Open Eyes Research Articles

Gathering your ‘sea legs’: Extended durations in an offshore environment increases postural sway excursions

BackgroundMal de debarquement (MdD), or often called ‘sea legs’, is the perception of self-motion after exposure to passive movement such as being on a boat at sea. Previous studies highlight sensory re-organization difficulties and postural control impairments after disembarking from sea travel in experienced crew members. However, the impact of MdD in individuals with minimal offshore experience, defined as participating in less than 2 offshore excursions per year, has not been investigated. Research questionDoes exposure to boat motion while at sea alter static postural control after disembarking in individuals with minimal offshore experience? MethodsHealthy adults (n = 24) with minimal offshore experience had their static balance assessed on a force platform before (PRE) and after (POST) a 7-h deep sea fishing excursion. Static balance was tested in eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), eyes open on a foam surface (EOF), and eyes closed on a foam surface (ECF) conditions. Sway excursions, sway velocity and sway variability in the medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions were computed and then compared PRE/POST using a paired t-test (p < 0.05). ResultsSignificant increases in ML sway excursion (p = 0.004), ML sway range (p < 0.001), ML sway variability (p < 0.001), AP sway excursion (p = 0.045), AP sway range (p = 0.020), and AP sway variability (p = 0.030) were observed at POST during EOF. Significant increases in ML sway excursion (p = 0.027), AP sway excursion (p = 0.020), and AP sway variability (p = 0.014) at POST were also observed during ECF. No differences were found in the EO condition (p > 0.05). SignificanceIncreases in postural sway excursion and variability were observed in individuals with minimal offshore experience after disembarking. Our findings suggest sensory re-organization difficulties in order to maintain an upright posture in challenging sensory conditions are dependent on vestibular and somatosensory inputs following exposure to boat motion at sea.

Effects of Balance Shoes on Balance and Postural Stability in the Elderly: A Crossover, Controlled, Randomized Single-Blind Study.

The risk of falling increases with age. Individuals wearing unadapted shoes present an aggravating risk factor. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of specifically designed balance shoes on balance and postural stability in healthy elderly people compared to that of their usual shoes. In total, 21 healthy individuals aged 65–84 years (76.0 ± 8.0 years) performed balance tests (bipedal with open or closed eyes, unipedal with open eyes, limits of stability, and step cadence) while wearing their (i) personal shoes or (ii) balance shoes (Axis Comfort Development©). Three test sessions were conducted with personal and balance shoes. The first served as the baseline, and the other two were performed after a familiarization period of several days with the personal or balance shoes. The perception of balance shoe efficiency was documented using a questionnaire. The balance shoes significantly improved bipedal balance with closed eyes. Moreover, the familiarization period significantly improved unipedal balance with open eyes. Most subjects felt safer and stabler using balance shoes. The investigated specifically designed balance shoes were effective in elderly individuals in improving postural balance compared to personal shoes. The balance shoes could, therefore, reduce the falling risk in healthy elderly people.

Changes in Brain Functional Network Connectivity in Adult Moyamoya Diseases.

The online version contains supplementary material available at (10.1007/s11571-021-09666-1).

New methods of posturographic data analysis may improve the diagnostic value of static posturography in multiple sclerosis

BackgroundEarly and accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is crucial for its effective treatment. In MS diagnostic, neuronal networks that control posture and movement are of particular importance, which performance can be assessed using static posturography. Unfortunately, most of the commercially available posturographic platforms are not equipped with the appropriate procedures. MethodsTo solve this problem, the postural sway trajectories have been recorded in 55 MS patients while standing quiet with eyes open (EO), and then with eyes closed (EC). The trajectories were analyzed using our novel methods of postural sway parametrization, including sway stability vector (SV), anteroposterior and mediolateral sway indices (DIAP and DIML). ResultsThe results exhibited unique postural sway patterns that may be attributed to MS. Our novel parametrization methods of postural sway showed pathology specific increase of the postural sway velocity in EC tests. Additionally, we documented the abnormal alterations of the anteroposterior (AP) and the mediolateral (ML) sway indices that were also uniquely dependent on visual input. In EC tests, patients exhibited a characteristic pattern of sway increase in both AP and ML directions that correlated with the advance of the disease as measured by the EDSS Kurtzke scale and Functional System Scores. ConclusionsThe applied in the present study our novel posturographic metrics give the assessment a diagnostic value. It allows us to recommend the static posturography test as a simple and safe supplementary clinical tool in the diagnosis of MS. In the assessment of MS pathology or the effects of its treatment, the impact of vision on the sway stability vector seems the most important factor.

Functional electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic angiopathy and polyneuropathy

Diabetic distal polyneuropathy (DPN) is the main cause of disability in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The purpose of the research with 72 patients was to study the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on reducing the degree of functional motor disorders in patients with DM2, angiopathy and DPN. Method. The patients were divided into 3 randomized groups (2 main groups, 1 control group). In addition to basic therapy, the patients of the main groups were treated with FES of the lower extremities with a frequency of 10–30 Hz in group 1 and 80–100 Hz in group 2. Results: the dynamics of quantitative assessment of the overall score on the NSS scale after treatment was significantly higher in the main groups compared to group 3 (Mann-Whitney test p 1–3 = 0,001, p 2–3 = 0,006). There was no significant difference in the overall score of the NSS between groups 1 and 2. The most pronounced positive changes in neurofunctional disorders after treatment on the NDS scale were achieved in group 1: the overall score decreased by 52% after the treatment and was significantly lower than in other groups (p 1–2 = 0,014, p 1–3 = 0,002, Mann-Whitney test). According to the treadmill test, tolerance to physical activity increased in all patients after the treatment. Significant positive dynamics of the stabilometric index of the ratio of energy consumption with closed and open eyes while standing on a balancing pillow was observed only in main group 1 (decreased by 41%, p=0,000, Wilcoxon test). Conclusions. The use of FES of the lower extremities as part of complex therapy in patients with DM2 complicated by angiopathy and DPN is safe and allowed reducing the degree of functional disorders and neuropathic complaints to a greater extent in the study group using FES with a frequency of 10–30 Hz.

Co-relation of two point discrimination and balance in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A cross sectional study

Background: Diabetes is considered as a pandemic in both developing and developed countries and also a factor for increase in the rate of falls as it has potential to affect nervous system. Loss of balance is identified as a leading cause of increase in the risk of falls. Two Point Discrimination (TPD) can be a cost effective tool in early detection of impaired balance due to its role in sensory integration through mechanoreceptors and in turn providing compensatory postural adjustments. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the correlation between TPD and balance in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).Subjects and Methods: 149 patients aged 30-60 years having history of T2DM for 2 or more years able to perceive 10g of monofilament on the foot and being able to walk independently were included in this study. TPD was measured on plantar surface of toes for the patients in supine lying by Digital Vernier Caliper (DVC). Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) eyes open and eyes closed was measured for static balance. Timed Up and Go test (TUG) was measured for dynamic balance. Data was analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.Results: TPD showed moderately negative correlation with SLST eyes open (r =-0.296) and SLST eyes closed (r =-0.336) and showed a weak positive correlation with TUG (r =0.188) the p value < 0.05 for all.Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a correlation between TPD perception and Balance in patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

The Relationship Between Hip Strength and Postural Stability in Collegiate Athletes Who Participate in Lower Extremity Dominant Sports

BackgroundLower extremity (LE) injuries are common across many sports. Both core strength (including hip strength) deficits and poor postural stability have been linked to lower extremity (LE) injury. The relationship between these two characteristics is unknown.PurposeTo explore the relationships between hip strength, static postural stability, and dynamic postural stability.Study DesignDescriptive Cross-Sectional StudyMethods162 Division I student-athletes (111 males and 51 females) participated in this study. Isometric hip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer and both single-leg static (eyes open EO and eyes closed EC) and dynamic postural stability were assessed with a force plate. Pairwise correlations were calculated to examine the relationship between the hip strength variables and the postural stability scores for all subjects and separately for males and females.ResultsThere were no significant correlations between hip strength and dynamic postural stability for any of the pairwise correlations. Significant, albeit minimal, correlations between EO and EC static postural stability and each of the hip strength variables for all subjects and male subjects (correlation coefficients ranged from -0.19 to -0.34). However, there were only two significant correlations between hip strength and EC static postural stability (hip internal/external rotation) and one for hip strength and EO postural stability (hip internal rotation) found for female subjects (correlation coefficients ranged from -0.28 to -0.31).ConclusionThere was no relationship between isometric hip strength and dynamic postural stability; whereas, there were some relationships between the strength measures and static postural stability. These significant, but minimal correlations were observed in more of the comparisons within the male cohort potentially demonstrating a sex difference.Level of Evidence3b

INFLUENCE OF SPELEOCLIMATOTHERAPY ON BACKGROUND EEG ACTIVITY OF THE HUMAN BRAIN

It was revealed that in a state of functional rest with open and closed eyes in patients after exposure to electronegative air ions, the voltage in the central nervous system decreased. At the same time, the amplitude of theta rhythm with the state of «open eyes» tended to decrease both on the right and on the left in the parietal, temporal (T5 and T6), frontal (F8, F7) leads, but in leads T3 and T4, F3 and F4 - to increase; and in the central and occipital areas, the dynamics of the theta rhythm amplitude was multidirectional. The amplitude of theta rhythm with the «closed eyes» state had interhemispheric differences - a tendency to increase in leads O1, P3, C3, F3, T3. The amplitude of the alpha rhythm in the «open eyes» state increased both on the right and on the left in all the studied leads. The amplitude of the alpha rhythm with the «closed eyes» state had a tendency to increase in all the studied leads. The amplitude of the beta rhythm with the state of «open eyes» tended to increase in the occipital and temporal (T3, T4) areas; in the parietal leads P3 and P4 - had a tendency to decrease; and practically did not change in the central and frontal areas. The amplitude of the beta rhythm with the «closed eyes» state had a tendency to increase in almost all leads. Such changes could reflect effective rest, the readiness of patients for vigorous activity, testify to the restoration of the efficiency and mental activity of the brain. It could also be associated with a decrease in tension in the regulatory systems under the influence of a session of speleotherapy, with simultaneous active mental activity, analysis of the situation and decision-making.

Sex differences in resting EEG in healthy young adults

Resting EEG, measured in eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) states, can provide insight into behavioural differences between groups. Surprisingly, differences in resting EEG between females and males have not been investigated systematically in previous literature. The present study utilised the four traditional EEG bands to confirm their baseline EC topographies and reactivity (EO minus EC) across groups, to clarify topographical differences between sexes, and to confirm alpha as a measure of arousal. Participants were eighty healthy young adults (40 female), with a mean age of 20.4 (range 18–26) years. Continuous resting EEG was recorded from 30 scalp sites during three 2-minute conditions (EO1, EC, EO2), and EOG-corrected. Data from each condition were divided into 60 sequential 2-second epochs. Accepted artefact-free epochs were Fourier Transformed, and absolute amplitudes in the delta (0.5–3.5 Hz), theta (4.0–7.5 Hz), alpha (8.0–13.0 Hz), and beta (13.5–29.5 Hz) bands were calculated. Across groups in EC, significant topographical differences were found between the band amplitudes, broadly compatible with previous reports. Females had greater overall amplitudes in delta, alpha and beta, enhanced midline activity in theta, and parietal and midline activity in the alpha and beta bands. From EC to EO, reactivity was apparent across the bands as significant reductions, particularly in the parietal region. For females compared to males, the reduction in parietal midline delta and theta, parietal alpha and parietal midline beta was significantly larger. Additionally, across groups, alpha activity was confirmed as an inverse measure of arousal. These findings indicate significant differences in neuronal activity between young adult females and males, and help our interpretation of alpha changes.

The evaluation of functional abilities of patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures as a basis for rehabilitation programs developing

Background.Due to the demand for special rehabilitation programs for patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs), it is of interest to study the functional abilities of those patients. The scientific hypothesis suggests that osteoporotic VFs would cause muscle weakness, muscle dysfunction and conditional (basic motor) disturbances.&#x0D; Objective:to estimate muscle strength, motor function and coordination disorders in patients with VFs in the setting of systemic osteoporosis as a basis for rehabilitation programs developing.&#x0D; Methods. 120 patients aged 4380 with primary osteoporosis were enrolled. Study group comprised of 60 subjects (56 women, 4 men) with at least 1 VF confirmed by X-ray. Control group included 60 subjects (56 women, 4 men) with osteoporosis but without any osteoporotic fracture. The examination program consist of back muscles tenzodynamometry, balance tests and stabilometry.&#x0D; Results. Muscle strength deficiency was estimated in study group in trunk flexors (TF) 40.9% and in trunk extensors (TE) 18.1% with an adequate function of the left lateral flexors (LLF) and in right lateral flexors (RLF). Patients with VFs had the lower muscle strength vs controls of TE (15.64 9.8 vs 27.73 9.9 kg, p = 0.00002), TF (14.61 8.98 vs 21.28 8.38 kg, p = 0.0006), LLF (13.10 7.2 vs 24.06 8.9 kg, p = 0.005) and RLF 13.44 7.43 vs 24.26 7.65 kg, p = 0.0003). Patients with VFs lose their balance faster during one-leg-standing test with open eyes (5.0 [1.0;10.0]vs 7.5 [5.0;10.5]sec in control group, p=0.03) and with closed eyes (2.0[0;3.0] vs 3.5[3.0;5.0]sec, p = 0.04). Fukuda-Unterberger test showed greater side dislocation in study group 40 [25;45]vs controls 30 [10; 45], (p=0.02). According to stabilometry study group was characterized vs control group by lower balance coefficient with open eyes (77.27.6 vs 85.79.4%, p=0.002) and with closed eyes (67.19.8 vs 73.49.9%, p=0.03), greater sagittal displacement(6.8 [2.1;37.7]vs4.8 [1.8;10.7]mm, p=0.025) and deviation in the saggital plane(1.2 [-1.07;1.5]vs-1.2 [-1.5;1.2]mm, p = 0.01), and also less pressure center velocity (9.51 4.4 vs 7.1 2.7 mm/sec, р=0.009).&#x0D; Conclusions.VFs in osteoporotic patients are associated with reduction of trunk muscles strength and negatively affect static and dynamic balance function. The obtained data should be taken into account when developing rehabilitation programs for patients with osteoporosis who have suffered compression VFs.

Resting-state functional brain connectivity predicts cognitive performance: An exploratory study on a time-based prospective memory task

Resting-state functional brain connectivity (rsFC) is in wide use for the investigation of a variety of cognitive neuroscience phenomena. In the first phase of this study, we explored the changes in EEG-reconstructed rsFC in young vs. older adults, in the both the open-eyes (OE) and the closed-eyes (CE) conditions. The results showed significant differences in several rsFC network metrics in the two age groups, confirming and detailing established knowledge that aging modulates brain functional organisation. In the study’s second phase we investigated the role of rsFC architecture on cognitive performance through a time-based Prospective Memory task involving participants who monitored the passage of time to perform a specific action at an appropriate time in the future. Regression models revealed that the monitoring strategy (i.e. the number of clock checks) can be predicted by rsFC graph metric, specifically, eccentricity and betweenness in the OE condition, and assortativity in the CE condition. These results show for the first time how metrics qualifying functional brain connectivity at rest can account for the differences in the way individuals strategically handle cognitive loads in the Prospective Memory domain.

The Relationship of Functional Connectivity of the Sensorimotor and Visual Cortical Networks Between Resting and Task States.

The intrinsic activity of the human brain maintains its general operation at rest, and this ongoing spontaneous activity exhibits a high level of spatiotemporally correlated activity among different cortical areas, showing intrinsically organized brain functional connectivity (FC) networks. Many functional network properties of the human brain have been investigated extensively for both rest and task states, but the relationship between these two states has been rarely investigated yet and remains unclear. Comparing well-defined task-specific networks with corresponding intrinsic FC networks may reveal their relationship and improve our understanding of the brain’s operations at both rest and task states. This study investigated the relationship of the sensorimotor and visual cortical FC networks between the resting and task states. The sensorimotor task was to rub right-hand fingers, and the visual task was to open and close eyes, respectively. Our study demonstrated a general relationship of the task-evoked FC network with its corresponding intrinsic FC network, regardless of the tasks. For each task type, the study showed that (1) the intrinsic and task-evoked FC networks shared a common network and the task enhanced the coactivity within that common network compared to the intrinsic activity; (2) some areas within the intrinsic FC network were not activated by the task, and therefore, the task activated only partial but not whole of the intrinsic FC network; and (3) the task activated substantial additional areas outside the intrinsic FC network and therefore recruited more intrinsic FC networks to perform the task.

Distinct alterations in resting-state electroencephalogram during eyes closed and eyes open and between morning and evening are present in first-episode psychosis patients

Abnormalities in resting-state electroencephalogram (rs-EEG) activity have been previously reported in schizophrenia. While most rs-EEG recordings were performed in patients with chronic schizophrenia during eyes closed (EC), only a handful of studies have investigated rs-EEG activity during both EC and eyes open (EO) conditions. It is also unknown whether EC and EO rs-EEG alterations are present at illness onset, and whether they change during the day. Here, we performed EC and EO rs-EEG recordings in the morning (AM) and evening (PM) in twenty-six first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and seventeen matched healthy controls (HC). In AM/EC rs-EEG, a widespread reduction was found in low alpha power in FEP relative to HC. In PM/EC, the FEP group demonstrated a trend toward decreased theta power in parietal regions, while decreased high alpha power in frontal and left parietal regions was present during PM/EO. Moreover, reduced low alpha power during AM/EC was associated with worse positive symptoms. Altogether, those findings indicate that rs-EEG alterations are present in FEP patients at illness onset, that they are linked to the severity of their psychosis, and that distinct RS abnormalities can be detected in different conditions of visual alertness and time of the day. Future work should therefore account for those factors, which will help reduce variability of rs-EEG findings across studies and may serve as monitoring biomarkers of illness severity in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.

Does Dual Motor Tasks Provokes Posture Adaptations in Healthy Young Adults? A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Most studies on postural deviations during single and dual tasks have been extensively studied in neuromuscular and older adult populations. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to identify whether such tasks can impose postural adaptations in young, healthy adults without sensory impairments. Aim: To assess postural stability modifications in young adults during single tasks and dual motor tasks (holding a cup filled with water) while concomitantly challenging the sensory systems. Materials and Methods: This was the cross-sectional study on 82 young adults (18-45 years old) from Texas Woman’s University (TWU) Health Science Center in Dallas, Texas, and surrounding areas. Standing postural control was measured by collecting total sway, direction of sway and velocity in the Anterior-Posterior (AP) and Medial-Lateral (ML) directions during different balance tasks. For single and dual tasks, the tests were performed with a bipedal stance on foam involving challenging the sensory input via Eyes Open (EO), Eyes Closed (EC), and head movements with eyes open (EO HUD) and closed (EC HUD). The dual motor tasks were similar to the single tasks with the addition of holding a cup full of water to split attention. Data were placed into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Data Analysis 25.0 system and were analysed for repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis. Results: Eighty-two healthy young adults participated in this study (mean age of 24.6±2.7 years, 13 males and 69 females). An ANOVA analysis revealed that postural stability was considerably altered during motor tasks. Sway in the Antero-Posterior (AP) direction, and velocity of sway increased as the complexity of the tasks intensified. A substantial difference in total sway during single tasks when eyes were closed compared to eyes open (p-value &lt;0.01) was noted. There was a significant difference in total sway (AP and ML) during eyes open (EOM) to eyes closed (ECM) and during eyes open with head moving up and down (EOM HUD) (p-value 0.001). There were significant differences in mean AP velocity during EO (0.11±0.12) compared to EC HUD (0.19±0.15), and when comparing EOM (0.07±0.04) to ECM HUD (0.13±0.08) (p=0.01) Conclusion: This study identified postural changes when comparing single and dual tasks in healthy young adults, and the outcomes of this study showed definite distinctions in postural responses during single and dual motor tasks.

ВЗАИМОСВЯЗЬ СТАБИЛОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ПОЗЫ ТЕЛА ЧЕЛОВЕКА С УРОВНЕМ ТРЕВОЖНОСТИ И САМОРЕГУЛЯЦИИ

The article presents the results of a study of the relationship between the level of anxiety and general self-regulation with the stabilographic characteristics of the human body posture before and after using the stabilographic balance training with visual biological feedback aimed at the development of voluntary regulation of movements. It is shown that after the exercise, a decrease in all stabilographic characteristics was observed; this indicates an increase in posture stability, and activation of voluntary regulation mechanisms reduces the influence of personal anxiety on the sustainability of maintaining the body posture. The interrelation of stabilographic characteristics of oscillations of the projection of the center of gravity of the human body onto the platform with the level of anxiety and self-regulation in conditions of involuntary and voluntary regulation of the body posture is shown theoretically and experimentally. The study involved 25 female students of the 2nd year. The effectiveness of posture maintenance was assessed using the automated complex «Stabilan-01». The stabilographic method is based on recording the indicators of fluctuations in the projection of the center of gravity of the subject on the plane of the platform, in the center of which he stands. The study of the characteristics of the projection onto the platform of the center of gravity was carried out using the Romberg test, which consisted of two tests – with open and closed eyes. Romberg’s test was performed twice: before and after using the training stabilographic technique. As a means of teaching posture control, a computer stabilographic game «Balls» was used, during which motor actions are performed that provide an arbitrary movement of the center of gravity of the subject’s body, thereby training the function of balance. Personal anxiety (PA) was assessed using the Spielberger-Khanin method. The level of general self-regulation was determined using the V. I. Morosanova. In the initial state, significant differences were found between groups of students differing in the level of radiation therapy in terms of such indicators as frontal spread with closed eyes, sagittal spread with open eyes, length of the trajectory of spread with open and closed eyes, and projection area with open eyes, which were significantly higher in a group of highly anxious subjects. The dependence of stabilographic indicators on the level of anxiety was also confirmed by the results of correlation analysis. After passing the training game, there was a tendency to decrease in stabilographic indicators. This indicates an increase in posture stability. Correlation analysis showed that the effect of PA on posture maintenance decreased, while the role of self-regulation increased. It was found that the higher the level of self-regulation, the lower the amount of body oscillations. Thus, the activation of voluntary regulation mechanisms reduced the influence of personal anxiety on the stability of maintaining the posture of the human body.

The Immediate Effects of Tai Chi via a Video Platform Delivery on the Postural Stability of Healthy Young Adults

Tai chi is effective for improving the postural stability of older adults, but the effects on healthy young adults has yet to be investigated. Currently, the use of virtual delivery platforms for various exercise prescriptions to patients has had to be quickly introduced related to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing requirements. This study attempted to explore the pre-/post-test measures of postural stability from 15 healthy young adult participants under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) and firm/foam surface conditions after learning a battery of tai chi exercises and forms delivered by instructional video. Center of pressure-based measures of mean sway velocity (MSV) and 95% elliptical sway area (EA) were assessed. Three-way ANOVAs were conducted to determine if MSV and EA were significantly different across the eye conditions, surface conditions, and time. Both EA and MSV were found to significantly increase from EO to EC on a foam surface; however, only MSV under EC conditions was found to decrease significantly following the intervention.

Sway amplitude during foam and dome test in typical young adults

INTRODUCTION: Balance is one of the most important components for an individual to be in a good state of health condition. The functional balance is most important for the individual to maintain the equilibrium, and the characteristics of the task may increase or decrease the difficulty of the balance component. There is a need to obtain normative sway variabilities (angle, distance, and frequency) in different planes among young adults, which may be used in clinical and sports for balance evaluation and training.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Repetitive measure design was used to identify the normative values of foam and dome test on the typical young adults. The sway variabilities of the typical young adults were evaluated through standardized foam and dome test. The anterior-posterior (AP) and mediolateral sway angle and distance were measured using Kinovea software at six phases on a postural grid and results were analyzed using range, mean, and standard deviation.RESULTS: Seventy-six participants, 50 females and 26 males were recruited (mean age 21.5 ± 15 years). The mean sway angle with eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), with dome, on foam with dome, on foam with EO, on foam with EC in AP plane was 4.15 ± 1.57, 8.09 ± 2.56, 10.47 ± 2.88, 18.42 ± 4.27, 9.15 ± 2.22, and 17.6 ± 5.38,°, respectively. The mean sway results were consistent in similarity with the angle, and frequency.CONCLUSION: The study concludes that the sway amplitude values obtained using foam and dome test showed that the angle, distance, and the number of sways increase with the alteration in the sensory input.

Relationship between functional movement screening and static balance scores: Increasing the educational level of elite female wrestlers

The importance of balance is considerably high in many sports that require struggle and close contact such as wrestling. Some losses in maintaining the balance due to the movements requiring high intensity during competitions and increase in the risk of injury due to these losses may occur in wrestling athletes. The aim of this study is to Increase the educational level of elite female wrestlers by examining the relationship between Functional Movement Screening Test Scores and static balance performance scores of elite young female wrestlers. 19 elite female wrestlers having average age of 22.94 ± 2.67 years, body weight 61.63 ± 7.25 kg, height 165.37 ± 5.17 cm and BMI 22.46 ± 1.60kg / m2 participated in the study. Functional Movement Screen Test ™ (FMST™) battery was used in determining the functional movements of the participants, while Tecnobody Prokin 200 Bergamo/Italy was used to determine the total postural stability index values. All static balance measurements were evaluated as standing Double-Leg Eyes Open (DLEO), Eyes Open Single-Leg Dominant Non-Dominant (EOSL-DM and EOSL-ND). Since higher stability index values indicate lower stability, the participants were found to have a negative correlation between non-dominant leg static balance and HS. SM. and TSPU, and between dominant leg static balance and HS. SM. and TSPU. In addition, it was found out that, there was a negative correlation between non-dominant leg static balance, dominant leg static balance and double leg static balance and the FMST™ scores of the participants. The results of this research can be very effective in improving the educational process in the field of wrestling.

An effective algorithm to measure the loss of consciousness degree in epileptic seizure

In this work, a new algorithm is developed to measure the loss of consciousness degrees in normal, pre-ictal, and epileptic seizure cases using bi-spectral analysis. The study is carried out on the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals; in which 200 records are used as pre-ictal cases, and 100 records are used as epileptic cases. All these cases are compared to 100 normal cases which represent the EEG signal in relaxed and in an awake state with open eyes. The obtained results are very satisfactory and show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The unconsciousness degree is very low in normal cases, very high in pre-ictal cases, and varies between high to middle during epileptic seizure cases. The algorithm promising for studying the unconsciousness degree in other cases such as anaesthesia and in hypnosis cases.

Targeted truncation of the ADAM17 cytoplasmic domain in mice results in protein destabilization and a hypomorphic phenotype

A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) is a cell-surface metalloprotease that serves as the principle sheddase for tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), and several ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), regulating these crucial signaling pathways. ADAM17 activation requires its transmembrane domain, but not its cytoplasmic domain, and little is known about the role of this domain in vivo. To investigate, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to mutate the endogenous Adam17 locus in mice to produce a mutant ADAM17 lacking its cytoplasmic domain (Adam17Δcyto). Homozygous Adam17Δcyto animals were born at a Mendelian ratio and survived into adulthood with slightly wavy hair and curled whiskers, consistent with defects in ADAM17/EGFR signaling. At birth, Adam17Δcyto mice resembled Adam17−/− mice in that they had open eyes and enlarged semilunar heart valves, but they did not have bone growth plate defects. The deletion of the cytoplasmic domain resulted in strongly decreased ADAM17 protein levels in all tissues and cells examined, providing a likely cause for the hypomorphic phenotype. In functional assays, Adam17Δcyto mouse embryonic fibroblasts and bone-marrow-derived macrophages had strongly reduced ADAM17 activity, consistent with the reduced protein levels. Nevertheless, ADAM17Δcyto could be stimulated by PMA, a well-characterized posttranslational activator of ADAM17, corroborating that the cytoplasmic domain of endogenous ADAM17 is not required for its rapid response to PMA. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM17 plays a pivotal role in vivo in regulating ADAM17 levels and function.