Background and Objectives: Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is revolutionizing stroke rehabilitation by offering innovative neuroengineering solutions to address neurological deficits. By bypassing peripheral nerves and muscles, BCIs enable individuals with severe motor impairments to communicate their intentions directly through control signals derived from brain activity, opening new pathways for recovery and improving the quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the beneficial effects of BCI system-based interventions on upper limb motor function and performance of activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. We hypothesized that integrating BCI into occupational therapy would result in measurable improvements in hand strength, dexterity, independence in daily activities, and cognitive function compared to baseline. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted on 56 patients with subacute stroke. All patients received standard medical care and rehabilitation for 54 days, as part of the comprehensive treatment protocol. Patients underwent BCI training 2–3 times a week instead of some occupational therapy sessions, with each patient completing 15 sessions of BCI-based recoveriX treatment during rehabilitation. The occupational therapy program included bilateral exercises, grip-strengthening activities, fine motor/coordination tasks, tactile discrimination exercises, proprioceptive training, and mirror therapy to enhance motor recovery through visual feedback. Participants received ADL-related training aimed at improving their functional independence in everyday activities. Routine occupational therapy was provided five times a week for 50 min per session. Upper extremity function was evaluated using the Box and Block Test (BBT), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and dynamometry to assess gross manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and grip strength. Independence in daily living was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed across all the outcome measures (p < 0.001). The strength of the stroke-affected hand improved from 5.0 kg to 6.7 kg, and that of the unaffected hand improved from 29.7 kg to 40.0 kg. Functional independence increased notably, with the FIM scores rising from 43.0 to 83.5. Cognitive function also improved, with MMSE scores increasing from 22.0 to 26.0. The effect sizes ranged from moderate to large, indicating clinically meaningful benefits. Conclusions: This study suggests that BCI-based occupational therapy interventions effectively improve upper extremity motor function and daily functions and have a positive impact on the cognition of patients with subacute stroke.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of mortality and disability, with significant disparities observed across countries. This is particularly true in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), where populations are primarily at high and very high CVD risk. Highlighting modifiable risk factors underscores the urgent need for effective prevention programs. This paper introduces the European Program for Prevention (EPP), an initiative by the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP), designed to address these challenges. The EPP aims to enhance awareness and knowledge of validated preventive healthcare solutions implemented in CEE countries, showcase the region’s potential for innovative strategies, and evaluate the adaptability of successful programs for broader implementation. The EPP strongly supports the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, as well as initiatives by the World Heart Federation (WHF) and World Health Organization (WHO), by promoting best practices, early detection, integrated prevention frameworks, training, cross-border cooperation, and policy development. It advocates shifting healthcare priorities towards pre-disease prevention, thus reducing reliance on resource-intensive treatments. The program proposes an optimal CVD prevention system that includes mandatory health education, screening programs for familial hypercholesterolemia and universal Lp(a) screening, and comprehensive check-ups, notably integrated, comprehensive care programs. By leveraging existing validated programs and fostering collaboration, the EPP seeks to reduce the burden of CVD, improve outcomes, and promote cardiovascular health across Europe and beyond.

Background and Objectives: Frail patients after open-heart surgery often experience worse treatment outcomes in improving physical performance and muscle strength. As the functional recovery of frail patients after open-heart surgery is slower, conventional rehabilitation is frequently insufficient to achieve treatment goals. Therefore, the inclusion of additional exercise interventions in cardiac rehabilitation is becoming more relevant. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the effectiveness of additional exercise interventions—multicomponent and computer-based programs—applied along with conventional cardiac rehabilitation in improving the functional capacity and strength of frail patients after open-heart surgery. Materials and Methods: The population of this single-center, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial comprised 153 frail patients aged more than 65 years who underwent open-heart surgery. All patients were randomized into three groups: control (CG, n = 51), intervention 1 (IG-1, n = 51), and intervention 2 (IG-2, n = 51). All groups received conventional rehabilitation program six times/week, while the IG-1 additionally received the multicomponent dynamic training program 3 times/week, and the IG-2, the combined computer-based program 3 times/week. The primary outcome measure was change in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. Secondary outcome measures included the 6 min walk distance (6MWD), peak workload, grip strength, and leg press. Primary and secondary outcome measures were assessed before and after cardiac rehabilitation. Results: A total of 138 patients completed rehabilitation (46 in each group), and their data were included in the main analysis that followed a per-protocol approach. Although significant differences in the primary outcome—the SPPB score—were found in each group while performing within-group comparisons (p < 0.001), no significant pre-to-post rehabilitation differences were observed compared to all three groups (p = 0.939), and the effect sizes were small. Regarding secondary outcome measures, within-group comparison revealed significant differences in all parameters of all groups (p < 0.05), except for the grip strength of both hands in the IG-1. Between-group comparisons showed that the pre-to-post 6MWD difference between the CG and the IG-1 was significant (p = 0.014), but the effect size was small (ES = 0.240). Moreover, significant pre-and-post leg press 1RM differences (p < 0.001) were found between the CG and the IG-1 as well as between the CG and the IG-2 with the effect sizes being moderate (ES = 0.480) and large (ES = 0.613), respectively. Conclusions: Within-group comparison showed that all three rehabilitation programs are effective in improving almost all parameters of physical performance and muscle strength in frail patients after open-heart surgery. However, between-group comparisons indicated that computer-based interventions were more effective in improving leg press 1RM with a large effect size, while multicomponent training resulted in more effective gains in the 6MWD, although with a small effect size. These findings suggest that in clinical practice, computer-based exercise programs may be more suitable for patients with muscle weakness, while multicomponent exercise programs may be for those with reduced endurance.

This study aimed to demonstrate a novel sensor-based measuring stand for objective assessment of multi-directional lower limb muscle strength and to establish essential, age- and gender-stratified normative benchmarks. This cross-sectional study measured relative leg strength (N/kg) across six standing movements in 99 healthy, non-professional athletes (males and females aged 20–30, 40–50, and 60–70 years). Results confirmed that men exhibited significantly greater strength than women across all six directions (17% to 35% difference). Furthermore, a marked age-related decline was consistently observed in both sexes, with the largest and most clinically relevant differences (often exceeding 30%) concentrated in the transition to the 60–70-year range. Methodologically, these findings are limited to demonstrating age-related differences rather than longitudinal decline and are specific to an active, healthy cohort. This study demonstrates the sensor-based stand as an efficient, objective tool for comprehensive strength assessment, but its clinical utility is prospective and requires further validation against diverse and pathological patient populations.

Background and Objectives: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a widely used client-centered outcome measure designed to evaluate individuals’ self-perceived occupational performance and satisfaction with performance. Although an official Lithuanian version is available, its psychometric properties have not previously been evaluated in individuals undergoing poststroke rehabilitation. This study aimed to examine the test–retest reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness of the Lithuanian version of the COPM. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one individuals with subacute stroke participated in this prospective validation study. Test–retest reliability was assessed over a three-day interval using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent validity was examined by correlating COPM Performance and Satisfaction scores with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Responsiveness was evaluated by comparing baseline and discharge COPM scores following inpatient rehabilitation. Additional exploratory analyses assessed whether demographic or clinical characteristics were associated with COPM scores. Results: The Lithuanian version of the COPM demonstrated high test–retest reliability, with ICC values of 0.974 (95% CI: 0.947–0.988) for Occupational Performance and 0.956 (95% CI: 0.911–0.979) for Occupational Satisfaction (both p < 0.001). Concurrent validity was partially supported by weak-to-moderate correlations between the COPM and the FIM at both the initial and final evaluations. Both COPM subscales showed significant improvements following inpatient rehabilitation (p < 0.001), with a mean change of 2.37 and 2.18 points for Occupational Performance and Occupational Satisfaction, respectively. Improvements of at least 2 points, a commonly used threshold for minimal important change in COPM scores, were observed in 51.6% and 41.9% of participants, respectively. Exploratory analyses showed no significant differences according to sex, stroke type, or affected body side. Conclusions: The Lithuanian version of the COPM demonstrated high test–retest reliability, evidence partially supporting concurrent validity, and responsiveness to change in individuals undergoing poststroke rehabilitation. These findings support its use as a client-centered outcome measure for evaluating occupational performance and satisfaction alongside standardized functional assessments.