This prospective mixed-methods study investigates whether the combination of action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI)—referred to as AOMI—can enhance motor skills and motor imagery ability in people with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis (MS). MI involves mentally rehearsing movements by imagining their visual and kinaesthetic aspects without physical execution. This process activates motor regions of the brain, including the premotor and sensorimotor cortices, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, in a manner similar to actual movement. MI is commonly used as a complementary strategy in neurorehabilitation when physical execution of movements is limited.

AO is based on the premise that observing others perform movements activates similar neural processes as executing those movements oneself. Like MI, it engages the mirror neuron system, encompassing premotor and parietal regions as well as the cerebellum. AO is considered a “bottom-up” approach, as it operates through external visual input to facilitate motor learning. Both AO and MI rely on motor simulation, activating neural circuits comparable to those used in physical movement, thereby promoting neuroplasticity.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate immediate changes in motor imagery ability using mental chronometry (temporal congruence between real and imagined motor actions) following AOMI in individuals with MS and moderate to severe disability. Secondary objectives include investigating the short-term effects of AOMI on gross and fine hand motor function, arm motor performance, and mental rotation of the hand, shoulder, and neck, as well as kinaesthetic–visual motor imagery ability. Additional aims are to assess the ability to imitate hand and finger gestures, to explore participants’ experiences during upper limb AOMI, and to gather suggestions for optimising the intervention. Feasibility, acceptability, and adherence are examined through semi-structured interviews and observations.

A total of 33 people with MS are participating at the Clinic for Rehabilitation Münster. The study has been ongoing since March 2025 and aims to inform the development of novel approaches to upper limb rehabilitation in MS. It is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under the ID DRKS00036270.

This study is conducted in collaboration with the DHGS German University for Health and Sport, Faculty of Health, and the University for Continuing Education Krems as part of a supervised bachelor's and master's thesis.

Children’s physical activity levels have been declining in recent years due to various factors. To implement targeted health promotion measures at an early stage, reliable instruments for assessing physical activity are required. This study aims to translate, adapt, and validate the internationally recognised Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) for German-speaking children aged 8 to 14 years. The German version is referred to as PAQ-C-GER.

The translation is carried out by an interprofessional team of experts in accordance with current guidelines. The PAQ-C-GER is tested with children in the target age group to ensure comprehensibility of the items. Furthermore, its reliability and validity in assessing physical activity are examined. To this end, results are compared with established questionnaires on physical activity, motivation, and quality of life. Assessments are repeated after two weeks to evaluate test–retest reliability.

The aim of this study is to provide a valid and reliable German-language instrument for use in both research and practice to assess physical activity in children. The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under the ID DRKS00031162.

This study is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Neurology, Klinikum Bad Hall for Cardiovascular and Neurological Rehabilitation, Bad Hall, Austria, as well as the University of Continuing Education Krems as part of a supervised master's thesis.

This prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled pilot study investigates whether a novel physiotherapy method, axial rolling, can improve balance, functional mobility, and reduce fall risk in people with Parkinson’s disease. In addition to assessing potential effects on motor function, the study evaluates the feasibility of a larger follow-up trial, focusing on eligibility, recruitment, retention, and adherence rates, as well as the acceptability and safety of the intervention.

A total of 32 participants take part. All receive standard multidisciplinary neurological rehabilitation, with the intervention group performing axial rolling as an add-on to their therapy programme. Effectiveness is assessed using established measures of balance, walking ability, and fall risk, while participant wellbeing and intervention acceptability are also recorded. The study is conducted in collaboration with Klinikum Bad Hall and is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under the ID DRKS00034250.

This study is conducted in collaboration with the University of Continuing Education Krems as part of a supervised master's thesis.

Traumatic brain injuries often cause long-term impairments in physical and cognitive functions. Because these conditions are complex, multimodal therapy approaches are considered particularly suitable. In neurorehabilitation, interventions based on dance and music are gaining increasing attention as they combine movement, rhythm, and emotional engagement. However, systematic evidence of their effectiveness for patients after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still limited. The aim of this work is to analyse the current research on dance- and music-based interventions in TBI rehabilitation. It examines their effects on mobility, activities of daily living, quality of life, and intrinsic motivation. This systematic review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of current research on dance therapy and music-based interventions following TBI. The results will provide an overview of current evidence and help identify promising strategies for enhancing mobility, everyday functioning, and quality of life after traumatic brain injury. The review is registered in the PROSPERO database for systematic reviews under the ID CRD42024543272.

Staff shortages in the healthcare sector make it essential to understand existing organisational systems and the needs of employees. This is the central goal of the IGPP project. Through surveys, focus groups, and interviews conducted at the Clinic for Rehabilitation Münster, the project aims to identify changes that can positively impact employees’ mental and physical well-being.

In addition, interviews with senior managers and staff from external healthcare facilities in Austria and Switzerland enable mutual learning and the exchange of best practices. The project comprises several phases, including problem analysis, idea generation, idea selection, and evaluation based on predefined key performance indicators.

A jointly developed catalogue of effective short-term measures has already been implemented, and an Individual Growth Potential Plan (IGPP) has been established. Building on this foundation, further initiatives are currently being introduced at the Clinic for Rehabilitation Münster.

The long-term aim is for the IGPP and its associated workplace improvement measures to serve as a model not only for the Clinic for Rehabilitation Münster but also for other healthcare institutions. Ultimately, the project seeks to enhance everyday working life for all staff members.

The project is funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

This study is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Neurology, Klinikum Bad Hall for Cardiovascular and Neurological Rehabilitation, Bad Hall, Austria, as well as the University of Continuing Education Krems as part of a supervised master's thesis.

Upper-limb dysfunction is a common symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Immersive virtual reality (iVR) represents a promising and engaging approach to rehabilitation, but its effectiveness compared with conventional therapy has not yet been clearly established.

This bi-centre, observer-blinded, randomised controlled trial investigates the effects of iVR-based upper-limb training (CUREO VR Therapy System, CUREosity, Düsseldorf, Germany) in comparison with conventional upper-limb therapy in people with PD. Participants are randomly assigned to either iVR or conventional training, performed four times per week over four weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. The study evaluates changes in upper-limb motor performance as well as potential effects on non-motor aspects such as motivation, quality of life, and treatment adherence.

The aim is to explore whether immersive virtual reality can offer additional benefits over standard therapy and to contribute to evidence-based recommendations for rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease. The study protocol is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under the identifier DRKS00034193.

This study is conducted in collaboration with the Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck (Innsbruck, Austria); VASCage – Centre on Clinical Stroke Research (Innsbruck, Austria); Hochzirl Hospital (Hochzirl, Austria); the Karl Landsteiner Institute for Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research (Muenster, Austria); and the Department of Radiology, Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck (Innsbruck, Austria).

Posterior circulation stroke may result in ataxia, leading to impaired coordination and balance, reduced independence in daily activities, and an increased risk of falls—all of which markedly affect quality of life. Although coordination exercises have been shown to reduce ataxic symptoms in neurodegenerative conditions, evidence regarding their efficacy in stroke-related ataxia remains limited. This study therefore presents a protocol for a prospective trial investigating this gap.

This single-blinded, randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of coordination exercises compared with standard physiotherapy on balance and walking in patients with ataxic stroke. The study is being conducted at the Clinical Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, in collaboration with two rehabilitation centres in Austria (Hochzirl Hospital and Clinic for Rehabilitation Münster). The primary outcome is balance, measured using the Berg Balance Scale. Secondary outcomes include walking ability, fall risk and frequency, independence in daily life, and quality of life, assessed using validated scales. Participants are randomly assigned (1:1, stratified block randomisation) to either coordination training (intervention group) or standard physiotherapy (control group), each receiving twenty 45-minute sessions over four weeks. Assessments are conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and after eight weeks of home-based training.

In conclusion, this is the first randomised controlled trial to examine the impact of coordination exercises on balance and walking in individuals with stroke-related ataxia. Given the limited evidence highlighted in stroke rehabilitation guidelines, this study seeks to provide new insights into targeted interventions for this patient population.

Publication:
Meier, P., Mayer-Suess, L., Kiechl, S., Pachmann, U., Greimann, R., Kofler, M., Brenneis, C., Grams, A., Steiger, R., & Seebacher, B. (2024, 2024-August-05). Recovery of balance and walking in people with ataxia after acute cerebral stroke: study protocol for a prospective, monocentric, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial [Study Protocol]. Frontiers in Stroke, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fstro.2024.1388891