A new Cochrane review suggests that personalized programs to prevent falls in older people may not be effective in reducing falls. The review found that multifactorial programs, which are tailored to individual risk, have little or no benefit in preventing falls compared to standard medical care, exercise, or falls prevention education.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 17, 2026
A new Cochrane review of 8 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 adults found little to no benefit from widely-used back braces in managing chronic low back pain. The research suggested that the use of lumbar supports may be more common in lower-income countries where active treatment alternatives are less accessible.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 1, 2026
A new technology developed by TAU's Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine is approaching its first implantation in a person with paralysis following spinal cord injury. The implant, produced from the patient's own cells and tissues, aims to restore ability to stand, walk, and regain independence.
A new Global Burden of Disease study found that people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability as global life expectancy increases. The analysis revealed that high-income countries face the widest morbidity gaps, while women consistently live longer but spend more years in poor health.
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme has supported the creation of 691 businesses, generating 5,184 jobs and raising over £1.27 billion in investment. The programme continues to play a critical role in retaining talent within the NHS by enabling clinicians to develop their ventures alongside their clinical careers.
Researchers found that patients with Medicare Advantage insurance were more likely to receive certain types of stroke-preventing care and recover faster from strokes. In contrast, patients on traditional Medicare received more intensive post-stroke care and rehabilitation.
An integrated telehealth-based rehabilitation strategy improved 90-day health-related quality of life in mechanically ventilated adults, potentially reducing mortality. The study suggests that this approach can be delivered across intensive care unit, hospital, and postdischarge phases.
A nationwide implementation of a uniform multimodal prehabilitation program significantly reduced complication rates and length of hospital stay among patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. This study highlights the benefits of standardized preoperative care in improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that smoking substantially stiffens human lung parenchyma, making breathing progressively difficult. The study provides detailed mechanical data for human lungs, which may improve ventilator design and surgical planning tools.
Dr. Jonathan H. Whiteson has been appointed as the new chair of Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Langone Health, aiming to enhance rehabilitation care and services across the institution. He plans to focus on growth in oncology rehabilitation, frailty prevention, healthy aging, and emerging technologies like AI and remote patient monitoring.
A mixed-methods cohort study found daily living impairment is linked to slower recovery in older adults post-surgery. Targeted interventions, such as preoperative education and caregiver support, can optimize recovery experiences for both patients and caregivers.
A study of 77,947 patients found that those over 80 and with low initial ADL scores benefited from holiday rehabilitation. This suggests prioritizing interventions for elderly and independent individuals can lead to better outcomes.
A recent study by Brown University researchers found that Medicare's 'three-day rule' keeps patients in hospitals longer than needed without improving health outcomes or lowering Medicare costs. The reinstatement of the rule resulted in at least 2,000 additional hospital days.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods spend significantly fewer days at home after a hip fracture. The researchers analyzed Medicare data and found that people in the most deprived areas spent about 23 fewer days at home compared to those in less disadvanta...
A multicenter study found that higher-intensity rehabilitation in the ICU is linked to faster recovery and lower risk of delayed recovery for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Purposeful mobilization preserves muscle strength and function, supporting faster return to independence.
The Asia Pacific Regional Audit highlights key trends, gaps, and opportunities in 22 countries and regions. The audit reveals a steep rise in fracture rates due to poor bone health and an ageing population, with China, Malaysia, and Australia experiencing significant increases.
The new guideline recommends full-time infection prevention staff, comprehensive training, and support for all staff, as well as partnerships with hospitals and public health agencies. This guidance aims to reduce the risk of infections in nursing homes, saving lives and money.
A cross-sectional study found that US population faces significant challenges with nervous system disorders, impacting 180.3 million people, mainly due to stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, and migraine conditions.
Researchers developed a novel method to induce physiological responses similar to those experienced under psychological pressure. The approach, which involves aiming for consecutive successes, shows promise for studying the impact of pressure on human performance, including physical and intellectual tasks.
Researchers at FAU Engineering have developed foot-mounted wearable sensors and a 3D depth camera that accurately measure how people walk, even in busy clinical environments. The study findings reveal that these technologies match the accuracy of traditional tools but are more scalable, remote, and cost-effective.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC developed a new treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The approach uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeted to each patient's unique brain wiring, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures, with some patients becoming seizure-free for months.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association details differences in cardiac rehabilitation access, participation, and outcomes for women compared to men. The statement suggests evidence-based strategies to increase referral and completion rates for cardiac rehab programs among women with cardiovascular disease.
This randomized clinical trial shows electroacupuncture significantly accelerates postprostatectomy urinary continence recovery. It may serve as a safe adjunct to standard care, supporting its integration into multimodal rehabilitation protocols.
The report makes recommendations for diagnosing, treating and preventing serious heart and blood vessel complications linked to the virus. Structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes are also recommended to prevent long-term problems after infection and aid recovery from long Covid.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has relocated its inpatient services to a newly renovated space at Mount Sinai Morningside, featuring lifts, larger rooms, and state-of-the-art equipment. The new facility aims to enhance care for patients with various rehabilitative needs, including brain and spinal cord injuries.
A new review emphasizes the importance of both physical activity and reduced sedentary time for optimal skeletal health. Emerging evidence reveals that prolonged sitting and inactivity can harm bone health, even among regular exercisers.
Researchers from Kessler Foundation will share insights on spinal cord injury recovery, technological innovation, and caregiver support. The conference highlights the Foundation's leadership in rehabilitation science and commitment to advancing outcomes for individuals with SCI.
The study found that commonly used mental health screening tools may not be reliable for everyone, particularly African American youth. Research highlights the need for improved assessments that are both psychometrically sound and culturally responsive to protect vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice system.
New research highlights the transformative power of digital technology in shaping the e-patient era, enabling active participation and co-production in healthcare. Key technological innovations have built upon each other, providing patients with unprecedented tools for self-care and interaction with the healthcare system.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that US adolescents with cannabis use disorder have low treatment completion rates, ranging from 34.2% to 33.8%. The most common reasons for not completing treatment were dropping out, transferring facilities, and being terminated. Adolescents who began using cannabis at a younger age...
A systematic review and meta-analysis reveals that adults with hearing loss can enhance social engagement and functional outcomes by using hearing aids or cochlear implants. The study suggests that these devices should be encouraged for individuals with hearing loss to potentially improve their quality of life.
A special issue of Journal of Intensive Medicine provides key insights into selecting optimal non-invasive respiratory support strategies for AHRF, featuring review articles and original research. The collection offers guidance on the efficacy of HFNC, CPAP, NIV, and awake prone positioning to improve patient outcomes.
A Flinders University study found that providing consistent support and access to nicotine replacement therapies can help people in recovery quit smoking. The trial showed that both vapes and combination therapy were effective, with around 10% of participants abstaining from smoking at the nine-month follow-up.
A Cochrane review found that virtual reality (VR) can help stroke survivors regain arm movement and increase therapy time. VR may also improve balance and reduce activity limitations, but effects on mobility and quality of life are uncertain.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 19, 2025
JMIR Publications' 26 journals have achieved CiteScore recognition, with 12 ranked in the top quartile. The organization attributes its success to high-quality research and a commitment to open science.
A space-saving version of boccia, called Boccia XR, has been developed as a rehabilitation program for older adults. Participants showed improved moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia, with increased muscle activity in the rectus femoris during both types of boccia.
The journal is seeking submissions to a new theme issue exploring the importance of telerehabilitation and future directions for the field. Researchers will focus on implementation challenges, health equity concerns, and emerging innovations like AI-driven personalized rehabilitation.
Significant disparities in denials for admission were found among survivors of violence, who are disproportionately Black or Hispanic. Stigmatizing language in medical records suggests bias within the referral process contributing to these disparities.
Researchers developed a cell phone application that detects posture and advises users on how to improve alignment through voice commands, vibrations, or images. The app helps patients with hemiparesis, a common sequelae of strokes, regain lost body awareness and perform daily tasks.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
A team of researchers developed a smart insole system that accurately measures body interaction with the ground, estimating ground reaction forces. The TG0 Smart Insole outperformed traditional methods with an error rate as low as 4.16%, offering a reliable and affordable solution for monitoring movement in real-world scenarios.
A randomized clinical trial found that a brief outpatient rehabilitation program improved physical function in patients with post-COVID condition. The intervention showed sustained benefits over time, with negligible adverse effects.
A nonrandomized clinical trial found that wearable devices can increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and reduce dyspnea at 6 months post-lung cancer surgery. This suggests a promising role for wearable devices in personalizing perioperative rehabilitation strategies.
Researchers found that socially assistive robots improved stroke rehabilitation outcomes by encouraging people to continue their treatment in a non-judgmental setting. Participants who used the robots showed significant improvements in kinematic and clinical measures, including smoothness of movement and upper-extremity assessments.
A pilot study found that remote cognitive rehabilitation using TELE-Self-GEN improved memory performance and daily life functionality in individuals with MS. The virtual intervention demonstrated high levels of participant satisfaction and effectiveness.
A longitudinal study has found that tissue bridges in the spinal cord are associated with short- and long-term clinical improvements in patients with cervical spine injuries. The study's models, developed by a team of experts, incorporate tissue bridges for improved prognosis and can be transferred to other patient cohorts.
A new set of clinical practice standards and recommendations offers tailored and effective care for individuals with advanced and metastatic cancer. The initiative, backed by MASCC and ASCO, provides a critical resource to healthcare stakeholders.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has improved pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities, but challenges remain. Research highlights the need for targeted technical assistance, support, and innovation to improve outcomes.
A study of partners and adult children of stroke survivors found higher risks of mental health conditions and self-harm or suicide. The findings highlight the potential consequences of stroke on family members, particularly partners.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
A global comparative study assesses barriers to participation in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs for men and women, highlighting sex differences and regional variations. The study provides patients with mitigation strategies to address these barriers and improve CR utilization.
A new sensor design developed by a UMass Amherst-led team will monitor motion in stroke survivors' bodies to track their rehabilitation progress. The device uses wearable technology and the human body's conductive skin to transmit data, providing clinicians with valuable insights into patients' functional ability.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that rehabilitation interventions significantly improve functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life in adults with post-COVID-19 condition. The certainty of evidence for these outcomes was moderate to high.
Researchers found that identifying and targeting 'supercontactors', including nurses and patients with neurological disorders, can significantly reduce the incidence of MRSA colonization. Simulation studies showed that reinforced contact precautions and vaccination targeting these individuals can be more effective than random selection.
The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities in the US is more than double that of those without a disability, particularly youth. New research highlights the importance of community and business awareness of vocational services to increase work participation and quality of life.
The five-year project aims to enroll 500 working-age adults with brain or spinal cord injuries and explore the effectiveness of vocational resource facilitation services. Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and other partners will provide targeted counseling and support to help individuals return to work after disabling neurotrauma.
Researchers from Kessler Foundation are enrolling participants in a national trial testing a breakthrough device for improving recovery after stroke. The EMAGINE Stroke Recovery Trial pairs therapeutic exercise with electromagnetic stimulation to enhance brain and spinal cord function.
Dr. Nathan Hogaboom has won the prestigious Ernest Bors, MD Award for Scientific Development for his pioneering work on regenerative rehabilitation research in spinal cord injury. His award-winning study applied novel principles to treat debilitating shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.
A study found that increased prism adaptation treatment sessions improve spatial neglect symptoms, while more frequent sessions lead to greater rehabilitation gains. The authors recommend starting PAT early for optimal dosing.