Motor Coordination Research Articles

Strength Training in Children: A Systematic Review Study

Background: With the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity, physical activity and exercise have emerged as essential pillars of health promotion in childhood. In this context, schools play a fundamental role as key players in the implementation of interventions that promote healthy habits and a more physically active life. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the benefits of strength training in primary school students. Methods: The review was carried out using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement and a PICO strategy. The studies were selected according to different inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 11 scientific articles published in English during the last 5 years (2020–2024). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist. Results: The results suggest that strength training with elementary school students improves physical and motor performance variables, as well as cognitive, psychosocial and health variables. Likewise, it can be observed that plyometric strength-training methods and unilateral and combined programs with aerobic and motor skills training are highly effective and favor adherence to physical exercise. This also demonstrates the importance and necessity of developing motor coordination skills from an early age, since they represent a determining factor in strength training as the exercises become more specific and complex. Conclusions: In conclusion, implementing strength training programs in primary education confers several benefits at an integral level for the students and is crucial to improving the lifestyle and quality of life of students.

Effect of Relative Age on Gross Motor Coordination Development, Considering Biological Maturity and Sex

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of relative age on gross motor coordination (GMC) development, taking into account biological maturity and sex. Methods: 729 participants aged 10 to 16 years completed three GMC tests newly designed to minimize the potentially confounding effects of physical fitness. The tests included a Hand-Foot coordination test, Dribbling-Targeting test (DT test), and a T balance and agility test (T test). Relative age was determined using birth quartiles: BQ1 (January–March); BQ2 (April–June); BQ3 (July–September); and BQ4 (October–December). Regarding biological maturity, the participants were categorized according to their estimated peak height velocity (pre- and post-PHV). Results: Relative age did not significantly impact the overall GMC score. In contrast, biological maturity emerged as a significant determinant of GMC, with post-PHV participants outperforming their pre-PHV counterparts in the three tests (p < 0.001). The results also showed a significant main effect of sex in the DT and T tests, i.e., in tasks involving dynamic coordination and agility, with boys consistently outperforming girls (p < 0.001). Significant biological maturity × sex interactions in the DT and T tests also indicated an advantage of boys over girls with advancing biological maturity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: these findings highlight the importance of considering biological maturity and sex rather than relative age in GMC development from childhood through adolescence.

Effects of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment on age-related cognitive decline in C57 mice

Aging is associated with cognitive decline, and currently, there are no approved medications that can prevent these impairments. Recently, cannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa have emerged as promising therapeutic compounds with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties. Despite their benefits, further research is needed to fully understand their efficacy across various conditions. This study investigates the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on memory impairment and brain inflammation in aging mice. Fourteen-month-old C57 mice were administered CBD orally for 7 months and subsequently evaluated between 19 and 21 months of age using behavioral tasks that are sensitive to dysfunction of the perirhinal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and various brain regions that are crucial for motor control and coordination. The findings of this study indicate that CBD reduces inflammatory response in the brain and improves cognitive decline associated with aging.

Elongated tau in an ex-Gaussian decomposition of vocal articulation speed in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Slower and more variable reaction time is one of the most prominent cognitive signatures in childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, standard use of tasks that involve motor responses to index "speed" potentially confounds fine-motor coordination with central cognitive processing speed. One promising alternative is a vocal articulation task, which provides a measure of speeded performance that is independent of fine-motor coordination. The present study applies an ex-Gaussian decomposition to preparatory interval (the time to initiate a vocal response) and speech rate on a speeded articulation task among children aged 8-12 with and without ADHD (N = 119). There was substantial evidence that the tail of the distribution, as indexed by the tau parameter (which is linked to the rate of information accumulation), was larger in children with ADHD and among children with low working memory capacity (regardless of ADHD status). Variance in tau was also greater among children with ADHD, and the greater variance was not fully explained by individual differences in working memory. Results highlight the importance of adopting analytic methods that can more accurately describe performance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

THE RIGHT TO AUTONOMY: HOW LEGISLATION CAN SUPPORT THE INDEPENDENCE OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Autonomy is a fundamental human right that plays a pivotal role in the development of personal independence and empowerment. This is particularly important for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who often experience significant challenges that impede their ability to perform daily activities and make independent decisions. While autonomy is a universally recognized right, children with ASD frequently require specific accommodations and assistive technologies to support their independence in everyday tasks. Assistive tools, such as adaptive footwear, have shown to be vital in improving the mobility, comfort, and overall ability of these children to navigate their environments with greater ease. These tools can address sensory processing issues, motor coordination difficulties, and help children with ASD gain the independence they need to engage more fully in their daily lives. Public policies, educational frameworks, and legal structures are crucial in ensuring that children with ASD have access to the necessary tools and resources that foster their autonomy. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) represent significant strides in securing the rights of children with disabilities, but there are still gaps in the implementation of these laws, especially concerning the provision of assistive devices that cater specifically to the needs of children with ASD. This paper explores how public policies, school regulations, and legal rights can support the autonomy of children with ASD by facilitating their access to assistive tools that enhance independence, with a particular focus on adaptive footwear. The article reviews recent academic studies that discuss these issues and highlights the importance of strengthening legislative efforts to ensure that children with ASD receive the support they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Additionally, it examines the role of schools and caregivers in providing these necessary accommodations and the need for further training and resources to ensure proper implementation. The findings suggest that a more integrated approach, involving legal, educational, and healthcare systems, is necessary to provide children with ASD the tools they need for greater independence and societal participation.

Selection of Clinical Outcome Assessments for Trial Readiness in ARSACS - 2-year Progression and Responsiveness to Change Part 2: Mobility, Balance, and Lower Limb Coordination.

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is among the most prevalent types of recessive ataxia worldwide. Given the accelerated therapeutic advances for many ataxias, there is a need to improve trial readiness. This study aimed to document the progression of balance, lower limb coordination and mobility in adults with ARSACS according to their mobility stage (walker or not) over the trial-relevant time frame of two years, and responsiveness to change of related clinical outcome assessments (COAs). Sixty participants from two neuromuscular clinics (Saguenay and Québec City, Canada) were included. The COAs were the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT), Co-contraction index, 30-s Chair Stand test (30s-CST), Timed Up & Go test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10mWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence-simplified (ABC-S) scale. Responsiveness was documented using an anchor-based method with self-perception of the progression of related COA outcomes in the previous year. A significant progression above the standard error of measurement was observed for the TUG (+ 7.8s [24% compared with baseline]), 10mWT (-0.111 to-0.165m/s [-17 to -20%]), BBS (-4.3 points [-24%]), and ABC-S (-4.3 points [-15%]), with some differences between mobility stages; participants using a walking aid or wheelchair showed greater progression. The TUG, 10mWT, and BBS were the most sensitive to change in COAs, detecting changes specifically in participants who reported getting worse. These results are pivotal for defining inclusion criteria and selecting COAs for future clinical trials.

DESENVOLVIMENTO MOTOR EM CRIANÇAS COM SÍNDROME DE DOWN: O PAPEL DA FISIOTERAPIA NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE ATRASOS - REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Introduction: Down syndrome is characterized by significant motor alterations resulting from muscle hypotonia, compromising the acquisition of fundamental motor milestones for child development. Scientific evidence shows that the lack of adequate intervention compromises not only motor aspects, but also the cognitive and social development of these children, making early identification of delays and the implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies essential. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in identifying and managing delays in the motor development of children with Down syndrome. Methodology: Systematic review of the literature carried out in the BVS, PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using descriptors related to motor development, physiotherapy and Down syndrome. Ten studies published between 2019-2024 were selected, including randomized clinical trials, case studies and cohort studies, assessed for methodological quality by the PEDro scale. Results: The most effective physiotherapeutic approaches included the Bobath Method, muscle strength training, therapeutic massage, virtual reality, and supervised parental interventions. The studies demonstrated significant improvements in postural control, balance, motor coordination, and acquisition of independent walking. Early intervention was shown to be decisive in reducing delays in the acquisition of walking, with a positive correlation between parental involvement and therapeutic results. Conclusion: Physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in the identification and early intervention of motor development delays in children with Down Syndrome, promoting significant functional gains when implemented in the first months of life and associated with active family involvement in the therapeutic process.

May Patients with Chronic Stroke Benefit from Robotic Gait Training with an End-Effector? A Case-Control Study

Background: Gait and balance alterations in post-stroke patients are one of the most disabling symptoms that can persist in chronic stages of the disease. In this context, rehabilitation has the fundamental role of promoting functional recovery, mitigating gait and balance deficits, and preventing falling risk. Robotic end-effector devices, like the G-EO system (e.g., G-EO system, Reha Technology, Olten, Switzerland), can be a useful device to promote gait recovery in patients with chronic stroke. Materials and Methods: Twelve chronic stroke patients were enrolled and evaluated at baseline (T0) and at post-treatment (T1). These patients received forty sessions of robotic gait training (RGT) with the G-EO system (experimental group, EG), for eight weeks consecutively, in addition to standard rehabilitation therapy. The data of these subjects were compared with those coming from a sample of twelve individuals (control group, CG) matched for clinical and demographic features who underwent the same amount of conventional gait training (CGT), in addition to standard rehabilitation therapy. Results: All patients completed the trial, and none reported any side effects either during or following the training. The EG showed significant improvements in balance (p = 0.012) and gait (p = 0.004) functions measured with the Tinetti Scale (TS) after RGT. Both groups (EG and CG) showed significant improvement in functional independence (FIM, p < 0.001). The Fugl-Meyer Assessment—Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) showed significant improvements in motor function (p = 0.001, p = 0.031) and passive range of motion (p = 0.031) in EG. In EG, gait and balance improvements were influenced by session, age, gender, time since injury (TSI), cadence, and velocity (p < 0.05), while CG showed fewer significant effects, mainly for age, TSI, and session. EG showed significantly greater improvements than CG in balance (p = 0.003) and gait (p = 0.05) based on the TS. Conclusions: RGT with end-effectors, like the G-EO system, can be a valuable complementary treatment in neurorehabilitation, even for chronic stroke patients. Our findings suggest that RGT may improve gait, balance, and lower limb motor functions, enhancing motor control and coordination.

Loss of intracellular FGF14 (iFGF14) increases excitability of mature hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Mutations in FGF14, which encodes intracellular fibroblast growth factor 14 (iFGF14), have been linked to spinocerebellar ataxia type 27 (SCA27), a multisystem disorder associated with deficits in motor coordination and cognitive function. Mice lacking iFGF14 (Fgf14-/-) display similar phenotypes, and we have previously shown that the deficits in motor coordination reflect reduced excitability of cerebellar Purkinje neurons, owing to a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) current steady-state inactivation. Here, we present the results of experiments designed to test the hypothesis that loss of iFGF14 also attenuates the intrinsic excitability of mature hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Current-clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons in acute in vitro slices, however, revealed that evoked repetitive firing rates were higher in Fgf14-/- than in wild type (WT) cells. Also, in contrast with Purkinje neurons, voltage-clamp recordings demonstrated that the loss of iFGF14 did not affect the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation of the Nav currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons. In addition, in contrast with results reported for neonatal (rat) hippocampal pyramidal neurons in dissociated cell culture, immunohistochemical experiments revealed that loss of iFGF14 does not disrupt the localization or alter the normalized distribution of α-Nav1.6 or α-ankyrin G labeling along the axon initial segments (AIS) of mature hippocampal CA1 neurons in situ. However, the integrated intensities of α-Nav1.6 labeling were significantly higher along the AIS of Fgf14-/-, compared with WT, adult hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, consistent with the marked increase in the excitability of CA1 neurons with the loss of iFGF14.

A digital-embodied design for functional thinking in the classroom

ABSTRACT To address the challenge of teaching functional thinking (FT), this study proposed to ground mathematical reasoning in tactile experiences and investigated whether a digital-embodied design using nomograms enhances FT in a classroom setting. A teaching experiment was conducted with 39 9th-grade students across three 1-hour sessions, each dedicated to one aspect of FT: Input-Output, Covariation, and Correspondence. In Module 1, real-life contexts and application of function rules invite Input-Output thinking. In Module 2, bimanual coordination tasks with nomograms target Covariation. In Module 3, the transitions between different function representations focus on Correspondence. Data from pretests, posttests, classroom observations, and mini interviews demonstrated significant improvements on all aspects of FT, especially Covariation. Key design features—real-life context, bimanual coordination movements, real-time feedback, and various function representations—helped students bodily engage with functions, supporting smooth transitions from sensorimotor experiences to mathematical reasoning. In conclusion, integrating digital-embodied tools into classroom may support FT development.

Beat-aligned motor synergies and kinematic beat detection in street dance movements

Dance is a rich artistic expression that combines intricate human movements with music, emotion, and cultural elements. However, the analysis of complex dance movements poses significant challenges because of the lack of comprehensive motion capture data and efficient computational techniques for feature extraction. In the current study, we present a novel time-dependent principal component analysis approach for extracting beat-aligned motor synergies from large street dance datasets. Unlike existing methods, our technique accounts for the temporal variability induced by music beats, enabling an accurate representation of dance motion patterns. The extracted motor synergies, capturing both spatial and temporal patterns across motion segments and beat durations, were analyzed to gain insights into motor coordination, consistency, similarity, and variability across different dance genres. This analysis facilitates the understanding of complex dance movements by summarizing them in a low-dimensional subspace, elucidating the common elements and coordinated modalities among various dance sequences segmented based on the timing of music beats. Furthermore, we demonstrated that kinematic beat detection was improved by leveraging the first motor synergy activation, enabling more accurate beat alignment and synchronization with the music, a crucial factor in dance performance and analysis. The enhancement of beat estimation accuracy was verified through cross-validation comparisons of beat alignment scores. This work offers a novel computational approach to analyzing and extracting meaningful patterns from complex dance motions for a deeper understanding of the motor mechanisms inherent in dance genres, enabling new insights into the intricate dynamics of dance movements and their relationships with music influences.

Terra Incognita - Contributions of the Olivo-Cerebellar System to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The inferior olivary nuclei (ION), a key component of the olivo-cerebellar system, remain understudied in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research despite evident cerebellar involvement. This perspective piece aims to elucidate the critical role of the ION in cerebellar microcircuitry and its potential implications in ASD pathophysiology. We review the olivo- cerebellar system and the structural and functional alterations of the ION in autism, highlighting findings from neuroanatomical, neuroimaging, and behavioral studies. ION disruptions, although underexplored, may have a major role in the symptomatology of ASD, particularly higher-order cognitive abilities, rapid stimuli processing, and motor coordination. Specifically, we highlight how anomalies in olivary neuron morphology and olivo-cerebellar connectivity patterns may underlie deficits in temporal processing and motor learning observed in ASD. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges in brainstem imaging and recent advancements in ultra-high field (UHF) 7T MRI technology, as standard neuroimaging techniques. As these neuroimaging techniques continue to evolve, further investigation of the functional territories of the ION holds promise for providing essential understandings into ASD processes and may lead to pioneering therapeutic options targeting this crucial brainstem area.

Tangeretin Improves the Memory of Swiss Mice, Suggesting Potential Molecular Interventions Through Animal Behavior Assessments and In Silico Studies.

Tangeretin (TAN), a polymethoxylated flavone from citrus peels, exhibits neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate the memory-enhancing effects of TAN in Swiss mice and explore its potential molecular interactions with the D2 dopamine (DOP) receptor through in vivo behavioral assessments and in silico approaches. Swiss mice were administered TAN (10 and 20mg/kg), DOP (22mg/kg), and olanzapine (OLN) (2mg/kg), alone and in combinations per orally (p.o.), followed by cognitive assessments using marble burying, dust removal, and trained swimming tests. In silico studies included molecular docking against the D2 receptor (PDB: 6CM4), pharmacokinetics (SwissADME, pkCSM), and toxicity predictions (ProTox-3). TAN significantly (p<0.05) improved cognitive functions, including memory, anxiety, and motor coordination, in a dose-dependent manner, with 20mg/kg showing the most notable effect. The combination of TAN-10 with DOP-22 enhanced these benefits, whereas TAN-10 with OLN-2 reduced cognitive improvements. TAN-treated Swiss mice showed better performance in marble burying, dust removal, and trained swimming tests, indicating enhanced memory, problem-solving, and motor coordination. These results suggest TAN's potential in cognitive enhancement, particularly with DOP-22. No deaths were observed in any treatment group, and all treated animals exhibited normal physiological activity with no signs of acute toxicity. In silico studies revealed that TAN exhibited the strongest binding affinity (BA) (-6.6kcal/mol) with the D2 receptor, forming multiple hydrogen bonds (HBs), which indicates its potential mechanism for memory enhancement via dopaminergic modulation. Pharmacokinetic analyses also showed that TAN has favorable ADMET properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption, blood-brain barrier penetration, and low toxicity. These findings highlight TAN's potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for memory-related disorders, warranting further clinical exploration.

Longitudinal evaluation of open field and string-pulling behaviors in mice.

Longitudinal evaluation of open field and string-pulling behaviors in mice.

Functional interaction of electrical coupling and H-current and its putative impact on inhibitory transmission.

Functional interaction of electrical coupling and H-current and its putative impact on inhibitory transmission.

A musicalização no acompanhamento de crianças com transtorno do espectro autista: um relato de experiência

Objective: To report the experience of holding music workshops with children with ASD. Methods: This is an experience report on the use of music as a complementary therapy for children diagnosed with ASD. The activities were divided into the following stages: 1) Reception; 2) Identification and recognition; 3) Motor coordination and monitoring of the musical pulse; and 4) Closing. Results: It was possible to notice an evolution in the children's behavior throughout the sessions, with greater bond formation and promotion of cognitive and social development. The interactions promoted by the stimulus of music evolved increasingly, culminating in the formation of strong bonds between children and the team, in order to enhance the benefits observed in the period studied. Conclusion: The use of appropriate techniques to offer music intervention to children with ASD proved to be positive based on observation throughout the intervention. The positive impacts observed can contribute to stimulating further studies on the topic and the greater inclusion of music as an alternative therapy for ASD.

Colemanite and biological disruptions: Behavioral, neurological, and physiological findings.

Colemanite and biological disruptions: Behavioral, neurological, and physiological findings.

Protective effect of ginsenoside CK against MPTP-induced Parkinson' s disease mouse model by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota.

Protective effect of ginsenoside CK against MPTP-induced Parkinson' s disease mouse model by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota.

Chronic blue light exposure induced spatial anxiety in an adolescent mouse model: Per2 upregulation and altered brain resting-state functional activity.

Chronic blue light exposure induced spatial anxiety in an adolescent mouse model: Per2 upregulation and altered brain resting-state functional activity.

Discovery of potential Leonurine-based therapeutic lead MJ210 attenuates Parkinson's disease pathogenesis via NF-κB and MAPK pathways: Mechanistic insights from in vitro and in vivo rotenone models.

Discovery of potential Leonurine-based therapeutic lead MJ210 attenuates Parkinson's disease pathogenesis via NF-κB and MAPK pathways: Mechanistic insights from in vitro and in vivo rotenone models.