Complex Movements Research Articles

Effect of hip abduction assistance on metabolic cost and balance during human walking.

The use of wearable robots to provide walking assistance has rapidly grown over the past decade, with notable advances made in robot design and control methods toward reducing physical effort while performing an activity. The reduction in walking effort has mainly been achieved by assisting forward progression in the sagittal plane. Human gait, however, is a complex movement that combines motions in three planes, not only the sagittal but also the transverse and frontal planes. In the frontal plane, the hip joint plays a key role in gait, including balance. However, wearable robots targeting this motion have rarely been investigated. In this study, we developed a hip abduction assistance wearable robot by formulating the hypothesis that assistance that mimics the biological hip abduction moment or power could reduce the metabolic cost of walking and affect the dynamic balance. We found that hip abduction assistance with a biological moment second peak mimic profile reduced the metabolic cost of walking by 11.6% compared with the normal walking condition. The assistance also influenced balance-related parameters, including the margin of stability. Hip abduction assistance influenced the center-of-mass movement in the mediolateral direction. When the robot assistance was applied as the center of mass moved toward the opposite leg, the assistance replaced some of the efforts that would have otherwise been provided by the human. This indicates that hip abduction assistance can reduce physical effort during human walking while influencing balance.

The effect of automatic imitation in serial movements with different effectors.

Individuals often imitate the postures or gestures of others in everyday life, without even being aware. This behavioral tendency is known as "automatic imitation" in laboratory settings and is thought to play a crucial role in social interactions. Previous studies have shown that the perception of a simple finger movement activates a shared representation of the observed and executed movements, which then elicits automatic imitation. However, relatively few studies have examined whether automatic imitation is limited to simple single-finger movements or whether it can be produced using a different automatic imitation paradigm with more complex sequential movements. Therefore, this study conducted three experiments in which participants observed the sequential movements of a model and then executed a compatible (similar) action or an incompatible (different) action involving the hand or foot in response to number cues that indicated the sequence for moving their hands or feet. The delay to onset of participants' initial hand or foot movements was calculated. Participants consistently executed compatible actions faster than incompatible actions. In particular, the results showed an imitative compatibility effect with a human stimulus but not an inanimate stimulus. These results demonstrate that automatic imitation occurs during more complex movements that require memory.

The Relationship between Tricuspid Annular Longitudinal and Sphincter-like Features of Its Function in Healthy Adults: Insights from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

The tricuspid valve is an atrioventricular valve located on the right side of the heart, which consists of the fibrous tricuspid annulus (TA), three valvular leaflets and a supporting apparatus, the papillary muscles and the tendinous chords. The TA is an oval-shaped three-dimensional (3D) fibrous structure with a complex spatial movement during the cardiac cycle. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) could help during "en-face" assessment of TA dimensions and related functional properties featuring its "sphincter-like" function. TA plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a displacement of the lateral edge of the TA toward the apex in systole measured in apical long-axis using M-mode echocardiography (MME). The aim of this study was to determine potential relationships between TA size and its "sphincter-like" and "longitudinal" functions in healthy adults with no functional tricuspid regurgitation. The present study consisted of 119 healthy patients (age: 34.6 ± 11.5 years, 70 men) who underwent routine echocardiography with M-mode-derived TAPSE measurement and 3DE. Two subgroups of healthy subjects were compared with each other. A total of 29 subjects with TAPSE between 17 and 21 mm were compared with 90 cases with TAPSE ≥ 22 mm. Subjects with TAPSE of 17-21 mm had tendentiously dilated TA dimensions compared with subjects with TAPSE ≥ 22 mm. Significant differences could be detected in the end-systolic TA area (5.85 ± 1.90 cm2 vs. 3.70 ± 1.22 cm2, p < 0.05), leading to impaired TAFAC (24.8 ± 9.0% vs. 35.1 ± 9.1%, p < 0.05) in subjects with lower TAPSE (17-21 mm) compared with subjects with TAPSE ≥ 22 mm. TAPSE did not show correlations with any TA size or "sphincter-like" functional parameters as determined using 3DE. Three-dimensional echocardiography is capable of measuring TA dimensions and functional "sphincter-like" properties, which are associated with MME-derived TAPSE, suggesting a sensitive and harmonic TA function in healthy adults without functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Beyond Humanity: Unveiling Posthumanist Themes in Charles Stross' Singularity Sky and its Literary Nexus

Posthumanism stands as a complex and interdisciplinary intellectual movement that challenges and broadens conventional notions of human identity and existence, particularly in light of advancements in science and technology. It emerged in response to the swift evolution of technology and its profound impact on our understanding of what it means to be human. Within the realm of literature, there exists a myriad of works that defy traditional concepts of human identity and explore the transformative effects of advanced technology on humanity. Notable examples include William Gibson's Neuromancer (1984), Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash (1992), and Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake (2003), all of which signal a departure from conventional views of the human experience, pushing boundaries and challenging established norms. Charles Stross, in conjunction with these literary giants, enriches the landscape of speculative fiction by providing narratives that transcend conventional boundaries and delve into profound questions regarding humanity's relationship with technology. Embarking on a posthumanist inquiry, this research delves into the rich fabric of Charles Stross' Singularity Sky (2003), meticulously unraveling the complexities of human transcendence amidst advanced technology. The narrative intricately incorporates futuristic elements, and the objective of this study is to unveil the nuanced layers of the author's exploration of posthumanist ideas. The analysis explores the dynamic interplay among characters and their technological surroundings, emphasizing moments where the amalgamation of humanity and cutting-edge technology acts as a catalyst for transcendence.

A primitive-based representation of dance: modulations by experience and perceptual validity.

The generation of complex movements such as dance might be possible due to the utilization of movement building blocks, i.e., movement primitives. However, it is largely unexplored how the temporal structure of a movement sequence and the recruitment of these primitives change with experience. Therefore, we obtained a representation of primitives with the temporal movement primitive model from the motion capture data of dancers with varying experiences, both for improvised and choreographed movements (elements from contemporary/modern/jazz) with different qualitative expressions. We analyzed differences between movement conditions regarding the number of temporal segments and the number of primitives, as well as their association with dance experience. Especially for the choreography with a neutral expression, the results indicate a negative association between experience and the number of segments and a positive association between experience and the number of primitives. The variation in the recruitment of these primitives suggests an increased consistency of modular control with experience, particularly for improvised dance. A prerequisite for the meaningful interpretation of these results regarding human movement production is that the model can generate perceptually valid dance movements. This was confirmed in a subsequent experiment, although the validity was slightly impaired for improvised movements. Overall, the results of the choreographed movement sequences suggest that experience is associated with an increase in motor repertoire that might facilitate fewer and longer temporal segments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that a temporal movement primitive model, trained with movements performed by dancers with different levels of experience, is able to generate natural-looking dance movements. The results suggest that motor experience in dance is associated not only with fewer temporal segments but also with an increase in the number of underlying movement building blocks. The recruitment of these primitives, which might be used to simplify movement production, additionally seems to become more consistent with experience.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers of Punding in Parkinson's Disease.

Punding is a rare condition triggered by dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by a complex, excessive, repetitive, and purposeless abnormal movement, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to assess the brain structure alterations related to punding by using multipametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-eight PD patients (19 with punding and 19 without punding) from the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) were included in this study. Cortical thickness was assessed with FreeSurfer, and the integrity of white matter fiber tracts and network topologies were analyzed by using FMRIB Software Library (FSL) and Pipeline for Analyzing braiN Diffusion imAges (PANDA). PD patients with punding showed a higher apathy score and more severe cortical atrophy in the left superior parietal, right inferior parietal, and right superior frontal gyrus, and worse integrity of the right cingulum cingulate tract compared to those without punding. On the other hand, no significant difference in structural network topologies was detected between the two groups. These data suggest that the specific area of destruction may be an MRI biomarker of punding risk, and these findings may have important implications for understanding the neural mechanisms of punding in PD.

Functional behaviour of flocs explained by observed 3D structure and porosity

Clay-rich flocculated suspended sediments are an important constituent of estuarine and coastal systems globally. They are responsible for the host, movement and deposition of a variety of pollutants, contaminants and sediment itself. Accurate modelling of the movement of these sediments is crucial for a number of industries including fisheries, aquaculture, shipping and waste management. This requires an accurate and reliable measurements of the physical properties of flocs and their behaviour. Porosity is a key element in floc structures, and this research provides updated 3D quantified porosity and pore space morphological data in relation to influences on floc settling behaviour. We report the questionable relationship between floc size and settling velocity, and explore alternative influences such as floc composition, porosity and pore morphology. These outcomes suggest that a shift in focus from floc size to a combination of factors is necessitated to understand the complex movement behaviour of flocculated suspended sediments.

Automated method based on a neural network model for searching energy-efficient complex movement trajectories of industrial robot in a differentiated technological process

Purpose of the work: Researching possibility of creating a method for improving the energy efficiency of differentiated robotic technological process (RTP) in the food industry. The high rates of development of production processes robotization, including in the food industry, leading to increase the cost of electrical energy, determine the research tasks relevance in finding energy-efficient methods for controlling industrial robots.Methodology: The proposed approach is based on principles of object-oriented design and possibility of classifying robotic technological process: Applying specific model sets and methods to improve energy efficiency to individual classes. The existing possibility of energy consumption synthesizing models of robots inside differentiated robotic technological process, such as stacking loads, in reduced form, made it possible to use neural network methods to identify non-linear dependencies. At the same time, training sample for intelligent modules was formed on the basis of classical experiment planning algorithms. The synthesis of methods, models and procedures was implemented on the basis of high-level programming languages C++, MATLAB.Results: A mathematical model and automated algorithms for its synthesis are proposed, which make it possible to adjust robotic technological process simulation model taking into account its specifics and implement a method for finding the optimal parameters of its functioning. To confirm the effectiveness of proposed solution, the obtained neural network model and optimization method were tested on real robotic technological process, and the calculation of economic efficiency of proposed solution was also given.Conclusion/recommendations: The application of this approach will significantly reduce energy costs for robotic operations in the food industry.

Effect of Proprioceptive Training and Strength Training on Agility among Table Tennis Players

Background: Table tennis is a dynamic sport. Proprioception is an important sensory and motor function for all mobility action which also plays an important role in sports and contribute greatlyto the performance of athletes. Strength training involves the performance of physical exercise thatare designed to improve strength. Agility is the ability to move and change the direction and position of the body quickly and effectively under control. Objective: To find out effect of proprioceptive training and strength training on agility among table tennis players. Methodology: The study design was experimental study, conducted in KG college of Physiotherapy with total sample of 20 players were included in the study with 10 players each in the group. Sampling method was convenient sampling. Study duration was 6 months and individual training was 6 weeks. Male table tennis players, aged between 18-25 years who were practicing and playing table tennis for more than one year were included in the study. Players withany soft tissue injuries, recent fractures, recent musculoskeletal surgeries and neurological problems, irregular in training regime have been excluded. Result: The post-test mean values of proprioceptive training group (N=10) was 9.38 whereas the players who are underwent strength training (N=10) was 10.20. Thus, proprioceptive training reflects better agility when compared with the strength training. Conclusion: Agility involves starting, stopping, changing the direction, rotation, reaction and complex movements. Table tennis realize heavily on agility. Thus, proprioceptive training and strength training has to been given for better agility among table tennis players who are underwent proprioceptive training showed significant improvement in agility than strength training.

Wearable ultrasound system for assessing muscle function during physical activity

Conventional ultrasound transducers, which are meant for hand-held operation, are not ideally suited for MSK-US during dynamic physical activity. We have developed a custom wearable ultrasound system for Motion-mode (M-mode) MSK-US, which enables multi-site hands-free sensing of tissue movement during physical activity such as that encountered during rehabilitation exercises. Participants performed a jumping task on a force plate with a sensor attached to their right vastus lateralis (VL). Mean pixel value (MPV) and normalized pixel differences (NPDs) were acquired from the images during the jumping task. Signals were filtered and normalized to root-mean square baseline and percent change was calculated for peaks of jump take-off and landing. The correlation coefficient was calculated to determine a relationship between metrics. Concurrently acquired force-plate data showed that the percent change during take-off and landing was 0.28% ± 0.09 and 0.66% ± 0.17 relative to baseline for each peak, respectively. MPV values changed 0.42% ± 0.29 and 0.81% ± 0.17, and NPD changed 0.41% ± 0.32 and 0.84% ± 0.12 for corresponding peaks. Overall results indicated significant correlation between force data and MSK-US (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Our system can maintain acoustic coupling during complex movements providing real-time feedback and expanding the potential for wearable MSK-US sensors.

Intracellular Survival of Toxoplasma gondii: Success and Adaptation

T. gondii was described as the most successful parasite on earth because of its wide range of host agents, intracellular adaptations and its ability to maintain continuous survival for the life span of its host. Its complex movement, penetration and intracellular replication within the host cell are organized in such a way that it invades and evades immune cells. Formation of parasitoporous vacoule within the host cells and strong anti-oxidant system, are factors that add to its ability to maintain itself in a latent stage, evasion of immune cells attack as well as the effects of reactive oxygen species. In immunocompetent individuals, the infection is asymptomatic, and the parasite exists and persists in a slowly replicating bradyzoite stage in skeletal muscle, heart, brain, retina, and placental tissues. Reactivation of the rapidly replicating tachyzoite stage in settings of immune-depression results with severe consequences. This, therefore, prompts the need to understand certain mechanisms through which this organism succeeds and adapts the harsh condition of host cells during infection. The review further portrays the applicability of diagnostics and therapeutics to diagnose, treat and prevent infection with T. gondii.

МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ДВИЖЕНИЯ БЕСПИЛОТНЫХ ЛЕТАТЕЛЬНЫХ АППАРАТОВ

The relevance is due to insufficient knowledge and development of movement patterns for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which include all possible drones and, in particular, various copters in mobile and turbulent atmosphere. Unmanned aerial vehicles are used both in civilian industries and in military affairs [1 – 4]. When operating UAVs in real conditions, their movement is affected by disturbances from air masses [5, 6], which are generally random in nature. At the same time, the operator is faced with inadequate UAV behaviour caused by disturbances, which makes it difficult to control. The aim of the article is to simulate the complex movement of UAVs, mainly quadrocopters, in space to understand the dynamics of UAV flight under the influence of several forces. The models are based on kinematics and dynamics of a material point, in the form of which the UAV is represented, involved in complex relative and translational movements. Kinematic models of drone movement patterns based on coordinate transformation are de-scribed. Planar and spatial trajectories of UAV movement are presented.

Corticospinal excitability during observation of basketball free-throw movement: Effects of video playback speed and stimulus timing.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies have indicated that action observation (AO) modulates corticospinal excitability. Although a few previous studies have shown that the AO of simple motor movements at a slow playback speed facilitates corticospinal excitability more than that at normal playback speed, it is unclear if this effect occurs during the AO of sport-related complex movements. Therefore, we investigated the changes in the motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles during the AO of a basketball free-throw movement at three different playback speeds (100%, 75%, and 50% speeds). Additionally, we evaluated the effects of stimulus timing (holding the ball vs. releasing the ball for shooting) and motor expertise (expert basketball players vs. novices) on the MEP amplitude during the AO. Our results demonstrated that regardless of motor expertise, the MEP amplitude of the FCR muscle was significantly smaller in the 50% speed condition than in the 100% condition. In the ADM muscle, the MEP amplitude was significantly larger when the ball was held after dribbling than when the ball was released. Therefore, it is suggested that corticospinal excitability in specific muscles during the observation of complex whole-body movements is influenced by video playback speed and stimulus timing.

Analyzing and forecasting service demands using human mobility data: A two-stage predictive framework with decomposition and multivariate analysis

Accurate service demand forecasts at critical facilities are fundamental for efficiently managing resources and promptly providing essential services to people and community. However, it has received little attention in the literature, mainly due to the unavailability of granular data and the lack of sophisticated forecasting methods. To address this gap, we provide a new perspective on sensing service demands at critical facilities leveraging fine-grained human mobility data, and propose a novel data-driven framework to forecast mobility patterns at the neighborhood level. Specifically, we develop a two-stage forecasting scheme to manage large-scale and complex human movement information. The first stage is to decompose the large-scale mobility data into spatial and temporal patterns, whereas the second stage is to model complex temporal dynamics using multivariate time series analysis. The proposed framework is implemented using real human mobility data obtained from mobile phone users. The results show that our model demonstrates the best predictive performance for varying forecast horizons, when compared to multiple benchmark methods including traditionally-used statistical and deep learning models. We also performed model robustness checks, showing that the proposed model is robust in making short-term and long-term forecasts. The proposed predictive framework could help businesses and local governments accurately forecast service demands for critical facilities for better allocating their resources.

SynLight: a bicistronic strategy for simultaneous active zone and cell labeling in the Drosophila nervous system.

At synapses, chemical neurotransmission mediates the exchange of information between neurons, leading to complex movement, behaviors, and stimulus processing. The immense number and variety of neurons within the nervous system make discerning individual neuron populations difficult, necessitating the development of advanced neuronal labeling techniques. In Drosophila, Bruchpilot-Short and mCD8-GFP, which label presynaptic active zones and neuronal membranes, respectively, have been widely used to study synapse development and organization. This labeling is often achieved via the expression of 2 independent constructs by a single binary expression system, but expression can weaken when multiple transgenes are expressed by a single driver. Recent work has sought to circumvent these drawbacks by developing methods that encode multiple proteins from a single transcript. Self-cleaving peptides, specifically 2A peptides, have emerged as effective sequences for accomplishing this task. We leveraged 2A ribosomal skipping peptides to engineer a construct that produces both Bruchpilot-Short-mStraw and mCD8-GFP from the same mRNA, which we named SynLight. Using SynLight, we visualized the putative synaptic active zones and membranes of multiple classes of olfactory, visual, and motor neurons and observed the correct separation of signal, confirming that both proteins are being generated separately. Furthermore, we demonstrate proof of principle by quantifying synaptic puncta number and neurite volume in olfactory neurons and finding no difference between the synapse densities of neurons expressing SynLight or neurons expressing both transgenes separately. At the neuromuscular junction, we determined that the synaptic puncta number labeled by SynLight was comparable to the endogenous puncta labeled by antibody staining. Overall, SynLight is a versatile tool for examining synapse density in any nervous system region of interest and allows new questions to be answered about synaptic development and organization.

Loss of the parkinsonism-associated protein FBXO7 in glutamatergic forebrain neurons in mice leads to abnormal motor behavior and synaptic defects.

Mutations in PARK15, which encodes for the F-box protein FBXO7 have been associated with Parkinsonian Pyramidal syndrome, a rare and complex movement disorder with Parkinsonian symptoms, pyramidal tract signs and juvenile onset. Our previous study showed that systemic loss of Fbxo7 in mice causes motor defects and premature death. We have also demonstrated that FBXO7 has a crucial role in neurons as the specific deletion in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive or glutamatergic forebrain neurons leads to late-onset or early-onset motor dysfunction, respectively. In this study, we examined NEX-Cre;Fbxo7fl/fl mice, in which Fbxo7 was specifically deleted in glutamatergic projection neurons. The effects of FBXO7 deficiency on striatal integrity were investigated with HPLC and histological analyses. NEX-Cre;Fbxo7fl/fl mice revealed an increase in striatal dopamine concentrations, changes in the glutamatergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic pathways, astrogliosis and microgliosis and little or no neuronal loss in the striatum. To determine the effects on the integrity of the synapse, we purified synaptic membranes, subjected them to quantitative mass spectrometry analysis and found alterations in the complement system, endocytosis and exocytosis pathways. These neuropathological changes coincide with alterations in spontaneous home cage behavior. Taken together, our findings suggest that FBXO7 is crucial for corticostriatal projections and the synaptic integrity of the striatum, and consequently for proper motor control.

Skin-interfaced self-powered pressure and strain sensors based on fish gelatin-based hydrogel for wireless wound strain and human motion detection

Biomass-based hydrogels, due to their excellent biocompatibility, can behave as wearable monitoring platforms for healthcare applications and triboelectric sensing devices. However, low tissue adhesiveness, poor stretchability, and bacterial susceptibility cause them to fail to adapt to specific joints with complex movements. Herein, we report a novel biomass-based hydrogel by integrating fish gelatin into polymer networks with in-situ formation of silver nanoparticles (denoted as FG-Ag hydrogel), which achieves great stretchability (2600%), excellent sensitivity (gauge factor = 4), and strong self-adhesion simultaneously. The FG-Ag hydrogel also features a robust antibacterial activity for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Benefitting from these advantages, we have developed a FG-Ag hydrogel-based wearable strain sensor for diverse human-motion detections such as elbow, knee, finger, and wrist bending. Moreover, we have demonstrated an FG-Ag hydrogel-based prototype with an integrated wireless system for real-time strain monitoring on the wound sites. The FG-Ag hydrogel could significantly reduce bacterial infection in vivo and effectively promote wound healing. Additionally, the self-powered pressure sensor and the biomechanical energy harvester also have been demonstrated by the FG-Ag hydrogel based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Accordingly, such FG assistance of hydrogel-based skin-interfaced electronics could provide adequately delicate biomechanical information related to the general health, which furnishes essential technical support for cost-effective, all-green, and highly precise personalized health assessment.

O.6.1-5 Potential moderators of the association between fundamental movement skills and academic attainment of adolescents: a path analysis

Abstract Purpose Fundamental movement skills (FMS) provide a crucial foundation for the development of complex movement patterns involved in physical activity and sport. Further, FMS and skill acquisition are proposed to have a moderating influence on the association between physical activity and cognitive stimulation. Despite this, there remains scant literature investigating this relationship in adolescents. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the association between object control and locomotor skills and subject-specific academic attainment in adolescents, and to ascertain whether this association is moderated by perceived sports competence, sex, weight status and/or maturational status. Methods FMS were assessed in 140 children (70 girls; 12.8±1.9 years) using the Test of Gross Motor Development V.3 (TGMD-3). Numeracy reasoning, numeracy procedural and reading were determined using standardised national assessments and potential moderating variables (perceived sports competence [Children and Youth Physical self-perception profile – Youth], Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores, and biological maturity [predicted age at peak height velocity]) were recorded. Path analysis was performed using maximum likelihood estimation to analyse the hypothesised direct and moderated associations between FMS and each aspect of academic attainment, whilst controlling for age and sex. The moderating role of sex was subsequently assessed using multi-group analysis and comparing a fully-constrained model. The moderating effects of perceived sports competence, BMI z-score and biological maturity were analysed using the interaction-moderation approach. Results Path analysis revealed a significant association between object-control skill competence and both numeracy procedural (β=0.33; p = &amp;lt;0.001) and numeracy reasoning (β=0.29; p = &amp;lt;0.001). In contrast, there was no association between locomotor skills and any parameter of academic attainment. Perceived sports competence moderated the association between object-control skills and numeracy procedural (β=0.16; p = 0.045) and reading (β=0.25; p = 0.003), while BMI z-score moderated the association between object control skills and numeracy reasoning (β=0.17; p = 0.048). Conclusions These results highlight the importance of object-control skills for cognitive development in adolescents. The continued development of FMS, specifically object-control skills, within cognitively-enriched experiences should be a key strategic aim in the curriculum. These findings are imperative for school buy-in for school-based physical activity promoting interventions.

Exploring the Complex Phenotypes of Impaired Finger Dexterity in Mild-to-moderate Stage Parkinson's Disease: A Time-Series Analysis.

Impaired dexterity is an early motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) that significantly impacts the daily activity of patients; however, what constitutes complex dexterous movements remains controversial. To explore the characteristics of finger dexterity in mild-to-moderate stage PD. We quantitatively assessed finger dexterity in 48 mild-to-moderate stage PD patients and 49 age-matched controls using a simple alternating two-finger typing test for 15 seconds. Time-series analyses of various kinematic parameters with machine learning were compared between sides and groups. Both the more and less affected hands of patients with PD had significantly lower typing frequency and slower typing velocity than the non-dominant and the dominant hands of controls (p = 0.019, p = 0.016, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The slope of the typing velocity decreased with time, indicating a sequence effect in the PD group. A typing duration of 6 seconds was determined sufficient to discriminate PD patients from controls. Typing error, repetition, and repetition rate were significantly higher in the more affected hands of patients with PD than in the non-dominant hand of controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.03, p < 0.001). The error rate was constant, whereas the repetition rate was steep during the initiation of typing. A predictive model of the more affected hand demonstrated an accuracy of 70% in differentiating PD patients from controls. Our study demonstrated complex components of impaired finger dexterity in mild-to-moderate stage PD, namely bradykinesia with sequence effects, error, and repetition at the initiation of movement, suggesting that multiple neural networks may be involved in dexterity deficits in PD.

Visually Assessing Equine Quality of Movement: A Survey to Identify Key Movements and Patient-Specific Measures.

Outcome measures are essential for monitoring treatment efficacy. The lack of measures for quality of movement in equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation impairs evidence-based practice. To develop a new field-based outcome measure, it is necessary to determine movements most frequently observed during assessment of rehabilitation and performance management cases. An online survey of 81 equine sports medicine veterinarians and equine allied-health clinicians was conducted. The key movements identified included walk and trot on both firm and soft surfaces in a straight line and on a small circle, plus step back, hind leg cross-over, transitions and lunging at walk, trot and canter. The main barriers to observing some movements are access to suitable surfaces and the training level of the horse and handler. Subjective visual assessment of live or videoed horses was the most common method used to track progress of complex movements. The majority (82%) of survey participants agreed or strongly agreed that a modified Patient-Specific Functional Scale would be useful for measuring complex movements. Comments from all professions show a desire to have outcome measures relevant to their needs. This survey identified 24 in-hand movements, which can be used to form the foundation of a simple field-based outcome measure for quality of movement.