Comparison of Dynamic Balance under Dual and Simple Task Conditions in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

3D-optical motion capturing examination of sensori- and psychomotor abnormalities in mental disorders: Progress and perspectives

Sensori-/psychomotor abnormalities refer to a wide range of disturbances in individual motor, affective and behavioral functions that are often observed in mental disorders. However, many of these studies have mainly used clinical rating scales, which can be potentially confounded by observer bias and are not able to detect subtle sensori-/psychomotor abnormalities. Yet, an innovative three-dimensional (3D) optical motion capturing technology (MoCap) can provide more objective and quantifiable data about movements and posture in psychiatric patients. To draw attention to recent rapid progress in the field, we performed a systematic review using PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science until May 01st 2024. We included 55 studies in the qualitative analysis and gait was the most examined movement. The identified studies suggested that sensori-/psychomotor abnormalities in neurodevelopmental, mood, schizophrenia spectrum and neurocognitive disorders are associated with alterations in spatiotemporal parameters (speed, step width, length and height; stance time, swing time, double limb support time, phases duration, adjusting sway, acceleration, etc.) during various movements such as walking, running, upper body, hand and head movements. Some studies highlighted the advantages of 3D optical MoCap systems over traditional rating scales and measurements such as actigraphy and ultrasound gait analyses. 3D optical MoCap systems are susceptible to detecting differences not only between patients with mental disorders and healthy persons but also among at-risk individuals exhibiting subtle sensori-/psychomotor abnormalities. Overall, 3D optical MoCap systems hold promise for objectively examining sensori-/psychomotor abnormalities, making them valuable tools for use in future clinical trials.

Cross-lateralisation in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and motor skill performance

Cross‐lateralisation and increased motor difficulties have been reported in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nevertheless, the question of how crossed (i.e. mixed preference) or uncrossed (i.e. same side preference) lateralisation impacts motor performance in children with ADHD has yet to be examined. In this study, previously validated observational measures of hand and foot preference were used to identify right‐handed children with ADHD who display cross‐ (n = 29) and uncross‐lateralisation (n = 31). An uncross‐lateralised typically developing (TD) group (n = 32) was also identified, and included as a control. Motor performance was assessed with seven valid and reliable fine and gross motor tasks performed with both preferred and non‐preferred limbs. Group, task and sex‐related effects were examined. Findings revealed that male (but not female) cross‐lateralised children with ADHD performed significantly worse, respectively, in two of the fine motor tasks (spiral tracing [p < .01], and dot filling [p < .05]). Results suggest that cross‐lateralised hand and foot preference may affect complex motor skills in male children with ADHD. Furthermore, characteristics of ADHD may manifest differently in male and female children. Findings highlight the importance of considering both hand and foot preference when targeting motor interventions for children with ADHD.

Performance on Functional Strength Measurement and Muscle Power Sprint Test confirm poor anaerobic capacity in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

BACKGROUND

There is little and conflicting information about anaerobic performance and functional strength in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

AIMS

To investigate anaerobic capacity and functional strength in children with a clinical diagnosis of DCD (clin-DCD) and if differences were larger in older (age 7-10 years) compared to younger children (age 4-6 years). Furthermore to determine the percentage of children with clin-DCD that scored <15th percentile on the norm-referenced Functional Strength Measurement.

METHOD

A clin-DCD group (36 boys, 11 girls, mean age: 7y 1mo, SD=2y 1mo) and a typically developing group (TD) (57 boys, 53 girls, mean age: 7y 5mo, SD=1y 10mo) were compared on Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST) and Functional Strength Measurement (FSM).

RESULTS

Children with clin-DCD performed poorer on the MPST and FSM, especially on the muscle endurance items of the FSM. The differences were larger in the older children compared to the younger on the cluster muscle endurance and the FSM total score. Over 50% of clin-DCD group scored <15th percentile on the FSM.

INTERPRETATION

Differences between children with clin-DCD and TD children are even more pronounced in the older children, especially when tested on items requiring fast repetitive movements.

Effect of dual-task training on postural stability in children with infantile hemiparesis

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of using a selected dual-task training program to improve postural stability in infantile hemiparesis. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients participated in this study; patients were classified randomly into two equal groups: study and control groups. Both groups received conventional physical therapy treatment including mobility exercises, balance exercises, gait training exercises, and exercises to improve physical conditioning. In addition, the study group received a selected dual-task training program including balance and cognitive activities. The treatment program was conducted thrice per week for six successive weeks. The patients were assessed with the Biodex Balance System. These measures were recorded two times: before the application of the treatment program (pre) and after the end of the treatment program (post). [Results] There was a significant improvement for both groups; the improvement was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The selected dual-task training program is effective in improving postural stability in patients with infantile hemiparesis when added to the conventional physical therapy program.

Comparative gait analysis between children with autism and age-matched controls: analysis with temporal-spatial and foot pressure variables

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the gait pattern of children with autism by using a gait analysis system. [Subjects] Thirty children were selected for this study: 15 with autism (age, 11.2 ± 2.8 years; weight, 48.1 ± 14.1 kg; height, 1.51 ± 0.11 m) and 15 healthy age-matched controls (age, 11.0 ± 2.9 years; weight, 43.6 ± 10 kg; height, 1.51 ± 0.011 m). [Methods] All participants walked three times on the GAITRite^® system while their plantar pressure was being recorded. [Results] The results showed a reduction in cadence, gait velocity, and step length, and an increase in step width in children with autism. Plantar pressure variables highlight the differences between the active pressure areas, especially in the hindfoot of children with autism. [Conclusion] The results suggest that children with autism have an abnormal gait compared with that of age-matched controls, and thus they need extra attention to correct these abnormal gait patterns.

Effects of therapeutic climbing activities wearing a weighted vest on a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of therapeutic climbing activities on the brain waves and attention of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [Subject and Methods] The subject of this case study was a 7 year 6-month old child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This study was based on evidence gathered at 3 distinct stages: a pre-intervention period, 10 intervention periods (2 weeks), and one post-intervention period. The intervention involved therapeutic climbing activities wearing a weighted vest over the course of 4 weeks. The clinical outcome measures were electroencephalography and the Star Cancellation Test. [Results] The mean activation of alpha waves was improved by the therapeutic intervention. During the intervention, the mean activation of alpha waves was the highest at the F3 cortical locus and the lowest at the T4 cortical locus. The average Star Cancellation Test scores were 43 at pre-intervention, 50 during the therapeutic intervention, and 52 at post-intervention. The performance time of the Star Cancellation Test was 240.1 seconds at pre-intervention, 90.2 seconds during the therapeutic intervention, and 60.0 seconds at post-intervention. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that therapeutic climbing activities performed wearing a weighted vest had positive effects on the brain waves and the attention span of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Sensory processing dysfunction among Saudi children with and without autism

[Purpose] There is a dearth of studies that have examined the occurrence of sensory processing dysfunction and its components in Saudi Arabian children with autism. Therefore, this study investigated the manifestation of sensory processing dysfunction in autism and compared the functional components of sensory processing between Saudi Arabian children with and without autism. [Subjects and Methods] A convenience sample of 46 Saudi Arabian children with autism and 30 children without autism participated in this study. The sensory processing functions of both groups were assessed with the Short Sensory Profile. [Results] The overall findings indicated that 84.8% of children with autism demonstrated definite sensory processing dysfunction. The most prevalent sensory processing dysfunctions involved the under-responsive/seeks sensation (89.13%), auditory filtering (73.90%), and tactile sensitivity (60.87%) domains. Most of the children without autism (66.66%) demonstrated typical sensory function; the most prevalent sensory processing dysfunctions involved the tactile sensitivity (33.3%), under-responsive/seeks sensation (23.33%), and movement sensitivity (20%) domains. [Conclusion] Saudi Arabian children with and without autism have clinically significant sensory dysfunctions. However, the prevalence of those sensory dysfunctions in children with autism is significantly higher than in the children without autism.