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Werner I, Valero-Cuevas FJ, Federolf P. Mountain Hiking: Prolonged Eccentric Muscle Contraction during Simulated Downhill Walking Perturbs Sensorimotor Control Loops Needed for Safe Dynamic Foot-Ground Interactions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5424. [PMID: 37048038 PMCID: PMC10094178 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Safe mountain hiking requires precise control of dynamic foot-ground interactions. In addition to vision and vestibular afferents, limb proprioception, sensorimotor control loops, and reflex responses are used to adapt to the specific nature of the ground contact. Diminished leg dexterity and balance during downhill walking is usually attributed to fatigue. We investigated the supplementary hypothesis that the eccentric contractions inherent to downhill walking can also disrupt muscle proprioception, as well as the sensorimotor control loops and reflex responses that depend on it. In this study, we measured leg dexterity (LD), anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) bipedal balance, and maximal voluntary leg extension strength in young and healthy participants before and after 30 min of simulated downhill walking at a natural pace on a treadmill at a 20° decline. Post-pre comparisons of LD (p < 0.001) and AP balance (p = 0.001) revealed significant reductions in dynamic foot-ground interactions after eccentric exercise without an accompanying reduction in leg extension strength. We conclude that eccentric contractions during downhill walking can disrupt the control of dynamic foot-ground interactions independently of fatigue. We speculate that mountaineering safety could be improved by increasing conscious attention to compensate for unadjusted proprioception weighting, especially in the descent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Werner
- Department of Sport Science, Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francisco J. Valero-Cuevas
- Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Peter Federolf
- Department of Sport Science, Universität Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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The Efficacy of Backward Walking on Static Stability, Proprioception, Pain, and Physical Function of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5574966. [PMID: 34221078 PMCID: PMC8213492 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Impaired static stability and proprioception have been observed in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which serves as a major factor increasing risk of fall. This study aimed to investigate the effects of backward walking (BW) on static stability, proprioception, pain, and physical function in KOA patients. Methods Thirty-two subjects with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an BW group (BG, n = 16) or a control group (CG, n = 16). The participants in the BG received combination treatment of a 4-week BW training and conventional treatments, while those in the CG was treated with conventional treatments alone. All the participants were tested for the assessment of static stability [center of pressure (COP) sway, including sway length (SL, mm) and sway area (SA, mm2)] and proprioception [average trajectory error (ATE, %) and completion time (CT, second)]. Additionally, pain and knee function scores were measured by the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index, respectively. The assessments were conducted before and after intervention. Results The COP sway (SA and SL), ATE, NRS, and WOMAC showed a significant decline at week 4 in the two groups in contrast to their baseline (P < 0.05). Moreover, after 4-week intervention, the SA [(610.50 ± 464.26) mm2 vs. (538.69 ± 420.52) mm2], NRS [(1.56 ± 0.63) vs. (2.25 ± 0.86)], and WOMAC [(11.69 ± 2.50) vs. (16.19 ± 3.94)] showed a significantly greater decrease in the BG compared to the CG (P < 0.05, respectively). However, the proprioception (ATE and CT) was closely similar between both groups at week 4 (P > 0.05). Conclusion BW is an effective adjunct to conventional treatment in reducing pain, improving physical function and static stability for KOA patients. It should be taken into consideration when developing rehabilitation programs for people with KOA.
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Reduced Trunk Coupling in Persons With Recurrent Low Back Pain Is Associated With Greater Deep-to-Superficial Trunk Muscle Activation Ratios During the Balance-Dexterity Task. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019; 49:887-898. [PMID: 31092122 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor control dysfunction persisting during symptom remission in persons with recurrent low back pain (LBP) may contribute to the recurrence of pain. OBJECTIVES To investigate trunk control in persons in remission from recurrent LBP and in back-healthy controls using a dynamic, internally driven balance task. No differences in task performance were expected between groups, but it was hypothesized that persons with recurrent LBP would exhibit greater trunk coupling, consistent with a trunk-stiffening strategy. METHODS In this cross-sectional controlled laboratory study, persons with and without recurrent LBP (n = 19 per group) completed the balance-dexterity task, which involved balancing on one limb in standing while compressing an unstable spring with the other. Task performance measures included center-of-pressure velocity under the stance limb and vertical force variability under the spring. Trunk coupling was quantified with the coefficient of determination (R2) of an angle-angle plot of thorax-pelvis frontal plane motion. Fine-wire and surface electromyography captured activations of paraspinals and abdominals. RESULTS There were no differences between groups for any task performance measure. The group in remission from recurrent LBP exhibited reduced trunk coupling, or more dissociated thorax and pelvis motion, compared to the healthy control group (P = .024). Trunk coupling in this group was associated moderately with the lumbar multifidus-to-erector spinae activation ratio (r = 0.618, P = .006) and weakly with the internal oblique-to-external oblique ratio (r = 0.476, P = .046). CONCLUSION The balance-dexterity task is a submaximal, internally driven unstable balance task during which more dissociated trunk motion was observed in persons in remission from recurrent LBP. Findings underscore the task-dependent nature of trunk control research and assessment in persons with recurrent LBP. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(12):887-898. Epub 15 May 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8756.
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Rowley KM, Engel T, Kulig K. Trunk and hip muscle activity during the Balance-Dexterity task in persons with and without recurrent low back pain. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2019; 50:102378. [PMID: 31783332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.102378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordination of the trunk and hips is crucial for successful dynamic balance in many activities of daily living. Persons with recurrent low back pain (rLBP), both while symptomatic and during periods of symptom remission, exhibit dysfunctional muscle activation patterns and coordination of these joints. In a novel dynamic balance task where persons in remission from rLBP exhibit dissociated trunk motion, it is unknown how trunk and hip musculature are coordinated. Activation of hip and trunk muscles were acquired from nineteen persons with and without rLBP during the Balance-Dexterity Task, which involves balancing on one limb while compressing an unstable spring with the other. There were no between-group differences in activation amplitude for any muscle groups tested. In back-healthy control participants, hip and trunk muscle activation amplitudes increased proportionally in response to the added instability of the spring (R = 0.837, p < 0.001). Increases in muscle activation amplitudes in the group in remission from rLBP were not proportional (R = 0.113, p = 0.655). Instead, hip muscle activation in this group was associated with task performance, i.e. dexterous control of the spring (R = 0.676, p = 0.002). These findings highlight atypical coordination of hip and trunk musculature potentially related to task demands in persons with rLBP even during remission from pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Michael Rowley
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Tilman Engel
- University of Potsdam, Department of Sports and Health Sciences, University Outpatient Clinic, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Kornelia Kulig
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cesar GM, Buster TW, Burnfield JM. Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of the computerized dynamic posturography PROPRIO for adults with chronic traumatic brain injury. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:2038-2044. [PMID: 31724889 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1688872] [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: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Balance deficits after brain injury, including reactive recovery from unexpected perturbations, can persist well after rehabilitation is concluded. While traditional clinical assessments are practical, the anticipatory nature of the tasks may mask perceptible balance control. Computerized dynamic posturography can directly quantify capacity to respond to unexpected, external perturbations. This study examined the reliability of the computerized dynamic posturography assessment with the device PROPRIO® 4000 in adults with traumatic brain injury and created the minimal detectable change for its standardized test. METHODS Ten adults (ages 21-55 years) with chronic (average 10 ± 6 years post-injury) severe (loss of consciousness 2-75 days) brain injury performed three trials of the Propriotest® on two separate days. The average of three trials and the best scores were used separately for analysis. Test-retest reliability was verified using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients with 95% confidence interval and standard error of measurement in relation to the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients at 95%. The minimal detectable change was calculated at 95% confidence level (minimal detectable change95) and Bland-Altman plots were created to express agreement between measurement days. RESULTS The results exhibited excellent reliability for both average (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.969, standard error of measurement 50.9 points) and best (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.985, standard error of measurement 31.3 points) scores, with average and best minimal detectable change95 of 141.0 and 86.7 points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians and rehabilitation researchers can use these findings to determine if a Propriotest® change score represents a true post-treatment effect with adults with chronic brain injury.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAfter brain injury, balance deficits are common and can persist well after completion of rehabilitation programs.Computerized dynamic posturography allows for objective quantification of one's capacity to respond to external perturbations.The device PROPRIO® 4000 provides reliable quantification of balance deficits of community dwelling individuals who have experienced a severe traumatic brain injury.The minimal detectable change scores created can assist clinicians and rehabilitation researchers detect whether a change in balance score represents a true effect of an intervention at post-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme M Cesar
- Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Thad W Buster
- Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Judith M Burnfield
- Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, USA
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Cao Y, Zhang Q, Chen J, Li Z, Zhou Z, Shen J, Wang D, Pan D, Wang Z, Ke D, Wang X, Lu D, Zhao Y, Cheng S, Shi Y. Polymorphism of the PPARD Gene and Dynamic Balance Performance in Han Chinese Children. Hereditas 2019; 156:15. [PMID: 31148953 PMCID: PMC6533762 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-019-0092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Athletic performances are complex traits with heritability of ~66%. Dynamic balance is one of the most important athletic performances, and there has been little studies for it in sports genomics. The candidate PPARD gene was reported to be able to affect muscle development for balance predisposition and influence the athletic performance including skiing triumph in the Caucasian population. This study aims to investigate whether the PPARD gene is a susceptibility gene for dynamic balance performance in Han Chinese children. RESULTS A total 2244 children were recruited and their balance beam performances were measured. Five polymorphisms in the PPARD gene were genotyped through the MassARRAY Sequenom platform. Rs2016520 exerted significant association with dynamic balance performance (minor allele C, P = 0.015, Pcorrected < 0.05) and was affirmed in a meta-analysis by combining previously reported Caucasian cohorts (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = [1.30, 1.91], P < 10 -5) . Another polymorphism, rs2267668, was also significantly associated with dynamic balance performance (minor allele G, P = 0.015, Pcorrected < 0.05). In the dichotomous study, 321 cases (61% boys and 39% girls) and 370 controls (49% boys and 51% girls) in our samples were selected as representatives, and the thresholds were the mean velocity (0.737 m/s) ± standard deviation (0.264 m/s), in which rs2016520-C and rs2267668-G still remained significant (CI =1.41 [1.11~1.79], P = 0.004, Pcorrected < 0.016; CI =1.45 [1.14~1.86], P = 0.002, Pcorrected < 0.016). In different genders, consistent OR direction was observed for each variant. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that the PPARD gene is associated with dynamic balance performance of human being, and further studies to reveal its etiology is strongly suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Cao
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Qiyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Qingdao University, Metabolic Disease Institute, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Zhaowei Zhou
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Jiawei Shen
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Dun Pan
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Dandan Ke
- Department of Human Sports Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Human Sports Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Dajiang Lu
- Department of Human Sports Science, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Physical Education Department, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Shulin Cheng
- Physical Education Department, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Yongyong Shi
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
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Dobija L, Reynaud V, Pereira B, Van Hille W, Descamps S, Bonnin A, Coudeyre E. Measurement properties of the Star Excursion Balance Test in patients with ACL deficiency. Phys Ther Sport 2019; 36:7-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Effectiveness of backward walking training on balance performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gait Posture 2019; 68:466-475. [PMID: 30616175 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Backward walking (BW) training is thought to impact balance performance through improving motor system proprioception and gait characteristic, but relevant evidence remains sparse and inconclusive. OBJECTIVE This study systematically reviewed and quantified the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of BW training on balance performance. METHODS Keyword and reference search on BW training interventions was conducted in six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and CNKI) for peer-reviewed articles published till November 2017. A standardized form was used to extract data from each selected article that met the pre-specified eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effects of BW training on balance performance measures. RESULTS Eleven studies (nine randomized controlled trials and two pre-post studies) met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. All studies reported some beneficial effects of BW training on balance performance. Compared to control, BW training was associated with a reduction in overall stability index score by 0.99 (95% CI = 0.37, 1.61; I2 = 0.0%; fixed-effect model), medial-lateral stability index score by 0.95 (95% CI = 0.34, 1.57; I2 = 0.0%; fixed-effect model), and anterior-posterior stability index score by 0.99 (95% CI = 0.37, 1.61; I2 = 0.0%; fixed-effect model). Meanwhile, BW training was associated with an increase in open-eyes single leg standing duration by 0.91 s (95% CI = 0.29, 1.53; I2 = 75.9%; random-effect model) in comparison to control. CONCLUSIONS BW training could serve as a potentially useful tool to improve balance performance among those with a high risk of fall. However, current evidence remains preliminary due to the small cohort of studies and possible learning effect in pre-post studies. Future work with larger scale and randomized experimental design is warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of BW training on balance performance across diverse population and disease subgroups, and elucidate the underlying biomechanical and neurological pathways.
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Rowley KM, Gordon J, Kulig K. Characterizing the balance-dexterity task as a concurrent bipedal task to investigate trunk control during dynamic balance. J Biomech 2018; 77:211-217. [PMID: 30037579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to characterize the Balance-Dexterity Task as a means to investigate a concurrent bipedal lower-extremity task and trunk control during dynamic balance. The task combines aspects of single-limb balance and the lower-extremity dexterity test by asking participants to stand on one limb while compressing an unstable spring with the contralateral limb to an individualized target force. Nineteen non-disabled participants completed the study, and performance measures for the demands of each limb - balance and dexterous force control - as well as kinematic and electromyographic measures of trunk control were collected. Given five practice trials, participants achieved compression forces ranging from 100 to 139 N (mean 121.2 ± 12.3 N), representing 14.4-23.0% of body weight (mean 18.7 ± 2.4%), which were then presented as target forces during test trials. Dexterous force control coefficient of variation and average magnitude of the center of pressure (COP) resultant velocity were associated such that greater variability in force control was accompanied by greater COP velocity (R = 0.598, p = 0.007). Trunk coupling, quantified as the coefficient of determination (R2) of a frontal plane thorax and pelvis angle-angle plot, varied independently of any measure of balance or dexterous force control. The Balance-Dexterity Task is a continuous, dynamic balance task where bipedal coordination and trunk coupling can be concurrently observed and studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Michael Rowley
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - James Gordon
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kornelia Kulig
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Berg-Poppe P, Cesar GM, Tao H, Johnson C, Landry J. Concurrent validity between a portable force plate and instrumented walkway when measuring limits of stability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPY AND REHABILITATION 2018. [DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2018.25.6.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patti Berg-Poppe
- Professor, University of South Dakota Department of Physical Therapy, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Guilherme M. Cesar
- Assistant Research Director, Movement and Neurosciences Center, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hanz Tao
- Assistant Professor, University of South Dakota Department of Physical Therapy, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Cal Johnson
- Student, University of South Dakota Department of Physical Therapy, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Jessica Landry
- Student, University of South Dakota Department of Physical Therapy, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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Urbina-Meléndez D, Jalaleddini K, Daley MA, Valero-Cuevas FJ. A Physical Model Suggests That Hip-Localized Balance Sense in Birds Improves State Estimation in Perching: Implications for Bipedal Robots. Front Robot AI 2018; 5:38. [PMID: 33500924 PMCID: PMC7806032 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2018.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to a vestibular system, birds uniquely have a balance-sensing organ within the pelvis, called the lumbosacral organ (LSO). The LSO is well developed in terrestrial birds, possibly to facilitate balance control in perching and terrestrial locomotion. No previous studies have quantified the functional benefits of the LSO for balance. We suggest two main benefits of hip-localized balance sense: reduced sensorimotor delay and improved estimation of foot-ground acceleration. We used system identification to test the hypothesis that hip-localized balance sense improves estimates of foot acceleration compared to a head-localized sense, due to closer proximity to the feet. We built a physical model of a standing guinea fowl perched on a platform, and used 3D accelerometers at the hip and head to replicate balance sense by the LSO and vestibular systems. The horizontal platform was attached to the end effector of a 6 DOF robotic arm, allowing us to apply perturbations to the platform analogous to motions of a compliant branch. We also compared state estimation between models with low and high neck stiffness. Cross-correlations revealed that foot-to-hip sensing delays were shorter than foot-to-head, as expected. We used multi-variable output error state-space (MOESP) system identification to estimate foot-ground acceleration as a function of hip- and head-localized sensing, individually and combined. Hip-localized sensors alone provided the best state estimates, which were not improved when fused with head-localized sensors. However, estimates from head-localized sensors improved with higher neck stiffness. Our findings support the hypothesis that hip-localized balance sense improves the speed and accuracy of foot state estimation compared to head-localized sense. The findings also suggest a role of neck muscles for active sensing for balance control: increased neck stiffness through muscle co-contraction can improve the utility of vestibular signals. Our engineering approach provides, to our knowledge, the first quantitative evidence for functional benefits of the LSO balance sense in birds. The findings support notions of control modularity in birds, with preferential vestibular sense for head stability and gaze, and LSO for body balance control,respectively. The findings also suggest advantages for distributed and active sensing for agile locomotion in compliant bipedal robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darío Urbina-Meléndez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- School of Engineering, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Kian Jalaleddini
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Monica A Daley
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco J Valero-Cuevas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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12
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Lawrence EL, Peppoloni L, Valero-Cuevas FJ. Sex differences in leg dexterity are not present in elite athletes. J Biomech 2017; 63:1-7. [PMID: 28943154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We studied whether the time-varying forces that control unstable foot-ground interactions provide insight into the neural control of dynamic leg function. Twenty elite (10F, 26.4±3.5yrs) and 20 recreational (10F, 24.8±2.4yrs) athletes used an isolated leg to maximally compress a slender spring designed to buckle at low forces while seated. The foot forces during the compression at the edge of instability quantify the maximal sensorimotor ability to control dynamic foot-ground interactions. Using the nonlinear analysis technique of attractor reconstruction, we characterized the spatial (interquartile range IQR) and geometric (trajectory length TL, volume V, and sum of edge lengths SE) features of the dynamical behavior of those force time series. ANOVA confirmed the already published effect of sex, and a new effect of athletic ability, respectively, in TL (p=0.014 and p<0.001), IQR (p=0.008 and p<0.001), V (p=0.034 and p=0.002), and SE (p=0.033 and p<0.001). Further analysis revealed that, for recreational athletes, females exhibited weaker corrective actions and greater stochasticity than males as per their greater mean values of TL (p=0.003), IQR (p=0.018), V (p=0.017), and SE (p=0.025). Importantly, sex differences disappeared in elite athletes. These results provide an empirical link between sex, athletic ability, and nonlinear dynamical control. This is a first step in understanding the sensorimotor mechanisms for control of unstable foot-ground interactions. Given that females suffer a greater incidence of non-contact knee ligament injuries, these non-invasive and practical metrics of leg dexterity may be both indicators of athletic ability, and predictors of risk of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Lawrence
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Lorenzo Peppoloni
- PERCRO Laboratory, TeCIP Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, via Alamanni 13b, 56010 Ghezzano, San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francisco J Valero-Cuevas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Nagamori A, Valero-Cuevas FJ, Finley JM. Unilateral Eccentric Contraction of the Plantarflexors Leads to Bilateral Alterations in Leg Dexterity. Front Physiol 2016; 7:582. [PMID: 27965588 PMCID: PMC5127811 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eccentric contractions can affect musculotendon mechanical properties and disrupt muscle proprioception, but their behavioral consequences are poorly understood. We tested whether repeated eccentric contractions of plantarflexor muscles of one leg affected the dexterity of either leg. Twenty healthy male subjects (27.3 ± 4.0 yrs) compressed a compliant and slender spring prone to buckling with each isolated leg. The maximal instability they could control (i.e., the maximal average sustained compression force, or lower extremity dexterity force, LEDforce) quantified the dexterity of each leg. We found that eccentric contractions did not affect LEDforce, but reduced force variability (LEDSD). Surprisingly, LEDforce increased in the non-exposed, contralateral leg. These effects were specific to exposure to eccentric contractions because an effort-matched exposure to walking did not affect leg dexterity. In the exposed leg, eccentric contractions (i) reduced voluntary error corrections during spring compressions (i.e., reduced 0.5–4 Hz power of LEDforce); (ii) did not change spinal excitability (i.e., unaffected H-reflexes); and (iii) changed the structure of the neural drive to the α-motoneuron pool (i.e., reduced EMG power within the 4–8 Hz physiological tremor band). These results suggest that repeated eccentric contractions alter the feedback control for dexterity in the exposed leg by reducing muscle spindle sensitivity. Moreover, the unexpected improvement in LEDforce in the non-exposed contralateral leg was likely a consequence of crossed-effects on its spinal and supraspinal feedback control. We discuss the implications of these bilateral effects of unilateral eccentric contractions, their effect on spinal and supraspinal control of dynamic foot-ground interactions, and their potential to facilitate rehabilitation from musculoskeletal and neuromotor impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nagamori
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francisco J Valero-Cuevas
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James M Finley
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Valero-Cuevas FJ, Klamroth-Marganska V, Winstein CJ, Riener R. Robot-assisted and conventional therapies produce distinct rehabilitative trends in stroke survivors. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2016; 13:92. [PMID: 27724916 PMCID: PMC5057463 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-016-0199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Comparing the efficacy of alternative therapeutic strategies for the rehabilitation of motor function in chronically impaired individuals is often inconclusive. For example, a recent randomized clinical trial (RCT) compared robot-assisted vs. conventional therapy in 77 patients who had had chronic motor impairment after a cerebrovascular accident. While patients assigned to robotic therapy had greater improvements in the primary outcome measure (change in score on the upper extremity section of the Fugl-Meyer assessment), the absolute difference between therapies was small, which left the clinical relevance in question. Methods Here we revisit that study to test whether the multidimensional rehabilitative response of these patients can better distinguish between treatment outcomes. We used principal components analysis to find the correlation of changes across seven outcome measures between the start and end of 8 weeks of therapy. Permutation tests verified the robustness of the principal components found. Results Each therapy in fact produces different rehabilitative trends of recovery across the clinical, functional, and quality of life domains. A rehabilitative trend is a principal component that quantifies the correlations among changes in outcomes with each therapy. Conclusions These findings challenge the traditional emphasis of RCTs on using a single primary outcome measure to compare rehabilitative responses that are naturally multidimensional. This alternative approach to, and interpretation of, the results of RCTs may will lead to more effective therapies targeted for the multidimensional mechanisms of recovery. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00719433. Registered July 17, 2008. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12984-016-0199-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Valero-Cuevas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 3710 McClintock Ave, RTH 404, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-2905, USA. .,Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Carolee J Winstein
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert Riener
- ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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