1. The Role of Early Rehabilitation and Functional Electrical Stimulation in Rehabilitation for Cats with Partial Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: A Pilot Study on Domestic Cats in Portugal.
- Author
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Gouveia, Débora, Cardoso, Ana, Carvalho, Carla, Rijo, Inês, Almeida, António, Gamboa, Óscar, Lopes, Bruna, Sousa, Patrícia, Coelho, André, Balça, Maria Manuel, Salgado, António J., Alvites, Rui, Varejão, Artur Severo P., Maurício, Ana Colette, Ferreira, António, and Martins, Ângela
- Subjects
ELECTRIC stimulation ,BRACHIAL plexus ,CATS ,BODY-weight-supported treadmill training ,NEUROTROPHINS ,TRAFFIC accidents ,REHABILITATION ,MULTIMODAL user interfaces ,SPORTS injuries - Abstract
Simple Summary: Partial traumatic brachial plexus injury due to road traffic accidents is one of the most common and challenging disorders requiring neurorehabilitation in cats. The implementation of early intensive neurorehabilitation, including electrical stimulation with specific parameters and physical activity, may contribute to faster sensory-motor recovery and resumption of ambulation, possibly avoiding amputation of the affected limb. This prospective observational cohort pilot study included 22 cats diagnosed with partial traumatic brachial plexus injury (PTBPI), aiming to explore responses to an early intensive neurorehabilitation protocol in a clinical setting. This protocol included functional electrical stimulation (FES), locomotor treadmill training and kinesiotherapy exercises, starting at the time with highest probability of nerve repair. The synergetic benefits of this multimodal approach were based on the potential structural and protective role of proteins and the release of neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, FES was parametrized according to the presence or absence of deep pain. Following treatment, 72.6% of the cats achieved ambulation: 9 cats within 15 days, 2 cats within 30 days and 5 cats within 60 days. During the four-year follow-up, there was evidence of improvement in both muscle mass and muscle weakness, in addition to the disappearance of neuropathic pain. Notably, after the 60 days of neurorehabilitation, 3 cats showed improved ambulation after arthrodesis of the carpus. Thus, early rehabilitation, with FES applied in the first weeks after injury and accurate parametrization according to the presence or absence of deep pain, may help in functional recovery and ambulation, reducing the probability of amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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