The importance of neurorehabilitation services for people with disabilities is getting well-recognized in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) recently. However, accessibility to the same has remained the most significant challenge, in these contexts. This is especially because of the non-availability of trained specialists and the availability of neurorehabilitation centers only in urban cities owned predominantly by private healthcare organizations. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, the members of the Task Force for research at the Indian Federation of Neurorehabilitation (IFNR) reviewed the context for tele-neurorehabilitation (TNR) and have provided the contemporary implications for practicing TNR during COVID-19 for people with neurological disabilities (PWNDs) in LMICs. Neurorehabilitation is a science that is driven by rigorous research-based evidence. The current pandemic implies the need for systematically developed TNR interventions that is evaluated for its feasibility and acceptability and that is informed by available evidence from LMICs. Given the lack of organized systems in place for the provision of neurorehabilitation services in general, there needs to be sufficient budgetary allocations and a sector-wide approach to developing policies and systems for the provision of TNR services for PWNDs. The pandemic situation provides an opportunity to optimize the technological innovations in health and scale up these innovations to meet the growing burden of neurological disability in LMICs. Thus, this immense opportunity must be tapped to build capacity for safe and effective TNR services provision for PWNDs in these settings.

Music‐based interventions (MBIs) offer promising strategies for addressing speech‐language impairments in individuals with nonfluent aphasia. This systematic review summarizes the current literature of MBIs for nonfluent aphasia recovery by types of MBIs to determine the efficacy of MBIs and assesses the risk of bias to identify common methodological limitations. A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo for the 20 years preceding July 2024. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the revised Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Ten RCTs met the inclusion criteria, featuring MBIs such as Melodic Intonation Therapy, Modified Melodic Intonation Therapy, and singing‐based approaches. The results highlighted the potential of MBIs in various domains, particularly in enhancing repetition and naming abilities, even when compared to speech therapy. The reviewed studies exhibited a moderate to high risk of bias. Outcome measures varied widely, and functional communication, a critical rehabilitation goal, was examined in just two RCTs. Furthermore, heterogeneous control conditions and statistical methods hindered meaningful comparisons across studies. Future research should prioritize functional communication outcomes and refine intervention protocols to strengthen the evidence base. Addressing these gaps is essential for advancing the potential benefits of these clinical tools for nonfluent aphasia recovery.

Objective Voice tremor (VT) is one of the characteristics of essential tremor (ET). This study was designed to describe the group and phonatory characteristics of classic ET patients with VT.Methods This retrospective case-control study compared classic ET patients with age and sex-matched controls. The ET population was subgrouped based on auditory perceptual voice analysis. Electroglottography and acoustic voice samples obtained from both groups were analyzed for contact quotient (CQ) and multidimensional voice program parameters, i.e., fundamental frequency (F0), perturbation, noise, and tremor parameters.Results The CQ, F0, perturbation, noise, and tremor characteristics significantly increased from the moderate VT group to the severe VT group.Conclusion The CQ, F0, and noise characteristics reflected the vocal folds’ functionality. The perturbation and tremor parameters variation were reasoned considering the tremor-related changes occurring in the laryngeal, vocal tract, and expiratory muscles in patients with ET. Thus, phonatory analysis may help in monitoring the progression of ET.

The implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems for individuals with nonverbal Autism Spectrum Disorder (nvASD) remains highly debated, especially in a multilingual and multicultural country like India. Existing AAC guidelines are largely Western-based and may not be fully applicable in the Indian context. This study explored the perspectives of Indian Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) on AAC implementation in individuals with nvASD. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved developing and validating a questionnaire assessing SLP’s practices and attitudes towards AAC. In phase 2, the validated questionnaire was administered online to 93 Indian SLPs (29.23 years of mean age, 71% female) represented diverse clinical, educational, and academic settings. The survey explored key parameters, including AAC candidacy, cultural and linguistic adaptation, AAC selection and customization, interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver involvement, outcome based evaluation practices, speech-AAC integration, and barriers to AAC implementation. Most SLPs emphasized working on communication prerequisites before introducing AAC. Vocabulary selection was prioritized over partner training. AAC was primarily used for both intervention and communication, employing goal-oriented approaches alongside other speech and language strategies. Challenges included lack of resources, inadequate training, and limited interdisciplinary collaboration. Parental involvement and caregiver feedback were identified as critical to success. SLPs in India broadly recognize AAC as a valuable tool for individuals with nvASD but report facing multiple systemic and practical challenges to its implementation. The findings underscore the need for culturally and contextually relevant AAC guidelines, targeted clinician training, and supportive policy measures to improve access and long-term communication outcomes in Indian settings.