Journal of Modern Rehabilitation

Computer Vision-Augmented Exergaming for Spine Health

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:38:21 +0330

This research introduces a novel, technology-driven approach to back pain rehabilitation by integrating real-time pose detection with interactive Unity-based gaming experiences. Our system delivers personalized exercise regimens targeting flexibility, strength, and posture while providing users with immediate feedback. User friendly gaming platform was developed using the Unity engine that integrates real-time analysis of physical exercises. The system successfully analysed the performance of three major exercises Knee-to-chest stretch (cross crunches), side bend, forward and backward bends and demonstrated a measurable improvement in the user scoring pattern, suggesting enhanced engagement and effective performance analysis. By successfully gamifying these therapeutic exercises, we aim to significantly boost user engagement and adherence to treatment protocols, leading to improved long-term spinal health outcomes. This framework offers a dynamic, adaptable, and highly scalable solution for individuals with varying rehabilitation needs, demonstrating the potential to profoundly impact the quality of life for those affected by back pain. Transforming exercises into a game is key to driving better, sustained outcomes that helps in achieving superior long-term therapeutic results.

The Relationship between Narrative Discourse Features and Cognitive Functions in Persian-Speaking Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:35:17 +0330

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects not only motor function but also cognition and language, including narrative discourse, which relies on linguistic processes and higher-order cognitive functions such as working memory and executive functions. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between narrative discourse features and cognitive functions in Persian-speaking PD patients.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 26 PD patients and 26 age, sex, and education-matched healthy controls participated. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Persian Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-P), digit span, Stroop, verbal fluency, and the Persian Cognitive Reserve Index (CRIq). Narrative discourse was evaluated using the Persian Narrative Discourse Test. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation.
Results: In PD patients, syntactic complexity correlated positively with MoCA-P (p = 0.001, rₛ = 0.627), CRIq (p = 0.012, rₛ = 0.487), phonological verbal fluency (p = 0.032, rₛ = 0.420), and forward digit span (p = 0.015, rₛ = 0.472). Lexical cohesion correlated with MoCA-P (p = 0.012, rₛ = 0.484) and CRIq (p = 0.002, rₛ = 0.573), while conjunctive cohesion was associated with MoCA-P (p = 0.022, rₛ = 0.448) and semantic verbal fluency (fruits) (p = 0.041, rₛ = 0.404).
Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that higher levels of global cognition, working memory, verbal fluency, and cognitive reserve are associated with increased syntactic complexity and enhanced lexical and conjunctive cohesion in the narrative discourse of patients with PD. These findings indicate that cognitive decline adversely affects narrative organization and structural integrity.

Investigating Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing Efficacy in Stroke Patients with Apraxia of Speech: A Study Protocol with Single Subject Design

Maryam Alizadeh, Azar Mehri, Shohreh Jalaie, Edythe A. Strand — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:23:19 +0330

Background: To introduce Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), which is one of the treatment methods for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), and it seems the characteristics make it a suitable option for the treatment of AOS patients. Additionally, no documented treatment protocol has been published in Iran for the treatment of AOS patients so far, so this study protocol intends to investigate the DTTC efficacy in the treatment of Persian-speaking patients with acquired AOS who will be allocated to this study using a non-probability and convenience method.
Material and Methods: A single subject study with multiple baseline design across participants was designed to obtain detailed information about intervention procedure on at least three participants' performance and a perceptual scoring system was introduced to measure the accuracy of treated and untreated words and phrases as a dependent variable.
Conclusions: This study describes the first research for investigating efficacy of DTTC on AOS patients' speech and the first treatment protocol in the field of treating Persian-speaking patients with AOS.

OpenSim-Based Coupled Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robots

Wajid Khalil Khalil — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330

This study introduces a human-machine model utilizing OpenSim. It examines the impact of a passive (unactuated) lower-limb rehabilitation exoskeleton on biomechanics during ambulation. The model assesses how well the joints are aligned, how the muscles are used, and how well the design performs. The exoskeleton is made of T6061 aluminum alloy, which makes it light and easy to move. Each leg has three active joints and two passive joints that work in the sagittal plane. Musculoskeletal and exoskeleton models are simulated together in MATLAB and OpenSim. MATLAB scripts set their dynamic properties. A six-degree-of-freedom bushing models the interaction between the human and the exoskeleton at contact points. Joint angles come from experimental gait measurements. A residual-reduction algorithm reduces dynamic errors while keeping the resulting residual forces and moments within acceptable limits. Muscle activations and forces are estimated using computed muscle control, which follows joint paths. Simulations show that even in passive mode, the exoskeleton increases overall lower-limb muscle activation by more than 50% compared to walking without assistance. Significant increases occur in the rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, semimembranosus, and vastus lateralis. Joint torques also change: swing-leg hip and knee torques decrease by about 50%, support-leg torques increase because of the load, and ankle torque adjusts for compensation. These non-invasive simulations show reduced torque variability and support better design updates. This leads to improved exoskeleton alignment and evaluation before physical prototyping.

Plyometric Training on Balance and Foot Function among Collegiate Football Players with Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:59:05 +0330

Background: Ankle sprains are common in competitive sports, especially football, accounting for about 15–17% of collegiate athletic injuries. Lateral ankle sprains occur frequently due to rapid directional changes, jumping, and intense landings. Plyometric training, involving explosive and dynamic movements, is gaining attention for its role in rehabilitation and injury prevention. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of plyometric training on balance and foot function among collegiate football players with lateral ankle sprains.
Material and Methods: Collegiate football players with lateral ankle sprain (LAS) completed a four-week plyometric training program consisting of three thirty-minute sessions per week that included Pogo Hops, Lateral Jumps, Forward Jumps and Single Leg Split Squats. The values of Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and Foot Function Index (FFI) scores pre- and post-intervention were compared with paired-sample t-test with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The study showed significant improvements in SEBT scores increased in the right limb (anterior: 80.400 ± 1.265 to 80.800 ± 1.206 cm, p<0.05) and left limb (anterior: 80.400 ± 1.265 to 80.850 ± 1.132 cm, p<0.05), with similar gains in posteromedial and posterolateral directions. FFI scores also improved for both limbs (right: 80.450 ± 1.165 to 80.850 ± 1.132; left: 80.550 ± 1.235 to 81.000 ± 1.179, p<0.05), indicating better balance and foot function.
Conclusions: Plyometric Training would typically emphasize its effectiveness in enhancing balance and foot function in collegiate football players recovering from lateral ankle sprains.