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Baccouch R, Jouira G, Alexe CI, Tohănean DI, Alexe DI. Postural Control and Neuromuscular Activation in 11-13-Year-Old Athletic Boy Swimmers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:863. [PMID: 39062312 PMCID: PMC11276417 DOI: 10.3390/children11070863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared postural control and neuromuscular activation in athletic swimmers (A-S) and non-athletic swimmers (N-A-S) in older children. METHODS Ten A-S and ten N-A-S underwent assessments of center of pressure (CoP) parameters under static and dynamic surfaces in two directions (dynamic mediolateral (DML) and dynamic anteroposterior (DAP)) in eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions, and electromyography (EMG) parameters under DAP and DML directions in EO and EC conditions. RESULTS Results showed that A-S demonstrated significantly superior postural control (p < 0.05), with smaller CoP area and lower CoP mean velocity compared with N-A-S, particularly in static with EC, DAP with EO and EC, and DML with EO conditions. A-S exhibited significantly larger neuromuscular activation amplitudes (p < 0.05), especially in the AP direction. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that athletic swimming training may enhance postural control and neuromuscular activation in 11-13-year-old children, emphasizing the potential benefits of incorporating swimming exercises in these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rym Baccouch
- Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé (EM2S) LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia; (R.B.); (G.J.)
| | - Ghada Jouira
- Research Laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé (EM2S) LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia; (R.B.); (G.J.)
| | - Cristina Ioana Alexe
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Performance, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600115 Bacau, Romania
| | - Dragoș Ioan Tohănean
- Departament of Motric Performance, “Transilvania” University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Dan Iulian Alexe
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, “Vasile Alecsandri” University of Bacău, 600115 Bacău, Romania;
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Van Humbeeck N, Van Wilderode M, Kliegl R, van Wieringen A, Krampe RT. Multitasking across the lifespan in different task contexts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11817. [PMID: 38783047 PMCID: PMC11116417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We assessed lifespan development of multitasking in a sample of 187 individuals aged 8-82 years. Participants performed a visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) task together with either postural control or reaction time (RT) tasks. Using criterion-referenced testing we individually adjusted difficulty levels for the VSWM task to control for single-task differences. Age-differences in single-task performances followed U-shaped patterns with young adults outperforming children and older adults. Multitasking manipulations yielded robust performance decrements in VSWM, postural control and RT tasks. Presumably due to our adjustment of VSWM challenges, costs in this task were small and similar across age groups suggesting that age-differential costs found in earlier studies largely reflected differences already present during single-task performance. Age-differences in multitasking costs for concurrent tasks depended on specific combinations. For VSWM and RT task combinations increases in RT were the smallest for children but pronounced in adults highlighting the role of cognitive control processes. Stabilogram diffusion analysis of postural control demonstrated that long-term control mechanisms were affected by concurrent VSWM demands. This interference was pronounced in older adults supporting concepts of compensation or increased cognitive involvement in sensorimotor processes at older age. Our study demonstrates how a lifespan approach can delineate the explanatory scope of models of human multitasking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mira Van Wilderode
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Reinhold Kliegl
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Astrid van Wieringen
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Dept of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ralf T Krampe
- Brain & Cognition Group, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
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Schönberg NKT, Poppel J, Howell D, Wagner J, Höfinger M, Fabri N, Bonke EM, Rojczyk P, Hösl M, Kiwull L, Schröder SA, Blaschek A, Vill K, Koerte IK, Huppert D, Heinen F, Bonfert MV. Instrumented Balance Error Scoring System in Children and Adolescents-A Cross Sectional Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:513. [PMID: 38472985 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a commonly used method for clinically evaluating balance after traumatic brain injury. The utilization of force plates, characterized by their cost-effectiveness and portability, facilitates the integration of instrumentation into the BESS protocol. Despite the enhanced precision associated with instrumented measures, there remains a need to determine the clinical significance and feasibility of such measures within pediatric cohorts. Objective: To report a comprehensive set of posturographic measures obtained during instrumented BESS and to examine the concurrent validity, reliability, and feasibility of instrumented BESS in the pediatric point of care setting. Methods: Thirty-seven participants (18 female; aged 13.32 ± 3.31 years) performed BESS while standing on a force plate to simultaneously compute stabilometric measures (instrumented BESS). Ellipse area (EA), path length (PL), and sway velocity (VM) were obtained for each of the six BESS positions and compared with the respective BESS scores. Additionally, the effects of sex and age were explored. A second BESS repetition was performed to evaluate the test-retest reliability. Feedback questionnaires were handed out after testing to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed protocol. Results: The BESS total score was 20.81 ± 6.28. While there was no statistically significant age or sex dependency in the BESS results, instrumented posturography demonstrated an age dependency in EA, VM, and PL. The one-leg stance on a soft surface resulted in the highest BESS score (8.38 ± 1.76), EA (218.78 cm2 ± 168.65), PL (4386.91 mm ± 1859.00), and VM (21.93 mm/s ± 9.29). The Spearman's coefficient displayed moderate to high correlations between the EA (rs = 0.429-0.770, p = 0.001-0.009), PL (rs = 0.451-0.809, p = 0.001-0.006), and VM (rs = 0.451-0.809, p = 0.001-0.006) when compared with the BESS scores for all testing positions, except for the one-leg stance on a soft surface. The BESS total score significantly correlated during the first and second repetition (rs = 0.734, p ≤ 0.001), as did errors during the different testing positions (rs = 0.489-0.799, p ≤ 0.001-0.002), except during the two-legged stance on a soft surface. VM and PL correlated significantly in all testing positions (rs = 0.465-0.675, p ≤ 0.001-0.004; (rs = 0.465-0.675, p ≤ 0.001-0.004), as did EA for all positions except for the two-legged stance on a soft surface (rs = 0.392-0.581, p ≤ 0.001-0.016). A total of 92% of participants stated that the instructions for the testing procedure were very well-explained, while 78% of participants enjoyed the balance testing, and 61% of participants could not decide whether the testing was easy or hard to perform. Conclusions: Instrumented posturography may complement clinical assessment in investigating postural control in children and adolescents. While the BESS score only allows for the consideration of a total score approximating postural control, instrumented posturography offers several parameters representing the responsiveness and magnitude of body sway as well as a more differentiated analysis of movement trajectory. Concise instrumented posturography protocols should be developed to augment neuropediatric assessments in cases where a deficiency in postural control is suspected, potentially stemming from disruptions in the processing of visual, proprioceptive, and/or vestibular information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils K T Schönberg
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Julius Poppel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - David Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado Children's Hospital, Sports Medicine Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Johanna Wagner
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Höfinger
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Fabri
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Elena M Bonke
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Philine Rojczyk
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthias Hösl
- Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, 83569 Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Lorenz Kiwull
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Institute for Transition, Rehabilitation and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Clinic for Child Neurology and Social Pediatrics, Kinderzentrum Maulbronn gGmbH, 75433 Maulbronn, Germany
| | - Sebastian A Schröder
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Clinic for Child Neurology and Social Pediatrics, Kinderzentrum Maulbronn gGmbH, 75433 Maulbronn, Germany
| | - Astrid Blaschek
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Vill
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Inga K Koerte
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Doreen Huppert
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Heinen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela V Bonfert
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
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Wijnands SDN, Grin L, van Dijk LS, Besselaar AT, van der Steen MC, Vanwanseele B. Clubfoot patients show more anterior-posterior displacement during one-leg-standing and less ankle power and plantarflexor moment during one-leg-hopping than typically developing children. Gait Posture 2024; 108:361-366. [PMID: 38227996 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clubfoot patients show good-to-excellent foot correction after the Ponseti method. Nevertheless, underlying functional problems that limit motor abilities such as one-leg-standing and one-leg-hopping still persist. These restrictions have been proposed to arise due to problems with maintaining balance and the limited force-generating capacity of clubfoot patients. More insight is needed to understand the underlying limiting factors to improve overall motor ability in clubfoot patients. RESEARCH QUESTION The aim of this study was to determine the differences between clubfoot patients and typically developing children (TDC) in force and balance parameters during walking, one-leg-standing and hopping. METHODS Three-dimensional motion analysis was performed in 19 TDC and 16 idiopathic Ponseti-treated clubfoot patients between 5-9 years old. Kinematic and kinetic parameters were calculated during walking and one-leg-hopping. To describe the balance parameters, center of pressure (CoP) data was assessed during walking, one-leg-hopping and one-leg-standing. Mean group values were calculated and compared using nonparametric statistical tests. A general linear model with repeated measures was used to determine which activity showed the largest group differences. RESULTS Clubfoot patients showed lower peak plantarflexor moment and peak ankle power absorption and generation during one-leg-hopping compared to TDC. Furthermore, clubfoot patients showed a lower hop length and velocity than TDC. The difference in peak plantarflexor moment and ankle power between the study groups was larger during one-leg-hopping than during walking. Finally, clubfoot patients showed a higher anterior-posterior CoP range during one-leg-standing. SIGNIFICANCE Deviations in force parameters seemed to limit one-leg-hopping in clubfoot patients, and impaired anterior-posterior static balance was thought to be the underlying cause of problems with one-leg-standing. Furthermore, one-leg-hopping was more sensitive to distinguish between clubfoot patients and TDC than walking. Individualized physiotherapy targeting static balance and force parameters, with extra emphasis on including eccentric contractions, might improve the overall motor abilities of clubfoot patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D N Wijnands
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Postbus 550, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma, Máxima MC, Postbus 90052, 5600 PD Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - L Grin
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Postbus 550, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 347, 5612 MA Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - L S van Dijk
- Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 347, 5612 MA Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - A T Besselaar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma, Máxima MC, Postbus 90052, 5600 PD Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Postbus 1350, 5602 ZA Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - M C van der Steen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma, Máxima MC, Postbus 90052, 5600 PD Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Postbus 1350, 5602 ZA Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - B Vanwanseele
- Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Postbus 550, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 347, 5612 MA Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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Allen CL, Montes E, Hoang T, Romo T, Peña J, Navarro J. Can Stereotype Threat and Lift Visual Messages Affect Subsequent Physical Activity? Evidence from a Controlled Experiment Using Accelerometers. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37941378 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2277573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated how visual messages conveying stereotype threat or lift influenced physical activity performance. Participants (N = 380) were exposed to a stereotype threat, lift, or control condition image and then engaged in a running task. Accelerometers recorded forward-backward movement, upward-downward movement, and sideways balance. Stereotype threat exposure increased state anxiety relative to the control condition. In addition, forward-backward movement was linked to state anxiety and participants' sex. Moreover, women exposed to stereotype threat who experienced increased state anxiety showed reduced forward-backward movement. Men exposed to stereotype lift displayed higher forward-backward movement. Additionally, stereotype threat visual message exposure increased sideways balance activity for women but not for men. Upward-downward movement was unaffected by stereotype threat or lift. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of how exposure to visual stereotypes can influence physical activity performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camren L Allen
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis
| | - Enoch Montes
- Department of Communication, The Ohio State University
| | - Troy Hoang
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis
| | - Therek Romo
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis
| | - Jorge Peña
- Department of Communication, University of California, Davis
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Blanchet M, Prince F. Mediolateral Postural Control Mechanisms and Proprioception Improve With Kicking Sports Training During Adolescence. Pediatr Exerc Sci 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37391194 DOI: 10.1123/pes.2020-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Sensorimotor stimulation during the sensitive period is crucial for proper brain development. Kicking sports (KS) training stimulates these sensorimotor functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate if incorporating specific sensorimotor stimulation in mediolateral axis and proprioceptive inputs during KS training will improve the specific sensorimotor performance in adolescents. We assessed stability limits in 13 KS practitioners and 20 control participants. Starting from an upright position, subjects were asked to lean as far as possible (forward, backward, rightward, and leftward). Three sensory conditions were tested: (1) eyes open, (2) eyes closed, and (3) eyes closed while standing on a foam mat. We analyzed the maximal center of pressure excursion and the root means square of the center of pressure displacements. Results showed that KS group had smaller root means square and larger maximal center of pressure excursions than those of control participants in mediolateral axis in all sensory conditions. Furthermore, the results also revealed a significant smaller root means square excursion in KS group under foam mat condition compared to control group ML axis. This study provides evidence that KS training improved the lateral balance control and proprioceptive integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariève Blanchet
- Département des sciences de l'activité physique, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC,Canada
| | - François Prince
- Département de chirurgie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC,Canada
- Institut national du sport du Québec, Montréal, QC,Canada
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Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Templin TN, Bugnariu NL, Patterson RM, Miller HL. Community-based postural control assessment in autistic individuals indicates a similar but delayed trajectory compared to neurotypical individuals. Autism Res 2023; 16:543-557. [PMID: 36627838 PMCID: PMC10023334 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Autistic individuals exhibit significant sensorimotor differences. Postural stability and control are foundational motor skills for successfully performing many activities of daily living. In neurotypical development, postural stability and control develop throughout childhood and adolescence. In autistic development, previous studies have focused primarily on individual age groups (e.g., childhood, adolescence, adulthood) or only controlled for age using age-matching. Here, we examined the age trajectories of postural stability and control in autism from childhood through adolescents using standardized clinical assessments. In study 1, we tested the postural stability of autistic (n = 27) and neurotypical (n = 41) children, adolescents, and young adults aged 7-20 years during quiet standing on a force plate in three visual conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and eyes open with the head in a translucent dome (Dome). Postural sway variability decreased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants showed greater variability than neurotypical participants across age. In study 2, we tested autistic (n = 21) and neurotypical (n = 32) children and adolescents aged 7-16 years during a dynamic postural control task with nine targets. Postural control efficiency increased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants were less efficient compared to neurotypical participants across age. Together, these results indicate that autistic individuals have a similar age trajectory for postural stability and control compared to neurotypical individuals, but have lower postural stability and control overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Fears
- University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48170, USA
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- Louisiana State University, 50 Fieldhouse Dr. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Sherrod
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Tylan N. Templin
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
| | - Nicoleta L. Bugnariu
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, 155 Fifth St., San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA
| | - Rita M. Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
| | - Haylie L. Miller
- University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48170, USA
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
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Neurological soft signs are associated with reduced medial-lateral postural control in adolescent athletes. J Neurol Sci 2023; 445:120516. [PMID: 36702068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurological soft signs (NSS) are minor deviations from the norm in motor performance that are commonly assessed using neurological examinations. NSS may be of clinical relevance for evaluating the developmental status of adolescents. Here we investigate whether quantitative force plate measures may add relevant information to observer-based neurological examinations. METHODS Male adolescent athletes (n = 141) aged 13-16 years from three European sites underwent a neurological examination including 28 tests grouped into six functional clusters. The performance of tests and functional clusters was rated as optimal/non-optimal resulting in NSS+/NSS- groups and a continuous total NSS score. Participants performed a postural control task on a Balance Tracking System measured as path length, root mean square and sway area. ANCOVAs were applied to test for group differences in postural control between the NSS+ and NSS- group, and between optimal/non-optimal performance on a cluster- and test-level. Moreover, we tested for correlations between the total NSS score and postural control variables. RESULTS There was no significant overall difference between the NSS+ and NSS- group in postural control. However, non-optimal performing participants in the diadochokinesis test swayed significantly more in the medial-lateral direction than optimal performing participants. Moreover, a lower total NSS score was associated with reduced postural control in the medial-lateral direction. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that NSS are related to postural control in adolescent athletes. Thus, force plate measures may add a quantitative, objective measurement of postural control to observer-based qualitative assessments, and thus, may complement clinical testing.
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Abstract
Static posturography is a simple non-invasive technique commonly used in contemporary labs and clinics to quantify the central nervous system adaptive mechanisms involved in the control of posture and balance. Its diagnostic value, however, is quite limited due to the lack of posturographic standards for stable posture. To solve this problem, in this research, we aimed to establish reference values for the stable human posture using our novel parameters of static posturography including the sway anteroposterior directional index (DIAP), the mediolateral directional index (DIML), the stability vector amplitude (SVamp), and the stability vector azimuth (SVaz). Towards this end, in a population of young (mean age 22 yrs), healthy able-bodied volunteers (50 males and 50 females), trajectories of postural sway, based upon the center-of-pressure (COP), were assessed. The experiment consisted of ten 60s trials that were carried out 5 times while subjects were standing quietly on the force plate with eyes open (EO test) and 5 times with eyes closed (EC test). Results showed that in young healthy subjects, regardless of gender, the basic variables of COP remained at the following levels: SVamp = 9.2 ± 1.6 mm/s, SVaz = 0.9 ± 0.1 rad, and directional indices DIAP = 0.7 ± 0.05, DIML = 0.56 ± 0.06. Some of the measures were sensitive to visual input (EC trials) and showed a weak to moderate correlation with anthropometric features. These measures can be recommended as reference values that characterize the most stable erect posture.
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10
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Wdowski MM, Duncan MJ, Pennell A, Hill MW. Changes in joint kinematics and dynamic postural stability with free and restricted arm movements in children. Gait Posture 2021; 88:47-53. [PMID: 33991768 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arm movements make a substantial and functionally relevant contribution to quiet standing and dynamic balance tasks. The impact of restricted arm movements on balance control is particularly important for children as their postural control system is not fully matured. RESEARCH QUESTION This study investigated the effects of arm movements on lower body joint kinematics and dynamic postural stability during anterior and lateral dynamic movements in children. METHODS Eighteen boys (age, 10.1 ± 1.6 years) completed an anterior and a lateral jump-landing task under two different verbally conveyed instructions of arm position; (1) arms placed flat across the chest touching the contralateral shoulder (i.e., restricted arm movement) and (2) arm movement without restriction. Lower body joint kinematics were recorded and used to calculate mean joint position, joint range of motion (ROM) and joint movement variability. RESULTS Restricting arm movements resulted in a reduction of joint movement variability and joint ROM of the pelvis during the lateral jump (p <0.05), but increased joint movement variability and joint ROM of the pelvis during the anterior jump (p <0.05). SIGNIFICANCE The reduced joint movement variability and joint ROM with restricted arm movements during the lateral jump may represent a potential compensatory 'stiffenin strategy', whilst the increase during the anterior jump suggest an exploratory strategy. These novel findings highlight that it is important for children to be introduced to different dynamic task constraints so that they can learn to control and organise the motor system degrees of freedom appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian M Wdowski
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Duncan
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Pennell
- Pepperdine University, Natural Science, Seaver College, CA, United States
| | - Mathew W Hill
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom.
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Caña-Pino A, Espejo-Antúnez L, Carmona Del Barco P, Montanero-Fernández J, Lluch-Girbés E, Roussel NA, Apolo-Arenas MD. Energy spectral density as valid parameter to compare postural control between subjects with nonspecific chronic low back pain vs healthy subjects: A case-control study. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2021; 53:102370. [PMID: 33836396 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is one of the most common and frequent health problems. OBJETIVE: to compare postural control (i.e. center of pressure (CoP) displacement and energy spectral density (ESD)) using technological devices (accelerometers and pressure platform) between subjects with NSCLBP and healthy subjects. METHODS A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted. Observational study (STROBE). The final sample consisted of 60 subjects (30 NSCLBP subjects and 30 healthy subjects). Triaxial accelerometer and pressure platform were used in order to obtain ESD and CoP displacement measurements during four balance tasks (i.e. with and without vision and on stable versus unstable surface). Independent t tests were used to compare participants with NSCLBP and healthy controls in the two clinical measurements (i.e., CoP displacement and ESD) for the four balance tests. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) together with a Fisher's linear discrimination was applied in order to categorize NSPLBP. RESULTS Patients with NSCLBP showed greater CoP migration in the positions eyes open, stable surface on the anteroposterior axis (p = 0.012), eyes closed, stable surface on the mediolateral axis (p = 0.025), eyes closed, stable surface on the anteroposterior axis (p = 0.001), eyes open, unstable surface on the anteroposterior axis (p = 0.040), eyes closed, unstable surface on the anteroposterior axis (p = 0.015). Also the ESD was significantly greater for the four situations described (p ≤ 0.01) in subjects with NSCLBP. CONCLUSIONS Accelerometer appears to be a technological device that could offer a potential benefit within the battery of tests on physical performance among subjects with NSCLBP and healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Caña-Pino
- Department of Medical Surgical-Therapy, Medicine Faculty, Extremadura University, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Luís Espejo-Antúnez
- Department of Medical Surgical-Therapy, Medicine Faculty, Extremadura University, Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Pablo Carmona Del Barco
- Department of Computer and Telematic Systems Engineering, Area of Languages and Computer Systems, School of Industrial Engineering, Extremadura University, Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - Enrique Lluch-Girbés
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain; Pain in Motion" International Research Group, 1090, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Human Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Vrije University Brussels, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie A Roussel
- Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ma Dolores Apolo-Arenas
- Department of Medical Surgical-Therapy, Medicine Faculty, Extremadura University, Badajoz, Spain
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12
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Maturation of the postural control in adolescent girls: A 3-year follow-up study. Gait Posture 2021; 83:300-305. [PMID: 33234386 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stable posture is a manifestation of the appropriate functioning of the neuromuscular system that is essential for proper motor development and control. Balance and stability of the erect posture are shaped during the entire childhood to culminate in its full efficiency in adolescent subjects. METHODS In this 3-year follow-up study, the process of the postural control maturation has been assessed in a group of 18 girls at the transition period between childhood to adolescence. Their balance and postural stability control were assessed using standard static posturography supplemented by two postural stability tests: the rising-on-toes (ROT), and the maximum forward lean (MFL), all performed with (EO) and without vision (EC). Balance control was analyzed with the sway vector (SV) and sway directional indices, whereas the anteroposterior trajectories of the center-of- pressure (COP) during forward-leaning and the raise-on-toes tests were used to determine changes in postural stability control. RESULTS The study documented that stability control in girls aged 11-13 is shaped according to their own pace of development. Their postural sway was characterized by the lower COP velocity but very sensitive to visual input. The directional sway measures remained at the same level for the entire period of observation. MFL and ROT tests provided similar information on postural stability and its dependence on visual input. These tests allow for more thorough assessment of postural stability to compare with quiet stance testing. SIGNIFICANCE Subtle changes in postural control in adolescents could be assessed based on the results of combined static and dynamic tests. In particular, the ROT test can be recommended for the assessment of postural stability.
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Mani H, Miyagishima S, Kozuka N, Takeda K, Taneda K, Inoue T, Sato Y, Asaka T. Development of temporal and spatial characteristics of anticipatory postural adjustments during gait initiation in children aged 3-10 years. Hum Mov Sci 2020; 75:102736. [PMID: 33310381 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2020.102736] [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: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the development of direction specificities of temporal and spatial control and the coordination pattern of anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) along the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions during gait initiation (GI) in children aged 3-10 years. This study included 72 healthy children aged 3-10 years and 14 young adults. The child population was divided into four groups by age: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10 years. The GI task included GI using the dominant limb. The peak center of feet pressure (COP) shifts during APAs (APApeak), initiation time of COP shifts (APAonset), and the COP vectors in the horizontal plane were calculated to evaluate the direction specificity of spatial, temporal, and coordination control, respectively. A difference in direction specificity development was found for the APApeak. The APApeak in the mediolateral axis, but not in the anteroposterior axis, was significantly higher in the 7-8 years age group than in other groups. Although APAonset was not found for direction specificity, a significant difference between the adult and children groups (5-6 years, 7-8 years, and 9-10 years) was observed in the direction of the COP vector. In conclusion, the developmental process of the spatial, temporal, and coordination control of APAs during GI varied with age. Furthermore, the spatial control and coordination pattern of APAs was found to be direction specific. All components of APAs, namely temporal and spatial control, coordination pattern, and direction specificities, should be analyzed to capture the developmental process of anticipatory postural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Mani
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Saori Miyagishima
- Division of Rehabilitation, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo Medical University, Minami 1 Nishi 16, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8543, Japan.
| | - Naoki Kozuka
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Minami 1 Nishi 17, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556, Japan.
| | - Kenta Takeda
- Department of Rehabilitation for the Movement Functions, Research Institute of National Center for Persons with Disabilities, Namiki 4-1, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Taneda
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yui Sato
- Division of Rehabilitation, Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo Medical University, Minami 1 Nishi 16, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8543, Japan.
| | - Tadayoshi Asaka
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Kita 12 Nishi 5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan.
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14
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Wiesław Błaszczyk J, Fredyk A, Mikołaj Błaszczyk P. Transition from double-leg to single-leg stance in the assessment of postural stability. J Biomech 2020; 110:109982. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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15
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Blaszczyk JW, Fredyk A, Blaszczyk PM, Ashtiani M. Step Response of Human Motor System as a Measure of Postural Stability in Children. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2020; 28:895-903. [PMID: 32086214 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2020.2974784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Postural sway is a product of the neuromuscular system that is commonly used in contemporary labs and clinics for the assessment of postural stability. In this study, we analyzed the transient responses of the neuromuscular system during the rise-on-toes (ROT) movement in eighteen 11 yrs old girls. Their center of pressure (COP) trajectories were recorded with standard force-platform during the transition from quiet stance to standing on toes. To assess the robustness of children's postural stability, we compared the ROT trajectories while the movement was performed with and without vision. Our results confirmed that the dynamic characteristics of the COP step response were significantly modified by visual feedback. In particular, the ROT test performed with eyes closed (EC) was characterized by a four-fold increase of COP chaotic oscillations at the target (tiptoe) position. This resulted in a substantial increase in the movement's index of difficulty (ID) thus to achieve adequate accuracy of the target-oriented movement the COP velocity was decreased accordingly. This inherent strategy of the brain controller allowed for precise positioning of the COP within the reduced size of the target. In conclusion, the dynamics of the ROT movement is always precisely adjusted to the stability of the upright posture, and thus, the dynamic characteristics of the COP step response are also sensitive measures of postural stability and the ROT can be recommended as a useful test for this assessment in the general population.
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