Partial Η2 Research Articles

Accelerometer-based and self-reported physical activity of children and adolescents from a seasonal perspective.

Many children and adolescents in Europe are insufficiently physically active, which makes the advancement of children's physical activity a critical health promotion target. However, there are some environmental factors, such as the amount of daylight, weather conditions, temperature, and precipitation levels, which might influence physical activity behavior. The purpose of this study was to assess accelerometer-based and self-reported daily physical activity of children and adolescents in Luxembourg, during autumn/winter as well as during spring/summer, and to examine if there is a seasonal influence on the physical activity behavior. At two measurements, one in autumn/winter and one in spring/summer, physical activity of N = 137 (59.12% females; M = 12.37 years) participating children and adolescents aged 10-18 years was objectively undertaken via an accelerometer (ActiGraph) and subjectively assessed using, among others, one item of the MoMo physical activity questionnaire. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant seasonal effect on moderate to vigorous physical activity per day [F(1.000, 135.000) = 7.69, p < 0.05, partial η² = 0.054]. More minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day were accrued in spring/summer than in autumn/winter. The mean difference scores between the accelerometer-based and the self-reported physical activity at the two time periods, T1 and T2, correlated significantly (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). According to these results, children and adolescents are less physically active in autumn/winter than in spring/summer. However, the discrepancy between the accelerometer-based and the self-reported physical activity remains stable over the two measurements. Therefore, schools, sports clubs, and communities should offer special physical activity programs for the colder season.

Impact of social network composition on cognitive decline: Digital Dementia Registry Bavaria (digiDEM Bayern).

Currently, there is no curative treatment for dementia. The implementation of preventive measures is of great importance. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and address individual and modifiable risk factors. Social isolation, defined through social networks, is a factor that may influence the onset and progression of the disease. The networks of older people are mostly composed of either family or friends. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of social isolation and network composition on cognition over the course of 12 months in people with cognitive impairment. Data basis is the multicentre, prospective, longitudinal register study 'Digital Dementia Registery Bavaria-digiDEM Bayern'. The degree of social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale- Revised (LSNS-R) and the degree of cognitive impairment using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), conducted at baseline and after 12 months. Data were analysed using pre-post ANCOVA, adjusted for baseline MMSE, age, gender, education, living situation and Barthel-Index. 106 subjects (78.9 ± 8.2 years; 66% female) were included in the analysis. The mean MMSE score at baseline was 24.3 (SD = 3.6). Within the friendship subscore, risk for social isolation was highly prevalent (42.5%). Though, there was no difference between individuals with higher/ lower risk of social isolation within the friendship-network after adjusting for common risk factors in cognitive decline over time, F (1,98) = .046, p = .831, partial η2 = .000. The results of this study showed that the risk of social isolation from friends is very high among people with cognitive impairment. However, social isolation does not appear to have a bearing influence on the course of cognition. Nevertheless, it is important for people with cognitive impairment to promote and maintain close social contacts with friends.

The Influence of Body Posture on the Mirror Neuron System

Though the mirror neuron system (MNS) is studied in the scientific community, the influence of the body posture on the functioning of the MNS, as well as on the excitatory and inhibitory system of the brain, has not been revealed yet. In our study, we investigated the functioning of the MNS in case of head rotation. Participants underwent a session of the mirror task, while they were observing movements of the little finger and the index finger of a static hand in three head positions (left, straight and right), combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that was applied at various time intervals. Results showed significant interactions between the movement type and the targeted muscle (F[1,113–16,688] = 9.47, MSE = 56296.14, p = .006, partial η2 = .39). This indicates a robust increase in the activation of the First Dorsal Interosseous (FDI) muscle during the index finger movement (p = .01) and the neutral movement (p .001) observation compared to the little finger movement. Conversely, a significant inhibition of the Abductor Digiti Minimi (ADM) muscle activity was observed during the index finger movement compared to neutral (p = .026). A reversed effect emerged during the little finger movement observation, with higher activation for the ADM muscle and inhibition of the FDI muscle (p = .037). These findings suggest an intricate interplay between MNS activation and muscle activation, indicating an increase in muscle activity corresponding to the observed finger movement and simultaneous inhibition of the muscle not involved in the observed movement.

A multimodal group-based immersive virtual reality intervention for improving cognition and mental health in patients with post-covid-19 condition. A quasi-experimental design study.

Adults with Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) may show cognitive impairments in attention, processing speed, memory, and executive function. Multimodal programs that combine cognitive training, physical activity and emotional tasks, such as mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), may offer a suitable alternative for improving PCC treatments. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a promising technology that can enhance traditional cognitive training, physical activity, and MBIs. The use of IVR technology may increase engagement with these interventions and potentially enhance the individual benefits of cognitive training, exercise and MBIs. The current study evaluated the impact of a multimodal IVR intervention, comparing this with a usual care intervention (control group), in order to assess changes in cognition and mental health in adults with PCC. We also aimed to assess user experience factors such as enjoyment, perceived improvement, and fatigue following each multimodal IVR session within the experimental group. Thirty-one participants with PCC symptoms were assigned to either the experimental group (IVR, n = 15) or the control group (usual care intervention, n = 16) in a quasi-experimental design study. The multimodal IVR intervention consisted of MBI, cognitive training and physical exercise and was delivered in a 60-min group session with 5 participants, twice a week, for 8 weeks (16 sessions in total). Measures of global cognition, attention, processing speed, verbal episodic memory and subjective memory complaints (primary measures), and depressive and anxiety symptoms and fatigue (secondary measures) were assessed at baseline and also after 8 weeks (post-intervention). Mixed between-group (group) and within-group (pre-post assessments) ANOVAs revealed significant group*time interactions in global cognition, simple attention, processing speed, memory and depressive symptoms, with large effect sizes (p < 0.05; partial η2 > 0.14). There was also a marginally significant group*time interaction for executive function (p = 0.05). Follow-up analyses comparing pre-and post-intervention outcomes for each group separately showed that the experimental group significantly improved in global cognition, processing speed, memory and depressive symptoms, while the control group showed no significant pre-post changes. Friedman tests showed a significant main effect of time (χ2(2) = 6.609, p = 0.04), with a gradual increase in enjoyment from the first, to the mid, and then to the final session. In addition, perceived improvement scores remained high throughout the intervention, and patient-reported fatigue levels did not fluctuate significantly throughout the intervention. To our knowledge, no previous research has combined cognitive training, physical exercise and MBI using an IVR paradigm in adults with PCC. Despite their inherent limitations, our findings mark a pioneering step toward improving cognition and mental health outcomes in PCC through the innovative use of new technology and multimodal approaches. This first study should be accompanied by more extensive, randomized clinical trials aimed at further exploring and refining these interventions.

EFFECT OF INSTRUCTIONAL COMPUTER ANIMATION ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENT IN CELL BIOLOGY CONCEPT IN OYO TOWN

This Study adopted a pretest-posttest, control group, quasi-experimental design. The research study covered four purposively selected secondary schools from two local government areas in Oyo town, One hundred and ten students of both gender(male and female) were inclusive and the topics covered was Cell Biology in the Senior Secondary Biology Curriculum was taught using the conventional method of teaching and computer animation. Three instruments were used for the study: Biology Achievement Test (r=0.78) this reliability index was obtained using kuder-Richardson Analysis. Three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance. The result revealed that there is a significant main effect of treatment on students’ achievement in Biology(F(1,109) = 8.47; p&lt; 0.05, partial η2 = 0.77) the students exposed to Instructional Computer animation performed better with the higher adjusted post- biology achievement test mean score (19.88) while the Control group had the least adjusted post- biology achievement Test mean scores (17.99). It was found that gender had no significant main effect on students’ achievement in biology, so the null hypothesis was accepted. Based on the result of the study, it was recommended that schools should adopt Instructional Computer Animation in teaching to make learning more effective, real and to improve the achievement of senior secondary school students’ in Biology.

Predictive Relationship between Achievement Goals, Perceived Teacher Support, Academic Disidentification and Mathematics Achievement

In the present fast-paced world, where technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines cannot be overstated. Mathematics, one of the prominent components of STEM subjects, forms the bedrock of innovation and problem-solving skills primary in solving real world challenges. Despite the importance, the overall pass rate for many students is below par. The trend remains worrisome in the Kenyan schools and particularly Kisii County; Kenya. It is on this premise that this study explored the predictive relationship between achievement goals, students’ perceived teacher support, academic disidentification and mathematics achievement. The study embraced the revised achievement goal (3×2), self-determination, and expectancy value theories. A correlational design was adopted. The target population comprised of all the form three students in Kisii County in 2023. Stratified sampling was used to select the 37 schools that took part in this study. Alongside, simple random sampling was used to obtain the 418 participants. The study’s hypothesis was tested using multiple linear regression analysis. The study established that approach valence subscales of achievement goals and autonomy and competence subscales of perceived teacher support have a predictive (positive) value on mathematics achievement whilst avoidance valence, devaluing and discounting negatively predicts mathematics achievement. Across the three school categories, co-educational schools were associated with avoidance motivation. The differences were statistically significant (F (12, 822) = 4.977, p&lt; .0005; Pillai’s V = .135; partial η2 =.068). This study advocates for mathematics teachers to inculcate approach motivation whilst teaching and learning mathematics particularly targeting co-educational schools since they comprise majority of the students across the Kisii County, Kenya as remedy to the worrisome trend of poor mathematics achievement.

READ TO SUCCEED: HOW BOOK CLUBS CAN IMPROVE INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS AND FOSTER AGE FRIENDLINESS IN COMMUNITIES

Abstract Intergenerational programming is recommended to improve age friendliness in communities, but there is little empirical research to support its effectiveness (Canedo-García et al., 2017). This project examined whether a multimodal intergenerational book club challenged age stereotypes and reduced ageism among participants (N=41). Twenty-one older adults (61-82) and 20 younger adults (18-22) read A Man Called Ove and met three times to introduce themselves (Time 1) and discuss the book (Time 2 and 3). Before the first meeting and after subsequent meetings, participants completed a survey to assess ageist beliefs and stereotypes. We expected ageist beliefs and stereotypes to decrease across time during the book club program. There was a statistically significant interaction between age group and time on benevolent ageism F(2, 52)= 5.23, p= .009 , partial η2= .167, such that benevolent ageism was more endorsed in younger adults (M=6.64, SE= 2.48, p= .011) compared to older adults at Time 1. This difference was not observed at Time 2 or Time 3 due to younger adults’ decreased overall endorsement. For positive generational stereotypes about older adults, there was a statistically significant main effect of time, F(2, 52)=7.095, p=.002, partial η2= .214, such that both younger and older adults increased their endorsement of these stereotypes from Time 1 to Time 3; similar findings occurred for positive stereotypes about younger adults F(2, 46)=4.53, p=.016, partial η2= .165. Results indicate intergenerational book clubs are an effective means to improve intergenerational relations and reduce ageist attitudes in younger adults.

In search of a marker of altered cerebrovascular function in hypertension: Analysis of the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in UK Biobank resting state fMRI data

The selfish brain mechanism proposes that in some patients with impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebrovascular function, hypertension may develop as a compensatory mechanism that aims to maintain CBF by increasing systemic blood pressure through an increase in cardiovascular sympathetic tone. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the resting state blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI signal has been previously posited as an index of cerebrovascular reactivity.We investigated whether regional fractional ALFF (fALFF) differs between 2054 hypertensives and 1724 normotensives using data from the UK Biobank dataset. Our primary hypothesis was that cerebrovascular function in the medulla and other regions involved in sympathetic regulation differs between hypertensives and normotensives, and that this is reflected by regional variations in fALFF.There is a significant regional variation in fALFF (F(14) =1126.17, p < 2 × 10−16, partial η2 = 0.22), but this regional variation does not differ between hypertensives and normotensives (F(14) = 0.23, p = 0.99, partial η2 = 8 × 10−5).Prospective longitudinal studies of cerebral haemodynamics in hypertensives and normotensives are required to further investigate the selfish brain mechanism.

Worst Case Scenarios in Soccer Training and Competition: Analysis of Playing Position, Congested Periods, and Substitutes

ABSTRACT Aim: To understand mean (WCSmean) and peak (WCSpeak) worst case scenarios within training and game play in male professional soccer. Methods: Thirty-one (n = 31) first team players were monitored across 37 matches and 14 MD-3 sessions. Playing status was distinguished, football drills analyzed, and performance explored in long-period: >6 days, moderate-period: 5–6 days, and congested-period: ≤4 days. Relative total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD, >19.8 km·h−1), sprint distance (SD, >25.2 km·h−1), accelerations/decelerations (A+D, >3 m·s−2), accelerations (Acc, >3 m·s−2), and decelerations (Dec, >−3 m·s−2) were measured as well as Maximum acceleration (Max Acc; m·s−2) and deceleration (Max Dec; m·s−2). Results: Analysis of variance found differences between matches and training in WCSmean for TD, HSRD, SD, and Max Dec in all positions (p < .001; partial η2 > .275). Fullbacks displayed differences between match and training in Max Acc (moderate ESs; p < .001), while center backs and central midfielders in Max Dec (large ESs; p > .05). Main effects of playing status were discovered for all metrics except Max Dec (p < .001; partial η2 > .124). Analysis showed differences between long- and congested-period for A+D and Dec (large ESs; p ≤ .05). Conclusions: Findings provide more insights into short peak intensity demands of soccer showing that the maximum high velocity action of acceleration and deceleration is not being replicated in training. Nonstarters lack maximum intensity exposure in matches (WCSpeak) increasing the gap between training and competition even higher during congested fixture periods.

Perception of Affordances in Female Volleyball Players: Serving Short versus Serving to the Sideline

ABSTRACT Purpose: We investigated youth volleyball players’ perception of affordances for different types of serves. Methods: Participants were separated into Less Experienced (n = 13, maximum of 3 years of competitive volleyball experience) and More Experienced (n = 11, minimum of 4 years of competitive volleyball experience) groups. In the Sideline Condition, participants were asked to report the narrowest gap, relative to either the left or right sideline, into which they could serve the ball. In the Short Condition, participants were asked to report the narrowest gap, relative to the net, into which they could serve the ball. Participants then attempted to serve into their reported gaps. Results: The proportion of successful serves was greater for the More Experienced group than for the Less Experienced group, but a statistically significant interaction revealed that this was true only when performing sideline serves. As expected, reported servable gaps were larger for the Short Serve condition (M = 3.66 m, SD = 0.67 m) than for the Sideline Serve condition (M = 1.93 m, SD = 0.71 m), F(1, 22) = 80.45, p < .001, partial η2 = 0.79. Conclusions: Our study extends previous work to a different sport (volleyball) and to different sport-specific actions (serving the ball). The finding that perceived minimum servable gap sizes were larger for short serves than for sideline serves is consistent with differences in the constraints operating on the two types of serves in the context of game play.

Effect of aerobic exercises on patients with chronic mechanical low back pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundChronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP) is one of the most prevalent and costly disorders. Determining its most effective treatment approach is a priority for researchers. PurposeTo examine the effects of including aerobic exercise within a conventional therapy regimen for young adults with CMLBP. MethodsFifty CMLBP patients (22 males and 28 females) were randomly and equally assigned to one of two groups to receive the prescribed treatment for 8 weeks. The control group received the traditional program only (infrared, ultrasound, burst TENS, and exercises); for the experimental group, an aerobic training program using a stationary bicycle was added. Back pain intensity was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the Oswestry disability index, back extensor endurance measured by the Sorensen test, and physical performance indicated by the back performance scale and the 6-min walk test. A Two-way MANOVA was used for data analysis. ResultsMultivariate tests revealed statistically significant effects of group (p = 0.002, partial η2 = 0.182), time (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.928), and group-by-time interaction (p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.149). Univariate group-by-time interactions were significant for back disability (p = 0.043), extensor endurance (p = 0.023) and results of the 6-min walk test (p = 0.023) showing greater improvement in the experimental group. However, back pain intensity and the back performance scale revealed no significant group-by-time interactions. Within-group comparisons were significant for all measured variables in both groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionAlthough a traditional program of infrared, ultrasound, TENS, and exercises is beneficial for CMLBP treatment, adding aerobic exercises to the program leads to more beneficial outcomes.

Increased volume of the left hippocampal dentate gyrus after 4 weeks of bright light exposure in patients with mood disorders: a randomized controlled study

Bright light exposure (BL) induces neurogenesis in the rat hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). We had previously conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which a 4-week period of BL in healthy participants resulted in increased volume of the left DG-head. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BL on the DG in patients with mood disorders. A 4-week RCT was conducted in which patients with mood disorders were randomly assigned to either a BL group (10,000 lx) or dim light exposure group (DL group; 50 lx). All patients underwent clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after the intervention. The study registration number is UMIN000019220. Our final sample included 24 patients (BL group, n = 12; DL group, n = 12). A significant effect of time and group was detected in the volumes of the left DG-head (F (1, 22) = 11.6, partial η2 = 0.35, p = 0.003) and left DG-total (left DG-total = left DG-head + left DG-body; [F (1, 22) = 6.5, partial η2 = 0.23, p = 0.02]). Additionally, the BL group demonstrated a significant increase in the volume of the left DG-head (95% CI: −5.4 to −1.6, d = 1.2, p = 0.002) and left DG-total (95% CI: −6.3 to −1.5, d = 1.06, p = 0.005) as well as a positive correlation between the percentage change in the volume of the left DG-total and the percentage change in the scores of the mood visual analog scale (r = 0.58, p = 0.04). In conclusion, our study results suggest that compared to DL, BL leads to a significantly greater increase in the left DG volume in patients with mood disorders. This increase in the left DG volume may be associated with mood improvement in the patients.

Dyadic typology of illness perceptions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Serodiscordant couples

ObjectiveIllness perceptions direct coping resources in the illness adaptation process. Previous studies regarding illness perception profiles have been conducted at the individual level, without considering the couple as a unit. This study aimed to investigate the dyadic topologies of illness perceptions in HIV-serodiscordant couples and the association between the identified profiles and individual- and couple-level outcomes. MethodsA comprehensive examination was undertaken, encompassing 231 Chinese HIV-serodiscordant couples, who voluntarily participated in this cross-sectional study during the period spanning June to October 2022. To discern various patterns of illness perception, dyadic latent profile analyses were performed, followed by the implementation of one-way analyses of variance to investigate outcome differences at both the individual and couple levels across the identified profiles. ResultsWe identified three distinct profiles of illness perception, namely the incongruent-but-low, congruent-but-high, and incongruent-and-high profiles. Except for the partner's sex (p < .01, Cramer’ v = 0.214) and the education levels of persons living with HIV and their partners (both p < .01, Cramer’ v = 0.236 for persons living with HIV and 0.198 for partners), no significant demographic differences across the various profiles were found. Furthermore, we observed significant differences in all outcomes among the different couple profiles (all p < .001). These differences were of medium-to-large magnitudes (partial η2 values ranging from 0.07 to 0.22). ConclusionA couple-centered typological approach provides a useful way of identifying the couple's configuration of illness perceptions, which will inform the provision of tailor-made treatment for couples with different profiles.

A Mindful Alternative to Screen Time: The Short-Term Effects of a Breath-Focused Mindfulness Exercise vs. Unstructured Smartphone Screen Time on Heart Rate Variability and Relaxation

Introduction: Many smartphone users spend hours daily on unstructured screen time leisure activities including social media, games, and videos. Given that many users express a desire to cut back on this habit, it is important to test the relative physiological and emotional benefits of alternative activities, such as mindfulness meditation, as daily practices for relaxation and restoration. Methods: This study tests the immediate effects of unstructured mobile phone screen time vs. practice of a brief mindful breathing meditation exercise on heart rate variability (HRV, a common measure of healthy resting physiological activity) and self-reported states of relaxation. Participants (171 female university students) were randomly assigned to 15 minutes of unstructured screen time (i.e., use phones in a manner consistent with typical daily use) or a mindfulness induction (i.e., a guided meditation recording focused on mindfulness of breathing). Results: Consistent with hypotheses, HRV showed greater increases relative to baseline in the mindfulness condition than the screen time condition (High-frequency HRV, partial η2 = .14, p &lt; .001; Root Mean Square of Successive Differences, partial η2 = .053, p = .002). Subjective relaxation increased in both conditions (partial η2 = .47, p &lt; .001); however, mindfulness produced greater increases in relaxation over time than unstructured screen time (partial η2 = .089, p &lt; .001). Conclusions: Mindfulness was superior to unstructured screen time at increasing physiological and subjective markers of relaxation. Results suggest that repurposing smartphones to facilitate mindfulness practice though guided meditation apps may be a more effective method of promoting physiological and emotional well-being than more ubiquitous unstructured smartphone use.

Direct and indirect effects of error monitoring on social functioning in a cohort with high-risk and first-episode psychosis

Error monitoring plays a key role in people's adjustment to social life. This study aimed to examine the direct (DE) and indirect effects (IDE) of error monitoring, as indicated by error-related negativity (ERN), on social functioning in a clinical cohort from high-risk (APS) to first-episode psychosis (FEP). This study recruited 100 outpatients and 49 healthy controls (HC). ERN was recorded during a modified flanker task; social functioning was evaluated using the social scale of global functioning. The path analysis was executed using the “lavaan” package. When controlling for age and education, the clinical cohort had a smaller ERN than the HC group (F1, 145 = 19.58, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.04–0.22). ERN demonstrated no substantial direct impact on current social functioning; however, it manifested indirect influences on social functioning via the disorganization factor of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, both with (standardized IDE: −0.139, p = 0.009) and without (standardized IDE: −0.087, p = 0.018) accounting for the diagnosis, defined as a dummy variable (FEP = 1 and APS = 0) and included as a covariate. These findings suggest that error monitoring, as indicated by ERN, may serve as a potential prognostic indicator of social functioning in patients with psychosis.

Shape configuration of mental targets representation as a holistic measure in a 3D real world pointing test for spatial orientation

Deficits in spatial memory are often early signs of neurological disorders. Here, we analyzed the geometrical shape configuration of 2D-projections of pointing performances to a memorized array of spatially distributed targets in order to assess the feasibility of this new holistic analysis method. The influence of gender differences and cognitive impairment was taken into account in this methodological study. 56 right-handed healthy participants (28 female, mean age 48.89 ± 19.35 years) and 22 right-handed patients with heterogeneous cognitive impairment (12 female, mean age 71.73 ± 7.41 years) underwent a previously validated 3D-real-world pointing test (3D-RWPT). Participants were shown a 9-dot target matrix and afterwards asked to point towards each target in randomized order with closed eyes in different body positions relative to the matrix. Two-dimensional projections of these pointing vectors (i.e., the shapes resulting from the individual dots) were then quantified using morphological analyses. Shape configurations in healthy volunteers largely reflected the real-world target pattern with gender-dependent differences (ANCOVA area males vs. females F(1,73) = 9.00, p 3.69 × 10−3, partial η2 = 0.10, post-hoc difference = 38,350.43, pbonf=3.69 × 10−3**, Cohen’s d 0.76, t 3.00). Patients with cognitive impairment showed distorted rectangularity with more large-scale errors, resulting in decreased overall average diameters and solidity (ANCOVA diameter normal cognition/cognitive impairment F(1,71) = 9.30, p 3.22 × 10−3, partial η2 = 0.09, post-hoc difference = 31.22, pbonf=3.19 × 10−3**, Cohen’s d 0.92, t 3.05; solidity normal cognition/cognitive impairment F(1,71) = 7.79, p 6.75 × 10−3, partial η2 = 0.08, post-hoc difference = 0.07, pbonf=6.76 × 10−3** Cohen’s d 0.84, t 2.79). Shape configuration analysis of the 3D-RWPT target array appears to be a suitable holistic measure of spatial performance in a pointing task. The results of this methodological investigation support further testing in a clinical study for differential diagnosis of disorders with spatial memory deficits.

Functional improvements associated with cranioplasty after stroke and traumatic brain injury: a cohort study.

Decompressive craniectomy is part of the acute management of several neurosurgical illnesses, and is commonly followed by cranioplasty. Data are still scarce on the functional and cognitive outcomes following cranioplasty. We aim to evaluate these outcomes in patients who underwent cranioplasty following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. In this prospective cohort, we assessed 1-month and 6-month neuropsychological and functional outcomes in TBI and stroke patients who underwent cranioplasty at a Brazilian tertiary center. The primary outcome was the change in the Digits Test at 1 and 6 months after cranioplasty. Repeated measures general linear models were employed to assess the patients' evolution and interactions with baseline characteristics. Effect size was estimated by the partial η2. A total of 20 TBI and 14 stroke patients were included (mean age 42 ± 14 years; 52.9% male; average schooling 9.5 ± 3.8 years; 91.2% right-handed). We found significant improvements in the Digits Tests up to 6 months after cranioplasty (p = 0.004, partial η2 = 0.183), as well as in attention, episodic memory, verbal fluency, working memory, inhibitory control, visuoconstructive and visuospatial abilities (partial η2 0.106-0.305). We found no interaction between the cranioplasty effect and age, sex or schooling. Patients submitted to cranioplasty earlier (<1 year) after injury had better outcomes. Cognitive and functional outcomes improved after cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy for stroke or TBI. This effect was consistent regardless of age, sex, or education level and persisted after 6 months. Some degree of spontaneous improvement might have contributed to the results.

Auditory neural processing in children living with HIV uncovers underlying central nervous system dysfunction.

Central nervous system (CNS) damage from HIV infection or treatment can lead to developmental delays and poor educational outcomes in children living with HIV (CLWH). Early markers of central nervous system dysfunction are needed to target interventions and prevent life-long disability. The frequency following response (FFR) is an auditory electrophysiology test that can reflect the health of the central nervous system. In this study, we explore whether the FFR reveals auditory central nervous system dysfunction in CLWH. Cross-sectional analysis of an ongoing cohort study. Data were from the child's first visit in the study. The infectious disease center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We collected the FFR from 151 CLWH and 151 HIV-negative children. To evoke the FFR, three speech syllabi (/da/, /ba/, /ga/) were played monaurally to the child's right ear. Response measures included neural timing (peak latencies), strength of frequency encoding (fundamental frequency and first formant amplitude), encoding consistency (inter-response consistency), and encoding precision (stimulus-to-response correlation). CLWH showed smaller first formant amplitudes ( P < 0.0001), weaker inter-response consistencies ( P < 0.0001) and smaller stimulus to response correlations ( P < 0.0001) than FFRs from HIV-negative children. These findings generalized across the three speech stimuli with moderately strong effect sizes (partial η2 ranged from 0.061 to 0.094). The FFR shows auditory central nervous system dysfunction in CLWH. Neural encoding of auditory stimuli was less robust, more variable, and less accurate. As the FFR is a passive and objective test, it may offer an effective way to assess and detect central nervous system function in CLWH.

The effects of therapeutic touch and music on sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in menopausal women.

This study aimed to examine the effects of therapeutic touch (TT) and music on sleep quality, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in menopausal women. This study was carried out in an experimental model with a pretest, a posttest, and a control group. The study was completed with a total of 108 menopausal women in the TT, music, and control groups. Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Menopause Rating Scale, and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale. TT was applied in the TT group once a week for 4 weeks, and the music group was asked to listen to music for 30 minutes before bedtime every day for 4 weeks. Posttest data were collected in all groups 4 weeks after the pretest. The χ 2 , analysis of covariance, post hoc tests, and partial η2 methods were used to analyze the collected data. When the effect of the pretest scores was adjusted, compared with the control group, there were statistically significant differences in the posttest scores of the participants in both the TT and music groups in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index dimensions of subjective sleep quality ( P < 0.001), sleep latency ( P ≤ 0.001), and sleep disturbances ( P < 0.05). When the effect of the pretest scores was adjusted, compared with the control group, there were statistically significant differences in the posttest scores of the participants in both the TT and music groups in the Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale ( P < 0.001). It was concluded that TT and music increased sleep quality (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disturbances) and quality of life and reduced menopausal symptoms.

Orthosis vs. exercise for the treatment of adult idiopathic trigger fingers: A randomized clinical trial.

Trigger finger is a common clinical disorder that often results in pain and functional limitations. This study aimed to determine whether joint-blocking orthosis was effective in treating adult idiopathic trigger fingers. Fifty-five participants were randomly assigned to either a hand therapy group or an orthosis group that immobilized the proximal interphalangeal joint for 6 weeks. The Green classification of triggering; short-form version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and numeric pain rating scale were used to assess participants' data. The orthosis was "successful" in completely resolving the symptoms of trigger finger in 53.6% of the participants at 6 weeks postintervention, whereas the hand therapy control group did not result in any "successful" outcomes. The Green classification score for the orthosis group decreased from 2.68 (standard deviation = 0.47) at baseline to 0.93 (standard deviation = 1.12) at 6 weeks. The short-form version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand disability score was significantly reduced after wearing the orthosis, F (2, 52) = 74.16 p < 0.001, and improved from baseline (M = 37.6) to 6 weeks (M = 20.26). The pain intensity score was also significantly decreased after wearing the orthosis, F (2, 52) = 52.17 p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.67. Using orthosis to immobilize the proximal interphalangeal joint, day and night, for 6 weeks, is an effective and reasonable option for treating idiopathic trigger fingers with Green grade 2 or 3. Hand therapy without orthosis did not result in significant improvements.