, an ABI-specific minimal dataset (MDS-ABI) is currently under development. The current study aimed to assess the feasibility (performance according to protocol, user opinion, potential implementation barriers, and suggested improvements) of the MDS-ABI in clinical settings., Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in a range of healthcare sectors for persons with ABI. Clinicians of several relevant disciplines within these sectors were asked to administer the MDS-ABI to five patients. Subsequently, feasibility according to clinicians was assessed by means of a paper questionnaire about every administration and an online questionnaire about the feasibility in general. Feasibility according to patients was assessed with a paper questionnaire and think aloud interviews., Results: Thirteen clinicians and 50 patients were included. In general, the MDS-ABI performed according to protocol. Both clinicians and patients were overall satisfied with the content of the MDS-ABI. The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale was regarded incomprehensible, leading to missing data. Further, clinicians indicated that the MDS-ABI would not be suitable for all ABI-patients, as some are incapable of self-report due to potential cognitive problems, communicative problems, fatigue, perceptual problems, or impaired awareness of deficits., Conclusion: The MDS-ABI is a promising tool for obtaining core information on ABI-patients. The MDS-ABI will be adjusted according to the suggestions. For patients who are incapable of self-report, a proxy-reported version of the self-reported part was developed., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify criteria to be considered when developing an exoskeleton for low-back pain patients by exploring the perceptions and expectations of potential end users., Background: Psychosocial, psychological, physical load, and personality influence incidence of low-back pain. Body-worn assistive devices that passively support the user's trunk, that is exoskeletons, can decrease mechanical loading and potentially reduce low-back pain. A user-centered approach improves patient safety and health outcomes, increases user satisfaction, and ensures usability. Still, previous studies have not taken psychological factors and the early involvement of end users into account., Method: We conducted focus group studies with low-back pain patients ( n = 4) and health care professionals ( n = 8). Focus group sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed, using the general inductive approach. The focus group discussions included trying out an available exoskeleton. Questions were designed to elicit opinions about exoskeletons, desired design specifications, and usability., Results: Important design characteristics were comfort, individual adjustability, independency in taking it on and off, and gradual adjustment of support. Patients raised concerns over loss of muscle strength. Health care professionals mentioned the risk of confirming disability of the user and increasing guarded movement in patients., Conclusion: The focus groups showed that implementation of a trunk exoskeleton to reduce low-back pain requires an adequate implementation strategy, including supervision and behavioral coaching., Application: For health care professionals, the optimal field of application, prevention or rehabilitation, is still under debate. Patients see potential in an exoskeleton to overcome their limitations and expect it to improve their quality of life.

Insomnia symptoms following acquired brain injury are serious and common, associated with cognitive and emotional complaints. This systematic review aims to summarize and appraise the current knowledge regarding the efficacy of non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia after traumatic brain injury and stroke in adults. A systematic search in the electronic databases of Medline, PsycINFO and Embase was conducted on January 15, 2019. The search strategy included traumatic brain injury or stroke and a combination of keywords and Boolean operators to represent the concept of insomnia. Articles were restricted to those in English and study populations of human adults. A total of 4341 studies were found, of which 16 were included, representing seven different non-pharmacological treatments. While the quality and quantity of the studies does not allow for firm conclusions, the outcomes suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy improves insomnia and sleep quality. The results highlight the need for larger studies of better methodological quality on non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia following brain injury., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The lack of consistency in outcome measurement within the field of acquired brain injury (ABI) leads to incomparability of collected data and, consequently, reduced generalisation of findings. We aim to develop a set of standardised measures which can be used to obtain the minimum amount of data necessary to characterise ABI-patients across all healthcare sectors and disciplines and in every stage of recovery; i.e., an ABI-specific minimal dataset (MDS-ABI). The current study was conducted to identify the core outcome domains for adults with ABI (what to measure?) and to select the most suitable measurements within these domains (how to measure it?)., Methods: An initial comprehensive set of outcome domains and measurement instruments relevant for measuring the consequences of ABI was identified by a literature study. The selection of relevant domains was based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. Measurement instruments were included in the Delphi procedure when they met pre-set requirements. A three-round Delphi study was conducted among Dutch experts (n = 48) using iterative web-based surveys to prioritise the proposed domains and instruments for the MDS-ABI. Throughout all rounds, participants could recommend additional or alternative domains and measurement instruments, and were fed back the collated group responses of the previous round., Results: Response rates ranged from 89 to 100%. After three rounds, the expert panel reached consensus (≥51%) on the inclusion of 12 outcome domains (demographics, injury characteristics, comorbidity, cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, energy, mobility, self-care, communication, participation, social support and quality of life), measured with six measurement instruments, two screening questions and a registry of demographic- and injury information. No consensus was reached on how to measure quality of life., Conclusions: The current study achieved consensus on the content of a minimal dataset for patients with ABI. The current version of the MDS-ABI will be evaluated and optimised if necessary in the near future.

Study Design: Multi-centre, double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study., Objective: To investigate whether the use of a multispecies probiotic can prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in people with spinal cord injury (SCI)., Setting: Three Dutch SCI rehabilitation centres., Methods: Fifty-six people aged 18-75 years with SCI during inpatient rehabilitation, who require antibiotics, will be given probiotics or placebo randomly assigned (T0). After cessation of the antibiotics (T1), the participants will use probiotics/placebo for 3 more weeks (T2). Defaecation, assessed by the Bristol Stool Scale, and bowel management will be monitored daily until 2 weeks after cessation of probiotics/placebo intake (T3). Also, the degree of nausea and information on quality of life will be collected at T0, T1, T2 and T3., Main Outcome Measures: The difference between the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea between people with SCI using probiotics compared to those using a placebo at the moment the antibiotics stops, the probiotics stops and two weeks thereafter., Secondary Outcome Measures: The time to reach effective bowel management, degree of nausea and quality of life., Registration: The Dutch Trial Register- NTR 5831.

The objective of this study was to assess how wearing a passive trunk exoskeleton affects metabolic costs, movement strategy and muscle activation during repetitive lifting and walking. We measured energy expenditure, kinematics and muscle activity in 11 healthy men during 5 min of repetitive lifting and 5 min of walking with and without exoskeleton. Wearing the exoskeleton during lifting, metabolic costs decreased as much as 17%. In conjunction, participants tended to move through a smaller range of motion, reducing mechanical work generation. Walking with the exoskeleton, metabolic costs increased up to 17%. Participants walked somewhat slower with shortened steps while abdominal muscle activity slightly increased when wearing the exoskeleton. Wearing an exoskeleton during lifting decreased metabolic costs and hence may reduce the development of fatigue and low back pain risk. During walking metabolic costs increased, stressing the need for a device that allows disengagement of support depending on activities performed. Practitioner summary: Physiological strain is an important risk factor for low back pain. We observed that an exoskeleton reduced metabolic costs during lifting, but had an opposite effect while walking. Therefore, exoskeletons may be of benefit for lifting by decreasing physiological strain but should allow disengagement of support when switching between tasks. Abbreviations: COM: centre of mass; EMG: electromyography; LBP: low back pain; MVC: maximum voluntary isometric contraction; NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; PLAD: personal lift augmentation device; PWS: preferred walking speed without exoskeleton; PWSX: preferred walking speed with exoskeleton; ROM: range of motion; RER: respiratory exchange ratio; V ̇O2max: maximum rate of oxygen consumption.

A large proportion of stroke patients are unable to return to work (RTW), although figures vary greatly. A total of 121 mild-to-moderate stroke patients, who had a paid job at the time of their stroke were included (a) to quantify RTW and work satisfaction one-year post-stroke (using the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation) and (b) to determine factors predicting RTW post-stroke, based on stroke-related, personal and neuropsychological variables. Half of the patients were not in work (28%) or were working less (22%) than pre-stroke. Ninety percent of those in fulltime employment post-stroke were satisfied with their occupational situation, against 36% of the unemployed participants. In regards to factors predicting RTW, global cognitive functioning (r = .19, Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and depressive symptoms (r = -.16, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at two months post-stroke onset were associated with return to work within one year. Only global cognitive functioning was an independent predictor of RTW (11.3% variance, p = .013). Although the explained variance was not that high, neuropsychological factors probably play a pivotal role in returning to work and should be taken into account during rehabilitation after mild and moderate stroke.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess test-retest reliability, agreement, and responsiveness of questionnaires on productivity loss (iPCQ-VR) and healthcare utilization (TiCP-VR) for sick-listed workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain who were referred to vocational rehabilitation. Methods Test-retest reliability and agreement was assessed with a 2-week interval. Responsiveness was assessed at discharge after a 15-week vocational rehabilitation (VR) program. Data was obtained from six Dutch VR centers. Test-retest reliability was determined with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's kappa. Agreement was determined by Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), smallest detectable changes (on group and individual level), and percentage observed, positive and negative agreement. Responsiveness was determined with area under the curve (AUC) obtained from receiver operation characteristic (ROC). Results A sample of 52 participants on test-retest reliability and agreement, and a sample of 223 on responsiveness were included in the analysis. Productivity loss (iPCQ-VR): ICCs ranged from 0.52 to 0.90, kappa ranged from 0.42 to 0.96, and AUC ranged from 0.55 to 0.86. Healthcare utilization (TiCP-VR): ICC was 0.81, and kappa values of the single healthcare utilization items ranged from 0.11 to 1.00. Conclusions The iPCQ-VR showed good measurement properties on working status, number of hours working per week and long-term sick leave, and low measurement properties on short-term sick leave and presenteeism. The TiCP-VR showed adequate reliability on all healthcare utilization items together and medication use, but showed low measurement properties on the single healthcare utilization items.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a passive trunk exoskeleton on functional performance for various work related tasks in healthy individuals. 18 healthy men performed 12 tasks. Functional performance in each task was assessed based on objective outcome measures and subjectively in terms of perceived task difficulty, local and general discomfort. Wearing the exoskeleton tended to increase objective performance in static forward bending, but decreased performance in tasks, such as walking, carrying and ladder climbing. A significant decrease was found in perceived task difficulty and local discomfort in the back in static forward bending, but a significant increase of perceived difficulty in several other tasks, like walking, squatting and wide standing. Especially tasks that involved hip flexion were perceived more difficult with the exoskeleton. Design improvements should include provisions to allow full range of motion of hips and trunk to increase versatility and user acceptance., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: In the Dutch International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Data Sets project, we translated all International SCI Data Sets available in 2012 and created a Dutch SCI Database (NDD). Objective: To describe the number of included patients and completeness of the NDD, and to use the NDD to provide a profile of people with traumatic SCI (T-SCI) and non-traumatic SCI (NT-SCI) in the Netherlands. Methods: The NDD includes patients admitted for their first inpatient rehabilitation after onset of SCI to 1 of the 8 rehabilitation centers with a specialty in SCI rehabilitation in the Netherlands. Data of patients admitted in 2015 were analyzed. Results: Data for 424 patients were available at admission; for 310 of these patients (73.1%), discharge data were available. No significant differences were found between patients with and without data at discharge. Data were nearly complete (>90%) for lower urinary tract, bowel, pain, and skin. Data on sexual function has the lowest completion rate. Complete neurological and functional data were available for 41.7% and 38%, respectively. Most patients were male (63.4%), had NT-SCI (65.5%), and had incomplete SCI (58.4% D). Patients with T-SCI differed from patients with NT-SCI on most characteristics, and they stayed considerably longer in the rehabilitation center (112 days vs 65 days, p < .001). Place of discharge was not different between both groups. Conclusion: With the NDD, we collect important data on the majority of Dutch SCI patients, although much work needs to be done to improve the completeness of the data collection., Competing Interests: The development of the NDD was supported by Rehabilitation Netherlands (Revalidatie Nederland), Innovation in Rehabilitation program, grant IPR2011-12. The authors thank all participating rehabilitation centers and all people involved in the data collection for their support of the NDD. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Background: Stroke can result in cognitive complaints that can have a large impact on quality of life long after its occurrence. A number of computer-based training programs have been developed with the aim to improve cognitive functioning. Most studies investigating their efficacy used only objective outcome measures, whereas a reduction of subjective cognitive complaints may be equally important for improving quality of life. A few studies used subjective outcome measures but were inconclusive, partly due to methodological shortcomings such as lack of proper active and passive control groups., Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether computer-based cognitive flexibility training can improve subjective cognitive functioning and quality of life after stroke., Methods: We performed a randomized controlled double blind trial (RCT). Adults (30-80 years old) who had a stroke 3 months to 5 years ago, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 38), an active control group (i.e., mock training; n = 35), or a waiting list control group (n = 24). The intervention and mock training consisted of 58 half-hour sessions within 12 weeks. The primary subjective outcome measures were cognitive functioning (Cognitive Failure Questionnaire), executive functioning (Dysexecutive Functioning Questionnaire), quality of life (Short Form Health Survey), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL; Lawton & Brody IADL scale), and participation in society (Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation). Secondary subjective outcome measures were recovery after stroke, depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-depression subscale), fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength-Fatigue subscale), and subjective cognitive improvement (exit list). Finally, a proxy of the participant rated the training effects in subjective cognitive functioning, subjective executive functioning, and IADL., Results and Conclusions: All groups improved on the two measures of subjective cognitive functioning and subjective executive functioning, but not on the other measures. These cognitive and executive improvements remained stable 4 weeks after training completion. However, the intervention group did not improve more than the two control groups. This suggests that improvement was due to training-unspecific effects. The proxies did not report any improvements. We, therefore, conclude that the computer-based cognitive flexibility training did not improve subjective cognitive functioning or quality of life after stroke.

Identification of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is important since 85,000 patients visit the emergency department with a head trauma annually. Although most patients recover well, 15-20% of the patients with head trauma develop persistent symptoms that interfere with resumption of daily activities. It is particularly important to identify the clinical signs that define mild TBI. Presence of anterograde amnesia after the injury, for example, is an important clinical diagnostic sign to establish the diagnosis of TBI. Posttraumatic emotional distress may increase posttraumatic symptoms. General practitioners should be aware of the problems in this patient group and identify patients with mild TBI who are at risk of developing persistent symptoms that limit participation in society.