Motor Tests Research Articles

A cross sectional investigation of the development of rhythmic preferences with motor and perceptual tests

The preferred period hypothesis posits a slowing down of motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences with age, both reflecting an increase in the common internal oscillation period. This study further investigates the preferred period hypothesis by improving the measurement of perceptual rhythmic preferences through two tasks, tempo adjustment and tempo judgment, conducted in auditory and visual modalities. The study was conducted with three groups of children (5–6, 8–9, and 11–12 years old), and a group of young adults (21 to 30 years old) during the same time of the day. Correlational analyses show that the relationship between motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences strengthens between childhood and adulthood. Multilevel analyses reveal a general slowing down of motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences, contingent on the task and modality, with distinct trajectories for males and females. Our study indicate that the range of preferred rhythms narrows with age, becoming less variable in young adulthood, at the expense of a single and consistent, default rhythm. In brief, the preferred period appears only in young adults, with no support for the idea of a slowing down of an internal oscillation that would be reflected by both motor and perceptual rhythmic preferences.

Modeling the physical fitness of boys aged 15-17 in the process of arm wrestling training

The training of young athletes in arm wrestling is a complex process that requires the integration of scientifically grounded approaches to ensure high training efficiency. The features of age-related development in boys aged 15-17 create favorable conditions for improving strength and speed qualities. However, the absence of clear models for physical fitness complicates the optimization of the training process. Purpose of the Study: to develop a scientifically grounded model of physical fitness for boys aged 15-17, taking into account the specifics of arm wrestling and the individual characteristics of athletes’ development. Research Methods: to achieve the study’s goal, the following methods were used: analysis of scientific literature, empirical research of the physical parameters of boys, and mathematical modeling. Scientific Novelty: the study identifies data on the dynamics of the development of general and specific motor qualities, builds models for evaluating the results of motor testing of young arm wrestlers based on regression analysis, which allows modeling the relationship between the dependent variable (Y – evaluation scores on the DCOLIFK scale) and independent variables (X₁, X₂, ... Xn – quantitative results of motor testing). The adequacy of the constructed models during the pedagogical experiment was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²). Conclusion. The constructed models of the relationship between evaluation scores on the DCOLIFK scale and the quantitative indicators of motor testing enabled their interpretation, including an analysis of each regression coefficient and its impact on the dependent variable. The optimization of the models was carried out to determine the influence of each independent variable on Y, as well as to predict the level of physical fitness based on the results of motor testing.

Practical Work of Three-Phased Induction Motor Modeling in a Classical Spreadsheet Software

Remote teaching has been becoming increasingly important in higher education since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, fast and precise modeling of the main operating values of industrial systems is a key point for production and efficiency calculation. After a review of the main modeling equations of an induction motor, this paper proposes to include them in spreadsheet software in the form of practical work so that readers will improve their level in multiple competency fields, such as data processing, the use of spreadsheet software, deepening understanding of induction motors, classical induction motor testing, and modeling and the use of the models to solve classical electrical engineering issues. Furthermore, the fact that this work was designed to be conducted autonomously and asynchronously gives readers the feeling of freedom, which is very useful for developing their desire to progress by their own means and to do their utmost to succeed in their task. Finally, the provided Excel file, which includes an initial spreadsheet with gaps, allows readers to familiarize themselves with the concepts, experiment with them, and extend the base file to their own topics of interest. This work can serve as a proof of the readers’ ability to succeed in industrial modeling tasks and aid in their employment prospects.

Post-Stroke Recovery in Relation to Parvalbumin-Positive Interneurons and Perineuronal Nets.

There is a critical time window of post-stroke neuroplasticity when spontaneous behavioral recovery occurs. Potential factors responsible for this heightened plasticity are the reduction of parvalbumin-immunoreactive (PV+) interneuron inhibitory signaling and the disappearance of extracellular matrix synaptic stabilizers called perineuronal net(s; PNN/PNNs). This study investigated whether behavioral recovery during this critical period following stroke is associated with changes in densities of PV+ interneurons and PNNs. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats received forelimb motor cortex stroke (n = 43) using endothelin-1, or vehicle injections (n = 44). Cohorts of rats underwent a battery of motor tests and were sacrificed within the post-stroke critical window on day 1, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Using immunofluorescent labeling, PNNs (wisteria floribunda agglutinin; WFA+ cells), PV+ interneurons, and cells expressing both PV and PNNs were quantified in contra- and ipsilesional cortices to elucidate their spatial-temporal profiles following stroke. PV+ interneuron density decreased significantly at 1-day post-stroke in the lateral ipsilesional cortex, while the density of PNNs was significantly lower up to 4 weeks post-stroke in the lateral ipsilesional cortex and at 1 and 2 weeks post-stroke in the medial ipsilesional cortex. Reduction of combined PV+/PNN signaling coincided with spontaneous behavioral recovery. These results suggest that post-stroke behavioral recovery corresponds to an early reduction in PV+/PNN co-labeled cells in conjunction with an early temporally-dependent reduction in PV+ interneuron signaling and chronic disappearance of PNNs. Interventions targeting PNNs or PV+ interneuron signaling have significant potential for extending the critical window of recovery following stroke.

Processing and Testing Subscale Motors with Central Finocyl Grain Using Wax Mandrel

In solid propellant rocket motors, the design of grain port geometry primarily dictates the motor ballistic performance. The flexibility offered by the spatial variation of the port shape on motor performance is often discounted due to the requirement of complex mandrel shapes along with their associated manufacturing issues coupled with propellant processing constraints. Literature data indicate improvement in motor volumetric loading and stability by planned distribution of burn surface area along motor length. This paper deals with the realization and testing of a subscale motor with central finocyl-based grain geometry. A novel method of casting complex grain shapes in solid rocket motors using the wax mandrel technique is discussed. The wax mandrel preparation, propellant casting procedure, and wax mandrel removal setup are elaborated. Static testing results of the subscale motor with central finocyl port geometry are also presented as proof-of-concept. This work has demonstrated the feasibility of realizing solid rocket motor grains using the wax mandrel technique, which further enables realization of complex grain designs necessary to meet various mission requirements.

Somatosensory-Evoked Potentials and Clinical Assessments of Sensory Function Over Time in Patients With Subacute Stroke.

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) following median nerve stimulation for chronological assessment of sensory function in patients with subacute stroke during rehabilitation. Design: Retrospective study. Patients: Forty-seven patients with hemiparesis due to stroke during the subacute phase. Methods: We screened 363 patients who underwent SEP measurements at a rehabilitation hospital. Among them, 47 who underwent SEP measurements within 1 week after admission and at least 2 weeks after the initial assessment were included in this study. Sensorimotor assessments, including the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWMT), pain sensation, position sensation, two-point discrimination, and Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) motor tests simultaneously with SEP measurements were available for 20 of the 47 patients. The relationship between the SEP peak count and each sensorimotor assessment was examined. Results: SEP amplitudes and latencies showed no significant differences between the initial and second assessments (paired t-test, p > 0.05). However, the counts of SEP peaks after NI (N20) increased (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.05), indicating changes in the SEP waveform. Furthermore, strong correlations were observed between SEP peak counts, stage, and all functional assessments (counts and SWMT, RS = -0.77, p < 0.001; counts and pain sensation, RS = -0.71, p < 0.001; counts and position sensation, RS = 0.75, p < 0.001; counts and two-point discrimination, RS = -0.74, p < 0.001; stage and SWMT, RS = -0.74, p < 0.001; stage and pain sensation, RS = -0.69, p < 0.001; stage and position sensation, RS = 0.74, p < 0.001; and stage and two-point discrimination, RS = -0.75, p < 0.001; all Spearman's rank correlation coefficients). Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the retrospective study design, our study highlights the utility of SEPs for evaluating sensory function in patients with subacute stroke, setting the foundation for further investigations on the use of SEPs to assess functional changes in patients with subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation.

Novel robust control with disturbance rejection for permanent magnet synchronous motors and experimental validation.

A novel robust control strategy is proposed in this work to address the dynamic control problem of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) position tracking and lessen the effect of system parameter and load fluctuations on the dynamic performance of PMSM. The tracking performance is improved by a robust control element built with the Lyapunov method to reduce the impact of uncertain factors such as parameter uncertainty, nonlinear friction, and external interference; the nominal control element is stabilized by the dynamics model. The uniformly bounded and uniformly final bounded systems are proven, and the associated conclusions are provided using the Lyapunov minimax approach. In this work, modeling and experimental investigation are conducted using the cSPACE fast controller, based on the permanent magnet synchronous motor test platform. The results of the testing and simulation show that the developed controller can effectively regulate the permanent magnet synchronous motor and achieve more accurate position tracking even in the face of ambiguity.

Intracisternal AAV9-MAG-hABCD1 Vector Reverses Motor Deficits in Adult Adrenomyeloneuropathy Mice.

Worldwide, thousands of male patients who carry ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily D Member 1 (ABCD1) mutations develop adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) in mid-adulthood, a debilitating axonopathy of the spinal cord. Today AAV gene therapy brings the most hope for this orphan disease. We previously reported that an AAV9-MAG-hABCD1 vector injected intravenously in the neonatal period prevented the disease in 2-year-old Abcd1-/- mice, the AMN mouse model. In the current study, the same vector was injected intracisternally at 18 months of age, when about half of Abcd1-/- mice start losing balance and motricity. As soon as 1-3 months after vector injection, motor tests have evolved differently in treated and untreated (UT) mice. Six months after vector, treated mice (n = 24) had near-normal motor performances, whereas neurological state had deteriorated in UT mice (n = 34). In five white matter regions of the cervical spinal cord, hABCD1 expression at 24 months of age was present in 22% (18-27) of oligodendrocytes (OLs) and 22% (17-26) of astrocytes and not detected in neurons or microglia. Abundant hABCD1 expression was also observed in OLs and astrocytes in the cerebellum and brainstem and, to a lesser level, in the lower spinal cord, not in the dorsal root ganglia or brain cortex. In conclusion, the effect of the AAV9-MAG-hABCD1 vector at an early symptomatic stage of the Abcd1-/- mouse model paves a new oligotropic way for the gene therapy of AMN.

NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Altered Mitophagy Are Key Pathways in Inclusion Body Myositis.

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most prevalent muscle disease in adults for which no current treatment exists. The pathogenesis of IBM remains poorly defined. In this study, we aimed to explore the interplay between inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in IBM. The study population consisted of 38 IBM patients and 22 age- and sex-matched controls without a myopathy. Mean age was 62.9 years (SD = 9) in IBM group and 59.7 (10) in controls. Bulk RNA sequencing, Meso Scale Discovery electrochemiluminescence (ECL), western blotting, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed on frozen muscle samples from the study participants. We demonstrated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in IBM muscle samples, with the NLRP3 inflammasome being the most upregulated pathway on RNA sequencing, along with increased expression of NLRP3 and ASC proteins in IBM group. NLRP3 RNA levels most strongly correlated with TLR7 (correlation coefficient ρ = 0.91) and complement activation-related genes, and inversely correlated with several mitochondria-related genes among others. On muscle histopathology, there was increased NRLP3 immunoreactivity in both inflammatory cells and muscle fibres. Mitophagy is critical for removing damaged mitochondria and preventing the formation of a vicious cycle of mitochondrial dysfunction-NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Herein, we showed altered mitophagy, as witnessed by the elevated levels of p-S65-Ubiquitin, a mitophagy marker, in muscle lysates from IBM patients compared to controls (median of 114.3 vs. 81.25 ECL units, p = 0.005). The p-S65-Ubiquitin levels were most significantly elevated in IBM males compared to male controls (136 vs. 83.5 ECL units; p = 0.013), whereas IBM females had milder nonsignificant elevation compared to female controls (97.25 vs. 69 ECL units, p = 0.31). On muscle histopathology, p-S65-Ubiquitin aggregates accumulated in muscle fibres that were mostly Type 2 and devoid of cytochrome-c-oxidase reactivity. NLRP3 RNA levels correlated with p-S65-Ubiquitin levels in both sexes (males: ρ = 0.48, females: ρ = 0.54) but with loss of muscle strength, as reflected by the manual motor test score, only in males (males: ρ = 0.62, females: ρ = -0.14). Lastly, we identified sex-specific molecular pathways in IBM. Females had upregulation of pathways related to response to stress, which could conceivably offset some of the pathomechanisms of IBM, while males had upregulation of pathways related to cell adhesion and migration. There is activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in IBM, along with altered mitophagy, particularly in males, which is of potential therapeutic significance. These findings suggest sex-specific mechanisms in IBM that warrant further investigation.

Behavioral analysis of motor and non-motor impairment in rodent models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. While motor symptoms such as rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia/akinesia, and postural instability are well-recognized, non-motor symptoms including cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety also significantly impact patients' quality of life. Preclinical research utilizing animal models has been instrumental in understanding PD pathophysiology and exploring therapeutic interventions. Various approaches, including genetic manipulations and toxin-induced insults, aim to recapitulate both motor and non-motor aspects of PD in animal models. However, no single model fully replicates the complex spectrum of PD symptoms. Behavioral assessments play a crucial role in evaluating motor impairments in PD animal models, focusing on the manifestation of Parkinsonian motor phenotype. These assessments encompass locomotor activities, motor behavior abnormalities, and induced rotational behavior. Similarly, non-motor features are assessed through tests evaluating behavioral alterations such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Although numerous animal models of PD have been developed, including non-human primates and both mammalian and non-mammalian species, this review focuses on motor and non-motor testing methodologies in rodent models, which are the most commonly used. Emphasizing genetic and toxin-induced PD models in mice and rats, we highlight key testing strategies and the significance of each method in addressing specific research questions and interpreting experimental data. By providing a comprehensive overview of these testing approaches, this review aims to advance understanding and foster progress in PD research.

Contact heat evoked potentials reveal distinct patterns of spinal cord impairment in degenerative cervical myelopathy beyond MRI lesions.

Magnetic resonance imaging may suggest spinal cord compression and structural lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) but cannot reveal functional impairments in spinal pathways. We aimed to assess the value of contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) in addition to MRI and hypothesized that abnormal CHEPs may be evident in DCM independent of MR-lesions and are related to dynamic mechanical cord stress. Individuals with DCM underwent neurologic examination including segmental sensory (pinprick, light touch) and motor testing. The presence or absence of hyperintense signal on T2-weighted MRI (T2-positive/negative) was assessed. Phase-contrast MRI was used to assess spinal cord motion as an indicator of dynamic mechanical stress. Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials and CHEPs were recorded after stimulation of dermatomes C6, C8, and T4 (CHEPs only) to assess spinal cord integrity. Of 138 individuals included in this study (age 56 ± 13 years), 35% (N = 48) presented with T2-positive and 65% (N = 90) presented with T2-negative DCM. Abnormal CHEPs were present in T2-positive DCM (C6:41%; C8:32%; T4:24%) and T2-negative DCM (C6:35%; C8:54%; T4:26%). Multisegmental CHEP abnormalities at C6 and C8 were related to increased spinal cord motion (p = 0.030; ϵ2 = 0.072), and reduced upper extremity pinprick (p = 0.046; ϵ2 = 0.063) and motor scores (p = 0.005; ϵ2 = 0.108). CHEPs revealed distinct patterns of spinal cord impairment independent of structural T2-positive lesions, which were associated with measures of cord motion. CHEPs thus provide valuable complementary diagnostic insights into spinal cord integrity beyond MRI. This is especially important in incipient myelopathy to inform early diagnosis and timely interventions before the development of definite cord lesions.

Dorsolateral pontine lesions produce distinct ocular motor abnormalities with anatomical correlations.

The dorsolateral portion of the caudal pons contains the vestibular nucleus (VN) and inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) that play important roles in conveying and processing vestibular and ocular motor signals. This study aimed to characterize ocular motor abnormalities along with their anatomical correlations in dorsolateral pons (DLP) lesions. We analyzed clinical features, and results of neuro-otological evaluations and neuroimaging of 18 patients with unilateral DLP lesions (17 with DLP infarction and 1 with cavernous malformation) from among 506 patients with pontine infarction in a stroke registry. Most of the patients (n = 16) presented with isolated acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). The involved structures within the DLP were the ICP in four patients and the VN in the remaining 14. The unilateral ICP lesions were associated with consistent abnormalities in vestibular and ocular motor tests, including ipsilesional nystagmus without gaze-evoked nystagmus (GEN), and normal head impulse tests (HITs) and caloric response. In contrast, lesions of the VN were associated with a broader range of eye-movement abnormalities, including ipsi- or contralesional nystagmus with GEN, positive HITs, normal or abnormal caloric responses, and fixation nystagmus. Initial diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (within 48 h) was falsely negative in 41% (n = 7) of the DLP infarction cases. This study demonstrates that unilateral DLP lesions frequently present with isolated AVS and diverse ocular motor abnormalities. These characteristics may be due to the complex involvement of afferent or efferent fibers to and from the VN.

Iterative Fast Super-Twisting Flux Sliding Mode Observer for SPMSM with Tangent Quadrature Phase-Locked Loop

Traditional low-order flux sliding mode observer (FSMO) and quadrature phase-locked loop (QPLL) structures generally encounter issues such as estimated signal chattering and inadequate dynamic performance. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes an iterative fast super-twisting flux sliding mode observer (IFST-FSMO) and a tangent quadrature phase-locked loop (TQPLL) for sensorless control of surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs). Building on the traditional super-twisting algorithm (STA), the IFST-FSMO is proposed to accelerate convergence and enhance chattering suppression, which incorporates a linear term and utilizes the hyperbolic tangent function to replace the intrinsic sign function. Notably, the feedback matrix is redesigned to ensure the algorithm’s stability during speed reversal. Furthermore, an iterative calculation strategy is implemented under low-speed and light-load conditions, improving steady-state accuracy of estimated flux while avoiding increased computational burden at medium and high speeds. Regarding position estimation, a novel TQPLL with correction factor is proposed, utilizing the tangent function of the electrical angle error to achieve normalization and bandwidth adaptation. Ultimately, the proposed method is implemented on a motor test platform. Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the IFST-FSMO combined with TQPLL exhibits superior dynamic response and steady-state accuracy, while achieving efficient speed reversal.

The synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 attenuates cognitive and motor deficits and reduces amyloid load in 5XFAD Alzheimer mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline, with pathological features including amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and inflammation. Despite recent approvals of anti-amyloid antibodies, there remains a need for disease-modifying and easily accessible therapies. The endocannabinoid system presents a promising target for AD treatment, as it regulates various processes implicated in AD pathogenesis. This study assesses the effects of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 on AD pathology and behavior deficits in aged 5XFAD mice, a well-established AD model. Male 9-month-old 5XFAD mice received either 0.2 mg/kg WIN 55,212-2 or a vehicle solution for 42 days. Memory, anxiety, and motor tests were conducted at 10 months to identify potential changes in behavior and cognition following WIN 55,212-2 treatment. Additionally, the effects of prolonged WIN 55,212-2 treatment on Aβ pathology and neuroinflammation in the brain were quantified immunohistochemically. Therapeutic WIN 55,212-2 treatment improved the motor performance of 5XFAD mice on the rotarod and rescued memory deficits in the water maze. However, WIN 55,212-2 treatment did not significantly affect anxiety-like behavior in 5XFAD mice. Additionally, prolonged treatment with WIN 55,212-2 reduced Aβ plaque pathology and astrogliosis in the cortex and hippocampus. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of WIN 55,212-2 in AD by ameliorating cognitive and motor deficits and reducing neuropathology. These findings support a cannabinoid-based therapy as a promising strategy for AD treatment, with WIN 55,212-2 emerging as a potential candidate.

The Relationship Between Manual Dexterity and Toothbrushing Efficiency in Preschool Children: A Crossover Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral hygiene (OH) efficiency and manual dexterity skills in Spanish five-year-old children using two fine motor tests. A cross-sectional study with a pre-post evaluation was designed. The children's OH was measured according to the Silness and Löe plaque index (PI) before toothbrushing upon arrival at school (pre) and after supervised toothbrushing (post). Motor skills (children's dexterity) were determined with the Visual Motor Skills and Resistance to Fatigue test (VMSRF test) and the scale for the Behavioural Assessment of Preschool Skills (BAPS scale). Data were analysed with the SPSS® statistics software with a 95% confidence interval and bilateral significance. One hundred and twenty-nine children were evaluated. The mean PI was 2.5, indicating generally poor OH in the sample. No difference in OH was observed between genders or in the brushing frequency categories. No significant differences in OH or the PI were found between right- and left-handed children either (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found between the OH category pre and post toothbrushing in the total sample, as well as in the various sextants and surfaces evaluated. The results of the VMSRF and BAPS tests indicate moderate visuomotor skills and fatigue resistance and a poor average skill level. A statistically significant improvement in the PI was found in children with higher scores in the VMSRF and BAPS tests. A significantly higher OH efficacy was found in children with better motor skills, although five-year-old children showed moderate visuomotor skills and fatigue resistance and a poor average preschool skill level.

Association of Physical Fitness and Diet with Body Weight in Austrian Adolescents.

Physical fitness and diet along with body weight are key determinants of health. Excess body weight, poor dietary choices, and low physical fitness, however, are becoming increasingly prevalent in adolescents. In order to develop adequate intervention strategies, additional research on potential interaction effects of these entities is needed. Therefore, this study examined the combined association of physical fitness and diet with body weight in Austrian adolescents. A total of 164 (56% male) adolescents between 11 and 14 years of age completed the German Motor Test, which consists of eight items that assess cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance and power, speed and agility, flexibility, and balance, along with body weight and height measurements. Additionally, participants completed a standardized food frequency questionnaire. Spearman correlation analyses showed an inverse association between physical fitness and processed foods consumption (rho = -0.25, p < 0.01), while sweet consumption was positively associated with physical fitness (rho = 0.17, p = 0.03). No significant interaction effects between diet and physical fitness on body weight were observed. However, both higher physical fitness and greater sweet consumption were associated with lower body weight (p < 0.01). The present study emphasizes the independent and combined interactions of key correlates of health. It also suggests that high fitness may offset detrimental effects of poor dietary choices. In order to address potential health risks early in life and facilitate future health and well-being, it is important to monitor and control physical fitness, diet, and body weight during adolescence.

Changes in body composition revealed by bioelectrical impedance analysis reflect strength and motor performance in myotonic dystrophy type 2.

In myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), metabolic dysfunctions are frequent. Therefore, measurement of muscle mass and body composition by non-invasive methods could help in evaluating disease severity and progression. The aim of our study was to investigate, by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), whether DM2 patients have an alteration in their body composition and if this finding correlates with strength and motor performances. We obtained anthropometric measures, nutritional data, BIA and blood tests in 18 DM2 patients and correlated them with motor function tests. The 33% of male and 22% of female patients had BMI values compatible with severe obesity, whereas 44% of males and 33% of females had a metabolic syndrome. Considering BIA parameters, phase angle was under normal values in 56% of males and 89% of females. This may be regarded as a marker of deranged cell membrane function. Motor tests showed a fair to strong direct correlation with several BIA parameters. These data suggest that BIA findings may be faithful markers of the degree of muscle wasting and impairment in DM2. The different degree of BIA alterations between genders indicate that body composition undergoes sex-related modifications in this disease. The potential of this technique to capture changes in a slowly progressive disorder such as DM2 should be tested in longitudinal studies.

The effects of a four-month skateboarding intervention on motor, cognitive, and symptom levels in children with ADHD.

This study aimed to investigate whether a four-month skateboarding workshop can positively affect attention-focusing skills and postural control in terms of static and dynamic balance in addition to symptoms of ADHD in school-aged children (N = 58). Kinematic and kinetic movement analysis, attention-focusing tests as well as symptom questionnaires were employed to measure differences caused by the skateboarding intervention. A weekly skateboarding workshop was conducted with children diagnosed with ADHD which intended to encourage children to autonomously engage in physical activity. Group differences were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. A partial correlation was used to investigate possible relationships between the variables. A preceding analysis confirmed that children with ADHD perform statistically significantly inferior in the employed tests of balance and concentration ability than unaffected peers of the same age. The main analysis showed that after the skateboarding intervention, children with ADHD were able to improve cognitive and motor test performances as well as symptom expression significantly. Significant improvements were likewise found in the waitlist control group, these were however less pronounced compared to those of the skateboarding intervention group. The correlation analysis revealed that there is no reciprocal influence between cognitive and motor skills, nor between motor skills and ADHD symptomatology in the present patient group. Possible explanations are discussed. Skateboarding as a form of movement intervention can be considered an effective method for children with ADHD to deal with their symptoms and deficits. An intervention period of four months has helped children with ADHD discover and embrace an informal sport like skateboarding, thereby finding enjoyment in movement and practice a skill from intrinsic motivation. To retain the benefits, it is advisable to practice a sport on a long-term basis. Thorough conceptualizations to implement this type of therapy await further research.

Comparative Analysis Between Chinese Male And Female Judo Athletes From Amateur And Professional Level Through Various Motor Tests

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in anthropometrics and various motor skills in Chinese amateur and professional level judokas from different genders. For the investigation total of 37 athletes, amateur (male (n=10), aged 15.26±1.6), female (n=3), aged 16.27±0.7) and professional (male (n=17), female (n=7), aged 18+) Participating athletes underwent a comprehensive testing procedure, encompassing assessments for height, weight, a 30-meter sprint, 1RM Bench Press, 1RM Squat, Isometric Hold using Judogi, Ab Hold, and Biering-Sorenson Hold. The results showed that professional judokas were heavier than their amateur counterparts, and performed better in the 1RM bench press, 30-meter sprint as well as in the Ab Hold test. Overall, this study provides insight into the understanding of physical differences between amateur and professional level judokas, offering information that may have implications for further training and development of upcoming athletes in this sport.

PID control algorithm based on multistrategy enhanced dung beetle optimizer and back propagation neural network for DC motor control.

Traditional Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control systems often encounter challenges related to nonlinearity and time-variability. Original dung beetle optimizer (DBO) offers fast convergence and strong local exploitation capabilities. However, they are limited by poor exploration capabilities, imbalance between exploration and exploitation phases, and insufficient precision in global search. This paper proposes a novel adaptive PID control algorithm based on enhanced dung beetle optimizer (EDBO) and back propagation neural network (BPNN). Firstly, the diversity of exploration is increased by incorporating a merit-oriented mechanism into the rolling behavior. Then, a sine learning factor is introduced to balance the global exploration and local exploitation capabilities. Additionally, a dynamic spiral search strategy and adaptive [Formula: see text]-distribution disturbance are presented to enhance search precision and global search capability. The BPNN is employed to fine-tune both PID and network parameters, leveraging its powerful generalization and learning ability to model nonlinear system dynamics. In the simplified motor experiments, the proposed controller achieved the lowest overshoot (0.5%) and the shortest response time (0.012s), with a settling time of 0.02s and a steady-state error of just 0.0010. In another set of experiments, the proposed controller recorded an overshoot and response time of 0.7% and 0.0010s, across five DC motor tests. These results demonstrate the proposed adaptive PID control algorithm has superior performance in optimizing control system parameters, as well as improving system robustness and stability.