Τετάρτη 31 Μαΐου 2017

Transient ischemic attacks on turning the head to one side, with immediate remission of symptoms when the head returned to the neutral position.



Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480

Comparison of Effects Produced by Physiological Versus Traditional Vocal Warm-up in Contemporary Commercial Music Singers

alertIcon.gif

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): María Priscilla Portillo, Sandra Rojas, Marco Guzman, Camilo Quezada
PurposeThe present study aimed to observe whether physiological warm-up and traditional singing warm-up differently affect aerodynamic, electroglottographic, acoustic, and self-perceived parameters of voice in Contemporary Commercial Music singers.MethodsThirty subjects were asked to perform a 15-minute session of vocal warm-up. They were randomly assigned to one of two types of vocal warm-up: physiological (based on semi-occluded exercises) or traditional (singing warm-up based on open vowel [a:]). Aerodynamic, electroglottographic, acoustic, and self-perceived voice quality assessments were carried out before (pre) and after (post) warm-up.ResultsNo significant differences were found when comparing both types of vocal warm-up methods, either in subjective or in objective measures. Furthermore, the main positive effect observed in both groups when comparing pre and post conditions was a better self-reported quality of voice. Additionally, significant differences were observed for sound pressure level (decrease), glottal airflow (increase), and aerodynamic efficiency (decrease) in the traditional warm-up group.ConclusionBoth traditional and physiological warm-ups produce favorable voice sensations. Moreover, there are no evident differences in aerodynamic and electroglottographic variables when comparing both types of vocal warm-ups. Some changes after traditional warm-up (decreased intensity, increased airflow, and decreased aerodynamic efficiency) could imply an early stage of vocal fatigue.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rlEjxM
via IFTTT

Age-Related Differences in the Processing of Temporal Envelope and Spectral Cues in a Speech Segment.

wk-health-logo.gif

Objectives: As people age, they experience reduced temporal processing abilities. This results in poorer ability to understand speech, particularly for degraded input signals. Cochlear implants (CIs) convey speech information via the temporal envelopes of a spectrally degraded input signal. Because there is an increasing number of older CI users, there is a need to understand how temporal processing changes with age. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify age-related reduction in temporal processing abilities when attempting to discriminate words based on temporal envelope information from spectrally degraded signals. Design: Younger normal-hearing (YNH) and older normal-hearing (ONH) participants were presented a continuum of speech tokens that varied in silence duration between phonemes (0 to 60 ms in 10-ms steps), and were asked to identify whether the stimulus was perceived more as the word "dish" or "ditch." Stimuli were vocoded using tonal carriers. The number of channels (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and unprocessed) and temporal envelope low-pass filter cutoff frequency (50 and 400 Hz) were systematically varied. Results: For the unprocessed conditions, the YNH participants perceived the word ditch for smaller silence durations than the ONH participants, indicating that aging affects temporal processing abilities. There was no difference in performance between the unprocessed and 16-channel, 400-Hz vocoded stimuli. Decreasing the number of spectral channels caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. Decreasing the envelope cutoff frequency also caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. The overall pattern of results revealed that reductions in spectral and temporal information had a relatively larger effect on the ONH participants compared with the YNH participants. Conclusions: Aging reduces the ability to utilize brief temporal cues in speech segments. Reducing spectral information-as occurs in a channel vocoder and in CI speech processing strategies-forces participants to use temporal envelope information; however, older participants are less capable of utilizing this information. These results suggest that providing as much spectral and temporal speech information as possible would benefit older CI users relatively more than younger CI users. In addition, the present findings help set expectations of clinical outcomes for speech understanding performance by adult CI users as a function of age. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rbSkj2
via IFTTT

Rotational and Collic Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing in Normal Developing Children and Children With Combined Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives: Vestibular dysfunction in childhood can have a major effect on a child's developmental process. Balance function has been reported to be poorer in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in their typically developing peers. Due to contradictory available evidence and the paucity of research on vestibular function specifically in children with combined ADHD (cADHD), we designed this aged-matched study to assess vestibular function in children with cADHD. Design: We enrolled 30 typically developing children (15 boys and 15 girls; mean age, 9 years 6 months; range, 7 to 12 years) and 33 children (19 boys and 14 girls; mean age, 9 years 0 months; range, 7 to 12 years) with cADHD diagnosed by our research psychiatrist. Typically developing controls were used to obtain normative data on vestibular testing and to examine the impact of age on the vestibular response parameters, and these results were compared with those of the cADHD group. All children underwent the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration subtype of the rotary chair test (0.01, 0.02, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 Hz) and the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test. Results: At all five frequencies in the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following rotary chair response parameters in typically developing children: vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, phase, asymmetry, and fixation index. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following cVEMP parameters for the right and left ears of control group: p1 and n1 latency, amplitude, threshold, and amplitude ratio. Significantly higher VOR gains were observed for children with cADHD at frequencies of 0.01 (p = 0.001), 0.08 (p

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qH461z
via IFTTT

Age-Related Differences in the Processing of Temporal Envelope and Spectral Cues in a Speech Segment.

wk-health-logo.gif

Objectives: As people age, they experience reduced temporal processing abilities. This results in poorer ability to understand speech, particularly for degraded input signals. Cochlear implants (CIs) convey speech information via the temporal envelopes of a spectrally degraded input signal. Because there is an increasing number of older CI users, there is a need to understand how temporal processing changes with age. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify age-related reduction in temporal processing abilities when attempting to discriminate words based on temporal envelope information from spectrally degraded signals. Design: Younger normal-hearing (YNH) and older normal-hearing (ONH) participants were presented a continuum of speech tokens that varied in silence duration between phonemes (0 to 60 ms in 10-ms steps), and were asked to identify whether the stimulus was perceived more as the word "dish" or "ditch." Stimuli were vocoded using tonal carriers. The number of channels (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and unprocessed) and temporal envelope low-pass filter cutoff frequency (50 and 400 Hz) were systematically varied. Results: For the unprocessed conditions, the YNH participants perceived the word ditch for smaller silence durations than the ONH participants, indicating that aging affects temporal processing abilities. There was no difference in performance between the unprocessed and 16-channel, 400-Hz vocoded stimuli. Decreasing the number of spectral channels caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. Decreasing the envelope cutoff frequency also caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. The overall pattern of results revealed that reductions in spectral and temporal information had a relatively larger effect on the ONH participants compared with the YNH participants. Conclusions: Aging reduces the ability to utilize brief temporal cues in speech segments. Reducing spectral information-as occurs in a channel vocoder and in CI speech processing strategies-forces participants to use temporal envelope information; however, older participants are less capable of utilizing this information. These results suggest that providing as much spectral and temporal speech information as possible would benefit older CI users relatively more than younger CI users. In addition, the present findings help set expectations of clinical outcomes for speech understanding performance by adult CI users as a function of age. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rbSkj2
via IFTTT

Rotational and Collic Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing in Normal Developing Children and Children With Combined Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives: Vestibular dysfunction in childhood can have a major effect on a child's developmental process. Balance function has been reported to be poorer in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in their typically developing peers. Due to contradictory available evidence and the paucity of research on vestibular function specifically in children with combined ADHD (cADHD), we designed this aged-matched study to assess vestibular function in children with cADHD. Design: We enrolled 30 typically developing children (15 boys and 15 girls; mean age, 9 years 6 months; range, 7 to 12 years) and 33 children (19 boys and 14 girls; mean age, 9 years 0 months; range, 7 to 12 years) with cADHD diagnosed by our research psychiatrist. Typically developing controls were used to obtain normative data on vestibular testing and to examine the impact of age on the vestibular response parameters, and these results were compared with those of the cADHD group. All children underwent the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration subtype of the rotary chair test (0.01, 0.02, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 Hz) and the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test. Results: At all five frequencies in the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following rotary chair response parameters in typically developing children: vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, phase, asymmetry, and fixation index. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following cVEMP parameters for the right and left ears of control group: p1 and n1 latency, amplitude, threshold, and amplitude ratio. Significantly higher VOR gains were observed for children with cADHD at frequencies of 0.01 (p = 0.001), 0.08 (p

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qH461z
via IFTTT

Age-Related Differences in the Processing of Temporal Envelope and Spectral Cues in a Speech Segment.

wk-health-logo.gif

Objectives: As people age, they experience reduced temporal processing abilities. This results in poorer ability to understand speech, particularly for degraded input signals. Cochlear implants (CIs) convey speech information via the temporal envelopes of a spectrally degraded input signal. Because there is an increasing number of older CI users, there is a need to understand how temporal processing changes with age. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify age-related reduction in temporal processing abilities when attempting to discriminate words based on temporal envelope information from spectrally degraded signals. Design: Younger normal-hearing (YNH) and older normal-hearing (ONH) participants were presented a continuum of speech tokens that varied in silence duration between phonemes (0 to 60 ms in 10-ms steps), and were asked to identify whether the stimulus was perceived more as the word "dish" or "ditch." Stimuli were vocoded using tonal carriers. The number of channels (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and unprocessed) and temporal envelope low-pass filter cutoff frequency (50 and 400 Hz) were systematically varied. Results: For the unprocessed conditions, the YNH participants perceived the word ditch for smaller silence durations than the ONH participants, indicating that aging affects temporal processing abilities. There was no difference in performance between the unprocessed and 16-channel, 400-Hz vocoded stimuli. Decreasing the number of spectral channels caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. Decreasing the envelope cutoff frequency also caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. The overall pattern of results revealed that reductions in spectral and temporal information had a relatively larger effect on the ONH participants compared with the YNH participants. Conclusions: Aging reduces the ability to utilize brief temporal cues in speech segments. Reducing spectral information-as occurs in a channel vocoder and in CI speech processing strategies-forces participants to use temporal envelope information; however, older participants are less capable of utilizing this information. These results suggest that providing as much spectral and temporal speech information as possible would benefit older CI users relatively more than younger CI users. In addition, the present findings help set expectations of clinical outcomes for speech understanding performance by adult CI users as a function of age. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rbSkj2
via IFTTT

Rotational and Collic Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing in Normal Developing Children and Children With Combined Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives: Vestibular dysfunction in childhood can have a major effect on a child's developmental process. Balance function has been reported to be poorer in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in their typically developing peers. Due to contradictory available evidence and the paucity of research on vestibular function specifically in children with combined ADHD (cADHD), we designed this aged-matched study to assess vestibular function in children with cADHD. Design: We enrolled 30 typically developing children (15 boys and 15 girls; mean age, 9 years 6 months; range, 7 to 12 years) and 33 children (19 boys and 14 girls; mean age, 9 years 0 months; range, 7 to 12 years) with cADHD diagnosed by our research psychiatrist. Typically developing controls were used to obtain normative data on vestibular testing and to examine the impact of age on the vestibular response parameters, and these results were compared with those of the cADHD group. All children underwent the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration subtype of the rotary chair test (0.01, 0.02, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 Hz) and the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test. Results: At all five frequencies in the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following rotary chair response parameters in typically developing children: vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, phase, asymmetry, and fixation index. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following cVEMP parameters for the right and left ears of control group: p1 and n1 latency, amplitude, threshold, and amplitude ratio. Significantly higher VOR gains were observed for children with cADHD at frequencies of 0.01 (p = 0.001), 0.08 (p

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qH461z
via IFTTT

Benefits of CAER Assessment in the Clinic

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snK7Gd
via IFTTT

Addressing Hearing Loss With an Aging Population

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snQiKB
via IFTTT

Accommodating Active Lifestyles: Patient-Centered Hearing Care for Sports and Fitness

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snsd6n
via IFTTT

Revisiting the Routine Audiological Test Battery

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snAiIt
via IFTTT

Insomnia and Tinnitus: A Worrisome Cycle

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snwyXa
via IFTTT

Cognitive Screening Model Expands Health Care Delivery

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snK79b
via IFTTT

Limitations of a Mobile Hearing Test Application

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snKsc8
via IFTTT

Collaborating for Global Action on Hearing Loss

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snqNZG
via IFTTT

Symptom: Ear Mass Blockage

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snQdXj
via IFTTT

Insider Tips on Marketing Your Hearing Aid Practice to Physicians

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snwxT6
via IFTTT

Manufacturers News

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snH2WJ
via IFTTT

Benefits of CAER Assessment in the Clinic

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snK7Gd
via IFTTT

Addressing Hearing Loss With an Aging Population

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snQiKB
via IFTTT

Accommodating Active Lifestyles: Patient-Centered Hearing Care for Sports and Fitness

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snsd6n
via IFTTT

Revisiting the Routine Audiological Test Battery

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snAiIt
via IFTTT

Insomnia and Tinnitus: A Worrisome Cycle

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snwyXa
via IFTTT

Cognitive Screening Model Expands Health Care Delivery

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snK79b
via IFTTT

Limitations of a Mobile Hearing Test Application

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snKsc8
via IFTTT

Collaborating for Global Action on Hearing Loss

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snqNZG
via IFTTT

Symptom: Ear Mass Blockage

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snQdXj
via IFTTT

Insider Tips on Marketing Your Hearing Aid Practice to Physicians

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snwxT6
via IFTTT

Manufacturers News

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snH2WJ
via IFTTT

Benefits of CAER Assessment in the Clinic

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snK7Gd
via IFTTT

Addressing Hearing Loss With an Aging Population

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snQiKB
via IFTTT

Accommodating Active Lifestyles: Patient-Centered Hearing Care for Sports and Fitness

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snsd6n
via IFTTT

Revisiting the Routine Audiological Test Battery

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snAiIt
via IFTTT

Insomnia and Tinnitus: A Worrisome Cycle

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snwyXa
via IFTTT

Cognitive Screening Model Expands Health Care Delivery

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snK79b
via IFTTT

Limitations of a Mobile Hearing Test Application

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snKsc8
via IFTTT

Collaborating for Global Action on Hearing Loss

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snqNZG
via IFTTT

Symptom: Ear Mass Blockage

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snQdXj
via IFTTT

Insider Tips on Marketing Your Hearing Aid Practice to Physicians

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snwxT6
via IFTTT

Manufacturers News

imageNo abstract available

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2snH2WJ
via IFTTT

Ankle-foot orthosis bending axis influences running mechanics

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 56
Author(s): Elizabeth Russell Esposito, Ellyn C. Ranz, Kelly A. Schmidtbauer, Richard R. Neptune, Jason M. Wilken
Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly prescribed to improve locomotion for people with lower limb musculoskeletal weakness. The clinical prescription and design process are typically qualitative and based on observational assessment and experience. Prior work examining the effect of AFO design characteristics generally excludes higher impact activities such as running, providing clinicians and researchers limited information to guide the development of objective prescription guidelines. The proximal location of the bending axis may directly influence energy storage and return and resulting running mechanics. The purpose of this study was to determine if the location of an AFO's bending axis influences running mechanics. Marker and force data were recorded as 12 participants with lower extremity weakness ran overground while wearing a passive-dynamic AFO with posterior struts manufactured with central (middle) and off-centered (high and low) bending axes. Lower extremity joint angles, moments, powers, and ground reaction forces were calculated and compared between limbs and across bending axis conditions. Bending axis produced relatively small but significant changes. Ankle range of motion increased as the bending axis shifted distally (p<0.003). Peak ankle power absorption was greater in the low axis than high (p=0.013), and peak power generation was greater in the low condition than middle or high conditions (p<0.009). Half of the participants preferred the middle bending axis, four preferred low and two preferred high. Overall, if greater ankle range of motion is tolerated, a low bending axis provides power and propulsive benefits during running, although individual preference and physical ability should also be considered.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rl7voy
via IFTTT

Dynamic and static knee alignment at baseline predict structural abnormalities on MRI associated with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis after 2 years

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 57
Author(s): Armaghan Mahmoudian, Jaap H. van Dieёn, Sjoerd M. Bruijn, Isabel A.C. Baert, Gert S. Faber, Frank P. Luyten, Sabine M.P. Verschueren
BackgroundDynamic and static varus alignment, both, have been reported as risk factors associated with structural progression of knee osteoarthritis. However the association of none of the static and dynamic alignment with structural, clinical, and functional progression associated with knee osteoarthritis has not been assessed yet in a longitudinal study.MethodsForty-seven women with early and established medial knee osteoarthritis were evaluated. Static and dynamic alignment as well as MRI detected structural features, clinical, and functional characteristics of patients were assessed at baseline and at 2 years follow-up. Associations between baseline static and dynamic alignment with structural, functional, and clinical characteristics at the time of entry, as well as the changes over 2 years were evaluated.FindingsBoth static and dynamic varus alignment at baseline were significantly associated with osteoarthritis related tibio-femoral joint structural abnormalities detected on MRI, at the time of entry. Only the magnitude of varus thrust at baseline was predictive of the changes in the presence of meniscal maceration over two years. None of the static or dynamic measures of knee joint alignment were associated with clinical characteristics associated with medial knee osteoarthritis.InterpretationThe key finding of this study is that both frontal plane dynamic and static alignment, are associated with structural abnormalities in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qBxniP
via IFTTT

Foot muscle morphology is related to center of pressure sway and control mechanisms during single-leg standing

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 57
Author(s): Xianyi Zhang, Kurt Heinrich Schütte, Benedicte Vanwanseele
Maintaining balance is vitally important in everyday life. Investigating the effects of individual foot muscle morphology on balance may provide insights into neuromuscular balance control mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the morphology of foot muscles and balance performance during single-leg standing. Twenty-eight recreational runners were recruited in this study. An ultrasound device was used to measure the thickness and cross-sectional area of three intrinsic foot muscles (abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis and quadratus plantae) and peroneus muscles. Participants were required to perform 30s of single-leg standing for three trials on a force plate, which was used to record the center of pressure (COP). The standard deviation of the amplitude and ellipse area of the COP were calculated. In addition, stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) was performed on COP data. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to examine the correlation between foot muscle morphology and traditional COP parameters as well as with SDA parameters. Our results showed that larger abductor hallucis correlated to smaller COP sway, while larger peroneus muscles correlated to larger COP sway during single-leg standing. Larger abductor hallucis also benefited open-loop dynamic stability, as well as supported a more efficient transfer from open-loop to closed loop control mechanisms. These results suggest that the morphology of foot muscles plays an important role in balance performance, and that strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles may be an effective way to improve balance.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rl0KD3
via IFTTT

Ankle-foot orthosis bending axis influences running mechanics

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 56
Author(s): Elizabeth Russell Esposito, Ellyn C. Ranz, Kelly A. Schmidtbauer, Richard R. Neptune, Jason M. Wilken
Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly prescribed to improve locomotion for people with lower limb musculoskeletal weakness. The clinical prescription and design process are typically qualitative and based on observational assessment and experience. Prior work examining the effect of AFO design characteristics generally excludes higher impact activities such as running, providing clinicians and researchers limited information to guide the development of objective prescription guidelines. The proximal location of the bending axis may directly influence energy storage and return and resulting running mechanics. The purpose of this study was to determine if the location of an AFO's bending axis influences running mechanics. Marker and force data were recorded as 12 participants with lower extremity weakness ran overground while wearing a passive-dynamic AFO with posterior struts manufactured with central (middle) and off-centered (high and low) bending axes. Lower extremity joint angles, moments, powers, and ground reaction forces were calculated and compared between limbs and across bending axis conditions. Bending axis produced relatively small but significant changes. Ankle range of motion increased as the bending axis shifted distally (p<0.003). Peak ankle power absorption was greater in the low axis than high (p=0.013), and peak power generation was greater in the low condition than middle or high conditions (p<0.009). Half of the participants preferred the middle bending axis, four preferred low and two preferred high. Overall, if greater ankle range of motion is tolerated, a low bending axis provides power and propulsive benefits during running, although individual preference and physical ability should also be considered.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rl7voy
via IFTTT

Dynamic and static knee alignment at baseline predict structural abnormalities on MRI associated with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis after 2 years

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 57
Author(s): Armaghan Mahmoudian, Jaap H. van Dieёn, Sjoerd M. Bruijn, Isabel A.C. Baert, Gert S. Faber, Frank P. Luyten, Sabine M.P. Verschueren
BackgroundDynamic and static varus alignment, both, have been reported as risk factors associated with structural progression of knee osteoarthritis. However the association of none of the static and dynamic alignment with structural, clinical, and functional progression associated with knee osteoarthritis has not been assessed yet in a longitudinal study.MethodsForty-seven women with early and established medial knee osteoarthritis were evaluated. Static and dynamic alignment as well as MRI detected structural features, clinical, and functional characteristics of patients were assessed at baseline and at 2 years follow-up. Associations between baseline static and dynamic alignment with structural, functional, and clinical characteristics at the time of entry, as well as the changes over 2 years were evaluated.FindingsBoth static and dynamic varus alignment at baseline were significantly associated with osteoarthritis related tibio-femoral joint structural abnormalities detected on MRI, at the time of entry. Only the magnitude of varus thrust at baseline was predictive of the changes in the presence of meniscal maceration over two years. None of the static or dynamic measures of knee joint alignment were associated with clinical characteristics associated with medial knee osteoarthritis.InterpretationThe key finding of this study is that both frontal plane dynamic and static alignment, are associated with structural abnormalities in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qBxniP
via IFTTT

Foot muscle morphology is related to center of pressure sway and control mechanisms during single-leg standing

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 57
Author(s): Xianyi Zhang, Kurt Heinrich Schütte, Benedicte Vanwanseele
Maintaining balance is vitally important in everyday life. Investigating the effects of individual foot muscle morphology on balance may provide insights into neuromuscular balance control mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the morphology of foot muscles and balance performance during single-leg standing. Twenty-eight recreational runners were recruited in this study. An ultrasound device was used to measure the thickness and cross-sectional area of three intrinsic foot muscles (abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis and quadratus plantae) and peroneus muscles. Participants were required to perform 30s of single-leg standing for three trials on a force plate, which was used to record the center of pressure (COP). The standard deviation of the amplitude and ellipse area of the COP were calculated. In addition, stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) was performed on COP data. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to examine the correlation between foot muscle morphology and traditional COP parameters as well as with SDA parameters. Our results showed that larger abductor hallucis correlated to smaller COP sway, while larger peroneus muscles correlated to larger COP sway during single-leg standing. Larger abductor hallucis also benefited open-loop dynamic stability, as well as supported a more efficient transfer from open-loop to closed loop control mechanisms. These results suggest that the morphology of foot muscles plays an important role in balance performance, and that strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles may be an effective way to improve balance.



from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rl0KD3
via IFTTT

Ankle-foot orthosis bending axis influences running mechanics

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 56
Author(s): Elizabeth Russell Esposito, Ellyn C. Ranz, Kelly A. Schmidtbauer, Richard R. Neptune, Jason M. Wilken
Passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly prescribed to improve locomotion for people with lower limb musculoskeletal weakness. The clinical prescription and design process are typically qualitative and based on observational assessment and experience. Prior work examining the effect of AFO design characteristics generally excludes higher impact activities such as running, providing clinicians and researchers limited information to guide the development of objective prescription guidelines. The proximal location of the bending axis may directly influence energy storage and return and resulting running mechanics. The purpose of this study was to determine if the location of an AFO's bending axis influences running mechanics. Marker and force data were recorded as 12 participants with lower extremity weakness ran overground while wearing a passive-dynamic AFO with posterior struts manufactured with central (middle) and off-centered (high and low) bending axes. Lower extremity joint angles, moments, powers, and ground reaction forces were calculated and compared between limbs and across bending axis conditions. Bending axis produced relatively small but significant changes. Ankle range of motion increased as the bending axis shifted distally (p<0.003). Peak ankle power absorption was greater in the low axis than high (p=0.013), and peak power generation was greater in the low condition than middle or high conditions (p<0.009). Half of the participants preferred the middle bending axis, four preferred low and two preferred high. Overall, if greater ankle range of motion is tolerated, a low bending axis provides power and propulsive benefits during running, although individual preference and physical ability should also be considered.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rl7voy
via IFTTT

Dynamic and static knee alignment at baseline predict structural abnormalities on MRI associated with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis after 2 years

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 57
Author(s): Armaghan Mahmoudian, Jaap H. van Dieёn, Sjoerd M. Bruijn, Isabel A.C. Baert, Gert S. Faber, Frank P. Luyten, Sabine M.P. Verschueren
BackgroundDynamic and static varus alignment, both, have been reported as risk factors associated with structural progression of knee osteoarthritis. However the association of none of the static and dynamic alignment with structural, clinical, and functional progression associated with knee osteoarthritis has not been assessed yet in a longitudinal study.MethodsForty-seven women with early and established medial knee osteoarthritis were evaluated. Static and dynamic alignment as well as MRI detected structural features, clinical, and functional characteristics of patients were assessed at baseline and at 2 years follow-up. Associations between baseline static and dynamic alignment with structural, functional, and clinical characteristics at the time of entry, as well as the changes over 2 years were evaluated.FindingsBoth static and dynamic varus alignment at baseline were significantly associated with osteoarthritis related tibio-femoral joint structural abnormalities detected on MRI, at the time of entry. Only the magnitude of varus thrust at baseline was predictive of the changes in the presence of meniscal maceration over two years. None of the static or dynamic measures of knee joint alignment were associated with clinical characteristics associated with medial knee osteoarthritis.InterpretationThe key finding of this study is that both frontal plane dynamic and static alignment, are associated with structural abnormalities in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2qBxniP
via IFTTT

Foot muscle morphology is related to center of pressure sway and control mechanisms during single-leg standing

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 57
Author(s): Xianyi Zhang, Kurt Heinrich Schütte, Benedicte Vanwanseele
Maintaining balance is vitally important in everyday life. Investigating the effects of individual foot muscle morphology on balance may provide insights into neuromuscular balance control mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the morphology of foot muscles and balance performance during single-leg standing. Twenty-eight recreational runners were recruited in this study. An ultrasound device was used to measure the thickness and cross-sectional area of three intrinsic foot muscles (abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis and quadratus plantae) and peroneus muscles. Participants were required to perform 30s of single-leg standing for three trials on a force plate, which was used to record the center of pressure (COP). The standard deviation of the amplitude and ellipse area of the COP were calculated. In addition, stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) was performed on COP data. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to examine the correlation between foot muscle morphology and traditional COP parameters as well as with SDA parameters. Our results showed that larger abductor hallucis correlated to smaller COP sway, while larger peroneus muscles correlated to larger COP sway during single-leg standing. Larger abductor hallucis also benefited open-loop dynamic stability, as well as supported a more efficient transfer from open-loop to closed loop control mechanisms. These results suggest that the morphology of foot muscles plays an important role in balance performance, and that strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles may be an effective way to improve balance.



from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rl0KD3
via IFTTT

Effects of Saccular Function on Recovery of Subjective Dizziness After Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Objective: We attempted to investigate whether the integrity of saccular function influences the severity of subjective dizziness after vestibular rehabilitation in vestibular neuritis. Study Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Forty-six patients with acute unilateral vestibular neuritis were included. Interventions: Diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative. Main Outcome Measures: All the patients completed vestibular rehabilitation therapy until their computerized dynamic posturography and rotary chair test results were significantly improved. The rehabilitation patients were classified into the normal to mild subjective dizziness and moderate to severe subjective dizziness groups according to the dizziness handicap inventory score (cutoff of 40). Differences between the two groups were analyzed. Results: After rehabilitation, 32.6% of the patients still complained of moderate to severe dizziness. Age, sex distribution, the presence of comorbidities, caloric weakness, pre- and postrehabilitation gain values in rotary chair test, postrehabilitation composite scores in posturography, and the duration of rehabilitation were not significantly different between the two groups. However, initial dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score and composite score in dynamic posturography were worse and the proportion of patients with absent cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential in the moderate to severe group was much higher (93.3% vs. 35.5%, p

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rFfUGv
via IFTTT