Prevalence of Publication Bias Tests in Speech, Language, and Hearing Research

Purpose

The purpose of this research note is to systematically document the extent that researchers who publish in American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) journals search for and include unpublished literature in their meta-analyses and test for publication bias.

Method

This research note searched all ASHA peer-reviewed journals for published meta-analyses and reviewed all qualifying articles for characteristics related to the acknowledgment and assessment of publication bias.

Results

Of meta-analyses published in ASHA journals, 75% discuss publication in some form; however, less than 50% test for publication bias. Further, only 38% (n = 11) interpreted the findings of these tests.

Conclusion

Findings reveal that more attention is needed to the presence and impact of publication bias. This research note concludes with 5 recommendations for addressing publication bias.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7268648

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Prevalence of Publication Bias Tests in Speech, Language, and Hearing Research

Purpose

The purpose of this research note is to systematically document the extent that researchers who publish in American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) journals search for and include unpublished literature in their meta-analyses and test for publication bias.

Method

This research note searched all ASHA peer-reviewed journals for published meta-analyses and reviewed all qualifying articles for characteristics related to the acknowledgment and assessment of publication bias.

Results

Of meta-analyses published in ASHA journals, 75% discuss publication in some form; however, less than 50% test for publication bias. Further, only 38% (n = 11) interpreted the findings of these tests.

Conclusion

Findings reveal that more attention is needed to the presence and impact of publication bias. This research note concludes with 5 recommendations for addressing publication bias.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7268648

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Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Nov 12;:

Authors: Zaleski-King A, Goupell MJ, Barac-Cikoja D, Bakke M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bilateral inputs should ideally improve sound localization and speech understanding in noise. However, for many bimodal listeners [i.e., individuals using a cochlear implant (CI) with a contralateral hearing aid (HA)], such bilateral benefits are at best, inconsistent. The degree to which clinically available HA and CI devices can function together to preserve interaural time and level differences (ITDs and ILDs, respectively) enough to support the localization of sound sources is a question with important ramifications for speech understanding in complex acoustic environments.
PURPOSE: To determine if bimodal listeners are sensitive to changes in spatial location in a minimum audible angle (MAA) task.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Repeated-measures design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Seven adult bimodal CI users (28-62 years). All listeners reported regular use of digital HA technology in the nonimplanted ear.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Seven bimodal listeners were asked to balance the loudness of prerecorded single syllable utterances. The loudness-balanced stimuli were then presented via direct audio inputs of the two devices with an ITD applied. The task of the listener was to determine the perceived difference in processing delay (the interdevice delay [IDD]) between the CI and HA devices. Finally, virtual free-field MAA performance was measured for different spatial locations both with and without inclusion of the IDD correction, which was added with the intent to perceptually synchronize the devices.
RESULTS: During the loudness-balancing task, all listeners required increased acoustic input to the HA relative to the CI most comfortable level to achieve equal interaural loudness. During the ITD task, three listeners could perceive changes in intracranial position by distinguishing sounds coming from the left or from the right hemifield; when the CI was delayed by 0.73, 0.67, or 1.7 msec, the signal lateralized from one side to the other. When MAA localization performance was assessed, only three of the seven listeners consistently achieved above-chance performance, even when an IDD correction was included. It is not clear whether the listeners who were able to consistently complete the MAA task did so via binaural comparison or by extracting monaural loudness cues. Four listeners could not perform the MAA task, even though they could have used a monaural loudness cue strategy.
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that sound localization is extremely difficult for most bimodal listeners. This difficulty does not seem to be caused by large loudness imbalances and IDDs. Sound localization is best when performed via a binaural comparison, where frequency-matched inputs convey ITD and ILD information. Although low-frequency acoustic amplification with a HA when combined with a CI may produce an overlapping region of frequency-matched inputs and thus provide an opportunity for binaural comparisons for some bimodal listeners, our study showed that this may not be beneficial or useful for spatial location discrimination tasks. The inability of our listeners to use monaural-level cues to perform the MAA task highlights the difficulty of using a HA and CI together to glean information on the direction of a sound source.

PMID: 30417825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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AutoAdaptive: A Noise Level-Sensitive Beamformer for MED EL Cochlear Implant Patients.

AutoAdaptive: A Noise Level-Sensitive Beamformer for MED EL Cochlear Implant Patients.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Nov 12;:

Authors: Dorman MF, Natale SC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: When cochlear implant (CI) listeners use a directional microphone or beamformer system to improve speech understanding in noise, the gain in understanding for speech presented from the front of the listener coexists with a decrease in speech understanding from the back. One way to maximize the usefulness of these systems is to keep a microphone in the omnidirectional mode in low noise and then switch to directional mode in high noise.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment was to assess the levels of speech understanding in noise allowed by a new signal processing algorithm for MED EL CIs, AutoAdaptive, which operates in the manner described previously.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Seven listeners fit with bilateral CIs were tested in a simulation of a crowded restaurant with speech presented from the front and from the back at three noise levels, 45, 55, and 65 dB SPL.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The listeners were seated in the middle of an array of eight loudspeakers. Sentences from the AzBio sentence lists were presented from loudspeakers at 0 or 180° azimuth. Restaurant noise at 45, 55, and 65 dB SPL was presented from all eight loudspeakers. The speech understanding scores (words correct) were subjected to a two-factor (speaker location and noise level), repeated measures, analysis of variance with posttests.
RESULTS: The analysis of variance showed a main effect for level and location and a significant interaction. Posttests showed that speech understanding scores from front and back loudspeakers did not differ significantly at the 45- and 55-dB noise levels but did differ significantly at the 65-dB noise level-with increased scores for signals from the front and decreased scores for signals from the back.
CONCLUSIONS: The AutoAdaptive feature provides omnidirectional benefit at low noise levels, i.e., similar levels of speech understanding for talkers in front of, and in back of, a listener and beamformer benefit at higher noise levels, i.e., increased speech understanding for signals from in front. The automatic switching feature will be of value to the many patients who prefer not to manually switch programs on their CIs.

PMID: 30417824 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Nov 12;:

Authors: Zaleski-King A, Goupell MJ, Barac-Cikoja D, Bakke M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bilateral inputs should ideally improve sound localization and speech understanding in noise. However, for many bimodal listeners [i.e., individuals using a cochlear implant (CI) with a contralateral hearing aid (HA)], such bilateral benefits are at best, inconsistent. The degree to which clinically available HA and CI devices can function together to preserve interaural time and level differences (ITDs and ILDs, respectively) enough to support the localization of sound sources is a question with important ramifications for speech understanding in complex acoustic environments.
PURPOSE: To determine if bimodal listeners are sensitive to changes in spatial location in a minimum audible angle (MAA) task.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Repeated-measures design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Seven adult bimodal CI users (28-62 years). All listeners reported regular use of digital HA technology in the nonimplanted ear.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Seven bimodal listeners were asked to balance the loudness of prerecorded single syllable utterances. The loudness-balanced stimuli were then presented via direct audio inputs of the two devices with an ITD applied. The task of the listener was to determine the perceived difference in processing delay (the interdevice delay [IDD]) between the CI and HA devices. Finally, virtual free-field MAA performance was measured for different spatial locations both with and without inclusion of the IDD correction, which was added with the intent to perceptually synchronize the devices.
RESULTS: During the loudness-balancing task, all listeners required increased acoustic input to the HA relative to the CI most comfortable level to achieve equal interaural loudness. During the ITD task, three listeners could perceive changes in intracranial position by distinguishing sounds coming from the left or from the right hemifield; when the CI was delayed by 0.73, 0.67, or 1.7 msec, the signal lateralized from one side to the other. When MAA localization performance was assessed, only three of the seven listeners consistently achieved above-chance performance, even when an IDD correction was included. It is not clear whether the listeners who were able to consistently complete the MAA task did so via binaural comparison or by extracting monaural loudness cues. Four listeners could not perform the MAA task, even though they could have used a monaural loudness cue strategy.
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that sound localization is extremely difficult for most bimodal listeners. This difficulty does not seem to be caused by large loudness imbalances and IDDs. Sound localization is best when performed via a binaural comparison, where frequency-matched inputs convey ITD and ILD information. Although low-frequency acoustic amplification with a HA when combined with a CI may produce an overlapping region of frequency-matched inputs and thus provide an opportunity for binaural comparisons for some bimodal listeners, our study showed that this may not be beneficial or useful for spatial location discrimination tasks. The inability of our listeners to use monaural-level cues to perform the MAA task highlights the difficulty of using a HA and CI together to glean information on the direction of a sound source.

PMID: 30417825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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AutoAdaptive: A Noise Level-Sensitive Beamformer for MED EL Cochlear Implant Patients.

AutoAdaptive: A Noise Level-Sensitive Beamformer for MED EL Cochlear Implant Patients.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Nov 12;:

Authors: Dorman MF, Natale SC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: When cochlear implant (CI) listeners use a directional microphone or beamformer system to improve speech understanding in noise, the gain in understanding for speech presented from the front of the listener coexists with a decrease in speech understanding from the back. One way to maximize the usefulness of these systems is to keep a microphone in the omnidirectional mode in low noise and then switch to directional mode in high noise.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment was to assess the levels of speech understanding in noise allowed by a new signal processing algorithm for MED EL CIs, AutoAdaptive, which operates in the manner described previously.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Seven listeners fit with bilateral CIs were tested in a simulation of a crowded restaurant with speech presented from the front and from the back at three noise levels, 45, 55, and 65 dB SPL.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The listeners were seated in the middle of an array of eight loudspeakers. Sentences from the AzBio sentence lists were presented from loudspeakers at 0 or 180° azimuth. Restaurant noise at 45, 55, and 65 dB SPL was presented from all eight loudspeakers. The speech understanding scores (words correct) were subjected to a two-factor (speaker location and noise level), repeated measures, analysis of variance with posttests.
RESULTS: The analysis of variance showed a main effect for level and location and a significant interaction. Posttests showed that speech understanding scores from front and back loudspeakers did not differ significantly at the 45- and 55-dB noise levels but did differ significantly at the 65-dB noise level-with increased scores for signals from the front and decreased scores for signals from the back.
CONCLUSIONS: The AutoAdaptive feature provides omnidirectional benefit at low noise levels, i.e., similar levels of speech understanding for talkers in front of, and in back of, a listener and beamformer benefit at higher noise levels, i.e., increased speech understanding for signals from in front. The automatic switching feature will be of value to the many patients who prefer not to manually switch programs on their CIs.

PMID: 30417824 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Compensatory strategy for ankle dorsiflexion muscle weakness during gait in patients with drop-foot

Publication date: Available online 13 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Michalina Błażkiewicz, Andrzej Wit

Abstract

Background

Pathological movement patterns are characterized by abnormal kinematics, kinetics and muscle activations that alter the distribution of muscle forces during walking.

Aim

The objective of this study was to identify what compensatory strategy is evident in muscle force distribution in patients with drop-foot, in response to weakness in the dorsiflexor muscles.

Methods

A sample of 10 patients with drop-foot were evaluated by a computerized gait analysis system and compared to a group of 10 healthy subjects. Muscle-actuated simulations of normal and drop-foot walking were performed using OpenSim software. A musculoskeletal model with 43 muscles acting on one lower extremity was used in order to perform the simulations. In order to evaluate the difference between muscle force curves in the healthy and the drop-foot populations, an integrals of each muscle curve were computed.

Results

The group of patients with drop-foot exhibited an increased force integral for all muscle groups, except for the ankle evertors. The highest increases were observed for hip adductors (112%), hip extensors (88%), knee and hip flexors (83% and 50%, respectively) and for the plantarflexor (47%). These results were mainly influenced by the following muscles: flexor digitorum and hallucius, tibialis posterior and semitendinosus. The force integral for these muscles increased by more than 200% in the drop-foot group as compared to the control group. In addition, significant changes (> 100%) were noted for the posterior thigh muscle group (semitendinosus, biceps femoris long and short head), which are responsible for bending the knee joint and straightening the hip joint.

Conclusions

It was proved that the loss in muscle force in individual muscle groups of the ankle joint are compensated for by the increased force and activity in other muscles acting on this joint and another muscles in neighbouring joints. The results may have important implications for physiotherapy treatments.

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Dynamic Alignment Using External Socket Reaction Moments in Trans-Tibial Amputees

Publication date: Available online 13 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): N. Jonkergouw, M.R. Prins, P. van der Wurff, J. Gijsbers, H. Houdijk, A.W.P. Buis

Abstract

Background

Prosthetic alignment is used to optimize prosthetic functioning and comfort. Spatio-temporal and kinematic gait parameters are generally observed to guide this process. However, they have been shown to be influenced by compensations, which reduces their sensitivity to changes in alignment. Alternatively, the use of moments working at the base of the prosthetic socket, external socket reaction moments (ESRM), has been proposed to quantify prosthetic alignment.

Research question

to investigate if a predetermined kinetic alignment criterion, 0Nm averaged over the stance phase, can be used to fine-tune prosthetic alignment.

Methods

10 transtibial amputees were included in this intervention study. Firstly, their prostheses were aligned using conventional alignment procedures. Kinetic parameters and Socket Comfort Score (SCS) were measured in this initial alignment (IA) condition. Subsequently, the coronal plane ESRM during gait was presented to the prosthetist in real time using a Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab. The prosthetist iteratively adapted the prosthetic alignment towards a predetermined average ESRM during the stance phase of 0 Nm. At the Final Alignment (FA), kinetic parameters and SCS were measured again and a paired sample t-test was performed to compare ESRMs and SCSs between alignments.

Results

A significant (p < 0.001) change was found in the absolute coronal plane ESRM (mean ± SD) from IA (|0.104| ± 0.058 Nm/kg) to FA (|0.012| ± 0.015 Nm/kg). In addition a significant (p < 0.001) change of the external coronal adduction knee moments was observed from IA (-0,127 ± 0.079 Nm/kg) to FA (-0.055 ± 0.089 Nm/kg), however this change was more variable among participants. On average, no significant (p = 0.37) change in the SCS was observed.

Significance

While this study shows the potential of quantifying and guiding alignment with the assistance of kinetic criteria, it also suggests that a sole reliance on the ESRM as a single alignment criterion might be too simple.

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Effects of Arm Swing on Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Gait in Unilateral Transhumeral Amputees

Publication date: Available online 12 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Semra Topuz, Elif Kırdı, Ali İmran Yalçın, Özlem Ülger, Hilal Keklicek, Gül Şener

Abstract

Background

Gait is an autonomic process consisting of coordinated movements of the upper extremities, lower extremities, trunk and pelvis. However, researches regarding effects of upper extremity problems on gait parameters are limited.

Research question

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of arm swing on spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in individuals with unilateral transhumeral amputations.sa

Methods

A total of 25 unilateral transhumeral amputees and 25 healthy subjects were included. Information on the demographic features of individuals, amputations, and prosthetic devices were recorded. Spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were obtained using the GAITRite electronic walkway, and the arm swing was evaluated with the two video-cameras and analyzed using the Dartfish Pro Suite 7 software.

Results

The groups were similar regarding their age, height and weight. Mean duration from the amputation was 14.91 ± 10.90 years, and the mean weight of the prostheses was 1.44 ± 0.39 kg. Amputees had a less ambulatory arm swing on their amputated sides compared to their intact arms and healthy individuals. When the amputee group was compared to the healthy individuals, their step and stride lengths were shorter and their foot progression angle was higher, their gait velocity and cadence were lower than the healthy group.

Significance

The reduction of arm swing on the amputated side in unilateral transhumeral amputees is thought to be due to (1) use of the contralateral side in functional activities, (2) restriction of shoulder joint movement of socket boundaries and (3) fixed mechanical elbow joint. It has been thought that a decrease in the arm swing during walking may lead to a decrease in step length, stride length, and gait velocity.

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The effects of habitual footwear in gait outcomes in people with Parkinson’s disease

Publication date: Available online 12 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Marcelo Pinto Pereira, Diego Orcioli-Silva, Priscila Nóbrega de Sousa, Victor Spiandor Beretta, Lilian Teresa Bucken Gobbi

Abstract

Background

gait is impaired in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the effect of habitual footwear on gait spatiotemporal parameters has already been established in neurologically healthy individuals, its effects on people with PD is unknown.

Research Question

this study aimed to investigate the impact of habitual footwear on the step spatiotemporal parameters in people with PD.

Methods

Sixteen individuals with PD (G-PD) and 15 neurologically healthy individuals (GHC) were assessed. Participants walked on an 8 meters long pressuresensitive walkway at their preferred speed with and without their habitual footwear (3 trials per condition). Footwear included flip-flops, shoes, sneakers and sandals. The average, variability and asymmetry for step length, width, duration, and velocity and the percentage time in the swing and stance phases were calculated.

Results

The results showed in both groups a reduced percentage time in the swing phase and an increased step width, duration and length with footwear (F(1,29)>5.64; p<0.02). Additionally, habitual footwear increased step width variability in G-PD and CG (F(1,29)=3.97; p=0.06). Interestingly, only G-HC showed a higher step length asymmetry in the footwear condition than in the barefoot condition (p=0.02). Finally, only when habitual footwear was used, G-HC showed a higher step velocity asymmetry than G-PD (p=0.04).

Significance

These results indicate a negative influence of footwear on gait spatiotemporal parameters in both groups. Furthermore, footwear induced differences between groups. These findings indicate that footwear use is an influencing factor in studies comparing people with PD and healthy elderly. Further data are needed before definitive recommendations are made.

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Compensatory strategy for ankle dorsiflexion muscle weakness during gait in patients with drop-foot

Publication date: Available online 13 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Michalina Błażkiewicz, Andrzej Wit

Abstract

Background

Pathological movement patterns are characterized by abnormal kinematics, kinetics and muscle activations that alter the distribution of muscle forces during walking.

Aim

The objective of this study was to identify what compensatory strategy is evident in muscle force distribution in patients with drop-foot, in response to weakness in the dorsiflexor muscles.

Methods

A sample of 10 patients with drop-foot were evaluated by a computerized gait analysis system and compared to a group of 10 healthy subjects. Muscle-actuated simulations of normal and drop-foot walking were performed using OpenSim software. A musculoskeletal model with 43 muscles acting on one lower extremity was used in order to perform the simulations. In order to evaluate the difference between muscle force curves in the healthy and the drop-foot populations, an integrals of each muscle curve were computed.

Results

The group of patients with drop-foot exhibited an increased force integral for all muscle groups, except for the ankle evertors. The highest increases were observed for hip adductors (112%), hip extensors (88%), knee and hip flexors (83% and 50%, respectively) and for the plantarflexor (47%). These results were mainly influenced by the following muscles: flexor digitorum and hallucius, tibialis posterior and semitendinosus. The force integral for these muscles increased by more than 200% in the drop-foot group as compared to the control group. In addition, significant changes (> 100%) were noted for the posterior thigh muscle group (semitendinosus, biceps femoris long and short head), which are responsible for bending the knee joint and straightening the hip joint.

Conclusions

It was proved that the loss in muscle force in individual muscle groups of the ankle joint are compensated for by the increased force and activity in other muscles acting on this joint and another muscles in neighbouring joints. The results may have important implications for physiotherapy treatments.

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Dynamic Alignment Using External Socket Reaction Moments in Trans-Tibial Amputees

Publication date: Available online 13 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): N. Jonkergouw, M.R. Prins, P. van der Wurff, J. Gijsbers, H. Houdijk, A.W.P. Buis

Abstract

Background

Prosthetic alignment is used to optimize prosthetic functioning and comfort. Spatio-temporal and kinematic gait parameters are generally observed to guide this process. However, they have been shown to be influenced by compensations, which reduces their sensitivity to changes in alignment. Alternatively, the use of moments working at the base of the prosthetic socket, external socket reaction moments (ESRM), has been proposed to quantify prosthetic alignment.

Research question

to investigate if a predetermined kinetic alignment criterion, 0Nm averaged over the stance phase, can be used to fine-tune prosthetic alignment.

Methods

10 transtibial amputees were included in this intervention study. Firstly, their prostheses were aligned using conventional alignment procedures. Kinetic parameters and Socket Comfort Score (SCS) were measured in this initial alignment (IA) condition. Subsequently, the coronal plane ESRM during gait was presented to the prosthetist in real time using a Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab. The prosthetist iteratively adapted the prosthetic alignment towards a predetermined average ESRM during the stance phase of 0 Nm. At the Final Alignment (FA), kinetic parameters and SCS were measured again and a paired sample t-test was performed to compare ESRMs and SCSs between alignments.

Results

A significant (p < 0.001) change was found in the absolute coronal plane ESRM (mean ± SD) from IA (|0.104| ± 0.058 Nm/kg) to FA (|0.012| ± 0.015 Nm/kg). In addition a significant (p < 0.001) change of the external coronal adduction knee moments was observed from IA (-0,127 ± 0.079 Nm/kg) to FA (-0.055 ± 0.089 Nm/kg), however this change was more variable among participants. On average, no significant (p = 0.37) change in the SCS was observed.

Significance

While this study shows the potential of quantifying and guiding alignment with the assistance of kinetic criteria, it also suggests that a sole reliance on the ESRM as a single alignment criterion might be too simple.

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Effects of Arm Swing on Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Gait in Unilateral Transhumeral Amputees

Publication date: Available online 12 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Semra Topuz, Elif Kırdı, Ali İmran Yalçın, Özlem Ülger, Hilal Keklicek, Gül Şener

Abstract

Background

Gait is an autonomic process consisting of coordinated movements of the upper extremities, lower extremities, trunk and pelvis. However, researches regarding effects of upper extremity problems on gait parameters are limited.

Research question

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of arm swing on spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in individuals with unilateral transhumeral amputations.sa

Methods

A total of 25 unilateral transhumeral amputees and 25 healthy subjects were included. Information on the demographic features of individuals, amputations, and prosthetic devices were recorded. Spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were obtained using the GAITRite electronic walkway, and the arm swing was evaluated with the two video-cameras and analyzed using the Dartfish Pro Suite 7 software.

Results

The groups were similar regarding their age, height and weight. Mean duration from the amputation was 14.91 ± 10.90 years, and the mean weight of the prostheses was 1.44 ± 0.39 kg. Amputees had a less ambulatory arm swing on their amputated sides compared to their intact arms and healthy individuals. When the amputee group was compared to the healthy individuals, their step and stride lengths were shorter and their foot progression angle was higher, their gait velocity and cadence were lower than the healthy group.

Significance

The reduction of arm swing on the amputated side in unilateral transhumeral amputees is thought to be due to (1) use of the contralateral side in functional activities, (2) restriction of shoulder joint movement of socket boundaries and (3) fixed mechanical elbow joint. It has been thought that a decrease in the arm swing during walking may lead to a decrease in step length, stride length, and gait velocity.

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The effects of habitual footwear in gait outcomes in people with Parkinson’s disease

Publication date: Available online 12 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Marcelo Pinto Pereira, Diego Orcioli-Silva, Priscila Nóbrega de Sousa, Victor Spiandor Beretta, Lilian Teresa Bucken Gobbi

Abstract

Background

gait is impaired in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the effect of habitual footwear on gait spatiotemporal parameters has already been established in neurologically healthy individuals, its effects on people with PD is unknown.

Research Question

this study aimed to investigate the impact of habitual footwear on the step spatiotemporal parameters in people with PD.

Methods

Sixteen individuals with PD (G-PD) and 15 neurologically healthy individuals (GHC) were assessed. Participants walked on an 8 meters long pressuresensitive walkway at their preferred speed with and without their habitual footwear (3 trials per condition). Footwear included flip-flops, shoes, sneakers and sandals. The average, variability and asymmetry for step length, width, duration, and velocity and the percentage time in the swing and stance phases were calculated.

Results

The results showed in both groups a reduced percentage time in the swing phase and an increased step width, duration and length with footwear (F(1,29)>5.64; p<0.02). Additionally, habitual footwear increased step width variability in G-PD and CG (F(1,29)=3.97; p=0.06). Interestingly, only G-HC showed a higher step length asymmetry in the footwear condition than in the barefoot condition (p=0.02). Finally, only when habitual footwear was used, G-HC showed a higher step velocity asymmetry than G-PD (p=0.04).

Significance

These results indicate a negative influence of footwear on gait spatiotemporal parameters in both groups. Furthermore, footwear induced differences between groups. These findings indicate that footwear use is an influencing factor in studies comparing people with PD and healthy elderly. Further data are needed before definitive recommendations are made.

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Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Nov 12;:

Authors: Zaleski-King A, Goupell MJ, Barac-Cikoja D, Bakke M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bilateral inputs should ideally improve sound localization and speech understanding in noise. However, for many bimodal listeners [i.e., individuals using a cochlear implant (CI) with a contralateral hearing aid (HA)], such bilateral benefits are at best, inconsistent. The degree to which clinically available HA and CI devices can function together to preserve interaural time and level differences (ITDs and ILDs, respectively) enough to support the localization of sound sources is a question with important ramifications for speech understanding in complex acoustic environments.
PURPOSE: To determine if bimodal listeners are sensitive to changes in spatial location in a minimum audible angle (MAA) task.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Repeated-measures design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Seven adult bimodal CI users (28-62 years). All listeners reported regular use of digital HA technology in the nonimplanted ear.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Seven bimodal listeners were asked to balance the loudness of prerecorded single syllable utterances. The loudness-balanced stimuli were then presented via direct audio inputs of the two devices with an ITD applied. The task of the listener was to determine the perceived difference in processing delay (the interdevice delay [IDD]) between the CI and HA devices. Finally, virtual free-field MAA performance was measured for different spatial locations both with and without inclusion of the IDD correction, which was added with the intent to perceptually synchronize the devices.
RESULTS: During the loudness-balancing task, all listeners required increased acoustic input to the HA relative to the CI most comfortable level to achieve equal interaural loudness. During the ITD task, three listeners could perceive changes in intracranial position by distinguishing sounds coming from the left or from the right hemifield; when the CI was delayed by 0.73, 0.67, or 1.7 msec, the signal lateralized from one side to the other. When MAA localization performance was assessed, only three of the seven listeners consistently achieved above-chance performance, even when an IDD correction was included. It is not clear whether the listeners who were able to consistently complete the MAA task did so via binaural comparison or by extracting monaural loudness cues. Four listeners could not perform the MAA task, even though they could have used a monaural loudness cue strategy.
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that sound localization is extremely difficult for most bimodal listeners. This difficulty does not seem to be caused by large loudness imbalances and IDDs. Sound localization is best when performed via a binaural comparison, where frequency-matched inputs convey ITD and ILD information. Although low-frequency acoustic amplification with a HA when combined with a CI may produce an overlapping region of frequency-matched inputs and thus provide an opportunity for binaural comparisons for some bimodal listeners, our study showed that this may not be beneficial or useful for spatial location discrimination tasks. The inability of our listeners to use monaural-level cues to perform the MAA task highlights the difficulty of using a HA and CI together to glean information on the direction of a sound source.

PMID: 30417825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

Bimodal Cochlear Implant Listeners' Ability to Perceive Minimal Audible Angle Differences.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Nov 12;:

Authors: Zaleski-King A, Goupell MJ, Barac-Cikoja D, Bakke M

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bilateral inputs should ideally improve sound localization and speech understanding in noise. However, for many bimodal listeners [i.e., individuals using a cochlear implant (CI) with a contralateral hearing aid (HA)], such bilateral benefits are at best, inconsistent. The degree to which clinically available HA and CI devices can function together to preserve interaural time and level differences (ITDs and ILDs, respectively) enough to support the localization of sound sources is a question with important ramifications for speech understanding in complex acoustic environments.
PURPOSE: To determine if bimodal listeners are sensitive to changes in spatial location in a minimum audible angle (MAA) task.
RESEARCH DESIGN: Repeated-measures design.
STUDY SAMPLE: Seven adult bimodal CI users (28-62 years). All listeners reported regular use of digital HA technology in the nonimplanted ear.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Seven bimodal listeners were asked to balance the loudness of prerecorded single syllable utterances. The loudness-balanced stimuli were then presented via direct audio inputs of the two devices with an ITD applied. The task of the listener was to determine the perceived difference in processing delay (the interdevice delay [IDD]) between the CI and HA devices. Finally, virtual free-field MAA performance was measured for different spatial locations both with and without inclusion of the IDD correction, which was added with the intent to perceptually synchronize the devices.
RESULTS: During the loudness-balancing task, all listeners required increased acoustic input to the HA relative to the CI most comfortable level to achieve equal interaural loudness. During the ITD task, three listeners could perceive changes in intracranial position by distinguishing sounds coming from the left or from the right hemifield; when the CI was delayed by 0.73, 0.67, or 1.7 msec, the signal lateralized from one side to the other. When MAA localization performance was assessed, only three of the seven listeners consistently achieved above-chance performance, even when an IDD correction was included. It is not clear whether the listeners who were able to consistently complete the MAA task did so via binaural comparison or by extracting monaural loudness cues. Four listeners could not perform the MAA task, even though they could have used a monaural loudness cue strategy.
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that sound localization is extremely difficult for most bimodal listeners. This difficulty does not seem to be caused by large loudness imbalances and IDDs. Sound localization is best when performed via a binaural comparison, where frequency-matched inputs convey ITD and ILD information. Although low-frequency acoustic amplification with a HA when combined with a CI may produce an overlapping region of frequency-matched inputs and thus provide an opportunity for binaural comparisons for some bimodal listeners, our study showed that this may not be beneficial or useful for spatial location discrimination tasks. The inability of our listeners to use monaural-level cues to perform the MAA task highlights the difficulty of using a HA and CI together to glean information on the direction of a sound source.

PMID: 30417825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT