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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 -
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies May 2024Clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulation for patients with low back pain. However, the effects of spinal manipulation have contradictory findings... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
One spinal manipulation session reduces local pain sensitivity but does not affect postural stability in individuals with chronic low back pain: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulation for patients with low back pain. However, the effects of spinal manipulation have contradictory findings compared to placebo intervention. Therefore, this study investigated the immediate effects of lumbar spinal manipulation on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and postural stability in people with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Second, we investigated the immediate effect of lumbar spinal manipulation on pain intensity and the interference of the participant beliefs about which treatment was received in the PPT, postural stability, and pain intensity.
METHODS
A two-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was performed. Eighty participants with nonspecific cLPB and a minimum score of 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale received one session of lumbar spinal manipulation (n = 40) or simulated lumbar spinal manipulation (n = 40). Primary outcomes were local and remote PPTs and postural stability. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity and participant's perceived treatment allocation. Between-group mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated the treatment effect. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to assess whether beliefs about which treatment was received influenced the outcomes.
RESULTS
Participants had a mean (SD) age of 34.9 (10.5) years, and 50 (62.5%) were women. Right L5 [between-group mean difference = 0.55 (95%CI 0.19 to 0.90)], left L5 [between-group mean difference = 0.45 (95%CI 0.13 to 0.76)], right L1 [between-group mean difference = 0.41 (95%CI 0.05 to 0.78)], left L1 [between-group mean difference = 0.57 (95%CI 0.15 to 0.99)], left DT [between-group mean difference = 0.35 (95%CI 0.04 to 0.65)], and right LE [between-group mean difference = 0.34 (95%CI 0.08 to 0.60)] showed superior treatment effect in the spinal manipulation group than sham. Neither intervention altered postural stability. Self-reported pain intensity showed clinically significant decreases in both groups after the intervention. A higher proportion of participants in the spinal manipulation group achieved more than two points of pain relief (spinal manipulation = 90%; sham = 60%). The participants' perceived treatment allocation did not affect the outcomes.
CONCLUSION
One spinal manipulation session reduces lumbar pain sensitivity but does not affect postural stability compared to a sham session in individuals with cLPB. Self-reported pain intensity lowered in both groups and a higher proportion of participants in the spinal manipulation group reached clinically significant pain relief. The participant's belief in receiving the manipulation did not appear to have influenced the outcomes since the adjusted model revealed similar findings.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Female; Manipulation, Spinal; Male; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Postural Balance; Pain Threshold; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Chronic Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38822395
DOI: 10.1186/s12998-024-00541-4 -
Journal of Translational Medicine May 2024Dizziness and vertigo rank among the top 10 reasons for emergency and clinical referrals to neurologists. Chronic dizziness and imbalance not only reduce quality of...
BACKGROUND
Dizziness and vertigo rank among the top 10 reasons for emergency and clinical referrals to neurologists. Chronic dizziness and imbalance not only reduce quality of life, but also increase mortality. While the Mediterranean diet has long been considered beneficial for human and planetary health, its effects on chronic dizziness or imbalance are understudied. We investigated the associations of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with chronic dizziness and imbalance.
METHODS
This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2021 and included 4,183 adults aged 40 years and older with complete information from diet, dizziness, and neurotology questionnaires. The alternate Mediterranean diet score (aMed) for nine food groups was calculated from 24-hour dietary recall data. Based on questionnaire responses, chronic dizziness was categorized as either isolated or chronic dizziness with imbalance, characterized by a cluster of difficulties maintaining a standing position, walking, or falling.
RESULTS
In a multivariable-adjusted model, the prevalence of chronic imbalance was lower in the top aMed tertile than in the bottom tertile (OR 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.74; p-trend = 0.01). Among the individual aMed components, the intake of whole grains and nuts exhibited an inverse relationship with chronic imbalance (OR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.27-0.93 for whole grains; OR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-1.01 for nuts). The aMed score was not associated with isolated chronic dizziness.
CONCLUSIONS
Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet may reduce chronic imbalance, particularly with an adequate intake of whole grains and nuts.
Topics: Humans; Dizziness; Diet, Mediterranean; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Chronic Disease; Adult; Republic of Korea; Independent Living; Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Postural Balance; Patient Compliance; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38822335
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05295-4 -
Respiratory Medicine 2024Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases fall risk, but consensus is lacking on suitable balance measures for fall risk screening in this group. We aimed...
BACKGROUND
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases fall risk, but consensus is lacking on suitable balance measures for fall risk screening in this group. We aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of balance measures for fall risk screening in community-dwelling older adults with COPD.
METHODS
In a secondary analysis of two studies, participants, aged ≥60 years with COPD and 12-month fall history or balance issues were tracked for 12-month prospective falls. Baseline balance measures - Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief BESTest), single leg stance (SLS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and TUG Dual-Task (TUG-DT) test - were assessed using intra-class correlation (ICC) for reliability, Pearson/Spearman correlation with balance-related factors for convergent validity, t-tests/Wilcoxon rank-sum tests with fall-related and disease-related factors for known-groups validity, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for predictive validity.
RESULTS
Among 174 participants (73 ± 8 years; 86 females) with COPD, all balance measures showed excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.88-0.97) and moderate convergent validity (r = 0.34-0.77) with related measures. Brief BESTest and SLS test had acceptable known-groups validity (p < 0.05) for 12-month fall history, self-reported balance problems, and gait aid use. TUG test and TUG-DT test discriminated between groups based on COPD severity, supplemental oxygen use, and gait aid use. All measures displayed insufficient predictive validity (AUC<0.70) for 12-month prospective falls.
CONCLUSION
Though all four balance measures demonstrated excellent reliability, they lack accuracy in prospectively predicting falls in community-dwelling older adults with COPD. These measures are best utilized within multi-factorial fall risk assessments for this population.
Topics: Humans; Accidental Falls; Aged; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Female; Postural Balance; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Longitudinal Studies; Independent Living; Risk Assessment; Aged, 80 and over; Middle Aged; Mass Screening; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38821219
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107681 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2023Cervical spondylosis is a progressive disease that causes degenerative changes affecting the spine, intervertebral discs, facets, and ligaments. With anterior and...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Cervical spondylosis is a progressive disease that causes degenerative changes affecting the spine, intervertebral discs, facets, and ligaments. With anterior and posterior surgical interventions, effective treatments can be applied in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The relationship between regional and global spinal alignment and functional and pain outcomes was examined and it was revealed that these parameters play a significant role in obtaining good results. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative and follow-up results of patients with CSM who underwent laminoplasty or laminectomy with fusion.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
CSM patients who were operated on between 2015 and 2020 and had at least 2 years of clinical and radiological follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups as the laminoplasty group and the laminectomy with fusion group, according to a simple random method. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and perioperative parameters were examined. Measurements were made by an independent observer using Surgimap and 2 years was considered to be sufficient time for the spine to take its final shape.
RESULT
A total of 112 patients, including 68 males and 44 females, were included. Of these patients, 69 were in the laminectomy with fusion group, and 43 were in the laminoplasty group. Patient ages ranged from 39 to 85 years. The mean follow-up period was 36.28 months. In both groups, at the 3-month follow-up, a statistically significant improvement in the clinical parameters (neck disability index, visual analogue scale, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores) was observed. When the preoperative cervical radiological parameters were evaluated, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. The C2-C7 lordotic angles and the cervical SVA values were increased in the postoperative period, for both groups (p < 0.001). Although it is noteworthy that the increases were higher in the laminectomy with fusion group, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups.
CONCLUSION
Deformity in a spinal segment may indirectly affect another segment. Being aware of the compensatory mechanisms and radiological parameters will help in determining the effective treatment plan.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Laminoplasty; Laminectomy; Spondylosis; Middle Aged; Aged; Spinal Fusion; Cervical Vertebrae; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Treatment Outcome; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38813028
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5713