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Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences 2024Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a common group of inherited connective tissue disorders with a prevalence as high as 0.75%-2% of the population. Physical manifestations...
Evaluating the effects of two different kinesiology taping techniques on shoulder range of motion and proprioception in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a common group of inherited connective tissue disorders with a prevalence as high as 0.75%-2% of the population. Physical manifestations include pain and decreased proprioception, especially in more mobile joints, such as the shoulder. The kinesiology tape (K-Tape) is often used to treat patients with shoulder dysfunction. The effectiveness of the K-Tape is uncertain, and there is a lack of studies specifically studying the K-Tape in an EDS population.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term effects of two different K-Tape procedures on shoulder active joint reposition (AJR) and active range of motion (AROM) in patients with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) and shoulder pain.
METHODS
All participants were recruited from the EDS support groups and presented with shoulder pain. Baseline demographic information was obtained for each participant, after which AROM and AJR were assessed. The participants were randomized to receive one of two K-Tape procedures. Testing was repeated immediately post-taping and 48 h post-taping.
RESULTS
Significant improvements in shoulder external ( = 10.917, < 0.001) and internal ( = 11.736, < 0.001) rotations were seen from baseline to immediately post-taping and baseline to 48 h post-taping in the experimental K-Tape group. There were no significant differences in the shoulder rotation in the control K-Tape group and no significant differences in either group for shoulder flexion or AJR at any time point ( > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
K-Tape may offer short-term improvements in shoulder rotation AROM in patients with hEDS and shoulder pain.
PubMed: 38836006
DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1383551 -
Frontiers in Robotics and AI 2024We demonstrate proprioceptive feedback control of a one degree of freedom soft, pneumatically actuated origami robot and an assembly of two robots into a two degree of...
We demonstrate proprioceptive feedback control of a one degree of freedom soft, pneumatically actuated origami robot and an assembly of two robots into a two degree of freedom system. The base unit of the robot is a 41 mm long, 3-D printed Kresling-inspired structure with six sets of sidewall folds and one degree of freedom. Pneumatic actuation, provided by negative fluidic pressure, causes the robot to contract. Capacitive sensors patterned onto the robot provide position estimation and serve as input to a feedback controller. Using a finite element approach, the electrode shapes are optimized for sensitivity at larger (more obtuse) fold angles to improve control across the actuation range. We demonstrate stable position control through discrete-time proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control on a single unit Kresling robot via a series of static set points to 17 mm, dynamic set point stepping, and sinusoidal signal following, with error under 3 mm up to 10 mm contraction. We also demonstrate a two-unit Kresling robot with two degree of freedom extension and rotation control, which has error of 1.7 mm and 6.1°. This work contributes optimized capacitive electrode design and the demonstration of closed-loop feedback position control without visual tracking as an input. This approach to capacitance sensing and modeling constitutes a major step towards proprioceptive state estimation and feedback control in soft origami robotics.
PubMed: 38835929
DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2024.1396082 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence regarding neck sensorimotor testing in individuals with neck pain, assess the differences between neck... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence regarding neck sensorimotor testing in individuals with neck pain, assess the differences between neck pain groups and healthy controls, and recognize factors that might affect test results. We performed the data search using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. We used a two-step screening process to identify studies. Furthermore, we screened the reference lists for additional studies. Hedges g was used to present the difference between neck pain groups and asymptomatic individuals. We assessed the quality of the studies using the QUADAS tool. The final review included 34 studies, of which 25 were related to the joint position error test, four to the smooth pursuit neck torsion test and six to the balance test. Our meta-analysis showed poorer joint-position sense, oculomotor function, and wider postural sway in individuals with neck pain than healthy controls. The size of the difference between the groups seemed to be influenced by the intensity of the pain and the presence of dizziness. Therefore, it might be helpful in future studies to differentiate patients with neck pain into subgroups based on their symptom and demographic profiles to assess other factors that significantly affect cervical sensorimotor control.
Topics: Humans; Neck Pain; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38834665
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63545-3 -
The South African Journal of... May 2024The Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale is a widely used measure to identify older adults with balance difficulties. However, its applicability in the...
BACKGROUND
The Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale is a widely used measure to identify older adults with balance difficulties. However, its applicability in the diverse South African context is hindered by cross-cultural and linguistic differences. Limited research exists on the use of the ABC scale in native South African languages.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the ABC scale into Sepedi, evaluate its reliability and determine self-perceived balance confidence among elderly individuals in a rural community.
METHOD
The ABC scale was translated and culturally adapted into Sepedi. Two trained raters administered the Sepedi version of the ABC (ABC-S) scale to 32 individuals aged between 60 and 88 years. Test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability were determined, with one rater re-administering the scale 2 weeks later.
RESULTS
Ten items from the original ABC scale were modified because of cultural, semantic or contextual inappropriateness. The ABC-S scale demonstrated very good intra- and inter-rater reproducibility, with an average intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.85 and 0.81, respectively. The self-perceived balance confidence among elderly Sepedi individuals, as evaluated by the ABC-S scale, was high, with an average score of 81.3 and a range of 58.1 to 95.9.
CONCLUSION
The ABC-S scale is a reliable measurement tool to investigate balance confidence in Sepedi-speaking older adults.Contribution: The ABC-S scale is a valuable screening tool for the identification of balance difficulties in Sepedi-speaking older adults as well as research settings.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Female; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Aged, 80 and over; Postural Balance; Middle Aged; South Africa; Translations; Psychometrics; Self Concept; Translating; Surveys and Questionnaires; Language; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Geriatric Assessment
PubMed: 38832365
DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1004 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Jun 2024Detailed descriptions of clinical signs associated with radiological findings of the caudal cervical vertebral column are not available.
BACKGROUND
Detailed descriptions of clinical signs associated with radiological findings of the caudal cervical vertebral column are not available.
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESES
Describe the clinical features associated with neck pain or stiffness, neck-related thoracic limb lameness, proprioceptive ataxia consistent with a cervicothoracic spinal cord or nerve lesion, and their frequency of occurrence compared with control horses.
ANIMALS
A total of 223 Warmblood horses.
METHODS
Case-control study. Controls and cases were recruited prospectively. All horses underwent predetermined lameness and neurologic examinations. The frequency of occurrence of each clinical feature was compared between cases and controls and relative risk (RR) were calculated.
RESULTS
Ninety-six cases and 127 controls were included. Forty-seven (49%) of the cases were classified as neurologic, 31 (32.3%) had thoracic limb lameness, and 18 (18.7%) had neck stiffness or pain or both. Focal caudal cervical muscle atrophy (46, 47.9%), hypoesthesia (38, 39.6%), patchy sweating (16, 16.7%), hyperesthesia (11, 11.5%), and pain upon firm pressure applied over the caudal cervical articular process joints and transverse processes (58, 60.4%) were only observed in cases (P < .001). Sideways flexion of the neck was restricted in a higher proportion of cases (47/96, 49%) compared with controls (40/127, 31.8%; P = .009, RR 1.5). Hopping-type thoracic limb lameness was only observed in cases, (30, 31.6%). Deterioration in lameness after diagnostic anesthesia occurred in 13/31 (41.9%) cases.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Systematic clinical evaluation using the methods described should enable clinical differentiation between horses with caudal cervical lesions and horses with other causes of gait abnormalities.
PubMed: 38829000
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17125 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024For animals to locate resources and stay safe, navigation is an essential cognitive skill. Blind people use different navigational strategies to encode the environment....
For animals to locate resources and stay safe, navigation is an essential cognitive skill. Blind people use different navigational strategies to encode the environment. Path integration significantly influences spatial navigation, which is the ongoing update of position and orientation during self-motion. This study examines two separate things: (i) how guided and non-guided strategies affect blind individuals in encoding and mentally representing a trajectory and (ii) the sensory preferences for potential navigational aids through questionnaire-based research. This study first highlights the significant role that the absence of vision plays in understanding body centered and proprioceptive cues. Furthermore, it also underscores the urgent need to develop navigation-assistive technologies customized to meet the specific needs of users.
PubMed: 38826777
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1375225 -
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal... Jun 2024The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a six-week French contrast method applied to professional Soccer players on jumping, sprinting, and dynamic balance...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a six-week French contrast method applied to professional Soccer players on jumping, sprinting, and dynamic balance performance values.
METHODS
A total of 21 male Soccer players voluntarily participated in the study, all of whom played professionally for 1461 Trabzonspor club. Data on gender, age, body weight (kg), body fat percentage (%BF), body mass index (BMI), vertical jump (cm), 30m sprint, and dynamic balance were obtained from the players. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. Since the data showed normal distribution, paired samples T-test statistical analysis was applied.
RESULTS
According to the statistical results obtained from professional Soccer players, there is a statistically significant difference between vertical jump, 30m sprint, and dynamic balance values (p<0.05). Based on these findings, it can be stated that the applied French contrast training method is effective on the mentioned variables.
CONCLUSION
French contrast training program applied to professional Soccer players can be considered effective in improving vertical jump, 30m sprint, and dynamic balance values.
Topics: Soccer; Humans; Male; Athletic Performance; Young Adult; Postural Balance; Running; Adult; Athletes
PubMed: 38826004
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal... Jun 2024To evaluate the use of a computer-based biodex balance exercise system (BBS) on balance, neuropathic pain, clinical presentation and nerve function in patients with... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Computer-based Balance Exercises on Balance, Pain, Clinical Presentation and Nerve Function in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of a computer-based biodex balance exercise system (BBS) on balance, neuropathic pain, clinical presentation and nerve function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
METHODS
A total of 32 participants with DPN were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The IG performed exercises using the BBS twice weekly for 8 weeks, while CG were informed regarding diabetes self-management. At baseline and after study completion, participants underwent balance (postural stability and fall risk) and neuropathic pain assessment (DN4 questionnaire) and were screened using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and nerve conduction test.
RESULTS
Among the baseline participants, 14 in the IG and 13 in the CG completed the study. Balance training improved postural stability (overall, p<0.001), fall risk (p<0.001), neuropathic pain (p=0.01) and symptoms (p<0.001), and clinical presentation (p=0.02), but not nerve function, within the IG. At follow-up, IG displayed significantly improved stability (p<0.001) and fall risk (p=0.02) and decreased neuropathic symptoms (p=0.01) compared to the CG.
CONCLUSION
Computer-based balance exercises improve balance, pain, and clinical presentation of DPN, but not nerve function, in patients with DPN.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov ID: NCT05255497.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Neuropathies; Postural Balance; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Exercise Therapy; Aged; Neuralgia
PubMed: 38825999
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal... Jun 2024To verify the relationship between the indicators of components of lumbar motor control and determine the factors related to the indicators to each of these components.
OBJECTIVES
To verify the relationship between the indicators of components of lumbar motor control and determine the factors related to the indicators to each of these components.
METHODS
Twenty-five healthy university students were included in the study. The lumbar spine and hip kinematic parameters of posterior/anterior pelvic tilt (mobility and smoothness), ball catching (reactivity), and forward/backward rocking (adaptive stability) were measured as indicators of lumbar motor control. Lumbar proprioception, trunk muscle strength, and lower trunk muscle thickness were also measured. Kinematic parameters of the lumbar spine and hip were measured using a small accelerometer. The data verified the relevance of indicators of lumbar motor control and the relationship with relevant factors.
RESULTS
No significant correlations were found for most lumbar motor control indicators. Lumbar proprioception and rectus abdominis muscle thickness were identified as relevant indicators of lumbar motor control.
CONCLUSIONS
Each component of lumbar motor control is independent and must be evaluated for the component whose function is required. Additionally, some components of lumbar motor control are associated with lumbar proprioception and rectus abdominis muscle thickness; thus, evaluation of these components is necessary when evaluating lumbar motor control.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Young Adult; Proprioception; Lumbar Vertebrae; Biomechanical Phenomena; Adult; Muscle Strength; Postural Balance; Lumbosacral Region; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 38825996
DOI: No ID Found -
Human Movement Science Jun 2024Individuals with untreated, mild-to-moderate recurrent neck pain or stiffness (subclinical neck pain (SCNP)) have been shown to have impairments in upper limb...
Individuals with untreated, mild-to-moderate recurrent neck pain or stiffness (subclinical neck pain (SCNP)) have been shown to have impairments in upper limb proprioception, and altered cerebellar processing. It is probable that aiming trajectories will be impacted since individuals with SCNP cannot rely on accurate proprioceptive feedback or feedforward processing (body schema) for movement planning and execution, due to altered afferent input from the neck. SCNP participants may thus rely more on visual feedback, to accommodate for impaired cerebellar processing. This quasi-experimental study sought to determine whether upper limb kinematics and oculomotor processes were impacted in those with SCNP. 25 SCNP and 25 control participants who were right-hand dominant performed bidirectional aiming movements using two different weighted styli (light or heavy) while wearing an eye-tracking device. Those with SCNP had a greater time to and time after peak velocity, which corresponded with a longer upper limb movement and reaction time, seen as greater constant error, less undershoot in the upwards direction and greater undershoot in the downwards direction compared to controls. SCNP participants also showed a trend towards a quicker ocular reaction and movement time compared to controls, while the movement distance was fairly similar between groups. This study indicates that SCNP alters aiming performances, with greater reliance on visual feedback, likely due to altered proprioceptive input leading to altered cerebellar processing.
PubMed: 38824805
DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2024.103238