Movement Proficiency Research Articles

Increased trial-to-trial similarity and reduced temporal overlap of muscle synergy activation coefficients manifest during learning and with increasing movement proficiency

Muscle synergy analyses are used to enhance our understanding of motor control. Spatially fixed synergy weights coordinate multiple co-active muscles through activation commands, known as activation coefficients. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of motor learning, it is essential to understand how activation coefficients vary during a learning task and at different levels of movement proficiency. Participants walked on a line, a beam, and learned to walk on a tightrope—tasks that represent different levels of proficiency. Muscle synergies were extracted from electromyography signals across all conditions and the number of synergies was determined by the knee-point of the total variance accounted for (tVAF) curve. The results indicated that the tVAF of one synergy decreased with task proficiency, with the tightrope task resulting in the highest tVAF compared to the line and beam tasks. Furthermore, with increasing proficiency and after a learning process, trial-to-trial similarity increased and temporal overlap of synergy activation coefficients decreased. Consequently, we propose that precise adjustment and refinement of synergy activation coefficients play a pivotal role in motor learning.

Effects of the NeuroHAB Program on Low Back Pain and Oswestry Disability Index Scores: A Retrospective Wait-List Control Study.

Movement theory and the study of movement dysfunction mark a paradigm shift in the treatment of low back pain symptoms, the majority of which are mechanical in origin at the outset. Treating movement dysfunction centers around unified and consistent rehabilitation that defines proficient movement for the lumbopelvic spine. The purpose of this study is to document the improvement in pain and disability of 290 patients who underwent NeuroHAB Functional Movement Therapy to reverse their lumbopelvic movement dysfunction attributed to causing their back pain symptoms between 2019 and 2023. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were collected from each participant on three occasions: the first consultation, after a waiting period/pre-intervention, and after the eight-week intervention. A single-factor ANOVA of all three ODI data sets was conducted, along with supporting descriptive statistics. A post-hoc t-test pairwise comparison was conducted for accuracy. The average ODI 1 score (taken at the first consultation) was 15.26 ± 6.1% (CI: 14.3-16.2); ODI 2 (after a waiting period, before NeuroHAB) was 14.71 ± 6.0% (CI: 13.82-15.59); and ODI 3 (post-intervention) was 9.09 ± 8.6% (CI: 8.305-9.875). There was no significant change from ODI 1 to ODI 2 (between the consultation and waitlist control periods). However, a significant reduction between ODI 2 and ODI 3 was observed (pre- and post-intervention) (mean difference: 5.62, p ≤ 0.001), and a 40.41% reduction was observed between ODI 1 (the ODI score taken at the first consultation) and ODI 3 (the ODI score taken after NeuroHAB, post-intervention) (mean difference: 6.17, p ≤ 0.001). A 50% ODI reduction was reported in the "Crippled" category (mean difference 16.15, p ≤ 0.001). The inclusion of functional movement proficiency and stability in future guidelines is a necessary step towards meaningful improvement in epidemic levels of back pain-related clinical and economic morbidity.

Islamic content-based learning: Kindergarten illustrated narrative song "Lulu and Tom"

Music education during early life is crucial and has beneficial impacts on the development and maturation of children during this formative period. Music profoundly impacts young children as it fosters their cognitive capacities, language proficiency, motor skills, and imaginative thinking. Teachers must cultivate kids' gross motor abilities by providing opportunities for them to engage in movement activities and songs. This will enable children to experience movement and directly enhance their overall movement proficiency. This research aims to create songs inspired by Islamic illustrated stories that have been demonstrated to be valid and practical. The utilized development model is 4D, incorporating a Tessmer formative evaluation approach that encompasses needs analysis, product design, and assessment stages. The evaluation stages involve self-evaluation, expert review, one-to-one evaluation, and small-group evaluation. The data analysis technique employs walkthroughs, observations, and checklists. The research findings indicate that the average product and media validity is very valid. Three children were assessed individually during the one-to-one evaluation stage, whereas nine children were assessed together during the small group evaluation stage. The averages for the convenient category were derived from both stages. A practical method to cultivate a joyful ambiance during recreational pursuits is to engage in the auditory experience of music and singing. Songs can enhance children's language development, making the learning process easier. Thus, developing songs based on Islamic illustrated stories is pronounced valid, practical, and fit for use.

Etiology of Exercise Injuries in Firefighters: A Healthcare Practitioners' Perspective.

The purpose of this study was to query healthcare practitioners (HCPs) who treat firefighter injuries to identify risk factors and mechanisms associated with musculoskeletal injuries during exercise. A phenomenological design was utilized to understand the experiences of HCPs while treating firefighters' musculoskeletal injuries due to exercise. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 HCPs. Two interviews were pilot-tested with HCPs to ensure reliability and validity. Interviews were transcribed and uploaded to a qualitative analysis software program. Although the study inquired about injuries incurred by any exercise modality (e.g., endurance and resistance training), injuries induced during resistance training were prominent among HCPs as resistance training emerged as a primary exercise injury mechanism. HCPs indicated that the back and shoulder were prevalent anatomical exercise injury locations. Risk factors for exercise injuries included age, immobility, movement proficiency, and factors associated with fatigue. Exercise injury mechanisms included poor resistance training technique and overexertion. These findings could guide exercise program design, use of movement assessments, and the identification of other countermeasures to decrease the risk of resistance training exercise injuries among firefighters.

Associations of physical activity dose and movement quality with executive functions in socioeconomically disadvantaged children aged 5–6 years

BackgroundGrowing up in areas of high deprivation can negatively impact children's movement behaviours and cognitive development. Enhancing the quantity and quality of children's movement experiences is believed to enhance cognitive development. This study investigated the association of three different modes of movement assessment, movement proficiency and divergent movement ability (collectively understood as motor competence) and PA dose with executive function in a low socio-economic demographic. Demographics, motor competence, and a combination of motor competence and physical activity were hypothesized to be significantly predictor of executive functions. MethodIn this cross-sectional study, 360 children aged 5–6 years from deprived areas were assessed using three movement assessments: wrist-worn accelerometery for physical activity dose, Test of Gross Motor Development-3 for movement proficiency, and divergent movement assessment. Executive function, including inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, was measured using the NIH Toolbox on an iPad. Multiple linear regression models were designed to evaluate the independent and combined association of demographics, movement competence and physical activity variables with executive function. ResultsThe regression analysis, with demographic factors only, explained 12% of EF variance (r2 = 0.12 95%CI 0.06–0.18). In addition to this demographics the model with divergent movement explained 19% of EF variance (r2 = 0.19 95% CI = 0.12–0.28), the model with movement proficiency explained 16% of EF variance (r2 = 0.16 95% CI = 0.08–0.26) and the model with PA dose explained 13% of EF variance (r2 = 0.13 95% CI = 0.07–0.20). In these models both divergent movement and proficiency were significant predictors, whilst physical activity variables were not. The final models, combining motor competence and physical activity variables, explained 24% and 23% of EF variance (r2 = 0.24 CI = 0.14–0.33 and r2 = 0.23 CI = 0.14–0.32). In these models, motor competence variables were significant predictors, and only vigorous physical activity and Euclidean Norm Minus One emerged as significant PA dose predictors. DiscussionThese findings emphasise that motor competence and physical activity variables better predict executive functions when they are combined. When considered individually both motor competence variables were significant predictors of executive function whilst physical activity variables were not. Importantly, among the two movement competence facets, divergent movement assessment exhibited the strongest association with executive function. Future interventions should consider how to facilitate both movement and cognitive development in children. Future interventions should consider both the interplay of movement quality and quantity and the importance of environments that invite children’s exploratory movement behavior.

Motor Coordination in Children: A Comparison between Children Engaged in Multisport Activities and Swimming.

Motor coordination has a crucial role in various physical activities and sports, highlighting its significance in overall movement proficiency and performance. This study aimed to compare motor coordination in children engaged in multisport versus swimming activities. The participants of this study included 180 boys and girls (girls = 87) aged 8.25 years ± 0.89. A total of three groups were included: group 1 consisted of inactive children, group 2 included children participating in swimming, and group 3 included children enrolled in multisport. Motor coordination was assessed using the Kiphard-Schilling body coordination test, evaluated by motor quotient (MQ): walking backwards, hopping for height, jumping sideways, and moving sideways. Additionally, a total motor quotient (Total MQ) was calculated based on the performance in all four tests. ANOVA revealed a significant difference in Total MQ and all subtests between the groups (p < 0.01). A significant difference in Total MQ was found not only between the inactive and multisport groups (Diff = 19.8000; 95%CI = 13.1848 to 26.4152; p = 0.001) but also between the multisport and swimming groups (Diff = 12.8000; 95%CI = 6.3456 to 19.2544; p = 0.001). In conclusion, the results revealed that children involved in multisport activities exhibited significantly better motor coordination compared to both the swimming group and the inactive group. Therefore, to enhance the growth of motor coordination abilities, it is crucial that parents, instructors, and coaches encourage kids to engage in multisport physical activities on a daily basis.

Pengaruh Integrasi Latihan Gerak Dasar Pendidikan Jasmani terhadap Perkembangan Motorik Siswa SD diMasa Pandemi Covid-19

Basic movement proficiency (FMS) is most successfully acquired during the early school years. This happens at the beginning and after 2.5 years of primary school physical education. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of selected exercises on motor development in first year elementary school students in Jambi City, Indonesia. This research is semi-experimental in nature, carried out in the field and using experimental and control groups. The statistical population includes all first-year elementary school students in Jambi city (7523 students). Fifty-six of them were randomly selected (cluster stage) and then randomly divided into two groups: experiment (N=26, mean age=6.9 ± 0.55) and control (N=28, mean age). average = average = 6.9 ± 0.59). ). The experimental group was given training for eight weeks, 2 sessions per week and each session lasted 45 minutes. To measure motor development, the Test of Gross Motor Development edition 2 (TGMD-2) is used. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test and paired t-test. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the control and experimental groups regarding movement skills (8.637, P&lt;0.05). In fact, the integration of basic motion exercises in physical education has an impact on their motor development. By integrating basic movement exercises, it can be used as an appropriate plan to improve the development of movement skills in first-year elementary school students.

Low back pain oswestry disability index changes following 8-week movement proficiency exercise program – A retrospective cohort study

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a worldwide epidemic, with a prevalence rate of 75–84% in developed countries. With the prevalence increasing, health-care professionals must question current best practice guidelines. In 2014, spinal neurosurgeon and back pain rehabilitation specialist Dr. David Johnson developed a unique back pain rehabilitation program referred to as NearoHAB®. The program’s uniqueness is founded on the principle that effective rehabilitation must eliminate the root cause of pain symptoms. The NeuroHAB® 8-week Movement therapy program aims to reverse movement dysfunction by restoring central nervous system-derived motor patterns based on proficient spinopelvic biomechanics for bending activities of daily living. To date, no other rehabilitation methodology adopts a movement dysfunction cause-based clinical model for back pain symptoms or includes a framework for what healthy lumbar pelvic movement should resemble. Over the course of the 8-week program, each participant is gradually upskilled, developing new default movement proficiency and improved biomechanics, in efforts to downregulate pain, improve disability, and increase functional movement capacity, creating a positive feedback loop for further progress. The leading question of this study is “How does functional movement-based therapy impact chronic low back pain?” Ten sets of participant details were selected at random and retrieved from the NeuroHAB® 8-week program database of 2020. All participants presented with CLBP, and two oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were documented – the first at the beginning of the 8-week program, and the second after the NeuroHAB® intervention. ODI scores were collated and the pre- and post-program results were measured and compared quantitatively through a paired t-test to determine the statistical significance of improvement. Results showed a two-tailed P=0.05 indicating that there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-data (0.0024). The pre- and post-group intervention ODI means were 25.80 and 13.30, respectively, resulting in a difference of 12.50 (95% CI: 5.73–19.27); determining the mean data between the pre- and post-intervention decreased by 48.4496%. The results from this study support the alternative hypothesis, concluding an 8-week intervention of functional movement therapy represented by NeuroHAB® results in a significant reduction of LBP ODI scores.

The Technique Triad Theory

A common theme that has been recently perpetuated through the medical community is the oversimplification of injury science to the equation of load versus capacity and the disregard for the influence of movement quality. The Adaptation Model is based on the belief that one can recover and/or adapt to any stimulus or stress that is gradually applied as long as it does not breach the system’s capacity; and that, as humans, we can infinitely become better suited to our environment regardless of what this environment may entail. Many who support this hypothesis reject the importance of biomechanics, technique, and movement proficiency in regard to injury prevention and rather promote this idea of adaptation in isolation. Building capacity through many repetitions gradually involves neurophysiological adaptations that improve skill acquisition, neuromuscular efficiency, and technique. Therefore the “adaptation model” inherently involves an element of “technique” in itself. “Load” and “Capacity” play a key role in one’s ability to adapt, grow and perform at their best. However, this duality is incomplete without the 3rd pillar - technique. In order to maintain ideal movement proficiency and drive physiological adaptations, we must increase the load within the context of what our skill and technique will allow. Although technique quality is described often on a sliding spectrum-like scale, as requiring sufficient competency within certain fundamentals as a prerequisite to increasing load allows you to improve skill without increasing the risk of breaching your tissue tolerances. Increase load too quickly, and you risk sporadic and uncontrolled migration of forces onto parts of your body or tissue systems that do not yet have the required capacity to handle such stress. With the proper movement patterns ingrained and the appropriate dosage or load progressively challenging the capacity, the programming now reflects the intensity of such stimuli based on the athlete’s ability to recover from the fatigue debt created in training. As the programming progresses and the load is increased, capacity requires technique and the ability to move proficiently through the sport-specific movement. 1) Technique permits load because load requires technique, 2) Load challenges capacity because capacity dictates load and 3) Capacity requires technique because technique protects and maximizes capacity.

A novel therapeutic strategy against mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction-linked diseases.

Mitochondrial diseases result from a decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) that leads to a broad spectrum of incurable pathologies. Our goal was to understand whether membrane permeant small molecule(s) can be exploited to treat OXPHOS-related diseases as an alternative to gene therapy. Therefore, we selected some molecules for their ability to replace the redox functions of complex III and among them identified pyocyanin as a promising agent. Pyocyanin is a bacterial redox cycler that can shuttle electrons from reduced coenzyme Q to cytochrome c, acting as an electron shunt. Sub-μM dose of pyocyanin is harmless, restores respiration and increases ATP production in Ttc19-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as in fibroblasts from patients harboring pathogenic mutations in three different assembly/stabilization factors of complex III (namely, TTC19, BCS1L and LYRM7). The drug normalized the mitochondrial membrane potential, mildly increased ROS production, and triggered mitochondrial biogenesis. These in vitro effects were confirmed in both Drosophila melanogasterTTC19KO, in Danio rerioTTC19KD. Here we show that pyocyanin and its newly synthesized derivative with enhanced life-time and tissue distribution exhibited a benefit in Ttc19 KO mouse model as well. Indeed, in all these models, administration of low, non-toxic concentration of pyocyanin significantly ameliorated movement proficiency, without inducing toxicity. Likewise, pyocyanin, able to receive electrons from NADH, showed a beneficial effect also in the case of cells and mice with complex I disease. Our results point to exploitation of redox cyclers for therapy against diseases due to OXPHOS dysfunction.

Partly and Fully Supervised Physical Exercise Effects on Cognitive Functions and Movement Proficiency of Adolescents.

Over a period of 16 weeks the PSPEP group (n = 14) engaged in strength, balance and flexibility exercises three times per week with one supervised session and two unsupervised. The FSPEP group (n = 13) practiced dance activities for 2 to 4 days per week including in training sessions the same exercises as for the PSPEP group. Prior and after the study adolescents completed the PIU scale, performed movement proficiency and cognitive function tests. The PSPEP had significant effect on improvement of stress tolerance (p &lt; 0.01, g = 1.08), while the FSPEP had significant effect on contributing general intelligence (p &lt; 0.05, g = 0.90), color-word interference of the reading speed or color recognition (p &lt; 0.01, g = 1.33), short- and long-term memory (p &lt; 0.01, g = 1.72) and stress tolerance (p &lt; 0.05, g = 1.06). The PSPEP had significant effect on improvement of the bilateral coordination (p &lt; 0.01, g = 1.08). None of the two programs had effect on PIU. Engagement in PSPEP selectively contributed bilateral coordination and cognitive skills related to reaction to multiple stimuli. The FSPEP had multiple significant effects in improvement of cognitive outcomes.

Fundamental movement proficiency of Welsh primary school children and the influence of the relative age effect on skill performance – implications for teaching

ABSTRACT The primary aim of this study was to identify levels of fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency in primary school children. A secondary aim was to establish if these FMS proficiency levels differentiated between children born in different quartiles of the school year. The results demonstrated overall levels of FMS proficiency were low in both genders with significant differences in FMS proficiency established between genders on several of the skills. In addition, significant differences were shown with some FMS and quartiles of the school year in boys only. In summary, these findings suggest that there is a greater need for a clearer strategy or focus to promote and develop FMS proficiency within the primary school environment. It is also important, for PE teachers, and practitioners, to be aware of the effect of the RAE with FMS proficiency on development, assessment, and selection at this age.

Research on the Identification and Evaluation of Aerobics Movements Based on Deep Learning

A deep learning approach is used in this study to provide insight into aerobics movement recognition, and the model is used for aerobics movement recognition. The model complexity is significantly reduced, while the multi-scale features of the target at the fine-grained level are extracted, significantly improving the characterization of the target, by embedding lightweight multi-scale convolution modules in 3D convolutional residual networks to increase the local perceptual field range in each layer of the network. Finally, using the channel attention mechanism, the key features are extracted from the multi-scale features. To create a dual-speed frame rate detection model, the fast-slow combination idea is fused into a 3D convolutional network. To obtain spatial semantic information and motion information in the video, the model uses different frame rates, and the two-channel information is fused with features using lateral concatenation. Following the acquisition of all features, the features are fed into a temporal detection network to identify temporal actions and to design a behavior recognition system for the network model to demonstrate the network model's applicability. The average scores of students in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group in seven areas: set accuracy, movement amplitude, movement strength, body coordination, coordination of movement and music, movement expression, and aesthetics; the average scores of movement proficiency and body control in the experimental group were also significantly higher than those in the control group, but the differences were not significant. The differences between the eight indicators in the experimental group were not significant when compared to those in the preexperimental group, indicating that intensive rhythm training for students improves secondary school students' comprehension, proficiency, and presentation of aerobics sets.

Examining the Antecedent Role of Movement Proficiency in Child Development: Study Protocol.

Background: Decades of research, largely from associational studies, show that the relationships of movement proficiency with the cognitive and social aspects of development are particularly strong in early childhood. Children who move proficiently tend to have better cognitive skills and social behaviors. However, the mechanisms that underpin these relationships remain unclear and research that explores causation is necessary. This study will explore the antecedent role of movement proficiency in the cognitive and social domains of child development, by examining whether a targeted movement skills training program facilitates improvements in cognitive and social skills.Methods: A group-randomized controlled trial will be conducted, implementing a fundamental movement skills training program in Hong Kong kindergartens. Participants will consist of children aged 3–5 years (N = 158) who will be randomly allocated by class to either a training or active control condition. The training program (10 weeks × 2 bouts) will be informed by an error-reduced approach to skills learning, which will involve careful design and manipulation of equipment and training environment to minimize practice errors. The active control condition will consist of typical movement activities implemented in the kindergartens in the context of the local curriculum guide. Outcomes will be measured using standardized tests of gross motor skills proficiency, executive functioning, and social skills. Measurements will occur at baseline, mid-training, post-training, and follow-up. Latent variable longitudinal modeling will be used to analyze changes in the outcomes, with covariates that include sex, body composition, fine motor skills, and physical activity.Expected Results: The findings will subsequently be reported consistent with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement. Contributions to knowledge and understanding of child development are expected, through evidence of causal mechanisms surrounding the relationship of motor with cognitive and social development. The findings will also inform policy and practice related to early childhood development and education.

Prevalence of Movement Dysfunction in Female Collegiate Dancers

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a screening instrument developed to identify basic movement dysfunctions that may increase musculoskeletal injury risk potential. To date there are no published normative values for the FMS™ in dancers; consequently, this study sought to establish those values in addition to identifying the prevalence and nature of movement dysfunction in collegiate dancers. The functional movement proficiency of 111 collegiate dancers was determined using the FMS™, which provides three variables of interest: 1. FMS™ total score, 2. number of asymmetries (unequal performance of right and left sides), and 3. number of move- ment pattern dysfunctions. Total FMS™ scores ranged from 11 to 20 out of 21 possible points, with a mean of 16.42 (SD = 1.72). Forty-four percent of dancers presented with one or more asymmetries and 43% demonstrated one or more dysfunctional movement patterns. The active straight-leg raise was the most proficiently performed movement pattern, while the deep squat, hurdle step, and rotary stability were the least proficient. Functional Movement Screen outcome scores indicated that dysfunctional movement patterns and asymmetries exist in collegiate dancers. Additional research is needed to establish normative FMS TM scores for the different genres and levels of dance and establish the relationship between FMS™ scores and injury risk potential, and if that relationship is established, determine the efficacy of the FMS™ to develop intervention programs for injury prevention.

Variasi Latihan Groundstroke Forehand &amp; Backhand Dalam Bentuk Games Untuk Atlet Junior Tenis Lapangan

Tennis is one of the most popular sport branches which very attractive to people nowadays. However, the varied fundamental techniques have been burden for this sport as it is hard to learn in short period of time. Groundstroke forehand and groundstroke backhand are the two among basic techniques in order to prepare and create the accomplished athlete. In training program, variety innovations are needed, hence the exercise situation become more interesting and also avoid such boredom. The convenient training model for children development is based on play and stay concept. The research method used is development. The final product of this research is the variety of training which emphasizes on groundstroke forehand &amp; backhand exercise in the form of video by using games concept for junior tennis athlete. In tennis, presenting the training portion through playing concept to junior athlete (6-12 years old) is the exact option, because in that age, giving the proficiency and understanding of movement is easier to build. Delivering the training program within the support of technology will make it more focused and on target.

Exploiting pyocyanin to treat mitochondrial disease due to respiratory complex III dysfunction

Mitochondrial diseases impair oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production, while effective treatment is still lacking. Defective complex III is associated with a highly variable clinical spectrum. We show that pyocyanin, a bacterial redox cycler, can replace the redox functions of complex III, acting as an electron shunt. Sub-μM pyocyanin was harmless, restored respiration and increased ATP production in fibroblasts from five patients harboring pathogenic mutations in TTC19, BCS1L or LYRM7, involved in assembly/stabilization of complex III. Pyocyanin normalized the mitochondrial membrane potential, and mildly increased ROS production and biogenesis. These in vitro effects were confirmed in both DrosophilaTTC19KO and in Danio rerioTTC19KD, as administration of low concentrations of pyocyanin significantly ameliorated movement proficiency. Importantly, daily administration of pyocyanin for two months was not toxic in control mice. Our results point to utilization of redox cyclers for therapy of complex III disorders.

Functional Movement Proficiency’s Association to Actual and Perceived Motor Competence

The adoption of compensatory movement patterns occurs when limitations in mobility, stability, or motor control prevent proper motion from occurring. These dysfunctional movements may inhibit fundamental motor skill development and negatively influence perceived movement competence, impeding the development of physical literacy. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between functional movement and perceived and actual motor skill competence in young adolescents. Functional movement proficiency was determined using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™), which provides three variables of interest: (a) FMS™total score, (b) number of asymmetries, and (c) number of movement pattern dysfunctions. Perceived physical competence was assessed through the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile. Finally, the Get Skilled: Get Active process-oriented motor skill assessment was used to evaluate vertical jump, kick, run, and overhand throw proficiency. A significant positive correlation between FMS™total score and vertical jump performance was found. A positive relationship was also found between the number of asymmetries and overhand throw performance. The Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile constructs of body attractiveness and physical condition were positively associated with FMS™total score, and physical condition was also shown to be inversely related to the number of movement pattern dysfunctions. Results suggest that functional movement may underpin movement competence and confidence.

Electroencephalographic neurofeedback training can decrease conscious motor control and increase single and dual-task psychomotor performance

The control of human movements is thought to automize with repetition, promoting consistent execution and reduced dual-task costs. However, contingencies such as illness or constraints to regular movement patterns can promote conscious motor control, which can reduce movement proficiency and make dual-task situations more difficult. This experiment evaluated whether electroencephalographic neurofeedback training can reduce the adverse effects of conscious motor control. Twenty-five participants completed the timed-up-and-go task while wearing a leg brace to de-automize their regular movement, under both single and dual-task (walking + serial sevens) conditions, both before and after 30-min of neurofeedback training. Three different types of neurofeedback were prescribed across three laboratory visits. We hypothesised that training to decrease central EEG alpha-power at scalp sites above the supplementary motor area would facilitate performance compared to opposite (increase central EEG alpha-power) or sham neurofeedback training. Results revealed a pre-test to post-test improvement in performance on the single-task and on both aspects of the dual-task when participants were trained to decrease central EEG alpha-power. There were no benefits of opposite or sham neurofeedback training. Mediation analyses revealed that the improvement in dual-task motor performance was mediated by the improvement in cognitive performance. This suggests that the neurofeedback protocol was beneficial because it helped to reduce conscious control of the motor task. The findings could have important implications for rehabilitation and high-performance (e.g., elite sport) domains; neurofeedback could be prescribed to help alleviate the problems that can arise when individuals exert conscious motor control.

Multiple athletic performances, maturation, and Functional Movement Screen total and individual scores across different age categories in young soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in multiple athletic performances, and to examine associations between athletic performance and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in young soccer players. Forty-one soccer players were tested on peak height velocity (PHV), 5-, 10-, and 30-m sprint times, 505 change of direction (505 COD), Y-reactive agility tests, countermovement jump (CMJ), and squat jump (SJ) height. Significant main effects (P<0.01) were recorded in all tests except FMS total score whereas the U16 group outperformed U12 and U14 in almost each test. However, when the results were adjusted to the PHV 7 of 11 tests were nonsignificant. Significant associations were recorded between trunk stability push-up (TSPU) and 5 m (P=0.04) and 505 COD (preferred) times (P=0.01), and SJ height (P=0.03) in the U12. In the U14, significant associations were recoded between TSPU and SJ (P<0.01) and CMJ height (P=0.03). In the U16, significant associations were recorded between deep overhead squat and 5-m sprint time (P=0.02) and CMJ height (P=0.04). Results of this study indicate that athletic performance in young soccer players is multidimensional in nature, and it is a consequence of several factors including maturation, different training strategies, and movement proficiency.