Balance Coordination Research Articles

PHYSICAL REHABILITATION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND HIGH-TECH APPROACHES

In a chronic and disabling disease like multiple sclerosis, rehabilitation programs are of major importance for the preservation of physical, physiological, social and professional functioning and improvement of quality of life. Currently, it is generally assumed that physical activity is an important component of non-pharmacological rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. Properly organized exercise is a safe and efficient way to induce improvements in a number of physiological functions. A multidisciplinary rehabilitative approach should be recommended. The main recommendations for the use of exercise for patients with multiple sclerosis have been listed. An important aspect of the modern physical rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis is the usage of high-tech methods. The published results of robot-assisted training to improve the hand function and walking impairment have been represented. An important trend in the rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis is the reduction of postural disorders through training balance coordination. The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in spasticity reducing is being investigated. The use of telemedicine capabilities is quite promising. Due to the fact that the decline in physical activity can lead to the deterioration of many aspects of physiological functions and, ultimately, to mobility decrease, further research of the role of physical rehabilitation as an important therapeutic approach in preventing the progression of disability in multiple sclerosis is required.

The Aquatic Therapy in Balance Coordination Disorders

Abstract The paper has as purpose to approach some issues related to the vestibular rehabilitation through the aquatic therapy or hydrokinesitherapy. We think that, in this type of dysfunction, hydrokinesitherapy is the best treatment solution, by starting from the idea that the water instability renders more difficult the body stabilization on its moving surface, which, in the course of time, leads to the labyrinthic function improvement. The balance coordination disorders can be successfully treated by the adaptive aquatic programs, their value being highlighted in the present research. Such a therapy would facilitate the balance coordination disorders early identification and the introduction of a suitable retraining able to prevent the impairment progress.

Psychiatric Features in High-Functioning Adult Brothers With Fragile X Spectrum Disorders

Psychiatric Features in High-Functioning Adult Brothers With Fragile X Spectrum Disorders

Balance of Coordination and Hydrophobic Interaction in the Formation of Bilayers in Metal-Coordinated Surfactant Mixtures

Metal-ligand coordination and hydrophobic interaction are two significant driving forces in the aggregation of mixtures of M(n+) surfactants and alkyldimethylamine oxide (CnDMAO) in aqueous solutions. The coordinated systems exhibit rich aggregation behavior. This study investigated the effect of M(n+) ions (Zn(2+), Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Al(3+), Fe(3+), La(3+), Eu(3+), and Tb(3+)) and hydrophobic chains (hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon) on the formation of metal-coordinated bilayers. We found that fluorocarbon chains and branched hydrocarbon chains are preferable to the corresponding linear hydrocarbon chains for the formation of an Lα phase. Moreover, Lα phases formed by fluorocarbon chains exhibited higher viscoelasticity than ones formed by the hydrocarbons, and the bilayers formed by branched chains were rather flexible, revealing obvious undulation. The construction of bilayers was also strongly affected by metal ions due to their variable coordination ability with CnDMAO. Our results contribute to the understanding of the formation of metal-coordinated bilayers, which is driven by the interplay of noncovalent forces.

Study on Earthwork Allocation Balance of Nuozhadu's Core Rockfill Dam

According to the analysis of Nuozhadu's core rockfill dam over its relationship of material balance and progress coordination between filling and excavation engineering, by means of linear programming method, combining with the actual construction, mathematical model of earthwork allocation optimization is established. Through using the actual application, it achieves the goal of saving resources and cost, reasonable and fast construction.

Volumetric Analysis of Cerebellum in Short-Track Speed Skating Players

The cerebellum is associated with balance control and coordination, which might be important for gliding on smooth ice at high speeds. A number of case studies have shown that cerebellar damage induces impaired balance and coordination. As a positive model, therefore, we investigated whether plastic changes in the volumes of cerebellar subregions occur in short-track speed skating players who must have extraordinary abilities of balance and coordination, using three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging volumetry. The manual tracing was performed and the volumes of cerebellar hemisphere and vermian lobules were compared between short-track speed skating players (n=16) and matched healthy controls (n=18). We found larger right cerebellar hemisphere volume and vermian lobules VI-VII (declive, folium, and tuber) in short-track speed skating players in comparison with the matched controls. The finding suggests that the specialized abilities of balance and coordination are associated with structural plasticity of the right hemisphere of cerebellum and vermian VI-VII and these regions play an essential role in balance and coordination.

PHYSIOLOGIC AND DOSIMETRIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR LIMITING ELECTRIC FIELDS INDUCED IN THE BODY BY MOVEMENT IN A STATIC MAGNETIC FIELD

Movement in a strong static magnetic field induces electric fields in a human body, which may result in various sensory perceptions such as vertigo, nausea, magnetic phosphenes, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These sensory perceptions have been observed by patients and medical staff in the vicinity of modern diagnostic magnetic resonance (MR) equipment and may be distracting if they were to affect the balance and eye-hand coordination of, for example, a physician carrying out a medical operation during MR scanning. The stimulation of peripheral nerve tissue by a more intense induced electric field is also theoretically possible but has not been reported to result from such movement. The main objective of this study is to consider generic criteria for limiting the slowly varying broadband (<10 Hz) electric fields induced by the motion of the body in the static magnetic field. In order to find a link between the static magnetic flux density and the time-varying induced electric field, the static magnetic field is converted to the homogeneous equivalent transient and sinusoidal magnetic fields exposing a stationary body. Two cases are considered: a human head moving in a non-uniform magnetic field and a head rotating in a homogeneous magnetic field. Then the electric field is derived from the magnetic flux rate (dB/dt) of the equivalent field by using computational dosimetric data published in the literature for various models of the human body. This conversion allows the plotting of the threshold electric field as a function of frequency for vertigo, phosphenes, and stimulation of peripheral nerves. The main conclusions of the study are: The basic restrictions for limiting exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection ICNIRP in 1998 will prevent most cases of vertigo and other sensory perceptions that result from induced electric fields above 1 Hz, while limiting the static magnetic field below 2 T, as recently recommended by ICNIRP, provides sufficient protection below 1 Hz. People can experience vertigo when moving in static magnetic fields of between 2 and 8 T, but this may be controlled to some extent by slowing down head and/or body movement. In addition, limiting the static magnetic field below 8 T provides good protection against peripheral nerve stimulation.

Neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of exercise in a chronic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease with moderate neurodegeneration

The protective impact of exercise on neurodegenerative processes has not been confirmed, and the mechanisms underlying the benefit of exercise have not been determined in human Parkinson's disease or in chronic animal disease models. This research examined the long-term neurological, behavioral, and mechanistic consequences of endurance exercise in experimental chronic parkinsonism. We used a chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease with moderate neurodegeneration and examined the effects of treadmill exercise on movement and balance coordination, changes in dopamine neuron biomarkers, mitochondrial functions, and neurotrophic factor activities in the nigrostriatal system. The exercise results were compared with those of the control and sedentary chronic parkinsonian animals. After 18 weeks of exercise training in the chronic parkinsonian mice, we observed a significant deterrence in the loss of neuronal dopamine-producing cells and other functional indicators. The impaired movement and balance incoordination in the chronic parkinsonian mice were also markedly reduced following exercise. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the neuronal and behavioral recovery produced by exercise in the chronic parkinsonian mice was associated with an improved mitochondrial function and an increase in the brain region-specific levels of brain-derived and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors. Our findings indicate that exercise not only produces neuronal and mitochondrial protection, it also boosts nigrostriatal neurotrophic factor levels in the chronic parkinsonian mice with moderate neurodegeneration. Therefore, modifying lifestyle with increased exercise activity would be a non-pharmacological neuroprotective approach for averting neurodegenerative processes, as demonstrated in experimental chronic parkinsonism.

Pogo: A Novel Spontaneous Ataxic Mutant Mouse

The Pogo (pogo/pogo) mouse is a naturally occurring neurological mutant from a Korean wild-type mouse characterized by loss of balance and motor coordination due to dysfunction of the cerebellum. The Pogo mutation is believed to be an allele of P/Q-type calcium channel mutants such as tottering, leaner, and rolling mouse Nagoya. These mutants have been served as mouse models for a group of neurodegenerative diseases. The overall aim of this minireview is to summarize our current understanding of the ataxic Pogo mouse. To address this issue, we first describe the discovery of Pogo mouse and its morphological and behavioral defects. Then, we focus on the abnormal expression of several molecules in the Pogo cerebellum, including tyrosine hydroxylase, glutamate, corticotrophin-releasing factor, and 5-hydroxytryptamine. Much of this review is concerned with the functional implications of these ectopic molecules in the Pogo cerebellum.

Challenge Me! Mobility Activity Cards

The Challenge Me! Mobility Activity Cards address mobility, balance coordination, spatial awareness, trunk control, transferring skills, gross motor skills, flexibility, adaptability, safety awareness, and independence.

Ghrelin and leptin levels in young adults with cystic fibrosis: Relationship with body fat

Background Ghrelin and leptin are hormones implicated in energy balance coordination and body weight regulation. There are conflicting data regarding the levels and role of leptin while ghrelin has not been studied in CF. The aim of this study was to investigate fasting serum ghrelin and leptin levels in CF adolescents as compared to healthy controls and analyze their association with body fat. Methods Fourteen CF adolescents having pancreatic insufficiency and twenty healthy adolescents were enrolled in the study. Diabetic patients were excluded. In all participants' height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fat % (BF %) were estimated. Ghrelin and leptin levels were determined after an overnight fast. Results Weight, BMI and BF% were significantly lower in CF adolescents than those of controls. Fasting leptin levels in CF were significantly higher in CF patients ( p = 0.030), compared to controls and significantly lower in CF males as compared to CF females ( p = 0.01). Fasting ghrelin levels were significantly lower in CF males as compared to male controls ( p < 0.001) and comparable in females. Conclusions As the overall clinical outcome of CF patients is related to the nutritional status and body weight, the role of ghrelin and leptin in these patients needs to be elucidated.

Lessons Learned From Detracked Mathematics Departments

Students' mastery of and achievement in high school mathematics is considered pivotal to their opportunities for and within postsecondary education. For this reason, many educators have attempted to implement equity-geared reforms, including detracking, that affect the organization and instruction of high school mathematics. This article describes how schools with successful detracked mathematics programs share 4 characteristics: (a) a view of subject that focuses on connections and meaning, (b) a curriculum focused on important mathematical ideas, (c) a balance of coordination and professional discretion for teaching decisions, and (d) clear distinctions between doing math and doing school in the structures of the classroom and the evaluation of students' thinking. This analysis can support other schools' attempts to detrack mathematics.

Reduced N-Acetylaspartate Levels in Mice Lacking Aralar, a Brain- and Muscle-type Mitochondrial Aspartate-glutamate Carrier

Aralar is a mitochondrial calcium-regulated aspartate-glutamate carrier mainly distributed in brain and skeletal muscle, involved in the transport of aspartate from mitochondria to cytosol, and in the transfer of cytosolic reducing equivalents into mitochondria as a member of the malate-aspartate NADH shuttle. In the present study, we describe the characteristics of aralar-deficient (Aralar-/-) mice, generated by a gene-trap method, showing no aralar mRNA and protein, and no detectable malate-aspartate shuttle activity in skeletal muscle and brain mitochondria. Aralar-/- mice were growth-retarded, exhibited generalized tremoring, and had pronounced motor coordination defects along with an impaired myelination in the central nervous system. Analysis of lipid components showed a marked decrease in the myelin lipid galactosyl cerebroside. The content of the myelin lipid precursor, N-acetylaspartate, and that of aspartate are drastically decreased in the brain of Aralar-/- mice. The defect in N-acetylaspartate production was also observed in cell extracts from primary neuronal cultures derived from Aralar-/- mouse embryos. These results show that aralar plays an important role in myelin formation by providing aspartate for the synthesis of N-acetylaspartate in neuronal cells.

Perlecan and syndecan-4 in uterine tissues during the early pregnancy in mice.

During early pregnancy in mice, there is recruitment of specific immune cells, remodeling of the endometrium, cell differentiation and synthesis of new molecules. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the distribution of perlecan and syndecan-4 in the uteri before and after embryo implantation. During pre-implantation, perlecan was identified in basement membranes and extracellular spaces of the endometrial stroma. In contrast, expression of syndecan-4 was quite weak. In the peri-implantation period, perlecan remained in the basement membranes, and it was no longer observed in the stroma and it was identified in the embryonic cells. On day 4 of pregnancy, syndecan-4 increased in the fibroblasts of the subepithelial stroma. After implantation, syndecan-4 was pronounced in pre-decidual and mature decidual cells. The coordinate balance between the pre- and post-implantation periods suggests a role of these two molecules in the adaptive modification of the uterine microenvironment to receive and implant the embryo.

REE biological metallogeny—A preliminary study

Five species of bacteria have been found in granite-weathering profiles of Ore District 701. They tend to decrease in varieties and quantities from the upper part downward, and no bacterium has been brought up below the depth of 10 m. The simulating experiments done by using humic acid of small molecular weight, and decanedioic acid extracted from the samples and the bacteria mentioned above have shown that: (1) The dissolving rates of REEs from humic acid + original rock or decanedioic acid + original rock are lower than those from humic acid + bacteria + original rock or decanedioic acid + bacteria + original rock. The presence of bacteria may accelerate the formation of REE-organic complexes and make the complexes increase in quantity. Aminoacids in the bacteria are involved in coordination balance. The concentrations of the complexes tend to increase as a result of the development and growth of bacteria. So the balance shifts in the direction toward the formation of the complexes, i.e., the dissolution, complexation, migration and accumulation of REEs from the original rocks will be accelerated. (2) The metabolism of microorganisms has contributed a lot to keeping a pH environment in the weathering crust.

Method of Delivery and Developmental Outcome At Five Years of Age

A controlled follow-up study examined the impact of delivery method on developmental outcome of the child. The modes of delivery investigated were low forceps delivery (188 infants), midcavity forceps delivery (51 infants), forceps rotation with forceps delivery (57 infants), manual rotation with forceps delivery (67 infants), elective caesarean section (101 infants) and spontaneous delivery (control, 207 infants). Breech presentation (100 infants) was separately compared with the vertex presentation groups. Sample selection controlled for complications during pregnancy and low birthweight and was restricted to married English-speaking mothers. The children were assessed at the age of five years on verbal and non-verbal subtests of a standardized intelligence scale, tests of gross motor coordination, and auditory and visual tests. A full paediatric examination was also performed. Breech presentation children performed less well on tests of balance and fine motor coordination and on visual acuity and stereopsis testing than children who presented in the vertex position. No deleterious effect of delivery method was found. In the absence of other complicating events (like a poor antenatal history, prematurity, and a disorganized home environment) delivery complication constitutes an early risk factor which the growing child is able to overcome.

An Unusual Challenge—American River Parkway

A 23-mile (37-km) natural river with its flood plain meandering through the urban area of Sacramento County in California poses a challenge to the planning, design, and management concepts for recreational development. Balancing the conflicting recreational demands with conservation of natural values, preservation of wildlife, protection of property rights, ecological balance, and jurisdictional coordination is no small task. A description of the American River Parkway, its resources and its uses show why there are conflicts in utilizing the valuable resources. The attempts to resolve the many conflicts, and evolution of parkway development, are the topics of this paper.

Basic components in the motor performance of children six to nine years of age

Six factor solutions (three orthogonal and three oblique) were used to extract factors from the intercorrelation matrices of 47 motor performance and physical growth measures obtained on 71 boys and 74 girls, ages six to 9.9 years. Twelve factors with eigen values in excess of 1.00 were extracted from both the boys' and girls' data. The six factors that accounted for a major proportion of the variance in both sexes were tentatively identified as (1) Strength-Power-Body size, (2) Gross Limb-Eye Coordination, (3) Fine Visual Motor Coordination, (4) Fat or Dead Weight, (5) Balance, and (6) Leg Power and Coordination. Similarity in the factor structures of the sexes was evident from the application of a procedure for the quantification of the relationships between factors extracted from data in different groups of subjects. With this sample of children substantial relationships were obtained between eight of the ten factors which were common to both sexes.

Retention of Balance Coordination Learning as Influenced by Extended Lay-Offs

Abstract Each of five groups of senior high school girls (N = 20 per group) were initially given 10 trials on the Bachman ladder climb task, and then given a different length of lay-off (10 minutes, or 1 day, or 1 week, or 4 weeks, or 13 weeks) before being retested with another 10 trials. No significant loss in retention or evidence of reminiscence or warm-up decrement was found across the lay-off periods.

Motor Learning and Performance as Related to Age and Sex in Two Measures of Balance Coordination

Abstract Learning curves of ten groups of male subjects and ten groups of females (16 cases of constant age within each group) were obtained on two large muscle motor coordination tasks. One of these required the maintenance of immobility of a stabilometer; the other involved climbing a free-standing ladder. The theoretical curves fitted to the data were of the exponential type, yielding mathematical coefficients for rate as well as amount of learning in addition to measures of initial skill and plateau level. Variance analyses showed that rate of learning was not influenced by age or sex over the range 6 to 26 years. The amount of learning was unrelated to sex; it was observed to increase during the adolescent period. Performance level (skill) varied considerably with age and was relatively poor in postadolescent females.