Coin Rotation Research Articles

Probing quantum discord and coherence dynamics in the discrete-time quantum walk under generalized amplitude damping noise channel

We investigate the behaviour of one-dimensional dissipative Hadamard discrete-time quantum walk (DTQW) in the generalized amplitude damping channel. By manipulating the noise intensity, we uncover intriguing dynamics in the coherence of the coin state such as rebounding and freezing phenomena. The entanglement between the quantum walker’ states diminishes at lower dissipation rates despite the pronounced coherence. The non-classical characters of the dissipative DTQW becomes evident through the manifestation of quantum discord. Our study shows that even under maximum dissipation stemming from both zero and finite-temperature environment, the quantum walker retains rudimentary non-classical behaviours. It is shown that fine-tuning the parameter governing the coin rotation angle optimizes the quantum discord of the walker. These results are useful for optimizing quantum walks in the presence of noisy channels.

Young basketball players have better manual dexterity performance than sportsmen and non-sportsmen of the same age: a cross-sectional study.

Manual dexterity is a key skill in motor development. There are conflicting studies on the influence of sports practice on this skill and on which type of sport trains this ability the most in youth. Manual dexterity is usually assessed with expensive and time-consuming tools not easily available to facilities such as schools or sports clubs. The aim of this study was to assess differences in manual dexterity performance between young basketball players, sportsmen, and non-sportsmen. A further aim was to analyze whether the coin rotation task was a reliable tool for assessing manual dexterity. Based on the characteristics of the sport, we hypothesized that basketball players had better manual dexterity performances. Seventy-eight participants were included in the study and categorized into "basketball", "sports", and "non-sports" groups. Manual dexterity was assessed with the grooved pegboard, the coin rotation task, and the handgrip tests. The basketball group showed better performance in all tests. Significant differences were found between the basketball group and sports group and between the basketball group and non-sport group in the grooved pegboard (p < 0.05) and in the handgrip (p < 0.05) tests. Test-retest reliability of the coin rotation task scores was moderate in the basketball group (ICC2,1 0.63-0.6). Basketball practice could positively influence manual dexterity. The coin rotation task showed an acceptable construct of validity.

Feasibility and usability of a new home-based immersive virtual reality headset-based dexterity training in multiple sclerosis.

Impaired manual dexterity is frequent and disabling in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, usability and patient engagement/satisfaction of a home-based immersive virtual reality (VR) headset-based dexterity training in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). In addition, preliminary efficacy data on the impact of this new training on manual dexterity were collected. Single arm prospective study. After a waiting period of two weeks, pwMS performed a specifically developed home-based VR headset-based dexterity training using the Oculus quest 2 for two weeks with five training sessions/week, each session for approximately 20 minutes. Primary endpoints were feasibility (measured by the adherence rate), usability (System Usability Scale, SUS) and patient engagement/satisfaction (Custom User Engagement Questionnaire, CUEQ). Secondary exploratory efficacy endpoints, measured before and after the waiting period as well as after the training intervention, were the Nine-hole-Peg-Test (9HPT), Coin rotation task (CRT), Handheld JAMAR dynamometer, Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (MSIS 29). Eleven pwMS (mean age 49 ± 10.87 SD, mean EDSS 4.28 ± 1.48 SD) participated in the study. Feasibility (adherence rate: 81.8%), usability (median SUS score 94 (IQR=78-96)) and patient engagement/satisfaction (median 8 on scale of 1-10) of the VR training was very high. In addition, the CRT for the dominant hand improved significantly after training (p=0.03). The good results on feasibility, usability, and patient engagement/satisfaction qualify this home-based immersive VR headset-based dexterity training approach for the use in home-based neurorehabilitation in pwMS. Improved fine motor skills for the dominant hand suggest preliminary efficacy, but this needs to be proven in a future randomized-controlled trials.

The Behavioral Mapping of Psychomotor Slowing in Psychosis Demonstrates Heterogeneity Among Patients Suggesting Distinct Pathobiology.

Psychomotor slowing (PS) occurs in up to half of schizophrenia patients and is linked to poorer outcomes. As standard treatment fails to improve PS, novel approaches are needed. Here, we applied the RDoC framework using 3 units of analysis, ie, behavior, self-report, and physiology to test, whether patients with PS are different from patients without PS and controls. Motor behavior was compared between 71 schizophrenia patients with PS, 25 without PS, and 42 healthy controls (HC) using 5 different measures: (1) for behavior, an expert rating scale: Motor score of the Salpêtrière Retardation Rating Scale, (2) for self-report, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; and for physiology, (3) Actigraphy, which accounts for gross motor behavior, (4) Gait velocity, and (5) coin rotation task to assess manual dexterity. The ANCOVAs comparing the 3 groups revealed differences between patients with PS and HC in expert ratings, self-report, and instrumental measures (all P ≤ .001). Patients with PS also scored higher in expert ratings and had lower instrumental activity levels compared to patients without PS (all P ≤ .045). Instrumental activity levels correlated with an expert rating of PS (rho = -0.51, P-fdr corrected <.001) and classified similarly at 72% accuracy. PS is characterized by slower gait, lower activity levels, and slower finger movements compared to HC. However, only actigraphy and observer ratings enable to clearly disentangle PS from non-PS patients. Actigraphy may become the standard assessment of PS in neuroimaging studies and clinical trials.

The coin rotation test: a reliable and valid test in people with Parkinson's disease

Purpose To investigate: (1) the interrater, and test–retest reliability of the coin rotation test (CRT) in people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD); (2) the minimum detectable change in the CRT; (3) the concurrent and known-groups validity of the CRT; and (4) the cut-off times that best discriminate PwPD from healthy people and functionally dependent PwPD from functionally independent PwPD. Method Forty-eight PwPD and 33 healthy people were included. The CRT was administered with the nine-hole peg test, Movement Disorders Society Sponsored Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Hoehn and Yahr Scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-8, and Schwab and England Scale. Results The CRT had excellent interrater and test–retest reliability. Minimal detectable changes were 5.96 and 8.23 s for the dominant and non-dominant hand, respectively. The CRT correlated with other outcome measures. Significant differences in the CRT times were found between PwPD and healthy people, and between functionally dependent PwPD and functionally independent PwPD. The cut-off times of 12.66 s on the dominant hand and 15.76 s on the non-dominant best discriminated PwPD from healthy people, while 22.99 s on the dominant hand and 23.48 s on the non-dominant best discriminated functionally dependent PwPD from functionally independent PwPD. Conclusions The CRT is a reliable, and clinically available tool for assessing manual dexterity in PwPD. Implications for rehabilitation The coin rotation test is a reliable, valid, and clinically available tool for assessing manual dexterity in Parkinson's Disease. The minimal detectable changes of the coin rotation test are 5.96 s for dominant hand and 8.23 s for the non-dominant hand, which may useful for clinicians and researchers to detect in any true change in manual dexterity after any intervention. The coin rotation test correlated with Parkinson's Disease-specific measurement tools. The coin rotation test times may detect impaired manual dexterity between people with Parkinson's Disease and healthy people, and between functionally dependent and functionally independent in Parkinson's Disease population.

Combining Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Video Game-Based Training to Improve Dexterity in Parkinson's Disease: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often exhibit difficulties with dexterity during the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) due to dysfunctional supplementary motor area (SMA). The aim of this clinical trial protocol work is to describe how the effectiveness of a combined repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over SMA and video-game-based skill training (VBT) in PD will be evaluated. The short and long-term benefits are assessed.Methods and analysis: A single-blind (patients) stratified (based on Hoehn & Yahr) parallel randomized sham-controlled rTMS-VBT study with a baseline and two follow-up measurements (3 and 12 weeks) is being conducted. These measurements include the dexterity questionnaire 24 (DextQ-24) as a primary outcome, and nine hole peg test and coin rotation task as main secondary dexterity outcomes. Further secondary outcomes will be the subscale II of the movement disorders society unified PD rating scale (MDS-UPDRS) to assess improvements on overall ADL and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 to assess quality of life. Thirty-six outpatients (from one neurorehabilitation center) with PD (diagnosis based on brain bank criteria) will be recruited who report difficulties with dexterity in performing ADL. All PD patients will receive a 45-min VBT three times a week for 3 weeks. The PD patients randomized in the experimental group will receive VBT preceded by real rTMS, being intermittent theta burst (iTBS) stimulation sessions. The PD patients randomized to the control group receive a VBT with sham rTMS.Discussion: The study will provide evidence to determine whether a combined iTBS and VBT skill intervention is more effective than a VBT intervention alone to improve dexterity in PD.Ethics and dissemination: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Northwest and Central Switzerland (EKNZ), Switzerland 2019–00433. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and the Guidelines of Good Clinical Practice. Informed consent will be signed prior to subject enrolment. Dissemination will include submission to international peer-reviewed professional journals and presentation at international congresses.The study protocol has been registered in the clinicaltrials.gov registry with the identification code: NCT04699149.

Validity and reliability of Persian version of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire

Introduction This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire which is a self-report questionnaire for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method This methodological study was performed in the following stages: translation, validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability of Persian-AMSQ. The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Coin Rotation Task (CRT), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for construct validity were used. Psychometric testing was done to ascertain the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Results In this study, 155 people with MS participated. There were no major linguistic or cultural difficulties in the translation of AMSQ. Face and content validity confirmed by experts and people with MS. The internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α = 0.99). Test–retest reliability, as measured with intra-class coefficient, was 0.98. Correlations with 9HPT (r = 0.54), CRT (r = 0.16), and FIM (r = −0.54) were significant ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion The Persian-AMSQ appears to be a valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring upper extremity dysfunction in MS.

Quantum walk on a graph of spins: Magnetism and entanglement.

We introduce a model of a quantum walk on a graph in which a particle jumps between neighboring nodes and interacts with independent spins sitting on the edges. Entanglement propagates with the walker. We apply this model to the case of a one-dimensional lattice to investigate its magnetic and entanglement properties. In the continuum limit, we recover a Landau-Lifshitz equation that describes the precession of spins. A rich dynamics is observed, with regimes of particle propagation and localization, together with spin oscillations and relaxation. Entanglement of the asymptotic states follows a volume law for most parameters (the coin rotation angle and the particle-spin coupling).

Somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold changes during motor learning

Purpose Mechanisms underlying the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold and its relationship with motor control have been reported; however, little is known regarding the change in temporal processing of tactile information during motor learning. We investigated the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold changes during motor learning in a feedback-control task. Materials and methods We included 15 healthy individuals. The somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold was measured on the index finger. A 10-session coin rotation task was performed, with 2 min’ training per session. The coin rotation scores were determined through tests (continuous coin rotation at 180° at maximum speed for 10 s). The coin rotation test score and the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold were determined at baseline and after 5 and 10 sets of training, as follows: pre-test; training5set (1 set × 5); post-test5block; training5set (1 set × 5); and post-test10block. The coin rotation score and the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold were compared between the tests. The latter was also compared between the right (the within-subject control) and left fingers. Results The coin rotation score showed significant differences among all tests. In the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test5block values, pre-test and post-test10block values of the left side and between the right and left sides in the post-test5block and the post-test10block values. Conclusions The somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold decreased along with task-performance progress following motor learning during a feedback-control task.

Validation and diagnostic accuracy of coin rotation task for manual dexterity and coordination in children with specific learning disorder

Background This study aimed at determining validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy of Coin Rotation Task (CRT) in assessing manual dexterity and coordination of children with specific learning disorder (SLD). Methods In this non-experimental cross-sectional study, 120 children (typically developing children = 60, children with SLD = 60, mean age ± SD =9.18 ± 0.55) were recruited. Test–retest reliability and construct validity of CRT were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed on CRT scores by considering age and gender as covariates and children with SLD with mild dexterity impairment and severe dexterity impairment (SDI) as outcome variables. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to derive validity parameters. Results Test-retest reliability of the CRT scores in both subtests were excellent in children with SLD (ICC2,1: 0.93–0.95) and good to excellent in typically developing children (ICC2,1: 0.72–0.82). Acceptable construct validity of CRT was also found. The CRT cut-off points were 23 (sensitivity= 89.29%, specificity= 70.37%) and 28 (sensitivity= 80.33%, specificity= 86.36%) for discriminating children with SLD and SDI from typically developing children in dominant and non-dominant hand, respectively. Conclusions The present study indicated good to excellent test-retest reliability, acceptable validity, and high diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing children with SLD based on their dexterity impairment level. Implications for Rehabilitation The Coin Rotation Task (CRT) was modified and validated for use in children. The CRT is a reliable and valid tool with high diagnostic accuracy. The CRT has a good ability for discriminating children with specific learning disorder with severe dexterity impairment form typically developing children. Treatment plans and research designs can be performed by using this valid, reliable, and easy to administer tool.

Scaling exponent analysis and fidelity of the tunable discrete quantum walk in the noisy channel

We studied the behavior of tunable one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walk (DTQW) in the presence of decoherence, modeled as a noisy quantum channel with bit-flip, phase-flip, and general amplitude damping effects. The fidelity of the walker based on the angle parametrized coin operator is examined for different tunable conditions. DTQW with bit-flip and phase-flip or dephasing gave rise to the symmetrical probability density function profile while showing different convergence characteristics on their variance behavior. Meanwhile under decoherence with the general amplitude channel, the walker exhibits the non-symmetric profile of probability density function while retaining faster spread than a normal walk under extreme decoherence which is captured by their scaling exponent. These indicate the existence of the broad class of transport behavior of the walker. We showed that the fidelity of the walker can be optimized by adjusting the parameter of the coin rotation angle θ. This work may be useful for the optimization or better control of the quantum walk under noisy channels.

Single Session Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Ameliorates Hand Gesture Deficits in Schizophrenia.

Social interaction is impaired in schizophrenia, including the use of hand gestures, which is linked to poor social perception and outcome. Brain imaging suggests reduced neural activity in a left-lateralized frontoparietal network during gesture preparation; therefore, gesturing might be improved through facilitation of left hemispheric brain areas or via disruption of interhemispheric inhibition from the right homolog. This study tested whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols would improve gesture performance in schizophrenia. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial applied 3 different protocols of rTMS separated by 48 h. Twenty right-handed schizophrenia patients and 20 matched healthy controls received facilitatory intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) over the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), inhibitory continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) over right inferior parietal lobe (IPL), and placebo over left IPL in randomized order. Primary outcome was change in the test of upper limb apraxia (TULIA), rated from video recordings of hand gesture performance. Secondary outcome was change in manual dexterity using the coin rotation task. Participants improved on both tasks following rTMS compared with baseline. Only patients improved gesture performance following right IPL cTBS compared with placebo (P = .013). The results of the coin rotation parallel those of the TULIA, with improvements following right IPL cTBS in patients (P = .001). Single sessions of cTBS on the right IPL substantially improved both gesture performance accuracy and manual dexterity. The findings point toward an inhibition of interhemispheric rivalry as a potential mechanism of action.

Functional assessment using short tests in a patient with Pompe disease receiving enzyme replacement therapy: case report

Introduction: Pompe disease is characterized by the deficiency of the acid alfa glucosidase enzyme, which leads to a glycogen accumu­lation mainly in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Its onset may be early or late; the late form is more difficult to handle given the variety of presenta­tions. Enzyme replacement therapy has shown to improve gross motor function and lung function in patients.Case description: Female patient who presented chronic quadriparesis. She was diagnosed with Pompe disease, which required enzyme replace­ment therapy that helped improve the symptoms, which was evident with the performance of rapid functional evaluation tests.Discussion: Enzyme replacement therapy in Pompe disease modifies the natural history of the disease. A brief review of the literature about the functional tests that can be used to assess a patient with this disorder is presented.Conclusion: The 10-meter walk test, one-leg stance test, cervical flexion in supine position, five times sit to stand test, and coin rotation task are useful for clinical evaluation in patients with Pompe disease receiving enzyme replacement therapy.

Agreement Between Face-to-Face and Tele-assessment of Upper Limb Functioning in Patients with Parkinson Disease.

Upper limb disturbances are prevalent in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and can limit their participation in activities of daily living. Tele-assessment of upper limb motor symptoms using an Internet application may be an alternative for addressing the growing demand for monitoring of disease progression. To evaluate the level of agreement between face-to-face and tele-assessment of patients with PD. Reliability study. Parkinson's Disease Association. Twenty-one patients with PD from a local association participated in the study. Patients attended a session for clinical face-to-face and real-time online tele-assessment. Upper limb measures of function (assessed with the Manual Ability Measure 16), dexterity (evaluated using the coin rotation task), motor speed (assessed by the finger tapping test), tremor (evaluated with the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale), and range of motion (using the Kinovea software) were recorded by two independent researchers. All the outcome measures evaluated showed a good interrater, intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ > 0.75). In addition, most confidence intervals were narrow and excluded 0.8. The lowest reliability was obtained for elbow flexion of the most affected upper limb (ρ = 0.75; confidence interval 0.49-0.89) and the highest reliability for finger tapping tests (ρ = 1; 1, 1). This study demonstrates high interrater reliability of upper limb tele-assessment in patients with PD compared to a face-to-face assessment. III.

Relación entre los síntomas musculoesqueléticos y la funcionalidad en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson

Introducción: La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es una de las enfermedades más frecuentes del sistema nervioso central, y además de los síntomas motores clásicos, ahora se sabe que los pacientes también sufren una variedad de síntomas no motores que afectan negativamente a la independencia funcional. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación entre los síntomas musculoesqueléticos y la funcionalilidad en personas con EP. Materiales y Métodos: Este estudio es un estudio observacional transversal que involucra a pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson utilizando los siguientes instrumentos: Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS- UPDRS), Fahn-Tolosa-Marín Tremor Rating Scale (TRS), Manual Ability Measure-16 (MAM-16), Evaluative Frailty Index for Physical Activity (EFIP), Coin Rotation Task (CRT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Resultados: Se incluyeron 24 pacientes, con una edad media de 72,54 ± 9,4 años. Se encontró relación (p &lt; 0,05) entre las variables severidad del Parkinson, temblor, destreza, fatiga y dolor con las variables de funcionalidad. Conclusiones: Puntuaciones altas en las afecciones musculoesqueléticas se asocian con discapacidad. El enfoque de la gestión en la EP debe cambiar a una estrategia integral que incorpore el cuidado de síntomas motores como el temblor o la destreza y síntomas no motores como la fatiga y el dolor.

Impaired finger dexterity and nigrostriatal dopamine loss in Parkinson's disease.

Impaired finger dexterity occurs in Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been considered a limb-kinetic apraxia associated with primary sensory cortical dysfunction. To study the role of nigrostriatal dopamine loss and elementary parkinsonian motor deficits in impaired finger dexterity of PD. Thirty-two right-handed untreated PD patients and 30 right-handed healthy controls were included. All patients underwent [18F] FP-CIT positron emission tomography studies. We examined the associations among unilateral coin rotation (CR) score, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) subscores for bradykinesia and rigidity of the corresponding arm, and contralateral regional striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) uptake. We also measured the effect of oral levodopa dose on CR scores and UPDRS subscores. PD patients performed worse than controls on the CR task. Unilateral arm UPDRS bradykinesia scores were associated with DAT uptake in the contralateral putamen. The left CR score was associated with left arm bradykinesia and rigidity scores and DAT uptake in the right posterior putamen, whereas no such associations were found for the right CR score. There was a significant effect of handedness on the association of putamen DAT uptake with CR scores, but not with UPDRS subscores. An oral levodopa challenge improved CR scores and UPDRS subscores on both sides. Impaired finger dexterity in PD is related to elementary parkinsonian motor deficits and nigrostriatal dopamine loss. Impaired dominant hand dexterity associated with nigrostriatal dopamine loss seems to be compensated to some extent by the dominant cerebral cortex specialized for controlling precise finger movements.

Deficient supplementary motor area at rest: Neural basis of limb kinetic deficits in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients frequently suffer from limb kinetic apraxia (LKA) affecting quality of life. LKA denotes an impairment of precise and independent finger movements beyond bradykinesia, which is reliably assessed by coin rotation (CR) task. BOLD fMRI detected activation of a left inferior parietal-premotor praxis network in PD during CR. Here, we explored which network site is most critical for LKA using arterial spin labeling (ASL). Based on a hierarchical model, we hypothesized that LKA would predominantly affect the functional integrity of premotor areas including supplementary motor areas (SMA). Furthermore, we suspected that for praxis function with higher demand on temporal-spatial processing such as gesturing, inferior parietal lobule (IPL) upstream to premotor areas would be essential. A total of 21 PD patients and 20 healthy controls underwent ASL acquisition during rest. Behavioral assessment outside the scanner involved the CR, finger tapping task, and the test of upper limb apraxia (TULIA). Whole-brain analysis of activity at rest showed a significant reduction of CR-related perfusion in the left SMA of PD. Furthermore, the positive correlation between SMA perfusion and CR, seen in controls, was lost in patients. By contrast, TULIA was significantly associated with the perfusion of left IPL in both patients and controls. In conclusion, the findings suggest that LKA in PD are linked to an intrinsic disruption of the left SMA function, which may only be overcome by compensatory network activation. In addition, gestural performance relies on IPL which remains available for functional recruitment in early PD.

Distinct Associations of Motor Domains in Relatives of Schizophrenia Patients-Different Pathways to Motor Abnormalities in Schizophrenia?

Aberrant motor function is an integral part of schizophrenia. In fact, abnormalities are frequently found in patients, in populations at risk, and in unaffected relatives. Motor abnormalities are suspected to be relevant for the clinical outcome and could probably predict the conversion from at-risk individuals to schizophrenia. Furthermore, motor function has been argued as endophenotype of the disorder. Yet, which particular motor domain may classify as a potential endophenotype is unknown. We aimed to compare schizophrenia patients, unaffected first-degree relatives and healthy controls for different motor domains. We expected impairments in all domains in patients and in some domains in relatives. We included 43 schizophrenia patients, 34 unaffected first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients, and 29 healthy control subjects, matched for age, gender, and education level. We compared motor function of four motor domains between the groups. The domains comprise neurological soft signs (NSS), abnormal involuntary movements (dyskinesia), Parkinsonism, and fine motor function including simple [finger tapping (FT)] and complex fine motor function, (i.e., dexterity as measured with the coin rotation test). Furthermore, we tested the association of motor function of the four domains with working memory, frontal lobe function, and nonverbal intelligence for each group separately using within-group bivariate correlations. Schizophrenia patients showed poorer motor function in all tested domains compared to healthy controls. First-degree relatives had intermediate ratings with aberrant function in two motor domains. In detail, relatives had significantly more NSS and performed poorer in the FT task than controls. In contrast, complex fine motor function was intact in relatives. Relatives did not differ from controls in dyskinesia or Parkinsonism severity. Taken together, schizophrenia patients have motor abnormalities in all tested domains. Thus, motor abnormalities are a key element of the disorder. Likewise, first-degree relatives presented motor deficits in two domains. A clear difference between relatives and healthy controls was found for NSS and FT. Thus, NSS and FT may be potential markers of vulnerability for schizophrenia. The lack of association between genetic risk and dyskinesia or Parkinsonism suggests distinct pathobiological mechanisms in the various motor abnormalities in schizophrenia.

T200. DISTINCT ASSOCIATIONS OF MOTOR DOMAINS WITH THE GENETIC RISK FOR PSYCHOSIS – DIFFERENT PATHWAYS TO MOTOR ABNORMALITIES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA?

BackgroundAberrant motor function is an integral part of Schizophrenia. In fact, abnormalities are frequently found in patients, in populations at risk, and in unaffected relatives. Motor abnormalities are suspected to be relevant for the clinical outcome and could probably predict the conversion from at-risk individuals to schizophrenia. Furthermore, motor function and has been argued as endophenotype of the disorder. Yet, which particular motor domain may classify as a potential endophenotype is unknown. We aimed to compare schizophrenia patients, unaffected first degree relatives and healthy controls for different motor domains. We expected impairments in all domains in patients and in some domains in relatives.MethodsWe included 43 schizophrenia patients, 34 unaffected first degree relatives of schizophrenia patients and 29 healthy control subjects, matched for age, gender and education level. We compared motor function of five domains between the groups. The domains comprise neurological soft sings (NSS), abnormal involuntary movements (dyskinesia), Parkinsonism, complex fine motor function applying the coin rotation task as well as finger tapping. Furthermore, we tested the association of motor function of the five domains with working memory, frontal lobe function and nonverbal intelligence for each group separately using within-group bivariate correlations.ResultsSchizophrenia patients showed poorer motor function in all tested domains compared to healthy controls. First-degree relatives had intermediate ratings with aberrant function in two motor domains. In detail, relatives had significantly more NSS and performed poorer in the finger tapping task than controls. In contrast, in relatives complex fine motor function was intact. Relatives did not differ from controls in dyskinesia or Parkinsonism severity.DiscussionTaken together, schizophrenia patients have motor abnormalities in all tested domains. Thus, motor abnormalities are a key element of the disorder. Likewise, first degree relatives presented motor deficits in two domains. A clear difference between relatives and healthy controls was found for NSS and finger tapping. Thus, NSS and finger tapping may be a potential marker of vulnerability for schizophrenia. The lack of association between genetic risk and dyskinesia or Parkinsonism suggests distinct pathobiological mechanisms in the various motor abnormalities in schizophrenia.

Clinical response to treatment in inpatients with depression correlates with changes in activity levels and psychomotor speed.

Monitoring clinical response to treatment in depressed inpatients, particularly identifying early improvement, may be sub-optimal. This may impact adversely on patients through longer admissions and sub-optimal pharmacotherapy. Psychomotor speed is a prominent neuropsychological function which changes as recovery occurs. This study examines simple techniques used to quantify psychomotor change and their potential to contribute to monitoring recovery. Activity levels were continuously monitored in patients diagnosed with a major depressive episode from four acute psychiatric wards using two actigraphs (commercial and scientific) for 3 weeks and linear regression used to calculate a gradient to express rate of change. Psychomotor speed was assessed using the simple Coin Rotation Task. Mood and functioning were rated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, Clinical Global Impression Scale and Functioning Assessment Short Test. The assessments were completed at baseline and follow-up (3 weeks), and correlations were calculated for all change measures. In all, 24 inpatients were recruited but not all completed baseline and follow-up measures. Change in activity count ( N = 16) and psychomotor speed ( N = 13) correlated significantly with improvement in clinical measures of depressive symptoms. Actigraphs were acceptable to hospital inpatients. The limited size of this pilot study precludes the analysis of predictive power or the influence of other variables such as depression subtypes, age, gender or variations related to medications. Early change in simple activity and psychomotor speed warrant further investigation for utility in measuring treatment response in depressed inpatients.