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EDITORIAL article

Front. Neurol.
Sec. Experimental Therapeutics
Volume 15 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1552118
This article is part of the Research Topic Device/pharmaceutical supported Neuro-functional Regeneration/Recovery in Neurological Disorders View all 8 articles

The Promise and Complexity of Neuro-functional Regeneration in Neurological Disorders

Provisionally accepted
  • Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    The field of neuro-functional regeneration and recovery in neurological disorders has witnessed a remarkable evolution, driven by innovative devices and pharmaceuticals. This advancement is crucial given the profound impact neurological conditions, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental dyslexia, have on patients' quality of life. Recent research highlights the potential and limitations of various neurorehabilitation strategies, shedding light on their efficacy and the need for nuanced application tailored to individual patient profiles. The integration of robotics in neuro-rehabilitation, particularly for stroke patients, represents a significant leap forward. However, as the study by Anneli Wall et al. on electromechanicallyassisted gait training with the wearable cyborg "Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL)" revealed, this technology's benefits might not be as straightforward as hoped. The study, which compared conventional gait training to HAL-assisted training in stroke patients, found no significant differences in gait pattern function between the two groups. This prompts the researchers to challenge critical questions about how to optimize rehabilitation programs, particularly for those with moderate to severe gait impairments, and suggests that the success of robotic assistance may depend heavily on patient-specific factors and the timing of intervention. Finally, Ran Li et al. designed a meta-analysis on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and provided a nuanced understanding of its efficacy in stroke rehabilitation. The study highlighted that effectiveness of rTMS was highly dependent on parameters such as the severity of hemiplegia and the stage of stroke recovery . For example, inhibitory rTMS was found to be most effective in the acute and subacute phases for less severe hemiplegia, while excitatory rTMS showed promise across various stages. These findings underscore the importance of personalized treatment plans in maximizing the therapeutic benefits of rTMS. The 7 studies reviewed here collectively emphasize the complexity of neuro-functional regeneration. While advancements in devices like HAL and interventions such as tPBM, tDCS, and rTMS offer new hope, their success hinges on a personalized approach that considers individual patient characteristics, the timing of interventions, and the combination of different therapeutic modalities. As research continues to evolve, the goal remains clear: to develop tailored rehabilitation strategies that maximize recovery and improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders.

    Keywords: Robotic therapy, wearable cyborg, Brain Stimulation, Electrical Stimulation, Neurorehabilitation

    Received: 27 Dec 2024; Accepted: 30 Dec 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Tsuda. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Eiichi Tsuda, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.