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Zambolin F, Duro Ocana P, Goulding R, Sanderson A, Venturelli M, Wood G, McPhee J, Parr JVV. The corticomuscular response to experimental pain via blood flow occlusion when applied to the ipsilateral and contralateral leg during an isometric force task. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14466. [PMID: 37872004 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Blood flow occlusion (BFO) has been previously used to investigate physiological responses to muscle ischemia, showing increased perceptual effort (RPE) and pain along with impaired neuromuscular performance. However, at present, it is unclear how BFO alters corticomuscular activities when either applied to the exercising or nonexercising musculature. The present study therefore set out to assess the corticomuscular response to these distinct BFO paradigms during an isometric contraction precision task. In a repeated measures design, fifteen participants (age = 27.00 ± 5.77) completed 15 isometric contractions across three experimental conditions; no occlusion (CNTRL), occlusion of the contralateral (i.e., nonexercising) limb (CON-OCC), and occlusion of the ipsilateral (i.e., exercising) limb (IPS-OCC). Measures of force, electroencephalographic (EEG), and electromyographic (EMG) were recorded during contractions. We observed that IPS-OCC broadly impaired force steadiness, elevated EMG of the vastus lateralis, and heightened RPE and pain. IPSI-OCC also significantly decreased corticomuscular coherence during the early phase of contraction and decreased EEG alpha activity across the sensorimotor and temporoparietal regions during the middle and late phases of contraction compared with CNTRL. By contrast, CON-OCC increased perceived levels of pain (but not RPE) and decreased EEG alpha activity across the prefrontal cortex during the middle and late phases of contraction, with no changes observed for EMG and force steadiness. Together, these findings highlight distinctive psychophysiological responses to experimental pain via BFO showing altered cortical activities (CON-OCC) and altered cortical, corticomuscular, and neuromuscular activities (IPS-OCC) when applied to the lower limbs during an isometric force precision task.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Zambolin
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - P Duro Ocana
- Department of Life Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - R Goulding
- Laboratory for Myology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Sanderson
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - M Venturelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - G Wood
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - J McPhee
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - J V V Parr
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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Esselaar M, Parr JVV, Wood G, Hodson-Tole E. Children with developmental coordination disorder have less variable motor unit firing rate characteristics across contractions compared to typically developing children. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1294931. [PMID: 38144895 PMCID: PMC10740205 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1294931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Understanding the nuances of neuromuscular control is crucial in unravelling the complexities of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), which has been associated with differences in skeletal muscle activity, implying that children with DCD employ distinct strategies for muscle control. However, force generation and control are dependent on both recruitment of motor units and their firing rates and these fine details of motor function have yet to be studied in DCD. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare motor unit characteristics in a small muscle of the hand during low level, handgrip contractions in typically developing (TD) children and children with DCD. Methods Eighteen children (9 TD vs. 9 DCD) completed a series of manual handgrip contractions at 10 ± 5% of their maximum voluntary contraction. High density surface electromyography was used to record excitation of the first dorsal interosseus muscle. Recorded signals were subsequently decomposed into individual motor unit action potential trains. Motor unit characteristics (firing rate, inter-pulse interval, and action potential amplitude) were analysed for contractions that had a coefficient variation of <10%. Results and Discussion This study found few differences in average motor unit characteristics (number of motor units: TD 20.24 ± 9.73, DCD 27.32 ± 14.00; firing rate: TD 7.74 ± 2.16 p.p.s., DCD 7.86 ± 2.39 p.p.s.; inter-pulse interval: TD 199.72 ± 84.24 ms, DCD 207.12 ± 103 ms) when force steadiness was controlled for, despite the DCD group being significantly older (10.89 ± 0.78 years) than the TD group (9.44 ± 1.67 years). However, differences were found in the variability of motor unit firing statistics, with the children with DCD surprisingly showing less variability across contractions (standard deviation of coefficient of variation of inter-pulse interval: TD 0.38 ± 0.12, DCD 0.28 ± 0.11). This may suggest a more fixed strategy to stabilise force between contractions used by children with DCD. However, as variability of motor unit firing has not been considered in previous studies of children further work is required to better understand the role of variability in motor unit firing during manual grasping tasks, in all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Esselaar
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Johnny V. V. Parr
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Wood
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Hodson-Tole
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom,
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Knaier E, Meier CE, Caflisch JA, Huber R, Kakebeeke TH, Jenni OG. Visuomotor adaptation, internal modelling, and compensatory movements in children with developmental coordination disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 143:104624. [PMID: 37972466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is one of the most prevalent developmental disorders in school-aged children. The mechanisms and etiology underlying DCD remain somewhat unclear. Altered visuomotor adaptation and internal model deficits are discussed in the literature. AIMS The study aimed to investigate visuomotor adaptation and internal modelling to determine whether and to what extent visuomotor learning might be impaired in children with DCD compared to typically developing children (TD). Further, possible compensatory movements during visuomotor learning were explored. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Participants were 12 children with DCD (age 12.4 ± 1.8, four female) and 18 age-matched TD (12.3 ± 1.8, five female). Visuomotor learning was measured with the Motor task manager. Compensatory movements were parameterized by spatial and temporal variables. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Despite no differences in visuomotor adaptation or internal modelling, significant main effects for group were found in parameters representing movement accuracy, motor speed, and movement variability between DCD and TD. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Children with DCD showed comparable performances in visuomotor adaptation and internal modelling to TD. However, movement variability was increased, whereas movement accuracy and motor speed were reduced, suggesting decreased motor acuity in children with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Knaier
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia E Meier
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jon A Caflisch
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reto Huber
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja H Kakebeeke
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oskar G Jenni
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Hadwin KJ, Wood G, Payne S, Mackintosh C, Parr JVV. Strengths and weaknesses of the MABC-2 as a diagnostic tool for developmental coordination disorder: An online survey of occupational therapists and physiotherapists. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286751. [PMID: 37267388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) is the most widely used instrument for aiding the diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Despite being shown to have strong validity and reliability, it has received criticism for aspects of its scoring system, the lack of formal training, and its susceptibility to overlook higher functioning DCD children. To aid the development of future diagnostic tools and/or iterations of the MABC-2, the present study attempted to draw upon the experience of key stakeholders and determine the strengths and weaknesses of the MABC-2. Using a short online questionnaire, occupational therapists (n = 14) and physiotherapists (n = 3) with experience using the MABC-2 for DCD diagnosis completed a series of Likert scale and free-text questions. Braun and Clarke's six-phase process to thematic analyses was used to identify main themes obtained across quantitative and qualitative data. Results indicate that whilst the MABC-2 is easy to administer and interpret, the scores can misrepresent true motor difficulties due to (a) daily variations in mental and physical state, (b) the reliance on non-functional tasks, (c) negative interference from parents, (d) changes in motor competency due to practice, and (e) a lack of formal examiner training to ensure the test is effectively lead. Further work is needed to more reliably determine how perceptions of the MABC-2 might vary across levels of expertise, profession, and cultural differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Hadwin
- Allied Health Professions Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Wood
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Payne
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Mackintosh
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Johnny V V Parr
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Parr JVV, Uiga L, Marshall B, Wood G. Soccer heading immediately alters brain function and brain-muscle communication. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1145700. [PMID: 37151902 PMCID: PMC10157247 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1145700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is growing evidence of a link between repetitive soccer heading and the increased incidence of neurodegenerative disease. Even a short bout of soccer heading has been shown to impair cognitive performance and disrupt movement control. However, a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind these immediate impairments is needed. The current study attempted to identify how a short bout of soccer heading alters brain function and brain-muscle communication during a movement task. Methods Sixty soccer players were exposed to either an acute bout (i.e., 20 balls thrown underarm) of soccer heading (n = 30) or a control condition where participants (n = 30) headed soccer balls in virtual reality (VR). Before and after heading, we measured cognitive performance on the King-Devick test, as well as electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG) and brain-muscle communication (i.e., corticomuscular coherence; CMC) during a force precision task. Results Following the heading protocol, the VR group improved their cognitive performance whereas the Heading group showed no change. Both groups displayed more precise force contractions at post-test. However, the VR group displayed elevated frontal theta activity and global increases in alpha and beta activity during the contraction task, whereas the Heading group did not. Contrary to our expectations, the Heading group displayed elevated CMC, whereas the VR group showed no change. Discussion Our findings indicate a short bout of soccer heading may impair cognitive function and disrupt the organization of efficient neural processes that typically accompany motor skill proficiency. Soccer heading also induced corticomuscular hyperconnectivity, which could represent compensatory brain-muscle communication and an inefficient allocation of increased task-related neuromuscular resources. These initial findings offer insights to the mechanisms behind the impairments experienced after a short bout of repetitive soccer heading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny V. V. Parr
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Johnny V. V. Parr,
| | - Liis Uiga
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Marshall
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Wood
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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