Movement Coordination Research Articles

The Polar Saccadic Flow model: Re-modeling the center bias from fixations to saccades.

Research indicates that a significant component of human eye movement behavior constitutes a set of consistent biases independent of visual content, the most well-known of which is the central bias. While all prior art focuses on representing saccadic motion and biases in Cartesian retinotopic coordinates, here we propose the Polar Saccadic Flow model, a novel approach for modeling saccades' space-dependent biases in a polar representation. By breaking saccades into orientation and amplitude, the Polar Saccadic Flow model enables more accurate modeling of these components, leading also to a better understanding of the saccadic bias. Moreover, the polar representation also uncovers hitherto unknown patterns and biases in eye movement data, allowing for a more detailed and nuanced analysis of saccadic behavior. These findings have implications for the study of human visual perception, can help to develop more accurate eye movement models, and also may improve eye tracking technologies.

Development of Computer Vision-based Visual Feedback Assistive Technology for Fine Motor Improvement in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neuromotor condition that affects fine motor development, causing barriers to daily activities such as writing and grasping. This research develops an assistive technology that utilizes motion sensors to provide real-time visual feedback, which helps children understand and correct movements more effectively. The technology improves movement precision and coordination in motor skills, learner engagement, and structured monitoring of skill improvement. The uniqueness of this research lies in integrating computer vision technology with an interactive design that allows CP children to perform motor exercises and engage them in a more personalized and adaptive learning process. The Research and Development (R&D) method was used in the development, involving validating material experts, media experts, and educational practitioners. The results of media development show that assistive technology is feasible to use in improving the fine motor skills of children with cerebral palsy. Material experts stated an average value of 3.92, which was accumulated in percentage to 98.21%; media experts obtained results of 3.71, which was collected in percentage to 92.85%; and expert practitioners stated an average value of 3.93, which was accumulated in percentage to 98.43%. The assistive technology developed is worth testing in improving the fine motor skills of cerebral palsy children. This technology is expected to solve motor and coordination training issues at school and home. With a more interactive and fun approach, CP children can be more motivated to practice so that their motor skills can develop better.

Decomposition of a complex motor skill with precise error feedback and intensive training breaks expertise ceiling

Complex motor skills involve intricate sequences of movements that require precise temporal coordination across multiple body parts, posing challenges to mastery based on perceived error or reward. One approach that has been widely used is to decompose such skills into simpler, constituent movement elements during the learning process, thereby aligning the task complexity with the learners’ capacity for accurate execution. Despite common belief and prevalent adoption, the effectiveness of this method remains elusive. Here we addressed this issue by decomposing a sequence of precisely timed coordination of movements across multiple fingers into individual constituent elements separately during piano practice. The results demonstrated that the decomposition training enhanced the accuracy of the original motor skill, a benefit not achieved through mere repetition of movements alone, specifically when skilled pianists received explicit visual feedback on timing error in the order of milliseconds during training. During the training, the patterns of multi-finger movements changed significantly, suggesting exploration of movements to refine the skill. By contrast, neither unskilled pianists who underwent the same training nor skilled pianists who performed the decomposition training without receiving visual feedback on the error showed improved skill through training. These findings offer novel evidences suggesting that decomposing a complex motor skill, coupled with receiving feedback on subtle movement error during training, further enhances motor expertise of skilled individuals by facilitating exploratory refinement of movements.

Methodological support of the educational and training process of members of the national academy of the Security Service of Ukraine in hand-to-hand combat

The article considers the problem of theoretical and methodological support of the educational and training process of members of the hand-to-hand combat team of the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine. Mastering martial arts by cadets of higher military educational institutions of Ukraine is of particular relevance in modern conditions, which are characterized by an increased level of threats to the security of the state and citizens. Martial arts help develop strength, endurance, reaction speed, and coordination of movements, which are necessary for performing official duties in difficult conditions. Learning self-defense techniques, neutralizing an opponent without the use of weapons, is critically important for working in situations where the use of firearms is impossible or impractical. Research methods: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalization and concretization, classification and systematization, modeling, historical method, logical method, comparative (comparative) method, formalization, forecasting, abstraction, hypothetical-deductive method. The article focuses on the importance of systematic and comprehensive training of athletes to ensure their high level of physical and psychological readiness for competitions and the performance of assigned tasks. A modern approach to planning the educational and training process has been developed and substantiated, which takes into account the specifics of the activities of employees of the Security Service of Ukraine. The proposed methodological recommendations are aimed at improving the technical- tactical, physical and moral-volitional training of athletes. The results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of the developed methodological support, which contributes to improving the sports results of team members and their readiness to perform professional duties in stressful and extreme conditions. Mastering martial arts by cadets of the National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine is not only a means of professional training, but also an important factor in their psychological, physical and moral readiness to perform tasks in the face of modern challenges. This not only contributes to their personal development, but also ensures a high level of security for the state and citizens. Prospects for further research in the chosen direction of scientific exploration involve the development of an experimental training program for representatives of the studied category (annual training cycle).

Changes in physical impairments in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome following arthroscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a motion-related condition causing hip pain in young active adults. Physical impairment measures of body function include objective and reproducible measures of hip mobility, muscle power, and movement coordination. Limited data on physical impairments and the effects of arthroscopic surgery exist. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate changes in physical impairments in those with FAIS, pre- and post-arthroscopic surgery. Six databases were searched for English-language studies reporting on pre- and postoperative physical impairments using physical outcome measures. Reporting quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework, the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS); for pooled data [standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI)]. Seventeen studies were included (two randomized controlled trials; fifteen pre/postintervention studies), varying from low-critical risk of bias, low-moderate on the MINORS, and very low reporting quality using the GRADE tool. Postoperatively, participants with FAIS walked with a higher peak hip flexion moment [SMD 0.5, 95% CI (0.12–0.88); heterogeneity I2 = 0%, P = .82] and reduced external rotation range [SMD −0.68, 95% CI (−1.34 to −0.01); heterogeneity I2 = 61%, P = .05]. Surgery increased participant hip flexion moment and impulse, hip strength and faster gluteus maximus contraction time. Patients demonstrated reduced hip extension, abduction and adduction angles during walking gait, and peak hip extension moments during gait and squatting. While this review found some physical impairments changed postoperatively, further research into specific subgroups of FAIS would enhance understanding and inform rehabilitation programs and optimize patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV (systematic review of III and IV evidence).

Application of Smart Insoles in Assessing Dynamic Stability in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Comparative Study

Chronic ankle instability (CAI), due to its chronic nature and biomechanical complexity, is well-suited for continuous monitoring and tele-rehabilitation using wearable sensor technology. This study assessed whether a smart insole system, equipped with 4 force-sensing resistor sensors and an inertial measurement unit, combined with functional tests and biomechanical indices, could distinguish CAI patients from healthy controls. A total of 21 CAI patients (23.8 ± 5.1 years) and 16 controls (22.62 ± 2.60 years) completed a battery of functional performance tests while wearing the smart insole system. The results showed an increased medial-lateral pressure ratio in the CAI during heel raise (p = 0.031, effect size = 0.82) and hop tests, suggesting an everted foot position. Significant deviations in center-of-pressure trajectory during double-leg heel raises (p = 0.005, effect size = 1.10) suggested asymmetric motion coordination, while compensatory fluctuations of the lifted limb during single-leg balance tests (p = 0.011, effect size = 1.03) were greater in CAI patients. These findings facilitated the development of features to characterize CAI-specific movement patterns. Together, this system shows promise as a quantitative assessment tool for CAI, supporting improved treatment outcomes through tele-rehabilitation.

Evaluation of the Application of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations on the Classification of Patients With Neck Pain.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are developed to synthesize evidence into recommendations for clinical practice. Minimal evidence exists on the evaluation practice of physical therapists in the treatment of patients with neck pain. Purpose: We sought to describe (1) the extent to which clinicians perform the Neck Pain CPG-recommended examination measures and (2) the percentage of patients properly classified. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the electronic health records of 397 patients with neck pain at an ambulatory care setting in an academic medical center. The frequency of physical therapists' evaluation measures, subjective findings, positive examination results, and the percentage of patients properly classified into impairment-based categories (IBCs) were recorded. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used to assess patient demographics and compare classification accuracy across IBCs. Results: Of the 397 patients, 56% were classified into an IBC. The most common IBC was neck pain with mobility deficits (24%), followed by neck pain with radiating pain (17%), neck pain with movement coordination impairments (NPMCIs) (8%), and neck pain with headache (6%). Neck pain with movement coordination impairment had the lowest percentage of proper classifications. Classification accuracy was highest when subjective and objective findings were combined and varied between IBCs. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that physical therapists evaluating patients with neck pain may have increased classification accuracy when subjective and objective findings are considered. Decreased classification accuracy was demonstrated in the NPMCI category, highlighting opportunities for further education and research.

Functional fitness and psychological well-being in older adults

BackgroundPhysical fitness and functioning are related to better mental health in older age. However, which fitness components (body composition, strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance) are more closely related to psychological well-being (PWB) is unclear.MethodsThis research examined how body mass index (BMI) and six indices of functional fitness (i.e., lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, coordination [based on agility and balance], and aerobic endurance) relate to five psychological measures that could mirror PWB (i.e., resilience, mental well-being, optimism, life satisfaction, and happiness). Thirty-nine older adults (60–94 years; two-thirds female) were examined with the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT) after completing five psychometric instruments.ResultsData were analyzed with correlations, ordinary least squares regressions, and regularized (elastic net) regressions, calculating the Lindeman, Merenda, and Gold (LMG) indices of the relative importance of the six FFFT components separately for the five psychological measures. Results revealed that BMI, upper body strength, and upper body flexibility were the least significant predictors of PWB. In contrast, endurance, complex movement coordination, and lower body flexibility emerged as the most significant predictors. Still, lower body strength correlated moderately positively with all PWB indices, and similarly, upper body flexibility with resilience, mental well-being, and happiness.ConclusionsThese findings should stimulate research on the mechanism connecting functional fitness with PWB in older adults. Further, apart from their novelty, the findings could be valuable in providing directions for physical fitness intervention programs targeting mental and physical health for older people.

Changes in Muscle Activation and Joint Motion During Walking After Transtibial Amputation with Sensory Feedback from Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Case Study.

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on muscle activity during walking after lower-limb amputation. Amputation results in a loss of sensory feedback and alterations in gait biomechanics, including co-contractions of antagonist muscles about the knee and ankle, and reduced pelvic obliquity range-of-motion and pelvic drop. SCS can restore sensation in the missing limb, but its effects on muscle activation and gait biomechanics have not been studied in people with lower-limb amputation. This case study included a participant with transtibial amputation who was implanted percutaneously with SCS electrodes over the lumbosacral enlargement for 84 days. SCS was used during in-lab experiments to provide somatosensory feedback from the missing limb, relaying a sense of plantar pressure when the prosthesis was in the stance phase of the gait cycle. We used electromyography (EMG) to record muscle activity from the residual and intact limbs, and 3D motion capture to measure pelvic obliquity. EMG signals were recorded during walking with and without SCS at early and late time points across the implant duration. During walking, co-contraction of knee antagonist muscles was reduced following multiple sessions of SCS-mediated sensory restoration. Additionally, the activation of the hip abductor (tensor fasciae latae) muscle increased activity during gait with SCS-mediated sensory restoration, which corresponded to an increase in pelvic obliquity range-of-motion and pelvic drop, towards normal. Restoring sensation in the missing limb using SCS modulated muscle activity during walking leading to improved coordination and pelvic motion in an individual with lower-limb amputation.

Difference in movement coordination and variability during Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand between people with and without Chronic Low back pain.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) affects people's activities of daily living, including sitting down and standing up. Movement pattern analyses during five-repetition sit-to-stand (5RSTS) may allow CLBP status differentiation. 44 CLBP and 22 asymptomatic participants performed 5RSTS in this study, with their trunk and lower limb movements recorded using 3-dimensional motion capture system. Joint active range of motion, joint maximal velocity, joint and segment continuous relative phase (CRP) were analyzed. Mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) variables were calculated in CRP analysis. Between-group kinematic variables were compared using One-way Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA). Significant variables from different methods were compared using binomial logistic regression to assess accuracy for CLBP status. Results showed that segmental CRP is the most sensitive method for CLBP assessment, with the CLBP group femur-to-pelvis and lumbar-to-pelvis movement coordination was more in-phase MARP (F(8,56)=7.127, p<0.001, Wilks'Λ=0.441, ηp2=0.559) and stable DP (F(8,56)=4.585, p<0.001, Wilks'Λ=0.551, ηp2=0.449) during both standing up and sitting down. Utilizing CRP variables yielded Nagelkerke R2=0.708 and overall correct classification of 93% for CLBP status. Individuals with CLBP exhibited distinct movement coordination and stability, which should be considered in CLBP assessments and intervention. Variable combination from the segment analysis was found to be the most predictive to CLBP status, and significantly different to the results obtained from joint analysis, highlighting the necessity for CRP method standardization in future studies.

Ability of a passive back support exoskeleton to mitigate fatigue related adaptations in a complex repetitive lifting task.

As work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) increase in prevalence, it is important to not only understand the mechanisms underpinning WRMSDs but also investigate ways to mitigate them in the workplace. Exoskeletons are an emerging technology which can reduce the physical demands required from the worker to perform lifting tasks. Previous research has primarily studied the effectiveness of back-support exoskeletons in constrained, flexion/extension tasks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a passive back-support exoskeleton in a complex, multiplanar repetitive manual materials handling (MMH) task. Participants (n=14) completed a multi-planar lifting, transferring, and lowering task for sixty minutes with and without wearing a passive back-support exoskeleton (HeroWear Apex 2). Full body kinematics as well as trunk and shoulder surface electromyography were collected for the entire trial. The back-support exoskeleton significantly decreased ratings of perceived exertion (p<0.0001) Participants exhibited faster task completion times in the exoskeleton condition (p =0.0095). Both movement coordination and coordination variability differed between conditions with increased shoulder-lumbar variability (p=0.0466 - <.0001) and decreased thorax-pelvis variability (p=0.0281) in the exoskeleton condition. Additionally, the back-support exoskeleton significantly reduced lumbar erector spinae muscle activity asymmetrically (p<0.0001). While these findings generally support the idea that a passive back-support exoskeleton is effective in altering indicators of fatigue which can lead to injury, more research is needed to study different exoskeleton assistance levels and different types of exoskeletons before recommending their use across a diverse range of occupational settings.

A virtual object manipulation method based on eye-gaze selection and head-eye coordination movement

A virtual object manipulation method based on eye-gaze selection and head-eye coordination movement

Pemberdayaan Lansia dalam Melakukan Aktivitas Fisik Senam Lansia untuk Meningkatkan Tingkat Kemandirian Lansia

Background: Aging leads to physical deterioration, which makes the elderly dependent on others for daily activities. One way to increase their independence is through physical activities such as elderly gymnastics. Regular participation in elderly gymnastics can restore physical function, improve joint, muscle, and movement coordination, and enhance heart function, leading to a healthier and fitter body. Method: The program began with a preparation stage, followed by elderly gymnastics training and counseling. This activity took place in one session, targeting both independent and assisted elderly individuals. The elderly gymnastics included basic exercises with a warm-up, core movements, and cooling down, lasting approximately 15-30 minutes. Afterward, an evaluation of the activity was conducted. Results: A total of 60 elderly individuals participated in the gymnastics session, which included warm-up, core, and cooling exercises. The participants appeared enthusiastic and easily followed the movements, especially with music accompaniment. However, some had difficulty with foot movements due to balance issues. After the gymnastics session, counseling was provided on the importance of doing elderly gymnastics independently. The elderly were very engaged during the counseling and asked several questions afterward. Conclusion: Elderly gymnastics can be incorporated as a routine activity in elderly health programs like posyandu, helping the elderly become more independent with a healthy and fit body. Regular participation in these exercises can improve their ability to perform daily activities independently.

SYNERGISTIC CONFLICT-FREE UAV SWARM MOVEMENT MODELING USING METAHEURISTIC APPROACHES

The paper considers a new synergistic conflict-free movement model for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm on the battlefield, based on the metaheuristic approach of particle swarm optimization (PSO). The paper presents an improved algorithm that ensures effective swarm coordination, traffic safety and efficient communication between UAVs. The model is designed to be used in various combat conditions and demonstrates the ability of the swarm to adapt to dynamic changes on the battlefield and perform tasks with high efficiency. Improvements to the PSO algorithm include the addition of collision avoidance force vectors, which allows each UAV take into account the position of its neighbors and avoid conflict situations. This ensures a more stable and smoother UAV swarm movement, reducing the risk of collisions and increasing the overall effectiveness of combat missions. The model also provides for the ability to adapt to changing conditions on the battlefield, which allows the UAV swarm to respond effectively to new threats and challenges.The simulation results show that the proposed metaheuristic approach based on the improved PSO algorithm is capable of calculating suboptimal trajectories for UAV swarm, minimizing the risk of collisions and improving the overall performance of combat missions. A comparative analysis with the classical PSO algorithm has revealed the advantages of the proposed model in the context of the efficiency of coordination and safety of UAV swarm movement. These results confirm the prospects of using the developed approach to control UAV swarms in combat conditions.The proposed algorithm allows each UAV in the swarm to take into account the other UAV position and speed, which allows maintaining the optimal distance between them, reducing collision probability. This is achieved by introducing an avoidance force vector that is directed away from other UAVs. This approach allows a swarm of UAVs to act as a single organized structure, which significantly increases the efficiency of performing tasks in complex and dynamic combat conditions. In addition, the model takes into account various combat scenarios, including obstacle avoidance, target acquisition, and retreat to a safe distance. This makes the algorithm a versatile tool for managing UAV swarms in real-world combat conditions, where the speed of reaction and accuracy of task execution are crucial.

ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE COMPETENCE OF PRESCHOOLERS: PSYCHOLOGICAL PREREQUISITES AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF FORMATION

The article contains a justification of the relevance of the problem of the formation of artistic and creative competence in preschoolers. Approaches to defining the concept of "artistic and creative competence" have been analyzed. The psychological prerequisites for the formation of artistic and creative competence have been determined. It is noted that preschool age is sensitive for the development of creative potential, and age-related changes in cognitive, emotional, social, and motor development create optimal conditions for the formation of artistic and creative competence. It was found that emotions play a significant role in the formation of artistic and creative competence. Children who actively express their emotions become more open to new ideas, more creative in finding solutions and are able to immerse themselves more deeply in the world of art. It was determined that play as the leading type of preschooler's activity creates a significant role in the formation of artistic and creative competence. It is the main form of children's activity, an important tool for self-expression and imagination development. It is emphasized that the importance of art therapy as an effective tool that parents and educators can use to support the emotional and creative development of children. Thanks to various types of art, such as music, choreography, theater, drawing, sculpting, children get the opportunity not only to express themselves, but also to develop creative abilities, increase self-esteem and relieve emotional tension. Using of various materials in artistic activities, such as paints, plasticize, paper, fabrics and others, allows preschoolers not only to improve their motor skills, but also to develop coordination of movements and spatial thinking. Parents and educators, using art therapy, create a favorable environment for the harmonious development of each child's personality.

The impact of talent detection on increasing the number of children participating in sports

Sports talent detection is an attempt to find children who have the potential to become athletes but are not currently involved in sports through a series of tests. The aim of this research is to determine the characteristics of the distribution of children's sports talents in Payakumbuh City, West Sumatra Province. From this research, information was obtained on the anthropometric profile, physical abilities and movement coordination of each child. Apart from that, it was found that there were differences in the movement coordination abilities of children who had not and had participated in sports (training in clubs) after sports talent detection was carried out. This research involved 750 children (486 boys, 264 girls) aged 7-12 years in Payakumbuh City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The talent detection instrument used in this research is the Sekora TID which was adopted from the SportKompas test battery. To see the impact of implementing talent detection, researchers conducted a survey using a Google form which was distributed to all test participants. Surveys were conducted to monitor children who had participated in sports as confirmed by teachers and parents. The results of the study provide information that there is no significant difference in the anthropometry of men and women (p&gt;0.05), but a significant difference is seen in age (p&lt;0.05). Significant differences were also found in motor coordination elements based on age and gender (p&lt;0.05). Physical performance elements also show significant differences in age and gender (p&lt;0.05). The results of this research will be used as a first step in implementing a sports talent identification system as part of LTAD.

Generalization of Interarticulator Timing Control: Evidence From Tongue-Jaw and Lip-Jaw Kinematics Using Electromagnetic Articulography.

In skilled speech production, the motor system coordinates the movements of distinct sets of articulators to form precise and consistent constrictions in the vocal tract at distinct locations, across contextual variations in movement rate and amplitude. Research efforts have sought to uncover the critical control parameters governing interarticulator coordination during constriction formation, with a focus on two parameters: (a) latency of movement onset of one articulator relative to another (temporal parameters) and (b) phase angle of movement onset for one articulator relative to another (spatiotemporal parameters). Consistent interarticulator timing between jaw and tongue tip movements, during the formation of constrictions at the alveolar ridge, was previously found to scale more reliably than phase angles across variation in production rate and syllable stress. In the present study, we test whether these temporal regularities generalize to another set of articulators, namely, the jaw and lower lip, during the formation of constrictions at the lips. Eight talkers produced vowel-consonant-vowel (VCV) sequences, recorded using electromagnetic articulography, with variation in production rate and syllable stress. V was /ɑ/-/ɛ/ and C was alveolar /t/-/d/ or bilabial /p/-/b/. Two measures were obtained: (a) the timing of tongue tip/lower lip raising onset for intervocalic C, relative to jaw opening-closing cycles for the flanking vowels, and (b) the angle of tongue tip/lower lip raising onset for intervocalic C, relative to the jaw phase plane. Across both sets of articulators, consonant-related movement onset latencies scaled more consistently with variation in the jaw opening-closing cycle than phase angles. Furthermore, movement onset latencies were more strongly affiliated with utterance type than phase angles. Findings demonstrate that precise temporal coordination of articulator movements regulates the formation of precise constrictions, independent of the specific set of articulators involved or where in the vocal tract the constriction is produced.

Comparative analysis of the dynamics of motor and personality characteristics of mentally healthy and schizophrenic adults in the course of dance-movement therapy

The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of the dynamics of motor and personality characteristics of mentally healthy adults and those suffering from schizophrenia as a result of dance movement therapy (DMT). 79 people took part in the study, 49 diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (M = 33,6), 30 mentally healthy people (M = 34,4). The following tests were used: «Assessment of motor coordination» and «Motor speed» by A.A. Tolchinsky, modification of the Dembo-Rubinstein self-esteem test, K. Izard’s method for recognizing emotions, «Body analysis» N.Yu. Oganesyan to study motor and communicative manifestations in the process of dance and movement therapy. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS Statistics package: primary statistics, comparison of means using Student's T-test. Mentally healthy people showed statistically significantly higher results on motor tests (coordination and tempo of movements), personality indicators (self-assessment of health, activity, sociability, self-understanding and the ability to recognize emotions by facial expressions). In dance, mentally healthy people show greater motor freedom, variability and contact than people suffering from schizophrenia. DMT has a similar effect when working with mentally healthy adults and people suffering from schizophrenia, it helps correct motor skills, strengthen self-esteem, and develop the ability to recognize emotions, while the effect in people with mental illness is more pronounced. By the end of DMT, people diagnosed with schizophrenia, due to an increase in motor indicators (coordination and tempo of movements), development of variability and contact in dance, bringing self-esteem of activity and sociability closer to normative values, satisfaction with their lives increased significantly.

Profiles of functioning of a group of children with cerebral palsy in Argentina: Preliminary data from the first national study.

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects body posture and movement coordination and is the most common cause of severe disability in the pediatric population. The diagnosis of CP is not a description of a person's functioning or interaction with their environment. Therefore, the diagnosis should be complemented with a description of functioning, using tools based on the biopsychosocial model proposed by the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This report describes the preliminary data from a multicenter study conducted in Argentina with the aim of standardizing the description of the profiles of functioning of children and adolescents with CP. These data showed that the participants had some skills in sleep functions, mental functions of language, seeing functions, and in some environmental factors. They showed significant difficulties in categories such as maintaining body position, walking, and toileting.

Ways to Enhance Medical Workers’ Efficiency of Professional Activity through Physical Education Perspectives

Key words: physical education, professional-applied physical training, specialists, questionnaire, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dental technicians In this study, an effort has been made to justify the nature and characteristics of the work activities of future specialists in various fields from the standpoint of professional-applied physical training. The scientific rationale and development of students’ professional-applied physical training hold socio-economic and personal orientation significance. While the aspects of professional-applied physical training for future specialists are thoroughly explored in higher education systems, there remains an insufficient development of these issues for students in medium-level medical institutions. Through a sociological survey, we have unveiled the role of physical exercise in the lives of average medical staff, highlighting the working conditions and the nature of their rest. The research has identified the primary factors contributing to work fatigue. Understanding these factors is crucial for determining the general direction and specific content of professional-applied physical training in medium-level medical institutions. The study has affirmed the need to develop accuracy and coordination in hand movements, the ability to discern muscle movements, endurance of the lower limbs, motor memory, concentration skills, and the ability to control negative emotions and volitional qualities.