Motor Function In Adults Research Articles

Assessment of cognitive-motor functions in adults with perceived neuropsychological problems using NIH toolbox after remote biofield energy treatment as non-pharmacological intervention: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial.

Non-pharmacological interventions include physical activity, biofield energy therapy, reiki, Tai chi, and therapeutic touch. However, no reports analyzed the effectiveness of biofield therapy on cognition and motor function performance in adult subjects. The study aimed to investigate the impact of remote biofield energy healing therapy on cognition and motor functioning in adults with self-perceived neuropsychological impairments. This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial that involved 114 participants with self-perceived neuropsychological impairments. The participants were divided into three groups (control, sham control, and biofield intervention). Cognitive and motor function scores were assessed using the NIH Toolbox at baseline (day 0), day 90, and day 180. The biofield treatment group showed significant improvements in language function (p < 0.0001), working memory (p < 0.0001), and episodic memory (p < 0.0001) scores. Other cognitive functions also improved, although not statistically significant. The biofield intervention group also demonstrated significant enhancements (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001) in locomotion, standing balance, dexterity, grip strength, and muscle endurance. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that remote biofield energy therapy is a safe, noninvasive intervention that improves cognitive and motor functions in adults. Further research is needed to understand its clinical benefits.

Relationship between somatosensory and visuo-perceptual impairments and motor functions in adults with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit a variety of sensory impairments that can interfere with motor performance, but how these impairments persist into adulthood needs further investigation. The objective of this study was to describe the sensory impairments in adults having CP and how they relate to motor impairments. Nineteen adults having CP performed a set of robotic and clinical assessments. These assessments were targeting different sensory functions and motor functions (bilateral and unilateral tasks). Frequency of each type of impairments was determined by comparing individual results to normative data. Association between the sensory and motor impairments was assessed with Spearman correlation coefficient. Impairment in stereognosis was the most frequent, affecting 57.9% of participants. Although less frequently impaired (26.3%), tactile discrimination was associated with all the motor tasks (unilateral and bilateral, either robotic or clinical). Performance in robotic motor assessments was more frequently associated with sensory impairments than with clinical assessments. Finally, sensory impairments were not more closely associated with bilateral tasks than with unilateral tasks. Somatosensory and visuo-perceptual impairments are frequent among adults with CP, with 84.2% showing impairments in at least one sensory function. These sensory impairments show a moderate association with motor impairments.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Impact of an Exercise Therapy Program Based on Sports in People with Acquired Brain Injury: Discover Study Protocol.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) constitutes a significant and growing global public health concern. People with ABI often face a range of physical and psychosocial challenges that span the domains of "body structure and function", "activity", and "participation", as defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Multidisciplinary approaches based on exercise therapy with social leisure activities are essential to improve physical recovery and health-related quality of life after injury. Adults with ABI, aged > 18 years, in the subacute or chronic stage (within more than one month after the injury) will be recruited through a rehabilitation center. Adults will be randomized to receive either a racket sports-based exercise therapy program combined with usual care (sET) or usual care alone (UC) using a random number sequence with a 1:1 allocation ratio. sET intervention consists of an 8-week exercise therapy program focusing on different racket sports skills, 1 h in duration, 2 days/week. It will be delivered by a physiotherapist in tailored, face-to-face, group-based sessions. Primary outcomes will be the health-related quality of life (SF-36) and upper extremity motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity Scale). The study proposes an intervention that combines sports-based exercise therapy with usual care. It aims to determine whether this intervention improves the health-related quality of life and upper limb motor function in adults with ABI compared with usual care alone. The results of this study may have clinical implications for the rehabilitation of this population.

Evaluation of ALBA device for upper extremity motor function in adults with subacute and chronic acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial protocol in a tertiary clinic of the metropolitan region of Chile

IntroductionStroke is a significant worldwide cause of death and a prevalent contributor to long-term disability among adults. Survivors commonly encounter a wide array of motor, sensory and cognitive impairments. Rehabilitation...

An Exploration of the Effectiveness of Different Intensity Protocols of Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy in Stroke: A Systematic Review.

To examine the effectiveness of different modified Constraint-Inuced Therapy (mCIMT) protocol intensities on upper extremity motor function in adults with hemiplegia. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library for articles published between April 2010 and December 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Studies were excluded if they used a sample of less than five, mCIMT in combination with other therapy, and/or if they were not written in English. Methodologic quality was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration risk of bias tool-2. Thirty-six RCTs with a total of 721 participants were included. Most researchers followed a moderate to low protocol intensity in terms of total treatment time and moderate to high intensity with regard to restriction time. Almost all of the upper limb motor function measures showed statistically significant improvements (p < .05) after mCIMT, irrespective of the protocol's intensity, but there was lack of high-quality studies. Statistically significant improvements did not always translate to clinical importance. Low-intensity CIMT protocols may result in comparable improvements to more intensive ones but caution has to be taken when drawing conclusions due to high risk of bias studies.

Association of cerebellar volume with cognitive and motor function in adults with congenital heart disease

IntroductionPatients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for cognitive and motor function impairments, brain injury, and smaller total brain volumes. The specific vulnerability of the cerebellum and its role in cognitive and motor functions in adults with congenital heart disease is not well defined.MethodsForty-three patients with CHD and 53 controls between 18 and 32 years underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive, executive (EF), and motor function assessment. Cerebellar volumes were obtained using EasyMeasure and SUIT Toolbox. Associations between cerebellar volumes and cognitive and motor function were calculated using linear models.ResultsGeneral cognitive and pure motor functions were lower in patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Executive functions were within the normal range. While total cerebellar volumes and the anterior lobes were similar in patients and controls (P > 0.1), the posterior cerebellar lobe was smaller in patients with more complex CHD (P = 0.006). Smaller posterior cerebellar gray matter was not associated with cognitive functions. Smaller anterior cerebellar gray matter was not significantly related to motor functions (P > 0.1).ConclusionIn adults with CHD, cerebellar volume was largely unimpaired. Patients with more complex CHD may be vulnerable to changes in the posterior cerebellar gray matter. We found no significant contribution of cerebellar gray matter to cognitive and motor impairments. More advanced imaging techniques are necessary to clarify the contribution of the cerebellum to cognitive and motor functions.

Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation for Sensory and Motor Function in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: Proof of Concept

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> About 296,000 Americans have a spinal cord injury (SCI) resulting in reduced or complete loss of motor and sensory function, including loss of body awareness. The objective is to establish the proof of concept of using Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation (CMR), for sensory and motor improvement in adults with SCI. <h3>Design</h3> Single group, pre-post design. <h3>Setting</h3> Brain Body Mind Lab, University of Minnesota. <h3>Participants</h3> We recruited 3 men and 3 women, mean age of 52.00±12.22 years, 2-16 years after a complete (n=3) or incomplete (n=3) SCI injury, ranging from T6 to L2, with resulting paraplegia and neuropathic pain. Recruitment methods included fliers, recruitment letters, and posting of the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. <h3>Interventions</h3> A physical therapist, specialized in CMR treated the participants for 6 weeks (3x/week, 45min/session). CMR tasks help restore awareness of where the body is in space and restore sensory function through texture discrimination and discrimination of sponges that have varying resistance. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Outcome measures were recorded pre-therapy, post-therapy, and at 6 weeks follow-up. Sensory (pinprick, touch) and lower limb motor function were tested using the American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. <h3>Results</h3> Touch sensation (average change score of 4.50±3.75, effect size Cohen's d=0.71, moderate effect size); pinprick sensation (4.08±2.81, d=0.68, moderate effect size) and lower limb motor function (5.58±3.40, d=1.23, large effect size) improved after CMR compared to baseline. Both sensory function and motor function were maintained at the 6-week follow-up testing (average change score baseline to follow-up: touch=7.58±4.42, d=1.11, large effect size; pinprick=5.00±2.34, d=0.81, large effect size; lower limb motor function=6.50±3.29, d=1.56, large effect size). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The pilot study confirms the proof of concept that CMR can improve sensory and motor function. Further validation is needed. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflict of interests.

Sensitive-stage embryo irradiation affects embryonic neuroblasts and adult motor function

BackgroundCranial radiation therapy for treating childhood malignancies in the central nervous system or accidental radiation exposure may result in neurological side effects in surviving adults. As tissue homeostasis is maintained by stem cells, understanding the effect of radiation on neural stem cells will provide clues for managing the neurological effects. Drosophila embryos were used as a model system whose sensitivity to irradiation-induced cell death changes from the sensitive to resistant stage during development.ObjectiveDrosophila embryos at the radiation-sensitive stage were irradiated at various doses and the radiation sensitivity was tested regarding the appearance of apoptotic cells in the embryos and the embryonic lethality. Cell fates of the neural stem cells called neuroblasts (NBs) and adult motor function after irradiation were also investigated.ResultIrradiation of Drosophila embryos at the radiation-sensitive stage resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the number of embryos containing apoptotic cells 75 min after treatment starting at 3 Gy. Embryonic lethality assayed by hatch rate was induced by 1 Gy irradiation, which did not induce cell death. Notably, no apoptosis was detected in NBs up to 2 h after irradiation at doses as high as 40 Gy. At 3 h after irradiation, as low as 3 Gy, the number of NBs marked by Dpn and Klu was decreased by an unidentified mechanism regardless of the cell death status of the embryo. Furthermore, embryonic irradiation at 3 Gy, but not 1 Gy, resulted in locomotor defects in surviving adults.ConclusionEmbryonic NBs survived irradiation at doses as high as 40 Gy, while cells in other parts of the embryos underwent apoptosis at doses higher than 3 Gy within 2 h after treatment. Three hours after exposure to a minimum dose of 3 Gy, the number of NBs marked by Dpn and Klu decreased, and the surviving adults exhibited defects in locomotor ability.

Environmental Exposure to Manganese and Motor Function in Adults

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Santander, the capital of Cantabria, Spain (172,000 inhabitants) is 7 km from an industrial emission source of Mn (IES) located in a 10,000 inhabitants town (Maliaño) (annual arithmetic air Mn mean=231.8 ng/m3; reference WHO guideline=150 ng/m3). Our objective was to compare the motor function of adult healthy volunteers living in both places. METHODS: Cross-sectional study analyzing 130 consecutive participants: 95 women and 35 males, mean age 41.72; SD=14.0 years. Motor function was assessed by the Grooved Pegboard (GP) (the more seconds, the worse function) and by the Finger Tapping Test (FTT) (the less tappings, the worse function). Distance from the IES was categorized into “=1.5 km” versus “1.5 to 10 km from the IES”. For personal samplers (PS) and biomarkers assessment, exposures were dichotomous categorized according to medians (blood, hair and fingernails medians=9.58 µg/L; 185.31 and 555.28 ng/g respectively). RESULTS:Regarding GP, overall mean time to complete the test was 59.31 and 65.26 seconds (SD=10.11 and 11.69) for dominant and non-dominant hands respectively. Statistically significant higher times (indicating worse function) were observed when living near the IES in both hands (p = 0.024 and 0.014 respectively). Regarding Mn levels in their PS (in both bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible coarse&fine fractions) higher times were computed in participants with higher levels, but yielding statistical significance only for the bioaccessible-fine fraction. Regarding FTT, the mean number of finger tappings per 10 seconds was 68.27 and 60.25 seconds (SD=11.32 and 11.72) respectively. No statistically significant differences were found for exposure indices. Regarding biomarkers, statistically significant higher times in GP and lower tappings in the FTT were observed in participants with higher Mn Fingernails levels. CONCLUSIONS:Our results support poorer motor function as assessed by GP test according to exposure indices, especially in terms of proximity to IES and Mn Fingernails levels. KEYWORDS: Heavy metals, Neurodevelopmental outcomes, Neurodegenerative outcomes, Particulate matter, Biomarkers of exposure

Impact of Environmental Airborne Manganese Exposure on Cognitive and Motor Functions in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objective: Whether environmental exposure to Manganese (Mn) in adults is associated with poorer results in cognitive and motor function is unclear. We aimed to determine these associations through a meta-analysis of published studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify epidemiological studies on a population ≥18 years old exposed to environmental airborne Mn, and in which results on specific tests to evaluate cognitive or motor functions were reported. We consulted Medline through PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. We also performed a manual search within the list of bibliographic references of the retrieved studies and systematic reviews. To weight Mn effects, a random effects versus fixed effect model was chosen after studying the heterogeneity of each outcome. Results. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Among them, eleven studies reported data susceptible for meta-analysis through a pooled correlation or a standardized means difference (SMD) approach between exposed and non-exposed groups. Regarding cognitive function, the results of the studies showed heterogeneity among them (I2 = 76.49%, p < 0.001). The overall effect was a statistically significant negative correlation in the random effects model (pooled r = −0.165; 95%CI: −0.214 to −0.116; p < 0.001). For SMD, the results showed a lower heterogeneity with a negative SMD that did not reach statistical significance under the fixed effects model (SMD = −0.052; 95%CI −0.108 to 0.004; p = 0.068). Regarding motor function, heterogeneity (I2 = 75%) was also observed in the correlation approach with a pooled r (random effect model) = −0.150; 95%CI: −0.219 to −0.079; p < 0.001. Moderate heterogeneity was observed according to the SMD approach (I2 = 52.28%), with a pooled SMD = −0.136; 95%CI: −0.188 to−0.084; p < 0.001, indicating worse motor function in those exposed. Conclusions: Correlation approach results support a negative effect on cognitive and motor functions (the higher the Mn levels, the poorer the scores). Regarding the SMD approach, results also support a worse cognitive and motor functions in those exposed, although only for motor function statistical significance was obtained.

Motor-learning based activities may improve functional ability in adults with severe cerebral palsy: A controlled pilot study.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disturbance characterized by impaired control of movement. Function often decreases and 15% of adults are classified as severely affected (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale III-V). Little is known about interventions that aim to improve functional abilities in this population. To evaluate a 12-week intervention based on motor learning principles on functional ability in adults with severe CP. 16 adults (36±10 years, GMFCS III-V) were enrolled and divided into an intervention group (Active group) and a standard care group (Control group). Primary outcome measure was Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88). Secondary measures were neurological status. The Active group were measured at baseline, after the intervention and at one-month follow-up. The Control group were measured at baseline and after one month. Analysis showed statistically significant improvement in GMFM-88 for the Active group from baseline to post assessment compared with the Control group (group difference: 5 points, SE 14.5, p = 0.008, CI: 1.2 to 8.7). Improvements were maintained at follow-up. Results from the neurological screening showed no clear tendencies. The study provides support that activities based on motor learning principles may improve gross motor function in adults with severe CP.

Effects of kinesiotaping combined with the motor relearning method on upper limb motor function in adults with hemiparesis after stroke

IntroductionKinesio Taping (KT) is being widely used in neurorehabilitation as an adjuvant technique due to its therapeutic effects. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Kinesio Taping combined with the motor relearning method on upper limb motor function in adult patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. MethodsA quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test in a sample of 10 adult patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, randomly assigned in two groups: experimental (n: 5) who received 12 sessions of Kinesio Taping combined with the motor relearning method and a control group (n: 5) who only received 12 sessions of the motor relearning method. Motor function was assessed through the selective movement pattern scale for adult patients with upper motor neuron injury before and after each intervention. Resultsstatistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found when comparing the means of upper limb movement patterns of the experimental group. Conclusionsthe use of Kinesio Taping combined with the motor relearning method was encouraging for upper limb motor function in patients with spastic hemiparesis.

Motor outcome measures in patients with FKRP mutations: A longitudinal follow-up.

To test the hypothesis that we will be able to detect change in motor outcome measures over time in a cohort with mutations in FKRP. Individuals with documented FKRP mutations were evaluated annually with a battery of established motor outcome measures including limited quantitative myometry and timed function measures. Results were analyzed using random coefficient regression to determine annual change in each measure. Due to the nonlinear progression through the lifespan of the study participants, pediatric (<19 years) and adult (≥19 years) cohorts were analyzed separately. Effect of genotype was evaluated in each cohort. Sixty-nine participants (30 pediatric, 44 adult) with at least 2 evaluations were included. There was a small but statistically significant decline in timed motor function measures in both pediatric and adult cohorts. Genotype significantly affected rate of decline in the pediatric but not the adult cohort. Some pediatric patients who are homozygous for the c.826C>A mutation showed improving motor performance in adolescence. Performance on the 10-meter walk/run was highly correlated with other timed function tests. There is a slow annual decline in motor function in adults with FKRP mutations that can be detected with standard motor outcome measures, while the results in the pediatric population were more variable and affected by genotype. Overall, these analyses provide a framework for development of future clinical trials. The dystroglycanopathies natural history study (Clinical Trial Readiness for the Dystroglycanopathies) may be found on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00313677).

Prospective Cohort Study of Nusinersen Treatment in Adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The impact of nusinersen therapy on outcomes in adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) remains uncertain. To demonstrate whether nusinersen therapy, at currently prescribed doses, can stabilize or improve motor function in adults with SMA using existing outcome measures. A single-center prospective cohort study of 6 adults with SMA type 3, with inclusion/exclusion criteria intended to optimize the ability to demonstrate change using established outcome measures. Primary outcomes were the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE) and the Revised Upper Limb Measure (RULM). Secondary outcomes were the PedsQL Fatigue scale, the SMA Functional Rating Scale (SMAFRS), and the 6-minute and 10-meter walk tests (6 MWT and 10 MWT). Estimates of change in HFMSE and RULM mean scores across visits were calculated using a linear mixed effects model. Change from baseline was used for other outcome measures. HFMSE and RULM scores over 12 months were stable or improved in all participants, with a mean increase of 2 points in each. Other measures showed high intra-individual variability. Adverse events related to the primary diagnosis, including injury and infection, significantly impacted the ability to reliably perform walk tests in the four ambulatory participants. HFMSE and RULM show potential as responsive outcome measures of motor function in ambulatory and non-ambulatory adults with SMA type 3. A time-dependent accrual of benefit of nusinersen on motor function was apparent in this cohort. More sensitive alternative measures of quality of life, fatigue, exercise tolerance, stability and ADLs are clearly needed for adults with SMA.

Characteristics of selective motor control of the lower extremity in adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] We aimed to examine the relationship between gross motor function, selective motor control (SMC), range of motion (ROM), and spasticity in the lower extremities of adults with cerebral palsy (CP), as well as the proximal to distal distribution of SMC impairment in lower extremity joints. [Participants and Methods] We recruited 11 adults with bilateral spastic CP, ranging from levels I to III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). We evaluated participants according to the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE), ROM, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). We conducted the Friedman test to assess differences among the SCALE scores of each joint. The relationship between GMFCS level, SCALE scores, ROM, and MAS scores was assessed. [Results] The mean SCALE scores were lower for distal than for proximal joints. The SCALE scores of each leg showed significant inverse correlations with the GMFCS level. [Conclusion] SMC in adults with CP strongly influences gross motor function. SMC did not have a significant relationship with spasticity or ROM. SMC, ROM, and spasticity independently influenced gross motor function in adults with CP. SMC impairment in adults with CP was higher in distal than in proximal joints.

A Case Study on the Effectiveness of Two Virtual-Reality Interventions on Improving Upper-Extremity Motor Function in Adults After Stroke

Abstract Date Presented 04/06/19 An individual may face many challenges to recovery after stroke, particularly with regaining use of their upper extremity. Although repetitive task-oriented training is considered an optimal intervention in stroke rehabilitation, there is limited research using this type of treatment in a virtual context. The purpose of the study was to provide two virtual-reality interventions over four weeks to adults who were poststroke and measure their change in function in their affected upper extremity. Primary Author and Speaker: Tamara Mills Additional Authors and Speakers: Sara Buggelli Contributing Authors: Evan Brooks, Rayyan Bukhari, Veronika Marikovska, Emily McClean, Alyssa Sellers, Arrah Thomas

Forced, Not Voluntary, Aerobic Exercise Enhances Motor Recovery in Persons With Chronic Stroke

Background. The recovery of motor function following stroke is largely dependent on motor learning–related neuroplasticity. It has been hypothesized that intensive aerobic exercise (AE) training as an antecedent to motor task practice may prime the central nervous system to optimize motor recovery poststroke. Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the differential effects of forced or voluntary AE combined with upper-extremity repetitive task practice (RTP) on the recovery of motor function in adults with stroke. Methods. A combined analysis of 2 preliminary randomized clinical trials was conducted in which participants (n = 40) were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: (1) forced exercise and RTP (FE+RTP), (2) voluntary exercise and RTP (VE+RTP), or (3) time-matched stroke-related education and RTP (Edu+RTP). Participants completed 24 training sessions over 8 weeks. Results. A significant interaction effect was found indicating that improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) were greatest for the FE+RTP group (P = .001). All 3 groups improved significantly on the FMA by a mean of 11, 6, and 9 points for the FE+RTP, VE+RTP, and Edu+RTP groups, respectively. No evidence of a treatment-by-time interaction was observed for Wolf Motor Function Test outcomes; however, those in the FE+RTP group did exhibit significant improvement on the total, gross motor, and fine-motor performance times (P ≤ .01 for all observations). Conclusions. Results indicate that FE administered prior to RTP enhanced motor skill acquisition greater than VE or stroke-related education. AE, FE in particular, should be considered as an effective antecedent to enhance motor recovery poststroke.

Brain–Computer Interface With Functional Electrical Stimulation Training for Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation Performance Outcomes

Abstract Date Presented 3/31/2017 A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a 6-wk brain–computer interface with functional electrical stimulation (BCI–FES) therapy in improving upper-extremity (UE) motor function in adults poststroke. Data suggest BCI–FES therapy is promising for UE rehabilitation poststroke. Primary Author and Speaker: Samantha Evander Elmore Additional Authors and Speakers: Laura Kiekhoefer, Jessica Abrams, Rebecca Vermilyea Contributing Authors: Dorothy Farrar-Edwards, Muhammad Al-Heizan, Brittany Young, Alexander Remsik

Article update.

The Journal of PhysiologyVolume 595, Issue 11 p. 3679-3679 Article updateFree Access Article update This article corrects the following: Spinal inhibition and motor function in adults with spastic cerebral palsy E. G. Condliffe, D. T. Jeffery, D. J. Emery, M. A. Gorassini, Volume 594Issue 10The Journal of Physiology pages: 2691-2705 First Published online: March 17, 2016 First published: 26 March 2017 https://doi.org/10.1113/JP273893 Linked articles: This article updates an earlier article by Condliffe et al. To read this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1113/JP271886. AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Following the publication of Condliffe et al. 2016, a participant with cerebral palsy (CP-7) was considered for re-diagnosis to Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis after her child presented with similar bilateral, lower-extremity spastic motor impairments. Motor unit (PSF) profiles during cutaneomuscular reflexes were not included for participant CP-7, but data for surface EMG responses were reanalysis of the surface EMG data with CP-7 excluded revealed that differences between the CP and NI groups remained significant. In addition, the association between spinal inhibition (I1max and I1ave) and motor function (GMFCS, FMSTOTAL and MVC) within the CP group also remained significant with similar correlation coefficients. Updated values for Table 2 are presented below with changes underlined. The original values are also presented for comparison. We also noted that there was a mistake in our transposition of some values for I1 onset and cutaneomuscular reflex termination which are also now corrected and underlined. Updated Table 2: changes underlined Reflex components CP NI P-value I1max −35.9 −69.5 <0.001 (Δ % BKD EMG) (−66.7 – 68.0) (−87.7 – −30.3) I1ave −26.1 −48.6 0.001 (Δ % BKD EMG) (−46.3 – 0.0) (−63.6 – −21.7) I1 onset (ms) 52.8 57.4 0.40 (40.7 – 76.6) (43.3 – 70.9) Cutaneomuscular reflex termination (ms) 292.1 290.4 0.90 (175.0 – 672.6) (186.8 – 449.1) Original Table 2 for comparison: Reflex components CP NI P-value I1max −36.1 −69.5 <0.001 (Δ % BKD EMG) (−66.7 – 68.0) (−87.7 – −30.3) I1ave −26.4 −48.6 0.001 (Δ % BKD EMG) (−46.3 – 0.0) (−63.6 – −21.7) I1 onset (ms) 58.4 57.4 0.98 (40.7 – 60) (43.3 – 70.9) Cutaneomuscular reflex termination (ms) 286 273 0.30 (89 – 825) (152 – 449) Reference Condliffe EG, Jeffery DT, Emery DJ & Gorassini MA (2016). Spinal inhibition and motor function in adults with spastic cerebral palsy. J Physiol 594, 2691– 2705. Volume595, Issue111 June 2017Pages 3679-3679 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Medicine in spine exercise (MiSpEx) for nonspecific low back pain patients: study protocol for a multicentre, single-blind randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundArising from the relevance of sensorimotor training in the therapy of nonspecific low back pain patients and from the value of individualized therapy, the present trial aims to test the feasibility and efficacy of individualized sensorimotor training interventions in patients suffering from nonspecific low back pain.Methods and study designA multicentre, single-blind two-armed randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a 12-week (3 weeks supervised centre-based and 9 weeks home-based) individualized sensorimotor exercise program is performed. The control group stays inactive during this period. Outcomes are pain, and pain-associated function as well as motor function in adults with nonspecific low back pain. Each participant is scheduled to five measurement dates: baseline (M1), following centre-based training (M2), following home-based training (M3) and at two follow-up time points 6 months (M4) and 12 months (M5) after M1. All investigations and the assessment of the primary and secondary outcomes are performed in a standardized order: questionnaires – clinical examination – biomechanics (motor function). Subsequent statistical procedures are executed after the examination of underlying assumptions for parametric or rather non-parametric testing.DiscussionThe results and practical relevance of the study will be of clinical and practical relevance not only for researchers and policy makers but also for the general population suffering from nonspecific low back pain.Trial registrationIdentification number DRKS00010129. German Clinical Trial registered on 3 March 2016.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1645-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.