Effect of blindness on mismatch responses to Mandarin lexical tones, consonants, and vowels

Publication date: Available online 29 November 2018

Source: Hearing Research

Author(s): Jie Feng, Chang Liu, Mingshuang Li, Hongjun Chen, Peng Sun, Ruibo Xie, Ying Zhao, Xinchun Wu

ABSTRACT

According to the hypothesis of auditory compensation, blind listeners are more sensitive to auditory input than sighted listeners. In the current study, we employed the passive oddball paradigm to investigate the effect of blindness on listeners’ mismatch responses to Mandarin lexical tones, consonants, and vowels. Twelve blind and twelve sighted age- and verbal IQ-matched adults with normal hearing participated in this study. Our results indicated that blind listeners possibly had a more efficient pre-attentive processing (shorter MMN peak latency) of lexical tones in the tone-dominant hemisphere (i.e., the right hemisphere); and that they exhibited greater sensitivity (larger MMN amplitude) when processing phonemes (consonants and/or vowels) at the pre-attentive stage in both hemispheres compared with sighted individuals. However, we observed longer MMN and P3a peak latencies during phoneme processing in the blind versus control participants, indicating that blind listeners may be slower in terms of pre-attentive processing and involuntary attention switching when processing phonemes. This could be due to a lack of visual experience in the production and perception of phonemes. In a word, the current study revealed a two-sided influence of blindness on Mandarin speech perception.

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Effect of blindness on mismatch responses to Mandarin lexical tones, consonants, and vowels

Publication date: Available online 29 November 2018

Source: Hearing Research

Author(s): Jie Feng, Chang Liu, Mingshuang Li, Hongjun Chen, Peng Sun, Ruibo Xie, Ying Zhao, Xinchun Wu

ABSTRACT

According to the hypothesis of auditory compensation, blind listeners are more sensitive to auditory input than sighted listeners. In the current study, we employed the passive oddball paradigm to investigate the effect of blindness on listeners’ mismatch responses to Mandarin lexical tones, consonants, and vowels. Twelve blind and twelve sighted age- and verbal IQ-matched adults with normal hearing participated in this study. Our results indicated that blind listeners possibly had a more efficient pre-attentive processing (shorter MMN peak latency) of lexical tones in the tone-dominant hemisphere (i.e., the right hemisphere); and that they exhibited greater sensitivity (larger MMN amplitude) when processing phonemes (consonants and/or vowels) at the pre-attentive stage in both hemispheres compared with sighted individuals. However, we observed longer MMN and P3a peak latencies during phoneme processing in the blind versus control participants, indicating that blind listeners may be slower in terms of pre-attentive processing and involuntary attention switching when processing phonemes. This could be due to a lack of visual experience in the production and perception of phonemes. In a word, the current study revealed a two-sided influence of blindness on Mandarin speech perception.

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A ‘Fingerprint’ of locomotor maturation: motor development descriptors, reference development bands and data-set

Publication date: Available online 29 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): M.C. Bisi, P. Tamburini, R. Stagni

Abstract

Background

When aiming at studying and monitoring locomotor development in childhood, innovative indexes for the characterization of motor control performance and wearable technologies have highlighted the potential of significant advances. In particular, quantitative assessment of motor performance during natural walking (NW) and tandem walking (TW) has been proposed to highlight manifestations of motor automaticity and complexity, respectively.

Research question

This work aims at providing a quantitative overview of metrics characterizing locomotor maturation in a typically developing population, by analysing NW and TW. The final goal is to propose a novel graphical representation of motor development from childhood to adulthood, providing metrics for quantitative assessment with reference bands and data-set, supporting data interpretation and longitudinal assessment.

Methods

112 typically developing participants (age groups: 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 15-, and 25 years) walked in NW and in TW at self-selected speed. 3D acceleration and angular velocity of lower trunk and shanks were collected. Temporal parameters, their variability, and nonlinear metrics characterizing human movement (harmonic ratio, short-term Lyapunov exponents, multiscale entropy, and recurrence quantification analysis) were calculated. Effect of age was analysed on the different parameters and a graphical polar plot was defined to represent parameters that showed age effect in at least one of the two tasks.

Results

Age effect was shown on temporal parameters, their variability, multiscale entropy and recurrence quantification analysis. These parameters were selected for monitoring locomotor development and presented on an ad-hoc designed polar plot showing age-group reference bands.

Significance

Graphic results outline locomotor differences with maturation at first glance. The patterns in NW and TW allow to characterize specific aspects of locomotor maturation, to evaluate in which area changes occur and towards which direction, depending on the task. The novel database containing participants’ raw collected data is made available as additional result of the present study.

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Muscular tension significantly affects stability in standing posture

Publication date: Available online 28 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Simone Tassani, Josep M. Font-Llagunes, Miguel Ángel González Ballester, Jérôme Noailly

Abstract

Background

Muscular co-contraction is a strategy commonly used by elders with the aim to increase stability. However, co-contraction leads to stiffness which in turns reduces stability. Some literature seems to suggest an opposite approach and to point out relaxation as a way to improve stability. Teaching relaxation is therefore becoming the aim of many studies letting unclear whether tension or relaxation are the most effective muscular strategy to improve stability. Relaxation is a misleading concept in our society. It is often confused with rest, while it should be addressed during stressing tasks, where it should aim to reduce energetic costs and increase stability. The inability to relax can be related to sub-optimal neuro-motor control, which can lead to increased stresses.

Research Question

The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of voluntary muscle contraction and relaxation over the stability of human standing posture, answering two specific research questions:

(1) Does the muscular tension have an impact on stability of standing posture?

(2) Could this impact be estimated by using a minimally invasive procedure?

Methods

By using a force plate, we analysed the displacement of the center of pressure of 30 volunteers during state of tension and relaxation in comparison with a control state, and with open and closed eyes.

Results

We found that tension significantly reduced the stability of subjects (15 out of 16 parameters, p < 0.003).

Significance

Our results show that daily situations of stress can lead to decreased stability. Such a loss might actually increase the risk of chronic joint overload or fall. Finally, breathing has direct effect over the management of pain and stress, and the results reported here point out the need to explicitly explore the troubling fact that a large portion of population might not be able to properly breath.

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Haptic information provided by anchors and the presence of cognitive tasks contribute separately to reducing postural sway in young adults

Publication date: Available online 28 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Rosangela Alice Batistela, Alison Oates, Renato Moraes

Abstract

Background

Haptic information provided by the anchors reduces postural sway while standing upright. It is unclear whether this benefit would remain in the presence of cognitive tasks combined with a more challenging postural task.

Research question

Our aim was to investigate the effects of the anchors and visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural control in young adults in a challenging balancing task.

Methods

Twenty young adults stood upright on a balance beam with the central portion of each foot placed over the beam and feet at shoulder width without and with the use of the anchors in three cognitive conditions: control, visual Stroop task, and auditory digit-monitoring task. Each anchor consisted of a flexible cable with a light load (125 g) attached at one end of the cable. With the anchors, the participants held the flexible cable in each hand with the light load resting on the ground while keeping tension in the cable.

Results

Both visual and auditory cognitive tasks reduced the center of pressure (COP) ellipse area, the root mean square of the margin of dynamic stability (based on the extrapolated center of mass, COM) and increased the COM time-to-contact relative to the boundaries of the base of support in the AP direction. The anchors reduced the COP ellipse area.

Significance

There is a functional integration between postural control and cognitive tasks, such that postural sway was reduced to facilitate the execution of the cognitive tasks. Anchors were effective in reducing postural sway, suggesting that haptic information was able to benefit postural control in a challenging balancing task regardless of the cognitive task.

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Pre-Operative Hamstring Length and Velocity Do Not Explain the Reduced Effectiveness of Repeat Hamstring Lengthening in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Crouch Gait

Publication date: Available online 28 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Melisa Osborne, Nicole M. Mueske, Susan Rethlefsen, Robert M. Kay, Tishya A.L. Wren

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Hamstring lengthening surgery (HSL) is often performed to correct crouch gait in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, crouch can recur over time, and repeat HSL may be ineffective. One possible reason is that the hamstrings in repeat HSL patients are neither short nor lengthening slowly and would therefore not benefit from HSL.

RESEARCH QUESTION

This study aimed to determine whether the hamstrings are short and/or slow preoperatively only in patients with primary, and not repeat, HSL.

METHODS

We compared pre- and postoperative dynamic semimembranosus muscle-tendon lengths for children with CP who had primary (N = 15) or repeat (N = 8) HSL to a group of control participants (N = 10). Outcome measures were compared between visits (pre- vs. postoperative) and groups (control, primary HSL, repeat HSL) using mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, hamstrings were shorter and slower than normal on average in both HSL groups (p < 0.001); all but 3 limbs (primary 26/28, repeat 13/14) had hamstrings that were shorter and/or slower than controls by more than two standard deviations. Postoperative improvements were observed in the primary HSL group for popliteal angle, initial contact knee flexion, minimum stance knee flexion, and dynamic hamstring length (p ≤ 0.001). The repeat HSL group improved only in dynamic hamstring length (p = 0.004) and worsened in passive knee extension (p = 0.01) and minimum hip flexion in stance (p = 0.04). Hamstrings in both surgical groups on average remained shorter and slower than controls postoperatively (p ≤ 0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

The fact that repeat HSL is less effective in improving knee motion is not due to a lack of short or slow hamstrings preoperatively. However, in recurrent crouch, short or slow hamstrings do not usually indicate hamstring dysfunction, and correction of other deformities such as rotational malalignment, fixed knee flexion contractures, patella alta, weak calf muscles, and/or loose heelcords should be considered rather than repeat HSL.

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A ‘Fingerprint’ of locomotor maturation: motor development descriptors, reference development bands and data-set

Publication date: Available online 29 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): M.C. Bisi, P. Tamburini, R. Stagni

Abstract

Background

When aiming at studying and monitoring locomotor development in childhood, innovative indexes for the characterization of motor control performance and wearable technologies have highlighted the potential of significant advances. In particular, quantitative assessment of motor performance during natural walking (NW) and tandem walking (TW) has been proposed to highlight manifestations of motor automaticity and complexity, respectively.

Research question

This work aims at providing a quantitative overview of metrics characterizing locomotor maturation in a typically developing population, by analysing NW and TW. The final goal is to propose a novel graphical representation of motor development from childhood to adulthood, providing metrics for quantitative assessment with reference bands and data-set, supporting data interpretation and longitudinal assessment.

Methods

112 typically developing participants (age groups: 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 15-, and 25 years) walked in NW and in TW at self-selected speed. 3D acceleration and angular velocity of lower trunk and shanks were collected. Temporal parameters, their variability, and nonlinear metrics characterizing human movement (harmonic ratio, short-term Lyapunov exponents, multiscale entropy, and recurrence quantification analysis) were calculated. Effect of age was analysed on the different parameters and a graphical polar plot was defined to represent parameters that showed age effect in at least one of the two tasks.

Results

Age effect was shown on temporal parameters, their variability, multiscale entropy and recurrence quantification analysis. These parameters were selected for monitoring locomotor development and presented on an ad-hoc designed polar plot showing age-group reference bands.

Significance

Graphic results outline locomotor differences with maturation at first glance. The patterns in NW and TW allow to characterize specific aspects of locomotor maturation, to evaluate in which area changes occur and towards which direction, depending on the task. The novel database containing participants’ raw collected data is made available as additional result of the present study.

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via IFTTT

Muscular tension significantly affects stability in standing posture

Publication date: Available online 28 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Simone Tassani, Josep M. Font-Llagunes, Miguel Ángel González Ballester, Jérôme Noailly

Abstract

Background

Muscular co-contraction is a strategy commonly used by elders with the aim to increase stability. However, co-contraction leads to stiffness which in turns reduces stability. Some literature seems to suggest an opposite approach and to point out relaxation as a way to improve stability. Teaching relaxation is therefore becoming the aim of many studies letting unclear whether tension or relaxation are the most effective muscular strategy to improve stability. Relaxation is a misleading concept in our society. It is often confused with rest, while it should be addressed during stressing tasks, where it should aim to reduce energetic costs and increase stability. The inability to relax can be related to sub-optimal neuro-motor control, which can lead to increased stresses.

Research Question

The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of voluntary muscle contraction and relaxation over the stability of human standing posture, answering two specific research questions:

(1) Does the muscular tension have an impact on stability of standing posture?

(2) Could this impact be estimated by using a minimally invasive procedure?

Methods

By using a force plate, we analysed the displacement of the center of pressure of 30 volunteers during state of tension and relaxation in comparison with a control state, and with open and closed eyes.

Results

We found that tension significantly reduced the stability of subjects (15 out of 16 parameters, p < 0.003).

Significance

Our results show that daily situations of stress can lead to decreased stability. Such a loss might actually increase the risk of chronic joint overload or fall. Finally, breathing has direct effect over the management of pain and stress, and the results reported here point out the need to explicitly explore the troubling fact that a large portion of population might not be able to properly breath.

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2FLIxtp
via IFTTT

Haptic information provided by anchors and the presence of cognitive tasks contribute separately to reducing postural sway in young adults

Publication date: Available online 28 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Rosangela Alice Batistela, Alison Oates, Renato Moraes

Abstract

Background

Haptic information provided by the anchors reduces postural sway while standing upright. It is unclear whether this benefit would remain in the presence of cognitive tasks combined with a more challenging postural task.

Research question

Our aim was to investigate the effects of the anchors and visual and auditory cognitive tasks on postural control in young adults in a challenging balancing task.

Methods

Twenty young adults stood upright on a balance beam with the central portion of each foot placed over the beam and feet at shoulder width without and with the use of the anchors in three cognitive conditions: control, visual Stroop task, and auditory digit-monitoring task. Each anchor consisted of a flexible cable with a light load (125 g) attached at one end of the cable. With the anchors, the participants held the flexible cable in each hand with the light load resting on the ground while keeping tension in the cable.

Results

Both visual and auditory cognitive tasks reduced the center of pressure (COP) ellipse area, the root mean square of the margin of dynamic stability (based on the extrapolated center of mass, COM) and increased the COM time-to-contact relative to the boundaries of the base of support in the AP direction. The anchors reduced the COP ellipse area.

Significance

There is a functional integration between postural control and cognitive tasks, such that postural sway was reduced to facilitate the execution of the cognitive tasks. Anchors were effective in reducing postural sway, suggesting that haptic information was able to benefit postural control in a challenging balancing task regardless of the cognitive task.

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via IFTTT

Pre-Operative Hamstring Length and Velocity Do Not Explain the Reduced Effectiveness of Repeat Hamstring Lengthening in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Crouch Gait

Publication date: Available online 28 November 2018

Source: Gait & Posture

Author(s): Melisa Osborne, Nicole M. Mueske, Susan Rethlefsen, Robert M. Kay, Tishya A.L. Wren

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Hamstring lengthening surgery (HSL) is often performed to correct crouch gait in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, crouch can recur over time, and repeat HSL may be ineffective. One possible reason is that the hamstrings in repeat HSL patients are neither short nor lengthening slowly and would therefore not benefit from HSL.

RESEARCH QUESTION

This study aimed to determine whether the hamstrings are short and/or slow preoperatively only in patients with primary, and not repeat, HSL.

METHODS

We compared pre- and postoperative dynamic semimembranosus muscle-tendon lengths for children with CP who had primary (N = 15) or repeat (N = 8) HSL to a group of control participants (N = 10). Outcome measures were compared between visits (pre- vs. postoperative) and groups (control, primary HSL, repeat HSL) using mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, hamstrings were shorter and slower than normal on average in both HSL groups (p < 0.001); all but 3 limbs (primary 26/28, repeat 13/14) had hamstrings that were shorter and/or slower than controls by more than two standard deviations. Postoperative improvements were observed in the primary HSL group for popliteal angle, initial contact knee flexion, minimum stance knee flexion, and dynamic hamstring length (p ≤ 0.001). The repeat HSL group improved only in dynamic hamstring length (p = 0.004) and worsened in passive knee extension (p = 0.01) and minimum hip flexion in stance (p = 0.04). Hamstrings in both surgical groups on average remained shorter and slower than controls postoperatively (p ≤ 0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

The fact that repeat HSL is less effective in improving knee motion is not due to a lack of short or slow hamstrings preoperatively. However, in recurrent crouch, short or slow hamstrings do not usually indicate hamstring dysfunction, and correction of other deformities such as rotational malalignment, fixed knee flexion contractures, patella alta, weak calf muscles, and/or loose heelcords should be considered rather than repeat HSL.

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