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Gammeri R, Salatino A, Pyasik M, Cirillo E, Zavattaro C, Serra H, Pia L, Roberts DR, Berti A, Ricci R. Modulation of vestibular input by short-term head-down bed rest affects somatosensory perception: implications for space missions. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1197278. [PMID: 37529715 PMCID: PMC10390228 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1197278] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction On Earth, self-produced somatosensory stimuli are typically perceived as less intense than externally generated stimuli of the same intensity, a phenomenon referred to as somatosensory attenuation (SA). Although this phenomenon arises from the integration of multisensory signals, the specific contribution of the vestibular system and the sense of gravity to somatosensory cognition underlying distinction between self-generated and externally generated sensations remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether temporary modulation of the gravitational input by head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR)-a well-known Earth-based analog of microgravity-might significantly affect somatosensory perception of self- and externally generated stimuli. Methods In this study, 40 healthy participants were tested using short-term HDBR. Participants received a total of 40 non-painful self- and others generated electrical stimuli (20 self- and 20 other-generated stimuli) in an upright and HDBR position while blindfolded. After each stimulus, they were asked to rate the perceived intensity of the stimulation on a Likert scale. Results Somatosensory stimulations were perceived as significantly less intense during HDBR compared to upright position, regardless of the agent administering the stimulus. In addition, the magnitude of SA in upright position was negatively correlated with the participants' somatosensory threshold. Based on the direction of SA in the upright position, participants were divided in two subgroups. In the subgroup experiencing SA, the intensity rating of stimulations generated by others decreased significantly during HDBR, leading to the disappearance of the phenomenon of SA. In the second subgroup, on the other hand, reversed SA was not affected by HDBR. Conclusion Modulation of the gravitational input by HDBR produced underestimation of somatosensory stimuli. Furthermore, in participants experiencing SA, the reduction of vestibular inputs by HDBR led to the disappearance of the SA phenomenon. These findings provide new insights into the role of the gravitational input in somatosensory perception and have important implications for astronauts who are exposed to weightlessness during space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gammeri
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriana Salatino
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Pyasik
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cirillo
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Zavattaro
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Hilary Serra
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pia
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Donna R. Roberts
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Anna Berti
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- SpAtial, Motor and Bodily Awareness (SAMBA) Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ricci
- Space, Attention and Action (SAN) Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Mainka S, Schroll A, Warmerdam E, Gandor F, Maetzler W, Ebersbach G. The Power of Musification: Sensor-Based Music Feedback Improves Arm Swing in Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2021; 8:1240-1247. [PMID: 34761058 PMCID: PMC8564817 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reduction of arm swing during gait is an early and common symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). By using the technology of a mobile phone, acceleration of arm swing can be converted into a closed‐loop musical feedback (musification) to improve gait. Objectives To assess arm swing in healthy subjects and the effects of musification on arm swing amplitude and other gait parameters in patients with PD. Methods Gait kinematics were analyzed in 30 patients during a 320 m walk in 3 different conditions comprising (1) normal walking; (2) focused swinging of the more affected arm; and (3) with musification of arm swing provided by the iPhone application CuraSwing. The acceleration of arm swing was converted into musical feedback. Arm swing range of motion and further gait kinematics were analyzed. In addition, arm swing in patients was compared to 32 healthy subjects walking at normal, slow, and fast speeds. Results Musification led to a large and bilateral increase of arm swing range of motion in patients. The increase was greater on the more affected side of the patient (+529.5% compared to baseline). In addition, symmetry of arm swing, sternum rotation, and stride length increased. With musical feedback patients with PD reached arm swing movements within or above the range of healthy subjects. Conclusions Musification has an immediate effect on arm swing and other gait kinematics in PD. The results suggest that closed‐loop musical feedback is an effective technique to improve walking in patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mainka
- Movement Disorders Hospital, Kliniken Beelitz GmbH Beelitz-Heilstätten Germany
| | - Arno Schroll
- Department of Training and Movement Sciences Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Elke Warmerdam
- Department of Neurology Christian-Albrechts-Universitat zu Kiel Medizinische Fakultat Kiel Germany
| | - Florin Gandor
- Movement Disorders Hospital, Kliniken Beelitz GmbH Beelitz-Heilstätten Germany.,Department of Neurology Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg Germany
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Department of Neurology Christian-Albrechts-Universitat zu Kiel Medizinische Fakultat Kiel Germany
| | - Georg Ebersbach
- Movement Disorders Hospital, Kliniken Beelitz GmbH Beelitz-Heilstätten Germany
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