Motor Coordination Problems Research Articles

Qualitative analysis of the presence of gaze-evoked nystagmus in astronauts after long term space flights. Results of “field test” experiment

In the first days after a spaceflight (SF), re-entry motion sickness and motor coordination problems reflect the need to readapt back to the natural gravitational state. Gravity is a natural stimulus for the receptors of vestibular apparatus, which plays an important role in multisensory interactions. Changes indicating an increase in excitability of the vestibular apparatus during SF (Kornilova et al., 2017) suggest a high probability of the occurrence of gaze-evoked nystagmus after prolonged SF. Russian-American experiment “Field Test” included a nystagmus test. 22 ISS crewmembers (14 Russian cosmonauts and 8 astronauts; flight duration 159.8 ± 19.5 days) participated in the experiment. The study was conducted twice before flight and several times after flight, starting within 3 h after landing. In a seated position, astronauts tracked with their eyes only (without moving their head) horizontal and vertical movements of the researcher's finger from the central position to the gaze end points (right, left, upper). Eye movements were recorded with a video camera. The videos were analyzed qualitatively for presence of nystagmus. Preflight, gaze-evoked nystagmus was detected in 5 people, the greatest changes were observed on landing day. 10 crewmembers exhibited nystagmus in the extreme left gaze position and 13 crewmembers – in the extreme right gaze position (partial recovery was observed 1–4 days after SF). A noticeable decrease in the frequency of manifestation of the nystagmus was observed only 10–13 days after landing (n = 16). Gaze-evoked nystagmus is usually considered a clinical sign of cerebellar alterations. However, it is often described in healthy people with a prevalence of up to 21 %. In a similar study involving 18 astronauts, participants of long-term SF, the frequency of occurrence of gaze-evoked nystagmus also increased in the first hours after SF (Reschke, Good and Clement, 2017). However, in this study, a detailed analysis of the presence of nystagmus in various directions was conducted for the first time. Of particular interest is the frequent detection of a gaze-evoked nystagmus in the right position after SF - this phenomenon may be a sign of presence of a central vestibular imbalance (Robinson et al., 1984), which also occurs in patients with cerebellar disorders (Bayer and Dietrich, 2011). The results allow us to expand our understanding of the severity and frequency of vestibular disorders and the dynamics of their recovery after prolonged SF.

Mental health in secondary school-aged children with epilepsy and their primary caregivers: A case control study

PurposeTo describe the prevalence and associated factors of mental health problems in secondary school-aged (11–16 years) children with epilepsy and their primary caregivers compared to a control group without epilepsy. MethodsChildren with epilepsy (n = 60), controls (n = 49), and caregivers (n = 60 epilepsy and n = 49 control group) completed a measure of the child's mental health (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ). Primary caregivers in both groups completed a measure of their own mental health (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21; DASS-21). Factors associated with child and caregiver mental health in the epilepsy group were explored using linear regression. ResultsThere were no significant differences between the epilepsy and control group regarding age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. A higher proportion of children with epilepsy scored in the at-risk range on the SDQ indicating more mental health problems than the control group, as reported by the children (45% vs. 24 %) (p = 0.026) and caregivers (52% vs. 14 %) (p < 0.001). Primary caregivers of children with epilepsy had more symptoms of depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.028) and stress (p = 0.019) than caregivers in the control group. Children with epilepsy with greater motor coordination problems had greater mental health difficulties. Children with epilepsy with more mental health difficulties had caregivers with more difficulties and caregivers of children with earlier onset of seizures had more mental health difficulties. ConclusionsEpilepsy confers a high risk for mental health problems in adolescents and their primary caregivers. There is a need to better understand the relationship between caregiver and child mental health difficulties in epilepsy.

Chronic demyelination interferes with normal spermatogenesis in cuprizone-intoxicant C57/BL 6 mice: An experimental study.

Due to myelin and axonal insults in multiple sclerosis individuals, motor coordination problems and endocrine imbalance may develop. This study aims to evaluate the role of chronic demyelination on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the mouse model of multiple sclerosis. 20 adult C57/BL6 male mice were divided into 2 groups (n = 10/each) as follows: the control group (CONT) received a regular diet for 17 wk; and the experimental group (cuprizone [CPZ]) was fed with 0.2% CPZ for 12 wk and, then CPZ was withdrawn for 5 wk. Serum testosterone, histopathology of the brain and testis, and sperm analysis were evaluated. The hypothalamic myelin content was significantly decreased in the arcuate nucleus following the 12 wk of CPZ consumption compared to the CONT group, and the statistical difference remained until 17 wk. Testosterone levels declined significantly in the CPZ group compared to the CONT group in the 12 and 17 wk. A significant decrease was observed in the height of the seminiferous epithelium and the interstitial tissue area, and the number of seminiferous epithelial cells in the CPZ group compared to the CONT group in the 12 and 17 wk. The sperm count, motility, and viability in the CPZ group significantly decreased compared to the CONT group in the 12 and 17 wk of the study. Chronic demyelination induced by CPZ intoxication, maybe through damage to the hypothalamus arcuate nucleus, leads to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis disturbance and damage to the testis and spermatogenesis subsequently.

Development of a ground-based sensorimotor disorientation analog to replicate astronaut postflight experience.

The perceptual and motor coordination problems experienced following return from spaceflight reflect the sensory adaptation to altered gravity. The purpose of this study was to develop a ground-based analog that replicates similar sensorimotor impairment using a standard measures test battery and subjective feedback from experienced crewmembers. This Sensorimotor Disorientation Analog (SDA) included varying levels of sensorimotor disorientation through combined vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive disruptions. The SDA was evaluated on five previously flown astronauts to compare with their postflight experience and functional motor performance immediately (Return (R)+0 days) and +24h (R+1) after landing. The SDA consisted of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), visual disruption goggles, and a weighted suit to alter proprioceptive feedback and replicate perceived heaviness postflight. Astronauts reported that GVS alone replicated ∼50-90% of their postflight performance with the weighted suit fine-tuning the experience to replicate an additional 10%-40% of their experience. Astronauts did not report feeling that the disruption goggles represented either the visual disruptions or illusory sensations that they experienced, nor did they impact motor performance in postflight tasks similarly. Based on these results, we recommend an SDA including the GVS and the weighted suit. These results provide a more realistic and portable SDA framework to provide transient spaceflight-relevant sensorimotor disruptions for use in countermeasure testing and as a pre-flight training tool.

In depth behavioral phenotyping unravels complex motor disturbances in Cstb-/- mouse, a model for progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 1.

Progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 1 (EPM1) is an autosomal recessively inherited childhood-adolescence onset neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the cystatin B (CSTB gene). The key clinical manifestation in EPM1 is progressive, stimulus-sensitive, in particular action-induced myoclonus. The cystatin B-deficient mouse model, Cstb-/-, has been described to present with myoclonic seizures and progressive ataxia. Here we describe results from in-depth behavioral phenotyping of the Cstb-/- mouse model in pure isogenic 129S2/SvHsd background covering ages from 1.5 to 6 months. We developed a method for software-assisted detection of myoclonus from video recordings of the Cstb-/- mice. Additionally, we observed that the mice were hyperactive and showed reduced startle response, problems in motor coordination and lack of inhibition. We were, however, not able to demonstrate an ataxic phenotype in them. This detailed behavioral phenotyping of the Cstb-/- mice reveals new aspects of this mouse model. The nature of the motor problems in the Cstb-/- mice seems to be more complex and more resembling the human phenotype than initially described.

FMRI changes during multi-limb movements in Parkinson's disease.

BackgroundWhile motor coordination problems are frequently reported among individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), the effects of the disease on the performance of multi-limb movements and the brain changes underlying impaired coordination are not well-documented.ObjectiveFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine differences in brain activity during a task that involved the coordination of non-homologous limbs (i.e., ipsilateral hand and foot) in individuals with and without PD.MethodsParticipants included 20 PD and 20 healthy control participants (HC). They were instructed to generate force in a coordinated manner by simultaneously contracting their ipsilateral hand and foot. PD were tested off their antiparkinsonian medication and on their more affected side, whereas the side in controls was randomized.ResultsAlthough both groups were able to coordinate the two limbs to produce the expected level of force, PD had a slower rate of force production and relaxation compared to HC. Additionally, their globus pallidus and primary motor cortex were underactive, whereas their pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and lateral cerebellum were overactive relative to HC. Importantly, in PD, the fMRI activity within the pre-SMA correlated with the rate of force decrease.ConclusionMulti-limb force control deficits in PD appear to be related to widespread underactivation within the basal ganglia-cortical loop. An overactivation of higher-level motor regions within the prefrontal cortex and lateral cerebellum may reflect increased cognitive control and performance monitoring that emerges during more complex motor tasks such as those that involve the coordination of multiple limbs.

A prospective 5-year longitudinal study detects neurocognitive and imaging correlates of seizure remission in self-limiting Rolandic epilepsy

ObjectiveSelf-limiting Rolandic epilepsy (RE) is the most common epilepsy in school-age children. Seizures are generally infrequent, but cognitive, language, and motor coordination problems can significantly impact the child’s life. To better understand brain structure and function changes in RE, we longitudinally assessed neurocognition, cortical thickness, and subcortical volumes. MethodsAt baseline, we recruited 30 participants diagnosed with RE and 24-healthy controls and followed up for 4.94 ± 0.8 years when the participants with RE were in seizure remission. Measures included were as follows: T1-weighted magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI) with FreeSurfer analysis and detailed neuropsychological assessments. MRI and neuropsychological data were compared between baseline and follow-up in seizure remission. ResultsLongitudinal MRI revealed excess cortical thinning in the left-orbitofrontal (p = 0.0001) and pre-central gyrus (p = 0.044).There is a significant association (p = 0.003) between a reduction in cortical thickness in the left-orbitofrontal cluster and improved processing of filtered words.Longitudinal neuropsychology revealed significant improvements in the symptoms of developmental coordination disorder (DCD, p = 0.005) in seizure remission. ConclusionsThere is evidence for altered development of neocortical regions between active seizure state and seizure remission in RE within two clusters maximal in the left-orbitofrontal and pre-central gyrus. There is significant evidence for improvement in motor coordination between active seizures and seizure remission and suggestive evidence for a decline in fluid intelligence and gains in auditory processing.

Improved attentional abilities after playing five weeks of active video games in children with and without developmental coordination disorder

Background Besides motor coordination problems, attentional impairments are reported in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), but the connection or trainability is still unclear. Aim To test changes on attentional abilities after playing active video games (AVG) in children with DCD and their peers (TD), to evaluate near transfer and the relationship between omissions in attentional and motor tests. Methods Seventy children (35 DCD; 35 TD), 7–12 years old, were assessed on three types of attention: distractibility (DIS); divided-attention (DA); sustained-attention (SA) and on the Wii Fit test pre- and post-training. Results A significant decrease of errors in attentional tasks was found after training, independent of group (TD/DCD) and console (Wii Fit/Xbox) with medium-strong effect sizes (DIS η2 p =.42; DA η2 p =.51; SA η2 p =.41). The groups responded similarly to the training but the DCD children scored poorer on the DA. A positive transfer-effect to the non-trained Wii Fit test was found in accuracy (missed gates), while speed proved console-specific. A medium/strong relation was found between omissions in attentional tasks and the missed gates (Wii Fit test). Conclusion More accurate responses on attentional tasks were found after AVG-training in both groups. A clear relationship between attentional abilities and motor performance was found.

Visual Contribution to Motor Skill DCD Disorders &amp; Walking Physiology Using Spatial Cognition and Linear Geometries as Landmark Coordination Cues

Problem: Awareness of children, who experience movement, particularly motor coordination difficulties, has increased dramatically over the last ten years. These motor coordination problems of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or/and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been frequently associated with poor visual and spatial eye-vision processing.&#x0D; Background: Motor control difficulties for DCD and ADHD children have been discussed in detail. However, just a little is known about the influence of the natural environment on these disorders. Even more, the built environment’s impact as a spatial cognition and coordination functionality has never been considered.&#x0D; Aim: This pilot and innovative study aim to identify the correlation between and evaluate the visual contribution of the so-called “spatial compound linear geometries” and DCD children’s motor/walking control.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty children aged 5 to 8 years with DCD difficulties (two intervention groups, one with 10 boys and the other one with 10 girls) were assessed by a statistical structural evaluation in three built environments (two urban parks and one pocket park), under two conditions (rich or not in trees, flora, and PnP linear geometries), and different motor coordination control situations (static balance, dynamic balances, dark condition).&#x0D; Results: The worst performances (regarding movement disorders and motor coordination problems) were observed for both groups with DCD children playing in parks poor in or without trees, flora, and spatial compound linear geometries. Instead, a significant performance (strong statistical correlation) was found for the same intervention group (DCD children’s boys or girls) playing in parks rich in trees, flora, and vegetation (natural environment). The best performance (very strong statistical correlation) was detected in parks rich in a natural environment and linear geometries. &#x0D; Conclusions: While the natural environment contribution is bibliographically known, the best performance finding of the visual contribution of the spatial compound linear geometries, as spatial landmarks enriching the visual-spatial motor/walking functionalities for Children with DCD disorder, could provide new cognitive approaches towards an understanding of children’s Developmental Coordination Disorder and walking physiology. DCD children’s performance, scores, and cues were related to both the natural environment and the spatial compound linear geometries as spatial landmark motor coordination cues and spatio-temporal clues. The significant variability in sensory processing among children with DCD, ADHD, and co-occurring symptoms can contribute to understanding how neurological and social factors correlate across diagnoses. Also, derived observations for stepping errors, Gait analysis (variables), and spatio-temporal clues conclude that visual eye-based processing interrelates with motor coordination problems, performance, inattention, environmental conditions (dark), sex identity (boys, girls), and DCD hyperactivity. &#x0D; Applications: Development of interactive visual applications for (i) human spatial cognition and movement improvement; and (ii) children’s motor control and coordination refinement.

Preliminary study for Neurovisual Assessment Model using Eye Tracking (NAMET) related to cognitive functions for TBI patients

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury can cause visual dysfunction (if not treated with visual therapy) and it can hinder a patient's rehabilitative progress. Screening for a Visual processing assessment to identify visual symptoms in TBI patients at the HCFMUSP Neurology Clinic. Previous literature presents common visual symptoms that were identified in these patients, such as: visual field loss, double vision, posture and balance difficulties, blurred vision, attention and concentration problems difficulties in near visual tasks, headaches, reading difficulties, reading problems. motor coordination problems, difficulties locating objects accurately. accommodative dysfunction convergence insufficiency This study presents a Neuro Visual assessment model for visual and cognitive rehabilitation following TBI and it can include Visual Acuity (VA) Visual Field, eye movements (Eye Tracking), Accommodation and Convergence. Results: In the preliminary study, similarity was found between existing literature and visual dysfunctions from patients following TBI. Conclusion: The assessment protocol following TBI can identify changes in saccadic eye movements, segments and their impacts on cognitive functions, sensory, motor and emotional systems. The treatment to improve visual dysfunctions can improve Reading problems; oculomotor, balance and binocular disorders using prisms, lenses and filters for both attention and concentration difficulties. Literature shows cases of improvement post-TBI visual symptoms using nonfunctional lenses, prisms, filters, binasal occlusions. Previous literature can found cases of improvement of depressive symptoms, aggressive behavior, self-confidence, self-esteem, posture and balance.

Encoder-Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulator for Bilateral Wrist Activities-Design and Evaluation.

Upper limb impairment following stroke is often characterized by limited voluntary control in the affected arm. In addition, significant motor coordination problems occur on the unaffected arm due to avoidance of performing bilateral symmetrical activities. Rehabilitation strategies should, therefore, not only aim at improving voluntary control on the affected arm, but also contribute to synchronizing activity from both upper limbs. The encoder-controlled functional electrical stimulator, described in this paper, implements precise contralateral control of wrist flexion and extension with electrical stimulation. The stimulator is calibrated for each individual to obtain a table of stimulation parameters versus wrist angle. This table is used to set stimulation parameters dynamically, based on the difference in wrist angle between the set and stimulated side, which is continuously monitored. This allows the wrist on the stimulated side to follow flexion and extension patterns on the set side, thereby mirroring wrist movements of the normal side. This device also gives real-time graphical feedback on how the stimulated wrist is performing in comparison to the normal side. A study was performed on 25 normal volunteers to determine how closely wrist movements on the set side were being followed on the stimulated side. Graphical results show that there were minor differences, which were quantified by considering the peak angles of flexion and extension on the set and stimulated side for each participant. The mean difference in peak flexion and extension range of movement was 2.3 degrees and 1.9 degrees, respectively, with a mean time lag of 1 s between the set and the stimulated angle graphs.

Associations Between Fitness, Physical Activity, and Fatness in Preschool Children With Typical and Atypical Motor Coordination.

PurposeIncreased adiposity in children confers a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in later life, with low cardiorespiratory fitness strongly linked to poorer metabolic health. Children with motor coordination problems are likely to be less physically fit and at a higher risk of obesity. In this study, we examined the associations between aerobic and anaerobic fitness, device-measured physical activity, and body adiposity in children (aged 4–5 years) with typical and atypical motor coordination.MethodsBaseline data from the Coordination and Activity Tracking in CHildren (CATCH) cohort study were utilised. The assessments included aerobic and anaerobic fitness via time-to-exhaustion on Bruce treadmill test and normalised mean power on Wingate cycling test, respectively; light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and sedentary time via accelerometry; and body adiposity (%) via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2) was used to assess motor coordination and classify children as typically developing (TD, >16th percentile) or at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD, ≤16th percentile). General linear regression models were fitted to examine associations.ResultsThe analyses included 495 participants (5.0 ± 0.6 years, 56% male, and body adiposity 22.7 ± 4.2%). Aerobic fitness (β = −0.006, p < 0.001) and MVPA (β = −0.018, p = 0.045) were negatively associated with body adiposity when adjusted for age, sex, and MABC-2 score. There was no relationship between sedentary time and body adiposity. There were no interactions of sex or MABC-2 score with any variable.ConclusionLower aerobic fitness and MVPA were associated with higher body adiposity in preschoolers, regardless of motor coordination. Interventions targetting improved aerobic fitness and MVPA are therefore warranted in both TD and atypically developing preschoolers. Whether maintaining high aerobic fitness in children with possible DCD confers protection against obesity requires longitudinal investigation.

411 Essential role for the neurodevelopmental disorder-linked gene, MEF2C, in inhibitory neuron function and neurotypical behaviors

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The MEF2 family of transcription factors regulate gene expression controlling cell differentiation and synapse development. Mutations or deletions in the MEF2C gene cause a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we aim to study the role of MEF2C in GABAergic populations using an animal model. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome (MCHS) occurs when there is one functional allele and one disrupted allele of MEF2C. To study the role of MEF2C in GABAergic populations during mouse development, we bred Vgat (vesicular GABA transporter)-Cre mice, which express cre recombinase broadly in early developing GABAergic neurons, with a floxed Mef2c loss-of-function mouse to create offspring that are GABAergic cell-specific Mef2c heterozygous mutants (Mef2c cHetVgat-cre). We then subjected these mutants and littermate controls to a battery of tests measuring MCHS-relevant phenotypes, including spatial working memory, anxiety-like behavior, social preference, sensory sensitivity, and Pavlovian learning and memory. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Mef2c cHetVgat-cre mice showed significant deficits in spatial working memory, social preference, and contextual fear memory, all of which are prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent behaviors. Interestingly, we noted that conditional Mef2c knockout mice (Mef2c cKOVgat-cre) showed embryonic and early postnatal lethality, probable seizures, and severe motor coordination problems, highlighting the importance of MEF2C function in GABAergic populations. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We hypothesize that MEF2C plays a cell-autonomous role in GABAergic cells to control the balance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the developing and mature brain, which in the Mef2c cHet mice might be critical for PFC-dependent learning and memory and sociability.

Multi-professional and multi-agency model PLUSS to facilitate early detection and support of pre-school children with neurodevelopmental difficulties \u2013 a model description

BackgroundNeurodevelopmental difficulties, such as problems in social inter-relatedness, communication, motor coordination, and attention, are frequent in preschoolers and constitute a risk for later negative consequences. This article describes the development of a multi-professional and multi-agency model, PLUSS, to facilitate care and interventions for preschoolers with neurodevelopmental difficulties.MethodsThe PLUSS model was developed for children aged 1.5–5 years with a need for a further assessment of neurodevelopmental symptoms. The model is evaluated using a quasi-experimental study design along with qualitative interviews that study preschool teacher, and parent experiences of PLUSS. Outcomes of interest are a) implementation, b) effectiveness related to processes and multi-agency collaboration, c) capacity building among professionals, d) child-related outcomes with a longitudinal follow-up as well as d) parental wellbeing and satisfaction.ResultsThe model was launched in 2019 and so far, approximately 130 children have been assessed. Results from a pilot study with 62 children (27–72 months; boys: girls 2.65:1) show that the total mean SDQ score in parental rating was 15 ± 6 and in preschool teacher ratings 14 ± 7, exceeding the Swedish cut-off of 12. 54 parents have participated in parental training and rate high levels of satisfaction (mean score 4.5, max 5.0). In addition, 74 pre-school professionals have been trained in early signs of neurodevelopmental difficulties to facilitate early detection. Feedback from participants indicates high satisfaction with educational activities (mean score 4.2, max 5.0 = very satisfied).ConclusionsThe pilot study shows that the screening procedure can detect children with clinically significant problems. In addition, participant satisfaction is high in parent- and preschool teacher training. The longitudinal study approach enables both child follow-up and evaluation of interventions provided by the working model.Trial registrationClinical Trials 2021, PLUSS identifier, NCT04815889. First registration 25/03/2021.

Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Coordination and Variability in Children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder

Background and Aim: Evaluating variability can help to investigate the process underlying motor coordination problems. The current study aimed to measure motor coordination and its variability in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Moreover, the symmetry of motor coordination variability in these children and the relation between motor skills and variability were explored. Materials and Methods: After evaluating motor skills in children, aged 7-10 years using Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), 15 children with DCD and 20 non-DCD children performed a bilateral coordination task. Using motion capture system, motor coordination and variability were recorded and calculated by computing continuous relative phase and its standard deviation, respectively. Ethical Considerations: The study with an ethical code of IR.UT.SPORT.REC.1396030 was approved by Ethics Committee of Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of University of Tehran. Findings: Children with DCD showed significantly higher variability, while there was no significant difference between the groups in performing the coordination task. Moreover, the variability of motor coordination was found asymmetrical in children with DCD. Finally, more variability was shown to be accompanied with lower score in motor skills of the participants. Conclusion: The current study shows the necessity of employing assessments related to underlying process of movement coordination such as variability, which can help to provide more comprehensive understanding of motor patterns of children with DCD and the strategies that they adopt to execute and produce movement.

A Qualitative Meta-analysis of Perceptual-motor Problems in Visually Impaired People

Introduction: Perceptual motor activities improve motor skills and learning. These skills play an effective role in receiving, interpreting and responding to the sensory stimuli. This study aimed to identify perceptual-motor problems in visually impaired people. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted using a research synthesis method. Therefore, the analysis unit consisted of all the related scientific studies. With regard to the systematic research in internal and external databases based on the inclusion criteria, 1052 scientific studies were identified, and finally, according to the exclusion criteria, 71 studies were selected for the final analysis. To collect the required data, a researcher-made worksheet was used, and to ensure of the coding, two examiners were asked to reencode the findings. For data analysis, Roberts’ six-step research synthesis model with open and axial coding methods was used. Results: The results from this study led to the identification of 41 categories, which was eventually narrowed down to 14 codes of alternative concepts. The most common perceptual -motor problems of the blind were navigation, coordination of motor function, and balance disorders. Conclusion: Success in implementing educational programs and its effectiveness on the blind requires providing solutions in line with their most important problems in order of priority. Providing appropriate infrastructure, proper preparation regarding knowledge, skill and attitude among students and professors, as well as appropriate designing of educational programs for the blind prioritizing their navigation, motor coordination, and balance problems are suggested.

Diffusion kurtosis imaging study of childhood epilepsy with and without motor coordination problems

Diffusion kurtosis imaging study of childhood epilepsy with and without motor coordination problems

Cross-Sectional Associations Between Wake-Time Movement Compositions and Mental Health in Preschool Children With and Without Motor Coordination Problems.

Movement behaviors have been found to be important correlates of health for children and may be particularly important for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) who often experience greater mental health problems. To date, however, little research has investigated the daily movement composition of preschool children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and/or its association with mental health. The purpose of the current study was to: (1) examine whether differences in movement compositions (i.e., sedentary time, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) exist between typically developing (TD) preschool-age children and those at risk for DCD (rDCD); and (2) investigate associations between movement compositions and mental health indicators. This cross-sectional study used the baseline cohort data from the Coordination and Activity Tracking in CHildren (CATCH) study. A total of 589 preschool-age children (Mage = 4.94 ± 0.59 years; 57.4% boys) were included in this analysis, of which 288 scored at or below the 16th percentile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and were thus classified as rDCD. Wake time movement behaviors were measured using accelerometers and parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist to assess their child's mental health (i.e., internalizing and externalizing problems). Compositional data analysis techniques were used. After adjusting for potential confounders, the results demonstrated similar movement compositions between TD and rDCD children. Among the full sample, findings revealed a significant association between sedentary time and externalizing problems, however, each of the other associations did not reach statistical significance. These results are consistent with emerging evidence demonstrating similar patterns of physical activity and sedentary time among TD children and those classified as rDCD during the preschool years. Although movement behaviors explained little variance in mental health during this period, future research should investigate when movement compositions diverge, and how these changes may impact the mental health of TD children and those classified as rDCD later in childhood.

Mobile health applications for older adults: a systematic review of interface and persuasive feature design.

Mobile-based interventions have the potential to promote healthy aging among older adults. However, the adoption and use of mobile health applications are often low due to inappropriate designs. The aim of this systematic review is to identify, synthesize, and report interface and persuasive feature design recommendations of mobile health applications for elderly users to facilitate adoption and improve health-related outcomes. We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus databases to identify studies that discussed and evaluated elderly-friendly interface and persuasive feature designs of mobile health applications using an elderly cohort. We included 74 studies in our analysis. Our analysis revealed a total of 9 elderly-friendly interface design recommendations: 3 recommendations were targeted at perceptual capabilities of elderly users, 2 at motor coordination problems, and 4 at cognitive and memory deterioration. We also compiled and reported 5 categories of persuasive features: reminders, social features, game elements, personalized interventions, and health education. Only 5 studies included design elements that were based on theories. Moreover, the majority of the included studies evaluated the application as a whole without examining end-user perceptions and the effectiveness of each single design feature. Finally, most studies had methodological limitations, and better research designs are needed to quantify the effectiveness of the application designs rigorously. This review synthesizes elderly-friendly interface and persuasive feature design recommendations for mobile health applications from the existing literature and provides recommendations for future research in this area and guidelines for designers.

Exploring the effect of motor coordination on repetitive behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective: This study was conducted to explore the effect of motor coordination on repetitive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged 5–15 years. Methods: The study employed the causal-comparative design, one of the correlational survey designs. The study was carried out with data obtained from parents of 241 children with ASD. The parents were administered the measurement tools of Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2-Turkish Version to confirm the diagnosis of ASD, Demographic Information Form to obtain information about the child and the parent, Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised-Turkish Version to evaluate the repetitive behaviors, and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-07-Turkish Version to evaluate the motor coordination performance. The data were analyzed MANCOVA in the R package program. Results: The study results revealed that 72% of children with ASD had a risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The repetitive behaviors of children with and without DCD risk differed significantly. The severity and intensity of the repetitive behaviors of children with DCD risk were higher than those without DCD risk when age, gender, and comorbidity were taken under control. Conclusion: The motor coordination problems in children with ASD are effective on repetitive behaviors.