International Journal of Neurorehabilitation

Children with neuromuscular disabilities face unique challenges related to muscle function, mobility, and overall health status. Neuromuscular disabilities encompass a spectrum of conditions affecting the nervous system's control over voluntary muscles, resulting in varying degrees of muscle weakness, spasticity and impaired motor function. Evaluating muscle mass as a biomarker for health status and function in these children is crucial for understanding disease progression, assessing treatment efficacy and optimizing care strategies. This systematic review explores existing literature on muscle mass measurement and its implications for health outcomes in children with neuromuscular disabilities. Neuromuscular disabilities encompass a diverse range of conditions, including but not limited to. A group of disorders affecting movement and posture due to non-progressive disturbances in the developing brain. Progressive genetic disorders characterized by muscle weakness and degeneration, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) or Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). A congenital condition where the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly, leading to varying degrees of paralysis and muscle weakness. Conditions affecting the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles, such as myasthenia gravis These conditions often result in muscle wasting, contractures and functional limitations, impacting daily activities, mobility, and quality of life.

Soft robotics is characterized by robots constructed from highly compliant materials, such as elastomers and polymers, which mimic biological organisms in flexibility and adaptability. Unlike traditional robots with rigid components, soft robots can perform tasks in unstructured environments with enhanced safety and dexterity. Key to the operation of soft robots are flexible strain sensors, which monitor and measure mechanical deformations and forces exerted on the robot's structure. Flexible strain sensors are designed to deform with the robot's movements, providing real-time feedback on changes in shape, pressure, or force. These sensors are essential for enabling precise control, feedback mechanisms and adaptive behaviors in soft robotics applications. The development of innovative strain sensors involves creating materials that are both sensitive and durable, measuring their performance accurately and analyzing the data statistically to understand their capabilities and limitations.

Neurological conditions in small animals, such as dogs and cats, can be diverse and debilitating. These conditions often include spinal cord injuries resulting from trauma, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy, stroke and congenital malformations. These disorders can lead to various degrees of motor impairment, ranging from mild gait abnormalities to complete paralysis. Neurorehabilitation aims to improve neurological function, enhance quality of life and potentially restore mobility through structured therapeutic interventions. The concept of locomotor training in small animals draws heavily from human medicine, where it has proven beneficial in promoting neural plasticity and functional recovery in individuals with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders. In veterinary medicine, the adaptation and refinement of locomotor training protocols have been transformative, offering new hope for animals previously deemed untreatable.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition characterized by the formation of Blood Clots (thrombi) within deep veins, most commonly in the legs. These clots can pose significant health risks, particularly in patients undergoing intensive care or rehabilitation following neurological conditions. In the context of an intensive inpatient neurorehabilitation unit, the prevalence of DVT and its associated risk factors become critically important to manage, as these patients often face prolonged periods of immobility and other factors that contribute to thrombotic events. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. These clots can block blood flow, causing swelling, pain and potentially life-threatening complications if they break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). The incidence of DVT varies across different patient populations, but individuals undergoing intensive neurorehabilitation are at heightened risk due to various factors associated with their condition and treatment protocols.