Functional Performance Tests Research Articles

Evaluation of functional tests performance using a camera-based and machine learning approach.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of functional tests using a camera-based system and machine learning techniques. Specifically, we investigate whether OpenPose and any standard camera can be used to assess the quality of the Single Leg Squat Test and Step Down Test functional tests. We recorded these exercises performed by forty-six healthy subjects, extract motion data, and classify them to expert assessments by three independent physiotherapists using 15 binary parameters. We calculated ranges of movement in Keypoint-pair orientations, joint angles, and relative distances of the monitored segments and used machine learning algorithms to predict the physiotherapists' assessments. Our results show that the AdaBoost classifier achieved a specificity of 0.8, a sensitivity of 0.68, and an accuracy of 0.7. Our findings suggest that a camera-based system combined with machine learning algorithms can be a simple and inexpensive tool to assess the performance quality of functional tests.

Cognitive impairment in Chinese adult patients with type III spinal muscular atrophy without disease-modifying treatment.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord. It remains uncertain whether the cognitive performance of adult patients with SMA is impaired. The objective of this study was to assess the cognitive profile of adult Chinese patients with SMA and the association between clinical features and cognitive ability, particularly executive function. This cross-sectional study included 22 untreated adult patients with type III SMA and 20 healthy subjects. The following variables were assessed: general intelligence, memory, attention, language, executive function, depression, anxiety, and other demographic and clinical parameters. In addition, physical function was evaluated using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). SMA patients had lower scores than healthy subjects in the Verbal Fluency Test, Stroop effect, Total Errors, Perseverative Responses, Perseverative Errors, and Non-perseverative Errors in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, showing impaired abilities of SMA patients in executive function. In the Attention Network Test (ANT), the results indicated that the SMA patients also had selective deficits in their executive control networks. Ambulant patients had better executive function test performance than non-ambulant ones. Compromised executive abilities in patients with SMA were correlated with a younger age at onset, poorer motor function, and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Our study presented the distribution of cognitive impairment in a Chinese cohort with SMA. Patients with type III SMA showed selective deficits in executive function, which may be associated with disease severity, physical impairment, depression and anxiety. Future cognitive studies, accounting for motor and emotional impairment, are needed to evaluate if executive impairment is driven by specific brain changes or by those confounding factors.

Correlation between contractile properties of quadriceps muscle and functional performance in runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background: Long distance runners commonly complain from patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) that limits their performance and return to sport. Abnormal neuromuscular control of the quadriceps has been demonstrated to cause patellar mal-tracking and hence PFPS. Changes in muscle morphology and neural activity have a role in neuromuscular changes, a key contributor to either primary or secondary injuries. Poor landing mechanics, impaired postural control, as well as changed peripheral muscle activation are all clinical manifestations of neuromuscular control deficiencies caused by central nervous system defects that have a deleterious effect on the contractile characteristics of skeletal muscle. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between contractile properties of quadriceps muscle and functional performance in long distance runners with PFPS. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Thirty runners were recruited form multiple Egyptian clubs. Tensiomyography (TMG) Parameters were assessed regarding Contraction time (Tc), Maximal displacement (Dm), Sustain time (Ts), Relaxion time (Tr) and Delay time (Td) in Rectus femoris (RF), Vastus medialis (VM) and Vastus lateralis (VL) separately and correlated with functional performance; number of repetitions in 30 seconds for anteromedial lunge test, balance and reach test and step-down test. Outcome measures: Functional performance was measured using functional performance tests; anteromedial lunge test, balance and reach test and step-down test. Results: It was found that VM Tc, VL Dm, were moderately positively correlated with anteromedial lunge (r = 0.583, 0.404, p<0.05) respectively. In contrast, RF Tr was negatively correlated with anteromedial lunge (-0.364, p<0.05); VM Ts,Tr,Dm; VL Td were moderately negatively correlated with balance and reach (r = --0.577, -0.388, 0.655 and -0.385, respectively, p<0.05). In contrast, VL Tc was moderately positively correlated with step-down (r = 0.424, p = 0.019). Conclusion: All contractile properties of quadriceps muscle are significantly correlated with functional performance in long distance runners with PFPS. Future studies should address these properties, using proper rehabilitation strategies, to improve performance of runners with PFPS.

B - 71 Neurocognitive and Self-Reported Psychosocial and Behavioural Functioning in Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: a Study Using Remote Self-Administered Testing.

This study compared and explored the neurocognitive profiles of siblings of persons with and without neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs), and associations between objective test performance and self-reported psychosocial functioning. Siblings of persons with and without NDCs (64 NDC and 64 control siblings; mean age 19.88years, range 11-27years, 73.44% female, 75.78% White Caucasian) completed self-report questionnaires and self-administered computerized neurocognitive tests of executive functioning (EF). Using Bayesian analyses, we examined cross-sectional associations between self-reported psychosocial functioning and cognitive test performance, and predictors of EF over 15months. NDC siblings had poorer working memory, inhibition, attention, and shifting compared to controls, as measured by experimental paradigms on the backward Corsi span, N-Back 2-back task, Stop Signal Task, Sustained Attention to Response Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (effect size δ ranging 0.49 to 0.64). Bayesian cross-sectional networks revealed negative emotion reactivity and working memory difficulties were central to the NDC sibling network. Over 15months, poorer EF (k low test scores) was predicted by negative emotion reactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety, over and above effects of age and subclinical autistic and ADHD traits. Siblings of autistic individuals and persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder had higher rates of neurocognitive and psychiatric difficulties than other NDCs and controls (Bayes factors >20). Neurocognitive difficulties were associated with transdiagnostic vulnerability to poorer wellbeing in NDC siblings. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of remote online cognitive testing and highlight the importance of individualised prevention and intervention for NDC siblings.

Neurocognitive and self-reported psychosocial and behavioral functioning in siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions: a study using remote self-administered testing

ABSTRACT Objective This study compared and explored the neurocognitive profiles of siblings of persons with and without neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) and associations between objective test performance and self-reported psychosocial functioning. Methods Siblings of persons with and without NDCs (64 NDC and 64 control siblings; mean age 19.88 years, range 11–27 years, 73.44% female, 75.78% White Caucasian) completed self-report questionnaires and self-administered computerized neurocognitive tests of executive functioning (EF). Using Bayesian analyses, we examined cross-sectional associations between self-reported psychosocial functioning and cognitive test performance, and predictors of EF over 15 months. Results NDC siblings had poorer working memory, inhibition, attention, and shifting compared to controls, as measured by experimental paradigms on the backward Corsi span, N-Back 2-back task, Stop Signal Task, Sustained Attention to Response Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (effect size δ ranging 0.49 to 0.64). Bayesian cross-sectional networks revealed negative emotion reactivity and working memory difficulties were central to the NDC sibling network. Over 15 months, poorer EF (k low test scores) was predicted by negative emotion reactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety, over and above effects of age and subclinical autistic and ADHD traits. Siblings of autistic individuals and persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder had higher rates of neurocognitive and psychiatric difficulties than other NDCs and controls (Bayes factors >20). Conclusions Neurocognitive difficulties were associated with transdiagnostic vulnerability to poorer wellbeing in NDC siblings. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of remote online cognitive testing and highlight the importance of individualized prevention and intervention for NDC siblings.

Reliability of Upper Extremity Functional Performance Tests for the Non-overhead Athlete.

While there have been reliability studies conducted on several upper extremity functional performance tests (UEFPT), there are several complicating factors that inhibit the ability to draw definitive consensus about the reliability of the tests in both females and males. Having reliability estimates for UEFPT in the same cohort facilitates direct comparison of their relative and absolute reliability. To establish the test-retest reliability of the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST), seated medicine ball chest pass test (SMBCPT) and hands-release push-up test (HRPUT) in a cohort of males and females with a history of non-overhead sport participation. A secondary purpose was to examine the associations between the three UEFPT. Test-retest reliability, single cohort study. Forty adults (20 females, 20 males) with a history of non-overhead sport participation completed three UEFPT during two data collection sessions three to seven days apart. Measures of systematic bias, absolute reliability and relative reliability were computed between the sessions. Additionally, correlational analyses were conducted between the three UEFPT. Only the UECKCST (both sexes) demonstrated significant (p≤ 0.003) second session performance improvements. All three tests exhibited excellent relative reliability (intraclass correlational coefficients ≥ 0.823) and except for the HRPUT in males, coefficients of variation were all below 8.8%. Except for a significant relationship (r=.691, p=0.001) between the UECKCST and SMBCPT for the females there were no other associations between the three UEFPT. All three UEFPT demonstrated sufficient reliability. Thus, all three assessments can be used for serial assessments to progress a patient through rehabilitation as well as contribute to the criteria used in making return to sport decisions. 3.

The rate of force relaxation scaling factor is highly sensitive to detect upper and lower extremity motor deficiencies in mildly affected people with multiple sclerosis.

The motor symptoms affecting upper and lower extremity functioning in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are considered the cardinal symptoms of multiple sclerosis. There is still a need for outcome measures that can sensitively evaluate these symptoms. We aimed to investigate the sensitivity of the isometric outcomes (maximum force; Fmax, maximum rate of force development; RFDmax, rate of force development scaling factor; RFD-SF, and rate of force relaxation scaling factor; RFR-SF) and standard clinical tests (9-hole peg test; 9HPT and timed 25-feet walk test; T25FW) in detecting the upper and lower extremity motor deficiencies in PwMS and also in a subgroup of mildly affected PwMS whose performance in standard clinical tests were similar to controls. Twenty-nine PwMS (age: 47.9 (8.6) years, relapsing-remitting type, expanded disability status scale: 2.5 (1.5)) and their age- and gender-matched controls completed an identical testing protocol in the upper (grip force muscles) and lower (knee extensors) extremities. For each extremity, we assessed Fmax, RFDmax, RFD-SF, and RFR-SF. Additionally, participants completed standard clinical tests for the evaluation of upper- (9HPT) and lower-extremity (T25FW) function. Comparisons were made between controls and PwMS 1) using all study participants and 2) including only mildly affected PwMS whose performance in standard functional tests was comparable to controls. Independent sample t-tests were utilized to compare groups, with a p-value set at 0.01 to correct for multiple comparisons. P-values and effect sizes were used to evaluate the sensitivity of the outcome measures in detecting group differences. Our results indicate that most isometric outcomes and standard functional tests were sensitive in detecting motor deficiencies in both upper and lower extremities between groups (p<0.001). Among participants, 16 PwMS in 9HPT and 11 PwMS in T25FW demonstrated performance similar to that of the control group (9HPT: 18.85 (2.20) s vs 17.81 (2.19) s; p=0.19) and (T25FW: 3.60 (0.42) s vs 3.58 (0.29) s; p=0.92). The results of the comparisons between mildly affected PwMS and their controls indicate that RFR-SF is the only sensitive isometric outcome to detect differences between groups in the upper (-8.24 (0.76) 1/s vs -8.93 (0.6) 1/s; p=0.008) and lower extremity (-5.86 (1.13) 1/s vs -7.71 (1.11) 1/s; p<0.001). The rate of force relaxation scaling factor, which assesses the ability to rapidly relax muscle forces after quick contractions, demonstrates high sensitivity in detecting motor deficiencies in PwMS, even when the current standard clinical outcomes fail to detect these differences. Our findings emphasize the importance of future randomized controlled trials focusing on rehabilitative and therapeutic interventions that specifically target muscle force relaxation to enhance motor functioning in PwMS.

Exploring the relationship between frailty and executive dysfunction: the role of frontal white matter hyperintensities.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome frequently associated with executive dysfunction and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). But the relation between executive dysfunction and brain changes is poorly understood in frail subjects. Our hypothesis is that frontal-WMH mediates the association between frailty and executive dysfunction. A convenience sample of 113 subjects older than 65 years without dementia was studied with neuropsychological test, a structured clinical interview, physical examination and brain MRI. They were classified as robust or pre-frail and frail using the frailty phenotype score (0-5). The frontal WMH (F-WMH) were manually graduated (0-6) using the "Age-Related White Matter Changes score" from FLAIR sequences at a 3 Tesla brain MRI. A mediation analysis was done for testing whether F-WMH could act as a link factor between frailty phenotype score and executive dysfunction. The group's mean age was 74 ± 6 years, subjects with higher frailty score had more depressive symptoms and worse performance in executive function tests. A regression analysis that explained 52% of the variability in executive functions, revealed a significant direct effect of frailty score (Standardized βcoeff [95% CI] -0.201, [-0.319, -0.049], and F-WMH (-0.152[-0.269, -0.009]) on executive functions, while the F-WMH showed a small partial mediation effect between frailty and executive functions (-0.0395, [-0.09, -0.004]). Frontal matter hyperintensities had a small mediation effect on the association between frailty and executive dysfunction, suggesting that other neuropathological and neurofunctional changes might also be associated with executive dysfunction in frail subjects.

Neuromuscular and Functional Responses Among Males Trained with Free Weights vs. Machines: Implications for Injury Prevention

The purpose of this study was to compare balance, functional performance and isometric hip strength muscle among males practitioners of resistance training (RT) with Free-weights and Machines. Thirty males were recruited and separated into two groups: Free-weights (n = 15) and Machines (n = 15). Free-weights group showed a routine of RE that engaged the whole body with resistance bands, free-weights, dumbbells, and medicine balls. Conversely, machine group trained only exercises on machines. All participants underwent three tests to assess balance, functionality, and isometric muscle strength. All tests were performed in a single assessment session in the following order: Y Balance test; functional performance testing; and maximal isometric hip strength, respectively. The two-way ANOVA yielded main effects for group in the anterior (F1,22= 12.11, p &lt; .002), posteromedial (F1,22= 16.87, p &lt; .0005), posterolateral (F1,22= 15.97, p &lt; .0006) and composite (F1,22= 21.39, p &lt; .0001) in performance during YBT between free-weight vs. machines group for both legs. Single leg step down (SLSD) and Single leg hop (SLH) test demonstrating better functional performance in the free-weight group for both legs (p&lt;.001). Isometric muscle strength of hip abduction and extension showed lower in the machines when compared to free-weight group for both legs. This study showed greater balance, functional performance and isometric muscle strength of hip abduction and extension in males trained with Free-weight. Males trained with machine showed lower functional performance, balance and bilateral asymmetry of the hip extensor muscles strength and risk of injuries.

Handgrip strength and upper limb functional performance measures in people over 18 years old: Analysis of relationships and influencing factors

BackgroundHandgrip strength is a common, simple, and inexpensive method to measure muscle strength. On the other hand, the functional performance measurement involves a usual task which implies repeating elements between the individuals’ interaction and the environment. This is fundamental for projecting their results to daily life situation. PurposeTo explore the relationship between grip strength and measures of functional performance of the upper limbs (ULs) in people over 18 years of age, and to determine the influence of sociodemographic and anthropometric variables on the relationship. Study DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted under the analytical empirical approach, using linear associations between handgrip strength and functional performance measurement tests (correspondence analysis). MethodsThree hundred sixty-two male and female individuals between 18 and 91 years of age from 4 Colombian cities participated. The grip strength of both ULs measured with a digital dynamometry was associated with the Box and Block Test (BBT, manual dexterity), Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT, daily living tasks), and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JJT, ability to grasp, pick up, and place). Multiple linear regression analyzes were performed to assess possible explanatory factors of a sociodemographic and anthropometric order. ResultsA significant association was found between the grip strength of dominant and non-dominant ULs with all functional performance tests (ρ > 0.27 and p < .001), except for the writing and simulated feeding subtests of the JJT (ρ ≤ 0.16). An interactive effect of age was found in the relationship between grip strength and the 3 functional performance tests. ConclusionsThese results support the association between grip strength with the NHPT, JJT, and BBT measures and the interactive effect of age on the performance of all tests.

Investigation of the relationship between lower extremity functional performance of American football players and their anthropometric characteristics and jump test results

Objective: Hop tests have well-known benefits when evaluating the rehabilitation process after sports injuries. However, utilization of hop tests to evaluate functional athletic performance of healthy athletes is currently uncertain and is not common in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between hop performance, their symmetries and functional test performance in American Football (AmF) players. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six collegiate AmF players aged 20.9±2.5 years participated in this study. According to their playing positions, players categorized as Skill Players (SP), Big Skill Players (BSP) and Linemen (LM). Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat ratio were measured. Then, subjects were performed hop tests and 10-yards Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT). Players were also analysed by dividing into low and high performers for LEFT, according to their LEFT test duration. Results: Hop test performance of the SP was superior to LM for SLH, TH, and CH. The performance of BSP was inferior to SP for CH, and was superior to LM for SLH. In LEFT, the SP group was significantly faster than LM. For LEFT, TH, CH and 6H test results were significantly different between low and high performer players. Conclusion: Hop tests may be utilized to evaluate the functional athletic performance of AmF players. Physical characteristics and playing positions should also be considered. Symmetry had no effect on LEFT.

Assessing lower extremity loading during activities of daily living using continuous-scale physical functional performance 10 and wireless sensor insoles: a comparative study between younger and older adults

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the lower extremity loading during activities of daily living (ADLs) using the Continuous Scale of Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP 10) test and wireless sensor insoles in healthy volunteers.MethodsIn this study, 42 participants were recruited, consisting of 21 healthy older adults (mean age 69.6 ± 4.6 years) and 21 younger healthy adults (mean age 23.6 ± 1.8 years). The performance of the subjects during ADLs was assessed using the CS-PFP 10 test, which comprised 10 tasks. The lower extremity loading was measured using wireless sensor insoles (OpenGo, Moticon, Munich, Germany) during the CS-PFP 10 test, which enabled the measurement of ground reaction forces, including the mean and maximum total forces during the stance phase, expressed in units of body weight (BW).ResultsThe total CS-PFP 10 score was significantly lower in older participants compared to the younger group (mean total score of 57.1 ± 9.0 compared to 78.2 ± 5.4, respectively). No significant differences in the mean total forces were found between older and young participants. The highest maximum total forces were observed during the tasks ‘endurance walk’ (young: 1.97 ± 0.34 BW, old: 1.70 ± 0.43 BW) and ‘climbing stairs’ (young: 1.65 ± 0.36 BW, old: 1.52 ± 0.28 BW). Only in the endurance walk, older participants showed a significantly higher maximum total force (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe use of wireless sensor insoles in a laboratory setting can effectively measure the load on the lower extremities during ADLs. These findings could offer valuable insights for developing tailored recommendations for patients with partial weight-bearing restrictions.

Retromer Stabilization Improves Cognitive Function and Synaptic Plasticity in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome.

Retromer complex proteins are decreased in postmortem brain tissues from Down syndrome subjects and inversely correlate with the Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology. However, whether targeting in vivo the retromer system affects cognitive deficits and synaptic function in Down syndrome remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of pharmacological retromer stabilization on cognitive and synaptic functions in a mouse model of Down syndrome. Ts65dn mice were administered the pharmacological chaperone, TPT-172, or vehicle from 4 to 9 months of age and then assessed for changes in cognitive function. To assess the effects of TPT-172 on synaptic plasticity, hippocampal slices from Ts65dn mice were incubated in TPT-172 and used for field potential recordings. Chronic TPT-172 treatment improved performance in cognitive function tests, its incubation with hippocampal slices ameliorated synaptic function response. Pharmacological stabilization of the retromer complex improves synaptic plasticity and memory in a mouse model of Down syndrome. These results support the therapeutic potential of pharmacological retromer stabilization for individual with Down syndrome.

Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of Calcium Score and Functional Tests for Chest Pain Assessment

Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of Calcium Score and Functional Tests for Chest Pain Assessment

Reliability of Upper Extremity Functional Performance Tests for Overhead Sports Activities.

There is lack of consensus on which tests, particularly upper extremity functional performance tests (FPT) that should be used for clinical decision making to progress a patient through a rehabilitation program or criteria for return to sport (RTS). Consequently, there is a need for tests with good psychometric properties that can be administered with minimal equipment and time. (1) To establish the intersession reliability of several open kinetic chain FPT in healthy young adults with a history of overhead sport participation. (2) To examine the intersession reliability of the limb symmetry indices (LSI) from each test. Test-retest reliability, single cohort study. Forty adults (20 males, 20 females) completed four upper extremity FPT during two data collection sessions three to seven days apart: 1) prone medicine ball drop test 90°shoulder abduction (PMBDT 90°), 2) prone medicine ball drop test 90°shoulder abduction/90° elbow flexion (PMBDT 90°-90°), 3) half-kneeling medicine ball rebound test (HKMBRT), 4) seated single arm shot put test (SSASPT). Measures of systematic bias, absolute reliability and relative reliability were computed between the sessions for both the original test scores and LSI. Except for the SSASPT, all tests demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.030) improvements in performance during the second session. Generally, for the medicine ball drop/rebound tests, the absolute reliability was the highest (less random error) for the HKMBRT, next the PMBDT 90°followed by PMBDT 90°-90°. Excellent relative reliability existed for the PMBDT 90°, HKMBRT, and SSASPT, whereas fair to excellent relative reliability for the PMBDT 90°-90°. The SSASPT LSI revealed the highest relative and absolute reliability. Two tests, HKMBRT and SSASPT demonstrated sufficient reliability; therefore, the authors' recommend those tests can be used for serial assessments to advance a patient through a rehabilitation program as well as criteria for progression to RTS. 3.

Effects of repetition as training and incentives on the performance in pulmonary function tests in healthy volunteers

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a central part of diagnosis and treatment monitoring in respiratory medicine. Few studies have investigated whether repeated PFT or training can significantly influence performance.To investigate potential training effects of repeated PFT, 30 healthy volunteers underwent daily and weekly repeated PFT with spirometry over 10 weeks. The study included 22 females and 8 males with a mean age of 31.8 years ± 15 (SD), a mean weight of 66.3 kg ± 14.5 (SD) and a mean BMI of 22.4 ± 3.3 (SD). The first 5 PFTs were performed on 5 consecutive days, followed by 3 PFTs once a week on the same day of the week. Subsequently, 5 measurements were taken daily for 5 consecutive days. After these 13 appointments in 5 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to the control or incentive group, with stratification for age and gender. The incentive group had the opportunity to win money (200 €) for the highest increase in forced vital capacity (FVC). PFTs were performed once a week on the same day of the week as before for 5 more times. Motivation was assessed by a questionnaire before the 1st, 9th and 18th measure of PFT at three time points throughout the study.An increase in PFT was observed with mean increases of 473 [ml] in FVC, 395 [ml] in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and 1.382 [litres/second] in peak expiratory flow (PEF) after four days of daily PFT. These increases did not persist and spirometric data returned to baseline after one week. After allocation, participants in the incentive group did not increase their FVC, FEV1 or PEF compared to the control group. The incentive group showed higher motivation than the control group, even before allocation.Repeated daily PFT could induce short-term increases, but PFT does not fluctuate significantly in the long term. External influences that affect motivation could not consistently increase PFT. For clinical practice, it can be concluded that PFT does not necessarily require extended training to ensure reliability if reproducibility criteria are met.

Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Motorized 2 – Row Soybean Planter for Small Scale Farmers in Katsina State

A 2 – row soybean planter has been fabricated according the design specifications and field performance of the planter was evaluated on 0.5 ha (500 m2) plot of land on the college farm of Federal College of Education, Katsina. Five (5) levels of speed of operation (0.42 m/s, 0.56 m/s, 0.69 m/s, 0.83 m/s and 0.97 m/s) were used to evaluate performance of the fabricated planter. Results of performance evaluation of the fabricated planter reveal that 0.83 m/s speed of operation produces planting parameters with values that are very close to the recommended planting parameters of soybean TGX 1448 – 2E. Thus, indicating that 0.83 m/s is the best speed of operation of the fabricated planter with mean value of 24.72 kg/h seeding rate, 98.14 % uniformity of spacing, 78.05 % planting efficiency and 7 broken seeds per 100 seeds. The analysis of variance at P &gt; 0.05 reveals that speed of operation has a positive effect on the seeding rate and field capacity; a negative effect on planting efficiency of the fabricated 2 – row soybean planter. Thus, seeding rate and field capacity increases with increasing speed while the planting efficiency decreases with increasing speed of operation. Functional performance test results indicate a significant relationship of the speed of operation with seeding rate, field capacity and planting efficiency of the planter where as uniformity of spacing and percentage damaged seeds are relatively un affected by the speed of operation of the planter.

Characteristics of ScleroID highlighting musculoskeletal and internal organ implications in patients afflicted with systemic sclerosis

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-organ disease with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The EULAR SSc Impact of Disease (ScleroID) is a newly introduced SSc-specific patient-reported outcome to evaluate HRQoL in SSc.ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the ScleroID and the involvement of organ systems as well as disease activity/damage in a SSc cohort from a large tertiary care centre.Patients and methodsThe ScleroID and clinical characteristics including internal organ involvement and hand function were investigated in 160 consecutive patients with SSc (median age 46 (43;56) years; diffuse cutaneous SSc 55%).ResultsA strong correlation was found between the ScleroID and articular disease activity scores (DAS28-CRP, DAS28-ESR, CDAI, SDAI), a hand function performance test, the Hand Anatomy Index and muscle strength tests. Additionally, a strong significant correlation was discovered using instruments representing hand function and musculoskeletal disability including the Cochin Hand Function Scale, the Quick Questionnaire of the Disability of the Hands, Arms and the Shoulders and the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index. A significant negative correlation was found between the ScleroID score and the 6-min walking test (6MWT) (rho − 0.444, p < 0.001). Clinically mild lung/heart disease did not show increased ScleroID values. The Mouth Handicap in the Scleroderma Scale and the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium gastrointestinal tract 2.0 also showed significant positive correlations to the ScleroID score (rho: 0.626, p < 0.001; rho: 0.646, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients experiencing oesophageal difficulties bore a significantly higher score compared to individuals with a normal functioning oesophagus (3.2/1.5;4.5/ vs. 2.2/1.0;3.2/, p = 0.011). Moreover, the ScleroID showed a significant positive correlation to the revised EUSTAR disease activity index and modified activity index.ConclusionIn a large single-centre cohort, the previously described ScleroID-related findings were confirmed. Furthermore, several organ involvement-related functional and performance tests showed a good correlation to the ScleroID including the 6MWT and gastrointestinal-related complaints. Many aspects of musculoskeletal damage, overall disease activity, pain and fatigue were also well represented in the ScleroID, which efficiently reflects the impact of organ involvement, disease activity and functional damage.

Scoring festination and gait freezing in people with Parkinson's: The freezing of gait severity tool-revised.

To improve existing clinical assessments for freezing of gait (FOG) severity, a new clinician-rated tool which integrates the varied types of freezing (FOG Severity Tool-Revised) was developed. This cross-sectional study investigated its validity and reliability. People with Parkinson's disease who were able to independently ambulate eight-metres and understand study instructions were consecutively recruited from outpatient clinics of a tertiary hospital. Those with co-morbidities severely affecting gait were excluded. Participants were assessed with the FOG Severity Tool-Revised, three functional performance tests, the FOG Questionnaire, and outcomes measuring anxiety, cognition, and disability. The FOG Severity Tool-Revised was repeated for test-retest reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were computed for structural validity and internal consistency. Reliability and measurement error were estimated with ICC (two-way, random), standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable change (SDC95 ). Criterion-related and construct validity were calculated with Spearman's correlations. Thirty-nine participants were enrolled [79.5% (n=31) male; Median (IQR): age-73.0 (9.0) years; disease duration-4.0 (5.8) years], with fifteen (38.5%) who reported no medication state change contributing a second assessment for reliability estimation. The FOG Severity Tool-Revised demonstrated sufficient structural validity and internal consistency (α=0.89-0.93), and adequate criterion-related validity compared to the FOG Questionnaire (ρ=0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.85). Test-retest reliability (ICC=0.96, 95%CI 0.86-0.99) and random measurement error (%SDC95 =10.4%) was acceptable in this limited sample. The FOG Severity Tool-Revised appeared valid in this initial sample of people with Parkinson's. While its psychometric properties remain to be confirmed in a larger sample, it may be considered for use in the clinical setting.

Associations between gait performance and pain intensity, psychosocial factors, executive functions as well as prefrontal cortex activity in chronic low back pain patients: A cross-sectional fNIRS study.

Activities of daily living, such as walking, are impaired in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients compared to healthy individuals. Thereby, pain intensity, psychosocial factors, cognitive functioning and prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during walking might be related to gait performance during single and dual task walking (STW, DTW). However, to the best of our knowledge, these associations have not yet been explored in a large sample of CLBP patients. Gait kinematics (inertial measurement units) and PFC activity (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) during STW and DTW were measured in 108 CLBP patients (79 females, 29 males). Additionally, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, pain coping strategies, depression and executive functioning were quantified and correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the associations between parameters. The gait parameters showed small correlations with acute pain intensity, pain coping strategies and depression. Stride length and velocity during STW and DTW were (slightly to moderately) positively correlated with executive function test performance. Specific small to moderate correlations were found between the gait parameters and dorsolateral PFC activity during STW and DTW. Patients with higher acute pain intensity and better coping skills demonstrated slower and less variable gait, which might reflect a pain minimization strategy. Psychosocial factors seem to play no or only a minor role, while good executive functions might be a prerequisite for a better gait performance in CLBP patients. The specific associations between gait parameters and PFC activity during walking indicate that the availability and utilization of brain resources are crucial for a good gait performance.