title: A Critical Evaluation of the Methodological Obstacles to Translating Cell-Based Research Into an Effective Treatment for People With Parkinson's Disease.
abstract: The remarkable scientific and technological advances in the field of cell research have not been translated into viable restorative therapies for brain disorders. In this article, we examine the best available evidence for the clinical efficacy of reconstructive intracerebral transplantation in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), with the aim of identifying methodological obstacles to the translation process. The major stumbling block is the fact that the potential contributions of people with neural grafts and the effects of the physical and social environment in which they recover have not been adequately investigated and applied to advancing the clinical stages of the research program. We suggest that the biopsychosocial model along with emerging evidence of targeted rehabilitation can provide a useful framework for conducting research and evaluation that will ensure the best possible outcomes following intracerebral transplantation for PD.
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Polgar
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia Ilia State University, Georgia l.karimi@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Karimi
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buultjens
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Meg E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000379:methods*; D014180:Transplantation / Q000379:methods
keywords: Parkinson’s disease; biopsychosocial approach; intracerebral transplantation; methodology; patient-centered practice; rehabilitation