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Gosine P, Komisar V, Novak AC. The Effect of Handrail Cross-Sectional Design and Age on the Speed and Quality of Reach-To-Grasp Reactions to Recover Balance. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:56-70. [PMID: 35465756 PMCID: PMC10756024 DOI: 10.1177/00187208221082439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of handrail cross-section on the speed and quality of reach-to-grasp movements following balance loss in younger and older adults. BACKGROUND Grasping a handrail is a common strategy for balance recovery. For handrails to be effective, the design must enable fast and accurate reactive grasping. Little is known about the effect of handrail cross-section on the timing or quality of the reach-to-grasp movement following balance loss. METHODS Twenty-four younger and 16 older adults experienced incrementally increasing magnitudes of perturbations in the forward and backward direction until they were no longer able to recover balance. We analyzed the last trial where the participant could recover using only the handrail, without stepping or relying on the harness, the maximum withstood perturbation (MWP). Seven handrail cross-sections were tested. RESULTS Handrail cross-section did not affect the speed or timing of the reach-to-grasp reaction for younger or older adults. However, handrail cross-section affected the MWP, the grip types used, and the likelihood of making an error or adjustment when grasping. The greatest MWP and fewest errors occurred with 1.5" round handrails. CONCLUSION The absence of common strategies for accurately grasping complex shapes (reaching more slowly), combined with the higher frequency of errors with larger handrails, suggests that both older and younger adults prioritized quickly reaching the handrail over prehension during reach-to-grasp balance reactions. APPLICATION This work provides new insights on the effect of age and handrail cross-sectional design on reach-to-grasp reactions to recover balance, which can inform safer handrail design standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa Gosine
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vicki Komisar
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, 1137 Alumni Ave, Kelowna, BC, Canada, V1V 1V7
| | - Alison C Novak
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Campoi EG, Campoi HG, Moraes R. The effects of age and postural constraints on prehension. Exp Brain Res 2023:10.1007/s00221-023-06647-0. [PMID: 37256337 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Older adults adapt the execution of complex motor tasks to use compensatory strategies in the reaching-to-grasping (i.e., prehension) movement. The presence of postural constraints may exacerbate these compensatory strategies. Therefore, we investigated the reach-to-grasp action with different postural constraints (sitting, standing, and walking) in younger and older people and evaluated the postural stability during the reach-to-grasp action. Thirty individuals (15 younger and 15 older adults) performed the prehension under three postural tasks: sitting, standing, and walking. The reaching movement was slower in the walking task than in the other two postural tasks; however, there was no difference between the age groups. For the grasping action, the older adults presented a larger grip aperture, and the peak grip aperture occurred earlier during hand transportation in sitting and standing tasks. In the standing task, the margin of stability was smaller for older adults. In the walking task, there was no difference between the groups for the margin of stability. Also, prehension during sitting and standing tasks were similar, and both differed from walking across age groups. Finally, older adults reduced their margin of stability compared to younger adults, but only in the standing task. The margin of stability was similar between age groups during the walking task. We concluded that age affected grasping (distal component) but not reaching (proximal component), suggesting that healthy older adults have more difficulty controlling distal than proximal body segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo G Campoi
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-907, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Henrique G Campoi
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-907, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Renato Moraes
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-907, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil.
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3
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Rovini E, Galperti G, Manera V, Mancioppi G, Fiorini L, Gros A, Robert P, Cavallo F. A wearable ring-shaped inertial system to identify action planning impairments during reach-to-grasp sequences: a pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2021; 18:118. [PMID: 34315497 PMCID: PMC8314592 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00913-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The progressive ageing of the population is leading to an increasing number of people affected by cognitive decline, including disorders in executive functions (EFs), such as action planning. Current procedures to evaluate cognitive decline are based on neuropsychological tests, but novel methods and approaches start to be investigated. Reach-to-grasp (RG) protocols have shown that intentions can influence the EFs of action planning. In this work, we proposed a novel ring-shaped wearable inertial device, SensRing, to measure kinematic parameters during RG and after-grasp (AG) tasks with different end-goals. The aim is to evaluate whether SensRing can characterize the motor performances of people affected by Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) with impairment in EFs. Methods Eight Individuals with dysexecutive MND, named d-MND, were compared to ten older healthy subjects (HC). They were asked to reach and grasp a can with three different intentions: to drink (DRINK), to place it on a target (PLACE), or to pass it to a partner (PASS). Twenty-one kinematic parameters were extracted from SensRing inertial data. Results Seven parameters resulted able to differentiate between HC and d-MND in the RG phase, and 8 features resulted significant in the AG phase. d-MND, indeed, had longer reaction times (in RG PLACE), slower peak velocities (in RG PLACE and PASS, in AG DRINK and PLACE), longer deceleration phases (in all RG and AG DRINK), and higher variability (in RG PLACE, in AG DRINK and PASS). Furthermore, d-MND showed no significant differences among conditions, suggesting that impairments in EFs influence their capabilities in modulating the action planning based on the end-goal. Conclusions Based on this explorative study, the system might have the potential for objectifying the clinical assessment of people affected by d-MND by administering an easy motor test. Although these preliminary results have to be investigated in-depth in a larger sample, the portability, wearability, accuracy, and ease-of use of the system make the SensRing potentially appliable for remote applications at home, including analysis of protocols for neuromotor rehabilitation in patients affected by MND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Rovini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Guenda Galperti
- The BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Gianmaria Mancioppi
- The BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Fiorini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Auriane Gros
- CoBTeK Lab of the Université Cote D'Azur, Nice, France
| | | | - Filippo Cavallo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. .,The BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy. .,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.
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4
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Manera V, Galperti G, Rovini E, Zeghari R, Mancioppi G, Fiorini L, Gros A, Mouton A, Robert P, Cavallo F. Grasping Social Apathy: The Role of Reach-To-Grasp Action Kinematics for the Assessment of Social Apathy in Mild Neurocognitive Disorders. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 81:569-582. [PMID: 33814424 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social apathy, a reduction in initiative in proposing or engaging in social activities or interactions, is common in mild neurocognitive disorders (MND). Current apathy assessment relies on self-reports or clinical scales, but growing attention is devoted to defining more objective, measurable and non-invasive apathy proxies. OBJECTIVE In the present study we investigated the interest of recording action kinematics in a social reach-to-grasp task for the assessment of social apathy. METHODS Thirty participants took part in the study: 11 healthy controls (HC; 6 females, mean age = 68.3±10.5 years) and 19 subjects with MND (13 females, mean age = 75.7±6.3 years). Based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Apathy, MND subjects were classified as socially apathetic (A-MND, N = 9) versus non-apathetic (NA-MND, N = 10). SensRing, a ring-shaped wearable sensor, was placed on their index finger, and subjects were asked to reach and grasp a can to place it into a cup (individual condition) and pass it to a partner (social condition). RESULTS In the reach-to-grasp phase of the action, HC and NA-MND showed different acceleration and velocity profiles in the social versus individual condition. No differences were found for A-MND. CONCLUSION Previous studies showed the interest of recording patients' level of weekly motor activity for apathy assessment. Here we showed that a 10-min reach-to-grasp task may provide information to differentiate socially apathetic and non-apathetic subjects with MND, thus providing a tool easily usable in the clinical practice. Future studies with a bigger sample are needed to better characterize these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Manera
- CoBTeK Laboratory, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France.,IA Association, Nice, France
| | - Guenda Galperti
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Italy.,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erika Rovini
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Italy.,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Radia Zeghari
- CoBTeK Laboratory, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France.,IA Association, Nice, France
| | - Gianmaria Mancioppi
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Italy.,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Fiorini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Auriane Gros
- CoBTeK Laboratory, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France.,IA Association, Nice, France.,Department of Speech Therapy,Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Aurélie Mouton
- CoBTeK Laboratory, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France.,IA Association, Nice, France.,Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Philippe Robert
- CoBTeK Laboratory, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France.,IA Association, Nice, France.,Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Filippo Cavallo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Italy.,Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
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Scharoun Benson SM, Williams N, Tucker J, Bryden PJ. How far will you go before switching hands? Handedness on the long pegboard across the lifespan. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:1109-1119. [PMID: 33634464 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Handedness is a significant behavioral asymmetry; however, there is debate surrounding the age at which hand preference develops, and little research has been conducted on handedness in older adults. The current study examined performance on the long pegboard, to identify similarities and differences in young children (ages 4-7 years), older children (ages 8-12 years), young adults (ages 18-25 years), and older adults (ages 70+ years). Average time per hole, number of hand switches, and errors were assessed with left- and right-hand starts. A left-right ratio was computed from the long pegboard, along with laterality quotients from the Waterloo Handedness Questionnaire (WHQ). Results revealed faster performance when participants started the task on the right side of the long pegboard with the right-hand, coupled with a later switch to the left-hand. There was a greater number of errors with left-hand starts, and an earlier switch to the right-hand. Age was a significant predictor of the average time per hole and number of errors. Long pegboard ratio and WHQ laterality quotient were only correlated for adults. Together, findings offer insight regarding age-related effects in handedness and support the long pegboard as a useful measure of handedness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Williams
- Departmnt of Kiesniology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Tucker
- Departmnt of Kiesniology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela J Bryden
- Departmnt of Kiesniology & Physical Education, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Abstract
The size-weight illusion is a perceptual illusion where smaller objects are judged as heavier than equally weighted larger objects. A previous informal report suggests that visual form agnosic patient DF does not experience the size-weight illusion when vision is the only available cue to object size. We tested this experimentally, comparing the magnitudes of DF's visual, kinesthetic and visual-kinesthetic size-weight illusions to those of 28 similarly-aged controls. A modified t-test found that DF's visual size-weight illusion was significantly smaller than that of controls (zcc = -1.7). A test of simple dissociation based on the Revised Standardized Difference Test found that the discrepancy between the magnitude of DF's visual and kinesthetic size-weight illusions was not significantly different from that of controls (zdcc = -1.054), thereby failing to establish a dissociation between the visual and kinesthetic conditions. These results are consistent with previous suggestions that visual form agnosia, following ventral visual stream damage, is associated with an abnormally reduced size-weight illusion. The results, however, do not confirm that this reduction is specific to the use of visual size cues to predict object weight, rather than reflecting more general changes in the processing of object size cues or in the use of predictive strategies for lifting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Sedda
- School of Social Sciences,Psychology, Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Robert D McIntosh
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, UK
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7
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The target as an obstacle: Grasping an object at different heights. Hum Mov Sci 2018; 61:189-196. [PMID: 30170261 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Humans use a stereotypical movement pattern to grasp a target object. What is the cause of this stereotypical pattern? One of the possible factors is that the target object is considered an obstacle at positions other than the envisioned goal positions for the digits: while each digit aims for a goal position on the target object, they avoid other positions on the target object even if these positions do not obstruct the movement. According to this hypothesis, the maximum grip aperture will be higher if the risk of colliding with the target object is larger. Based on this hypothesis, we made a set of two unique predictions for grasping a vertically oriented cuboid at its sides at different heights. For cuboids of the same height, the maximum grip aperture will be smaller when grasped higher. For cuboids whose height varies with grip height, the maximum grip aperture will be larger when grasped higher. Both predicted relations were experimentally confirmed. This result supports the idea that considering the target object as an obstacle at positions other than the envisioned goal positions for the digits is underlying the stereotypical movement patterns in grasping. The goal positions of the digits thus influence the maximum grip aperture even if the distance between the goal positions on the target object does not change.
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8
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Couth S, Gowen E, Poliakoff E. How does ageing affect grasp adaptation to a visual-haptic size conflict? Exp Brain Res 2018; 236:2173-2184. [PMID: 29796755 PMCID: PMC6061465 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5288-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the ability to adapt motor behaviour to sudden environmental changes may be impaired in older adults. Here, we investigated whether the adaptation of grasping behaviour in response to a visual-haptic size conflict is also affected by increasing age. 30 older and 18 young adults were instructed to grasp a hidden block whilst viewing a second block in a congruent position. Initially block sizes were equal, but after a set number of trials a sensory conflict was introduced by covertly changing the hidden block for a smaller or larger block. The scale and speed of maximum grasp aperture adaptation to the increase or decrease in the size of the hidden block was measured. Older adults successfully adapted to the visual-haptic size conflict in a similar manner to young adults, despite a tendency to adapt less when the hidden block increased in size. This finding is attributed to the physical capabilities of the grasping hand of older adults, rather than an effect of age-related sensory or cognitive decline. The speed of grasp adaptation did not differ between age groups; however, awareness of the visual-haptic conflict lead to faster adaptation. These findings suggest that sensorimotor adaptation for grasping is intact for cognitively healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Couth
- Division of Human Communication, Development and Hearing, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, A3.16 Ellen Wilkinson Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK.
| | - Emma Gowen
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
| | - Ellen Poliakoff
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Zochonis Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK
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9
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Lulic T, Maciukiewicz JM, Gonzalez DA, Roy EA, Dickerson CR. The effect of aging and contextual information on manual asymmetry in tool use. Exp Brain Res 2018; 236:2347-2362. [PMID: 29947955 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Healthy aging affects manual asymmetries in simple motor tasks, such as unilateral reaching and aiming. The effects of aging on manual asymmetries in the performance of a complex, naturalistic task are unknown, but are relevant for investigating the praxis system. This study examined how aging influences manual asymmetry in different contexts in a tool manipulation task. Fifty healthy, right-hand-dominant young (N = 29; 21.41 ± 2.87 years), and elderly (N = 21; mean: 74.14 ± 6.64 years) participants performed a 'slicing' gesture in response to a verbal command in two contexts: with (tool) and without the tool (pantomime). For interjoint relationships between shoulder plane of elevation and elbow flexion, a HAND × AGE × CONTEXT interaction existed (F1,43 = 4.746, p = 0.035). In pantomime, interjoint control deviated more in the left (non-dominant) than the right (dominant) limb in the elderly adult group (Wilcoxon, p = 0.010). No such differences existed in the young adult group (Wilcoxon, p = 0.471). Furthermore, contextual information reduced interjoint deviation in young adults when the task was performed with the right (dominant) hand (Wilcoxon, p = 0.001) and in the elderly adults when the task was performed with the left (non-dominant) hand (Wilcoxon, p = 0.012). The presence of the tool did not reduce interjoint deviation for the right hand in the elderly group (Wilcoxon, p = 0.064) or the left hand in the young group (Wilcoxon, p = 0.044). Deviation within trials (i.e., intrasubject deviation) in elbow flexion was higher in the elderly relative to the young adult group (p = 0.003). Finally, resultant peak velocities were smaller (p = 0.002) and cycle duration longer (p < 0.0001) in the elderly adult group. This study provides novel evidence that aging affects manual asymmetries and sensorimotor control in a naturalistic task and warrants that aging research considers the context in which the task is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lulic
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn M Maciukiewicz
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - David A Gonzalez
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Eric A Roy
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Clark R Dickerson
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Vasylenko O, Gorecka MM, Rodríguez-Aranda C. Manual dexterity in young and healthy older adults. 1. Age- and gender-related differences in unimanual and bimanual performance. Dev Psychobiol 2018. [PMID: 29528105 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to better characterize age-related differences in dexterity by using an integrative approach where movement times and kinematics were measured for both hands. Forty-five young (age 19-31) and 55 healthy older adults (age 60-88) were evaluated during unimanual and bimanual performance of the Purdue Pegboard Test. Gender effects were also assessed. From video-recorded data, movement times and kinematics were obtained for reaching, grasping, transport, and inserting. Results showed that older adults had longer movement times for grasping and inserting with the right hand, and across all movements with the left hand. Kinematic differences were found in path length, linear, and angular velocity. The patterns of slowing were similar in unimanual and bimanual tasks. Gender effects showed more slowing in older males than older females. Age differences in dexterity not only comprise slowing of movements but also kinematic alterations. The importance of gender in hand function was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Vasylenko
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marta M Gorecka
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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End-State Comfort Across the Lifespan: A Cross-Sectional Investigation of How Movement Context Influences Motor Planning in an Overturned Glass Task. Motor Control 2017; 22:211-230. [PMID: 28771106 DOI: 10.1123/mc.2016-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Young adults plan actions in advance to minimize the cost of movement. This is exemplified by the end-state comfort (ESC) effect. A pattern of improvement in ESC in children is linked to the development of cognitive control processes, and decline in older adults is attributed to cognitive decline. This study used a cross-sectional design to examine how movement context (pantomime, demonstration with image/glass as a guide, actual grasping) influences between-hand differences in ESC planning. Children (5- to 12-year-olds), young adults, and two groups of older adults (aged 60-70, and aged 71 and older) were assessed. Findings provide evidence for adult-like patterns of ESC in 8-year-olds. Results are attributed to improvements in proprioceptive acuity and proficiency in generating and implementing internal representations of action. For older adults early in the aging process, sensitivity to ESC did not differ from young adults. However, with increasing age, differences reflect challenges in motor planning with increases in cognitive demand, similar to previous work. Findings have implications for understanding lifespan motor behavior.
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Ambron E, Schettino LF, Coyle M, Jax S, Coslett HB. When perception trips action! The increase in the perceived size of both hand and target matters in reaching and grasping movements. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2017; 180:160-168. [PMID: 28957732 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reaching and grasping movements rely on visual information regarding the target characteristics (e.g. size) and the hand position during the action execution. Changes in the visual representation of the body (e.g. increase in the perceived size of the hand) can modify action performance, but it is still unclear how these modifications interact with changes in the external environment. We investigated this topic by manipulating the perceived size of both hand and target objects and the degree of visual feedback available during the movement execution. Ten young adults were asked to reach and grasp geometrical objects in four different conditions: (i) with normal vision with the light on, (ii) with normal vision in the dark, (iii) using magnifying lenses in the light and (iv) using magnifying lenses in the dark. In contrast with previous works, our results show that movement execution is longer in magnified vision compared to normal when the action is executed in the light, but the grasping component was not affected by changes in size in this condition. On the contrary, when the visual feedback of the hand was removed and participants performed the action in the dark, movements were faster and the distances across fingers larger in the magnified than normal vision. This pattern of data suggests that grasping movements adapt rapidly and compensate for changes in vision when this process depends on the degree of visual feedback and/or environmental cues available. In the debate regarding the dissociation between action and perception, our data suggest that action may overcome changes in perception when visual feedback is available, but perception may trick action in situations of reduced visual information.
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13
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Vianello A, Chittaro L, Burigat S, Budai R. MotorBrain: A mobile app for the assessment of users' motor performance in neurology. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2017; 143:35-47. [PMID: 28391817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Human motor skills or impairments have been traditionally assessed by neurologists by means of paper-and-pencil tests or special hardware. More recently, technologies such as digitizing tablets and touchscreens have offered neurologists new assessment possibilities, but their use has been restricted to a specific medical condition, or to stylus-operated mobile devices. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, we propose a mobile app (MotorBrain) that offers six computerized versions of traditional motor tests, can be used directly by patients (with and without the supervision of a clinician), and aims at turning millions of smartphones and tablets available to the general public into data collection and assessment tools. Then, we carry out a study to determine whether the data collected by MotorBrain can be meaningful for describing aging in human motor performance. METHODS A sample of healthy participants (N= 133) carried out the motor tests using MotorBrain on a smartphone. Participants were split into two groups (Young, Old) based on their age (less than or equal to 30 years, greater than or equal to 50 years, respectively). The data collected by the app characterizes accuracy, reaction times, and speed of movement. It was analyzed to investigate differences between the two groups. RESULTS The app does allow measuring differences in neuromotor performance. Data collected by the app allowed us to assess performance differences due to the aging of the neuromuscular system. CONCLUSIONS Data collected through MotorBrain is suitable to make meaningful distinctions among different kinds of performance, and allowed us to highlight performance differences associated to aging. MotorBrain supports the building of a large database of neuromotor data, which can be used for normative purposes in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vianello
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Luca Chittaro
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | - Stefano Burigat
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Riccardo Budai
- Department of Neurology, "Santa Maria della Misericordia" Hospital, Udine, Italy
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14
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Rinaldi N, Moraes R. Older adults with history of falls are unable to perform walking and prehension movements simultaneously. Neuroscience 2016; 316:249-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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15
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Rodríguez-Aranda C, Mittner M, Vasylenko O. Association Between Executive Functions, Working Memory, and Manual Dexterity in Young and Healthy Older Adults: An Exploratory Study. Percept Mot Skills 2016; 122:165-92. [PMID: 27420314 DOI: 10.1177/0031512516628370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by declines in cognitive and sensorimotor functions. However, at present, the interrelation between attentional processes and dexterity in aging has not been thoroughly addressed. This study explored the relationship between executive function, working memory, and dexterity performance in 15 young and 15 healthy elderly, right-handed participants. A modified version of the Purdue Pegboard Test was used for dexterity assessment. Two subtasks were selected to calculate temporal and kinematic parameters of reaching, grasping, transport, and insertion of pegs. Evaluation of executive function and working memory was performed using neuropsychological tests. The relationship between dexterity and cognitive outcomes were also examined. Results showed that the prehensile movements involved in grasping and their speed significantly differed between groups and correlated with executive function in the young group. For elderly adults, variability of hand movements turned out to be associated with executive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olena Vasylenko
- University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
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16
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Scharoun SM, Gonzalez DA, Roy EA, Bryden PJ. How the mode of action affects evidence of planning and movement kinematics in aging: End-state comfort in older adults. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 58:439-49. [PMID: 26617081 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Scharoun
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo; 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo; Ontario Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Dave A. Gonzalez
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo; 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo; Ontario Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Eric A. Roy
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo; 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo; Ontario Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Pamela J. Bryden
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education; Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West; Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2L 3C5
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17
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Ambron E, Lingnau A, Lunardelli A, Pesavento V, Rumiati RI. The effect of goals and vision on movements: A case study of optic ataxia and limb apraxia. Brain Cogn 2015; 95:77-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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