Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Rina Márcia Magnani, Georgia Cristina Lehnen, Fábio Barbosa Rodrigues, Gustavo Souto de Sá e Souza, Adriano de Oliveira Andrade, Marcus Fraga Vieira
Cell phone use while walking may be a cognitive distraction and reduce visual and motor attention. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the effects of attentional dual-tasks while using a cell phone in different conditions. Stability, regularity, and linear variability of trunk kinematics, and gait spatiotemporal parameters in young adults were measured. Twenty young subjects of both genders were asked to walk on a treadmill for 4min under the following conditions: (a) looking forward at a fixed target 2.5m away (walking); (b) talking on a cell phone with unilateral handling (talking); (c) texting messages on a cell phone with unilateral handling (texting); and (d) looking forward at the aforementioned target while listening to music without handling the phone (listening). Local dynamic stability measured in terms of the largest Lyapunov exponent decreased while handling a cell phone (talking and texting). Gait variability and regularity increased when talking on a cell phone, but no variable changed in the listening condition. Under all dual-task conditions, there were significant increases in stride width and its variability. We conclude that young adults who use a cell phone when walking adapt their gait pattern conservatively, which can be because of increased attentional demand during cell phone use.
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Σάββατο 22 Απριλίου 2017
Balance impairment in kidney transplant recipients without concurrent peripheral neuropathy
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): T. Zanotto, S. Gobbo, V. Bullo, B. Vendramin, F. Duregon, L. Cugusi, A. Di Blasio, L. Furian, C. Silvestre, D. Neunhaeuserer, M. Zaccaria, M. Bergamin, A. Ermolao
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) present with compromised functional capacity, low levels of physical activity, muscle atrophy, and peripheral nerve dysfunction that may result in high postural instability. This study aimed to compare the static balance control of 19 KTRs with 19 healthy adults (HA). All participants completed the Romberg test on a stabilometric platform with eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC) and during a dual task (DT) condition. Centre of pressure (COP) measures (COP velocity (COPv) and sway area (SA)), as well as position-based outcomes such as anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) ranges of COP displacements were recorded. Independent ANCOVA revealed an overall lower performance of KTRs compared to HA (p<0.05) with the EC condition exhibiting the worst relative performance for KTRs, suggesting a poorer capacity of relying on proprioceptive information when maintaining the upright posture. The addition of a cognitive task did not further worsen balance performance in KTRs. As impaired postural control is one of the main predictors of falls in elderly subjects, these data might also indicate that this constitutes an equivalent risk factor for falling in middle-aged KTRs.
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Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): T. Zanotto, S. Gobbo, V. Bullo, B. Vendramin, F. Duregon, L. Cugusi, A. Di Blasio, L. Furian, C. Silvestre, D. Neunhaeuserer, M. Zaccaria, M. Bergamin, A. Ermolao
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) present with compromised functional capacity, low levels of physical activity, muscle atrophy, and peripheral nerve dysfunction that may result in high postural instability. This study aimed to compare the static balance control of 19 KTRs with 19 healthy adults (HA). All participants completed the Romberg test on a stabilometric platform with eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC) and during a dual task (DT) condition. Centre of pressure (COP) measures (COP velocity (COPv) and sway area (SA)), as well as position-based outcomes such as anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) ranges of COP displacements were recorded. Independent ANCOVA revealed an overall lower performance of KTRs compared to HA (p<0.05) with the EC condition exhibiting the worst relative performance for KTRs, suggesting a poorer capacity of relying on proprioceptive information when maintaining the upright posture. The addition of a cognitive task did not further worsen balance performance in KTRs. As impaired postural control is one of the main predictors of falls in elderly subjects, these data might also indicate that this constitutes an equivalent risk factor for falling in middle-aged KTRs.
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Correlation of technical surgical goals to the GDI and investigation of post-operative GDI change in children with cerebral palsy
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Christina Bickley, Judi Linton, Nancy Scarborough, Elroy Sullivan, Katy Mitchell, Douglas Barnes
AimThe purpose of this study was to introduce a standardized set of surgical technical achievement goals (TAGs) as part of a comprehensive outcome assessment model for children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing orthopaedic surgical intervention to improve gait. Examination of relationships of these surgical goals to the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and use of two assessments in tandem provided a thorough picture of technical surgical outcomes.This study also investigated changes in GDI in children with spastic CP after surgery.MethodsData from 269 participants with spastic CP, aged 4 to 19 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I, II, and III who underwent lower extremity orthopaedic surgical intervention to improve gait were retrospectively analyzed. Data were examined as one heterogeneous group and sub-grouped based on pattern of involvement and GMFCS level to determine change in GDI and relationships between GDI and TAGs.ResultsDifferences in TAG achievement and GDI change by GMFCS level suggest a pairing of GDI with another technical measure to be beneficial. Analysis of the outcome tools individually revealed a significant difference between the pre-operative GDI and post-operative GDI mean for the entire group, as well as each of the subgroups. A significant difference in TAG achievement by GMFCS level was also noted.ConclusionThis paper provides evidence that lower extremity orthopedic intervention for the ambulatory child with spastic diplegic or hemiplegic CP improves gait and that a pairing of the GDI and TAGs system is beneficial to capture an accurate technical outcome assessment in both higher and lower functioning patients.
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Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Christina Bickley, Judi Linton, Nancy Scarborough, Elroy Sullivan, Katy Mitchell, Douglas Barnes
AimThe purpose of this study was to introduce a standardized set of surgical technical achievement goals (TAGs) as part of a comprehensive outcome assessment model for children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing orthopaedic surgical intervention to improve gait. Examination of relationships of these surgical goals to the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and use of two assessments in tandem provided a thorough picture of technical surgical outcomes.This study also investigated changes in GDI in children with spastic CP after surgery.MethodsData from 269 participants with spastic CP, aged 4 to 19 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I, II, and III who underwent lower extremity orthopaedic surgical intervention to improve gait were retrospectively analyzed. Data were examined as one heterogeneous group and sub-grouped based on pattern of involvement and GMFCS level to determine change in GDI and relationships between GDI and TAGs.ResultsDifferences in TAG achievement and GDI change by GMFCS level suggest a pairing of GDI with another technical measure to be beneficial. Analysis of the outcome tools individually revealed a significant difference between the pre-operative GDI and post-operative GDI mean for the entire group, as well as each of the subgroups. A significant difference in TAG achievement by GMFCS level was also noted.ConclusionThis paper provides evidence that lower extremity orthopedic intervention for the ambulatory child with spastic diplegic or hemiplegic CP improves gait and that a pairing of the GDI and TAGs system is beneficial to capture an accurate technical outcome assessment in both higher and lower functioning patients.
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The effects of object height and visual information on the control of obstacle crossing during locomotion in healthy older adults
Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Sho Kunimune, Shuichi Okada
In order to safely avoid obstacles, humans must rely on visual information regarding the position and shape of the object obtained in advance. The present study aimed to reveal the duration of obstacle visibility necessary for appropriate visuomotor control during obstacle avoidance in healthy older adults. Participants included 13 healthy young women (mean age: 21.5±1.4years) and 15 healthy older women (mean age: 68.5±3.5years) who were instructed to cross over an obstacle along a pressure-sensitive pathway at a self-selected pace while wearing liquid crystal shutter goggles. Participants were evaluated during three visual occlusion conditions: (i) full visibility, (ii) occlusion at T-1 step (T: time of obstacle crossing), and (iii) occlusion at T-2 steps. Toe clearances of both the lead and trail limb (LTC and TTC) were calculated. LTC in the occlusion at T-2 steps condition was significantly greater than that in other conditions. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between LTC and TTC in both groups, regardless of the condition or obstacle height. In the older adult group alone, step width in the occlusion at T-2 steps condition increased relative to that in full visibility conditions. The results of the present study suggest that there is no difference in the characteristics of visuomotor control for appropriate obstacle crossing based on age. However, older adults may exhibit increased dependence on visual information for postural stability; they may also need an increased step width when lacking information regarding their positional relationship to obstacles.
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Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Sho Kunimune, Shuichi Okada
In order to safely avoid obstacles, humans must rely on visual information regarding the position and shape of the object obtained in advance. The present study aimed to reveal the duration of obstacle visibility necessary for appropriate visuomotor control during obstacle avoidance in healthy older adults. Participants included 13 healthy young women (mean age: 21.5±1.4years) and 15 healthy older women (mean age: 68.5±3.5years) who were instructed to cross over an obstacle along a pressure-sensitive pathway at a self-selected pace while wearing liquid crystal shutter goggles. Participants were evaluated during three visual occlusion conditions: (i) full visibility, (ii) occlusion at T-1 step (T: time of obstacle crossing), and (iii) occlusion at T-2 steps. Toe clearances of both the lead and trail limb (LTC and TTC) were calculated. LTC in the occlusion at T-2 steps condition was significantly greater than that in other conditions. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between LTC and TTC in both groups, regardless of the condition or obstacle height. In the older adult group alone, step width in the occlusion at T-2 steps condition increased relative to that in full visibility conditions. The results of the present study suggest that there is no difference in the characteristics of visuomotor control for appropriate obstacle crossing based on age. However, older adults may exhibit increased dependence on visual information for postural stability; they may also need an increased step width when lacking information regarding their positional relationship to obstacles.
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Παρασκευή 21 Απριλίου 2017
Axil Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for Hearing Protecting Ear Plugs
Axil have taken to Kickstarter to fund the production of their new noise-filtering earplugs. (http://kck.st/2oxHS0J.) The XP Defender and XP Reactor, both non-digital and made of silicone, give users control over what sounds to block out, unlike other noise-canceling earplugs. The filters of the XP Reactor let in low-level passive sounds so users have normal hearing whether loud noises are around. They provide a low NRR rating of around 8 dB for passive attenuation. The disc and mesh inside of the filter together provide a noise reduction of as much as 33 dB automatically. The XP Defender operates the same way as the XP Reactor. It comes with a switch that allows users to make the earplug's passive attenuation go up to NRR 18 dB. The XP Defender also has a special sound valve that can be opened and closed by a switch to let in select sounds.
The XP Defender and the XP Reactor are manufactured through a collaboration with Dynamic Ear Company, which specializes in sound filtering technology. Backers of the campaign will be able to purchase the products for $19 each. Axil has surpassed its fundraising goal of $20,000 and reached $53,397 at the time of publication. The Kickstarter campaign will remain active for 28 more days.
Published: 4/21/2017 11:30:00 AM
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Axil Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for Hearing Protecting Ear Plugs
Axil have taken to Kickstarter to fund the production of their new noise-filtering earplugs. (http://kck.st/2oxHS0J.) The XP Defender and XP Reactor, both non-digital and made of silicone, give users control over what sounds to block out, unlike other noise-canceling earplugs. The filters of the XP Reactor let in low-level passive sounds so users have normal hearing whether loud noises are around. They provide a low NRR rating of around 8 dB for passive attenuation. The disc and mesh inside of the filter together provide a noise reduction of as much as 33 dB automatically. The XP Defender operates the same way as the XP Reactor. It comes with a switch that allows users to make the earplug's passive attenuation go up to NRR 18 dB. The XP Defender also has a special sound valve that can be opened and closed by a switch to let in select sounds.
The XP Defender and the XP Reactor are manufactured through a collaboration with Dynamic Ear Company, which specializes in sound filtering technology. Backers of the campaign will be able to purchase the products for $19 each. Axil has surpassed its fundraising goal of $20,000 and reached $53,397 at the time of publication. The Kickstarter campaign will remain active for 28 more days.
Published: 4/21/2017 11:30:00 AM
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