Right-handed Research Articles

Ultrasound Characteristics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Spanish Population.

The aim of this study was to determine the cross-sectional area (CSA) (cm2) of the median nerve and its relationship with patient age and sex, together with the frequency of other qualitative ultrasound patterns in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the Spanish population. An observational, cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive study was conducted among 79 patients diagnosed with CTS. The CSA of the median nerve was measured at the carpal tunnel inlet (CTI) and outlet (CTO) by ultrasound examination. In addition, qualitative variables such as hyperechoic enhancement, thickening, and loss of ultrasound pattern of the median nerve were measured. The images were analyzed using Image J software. The sample comprised 73.4% women and 26.6% men. In 68.4% of the cases, the dominant hand was involved. Professional cleaners and domestic staff were the most affected (22.8%). The CSA of the median nerve in patients with CTS was 0.16 cm2 (95% CI 0.15-0.18) at the CTI and 0.17 cm2 (95% CI 0.16-0.18) at CTO. At the CTI and CTO, the CSA showed significant differences in men under 50 years. As for the qualitative variables at the CTI and CTO, the most notable finding was the alteration in the ultrasound pattern, which was present in 87.3% and 91.1% of subjects, respectively. The median nerve CSA has a homogeneous value at the CTI and CTO in the Spanish population with CTS. These values show differences in terms of patient age and sex. The alteration in the ultrasound pattern of the nerve and the presence of hyperechoic reinforcement are the most frequent qualitative findings.

Sleep disturbances in elderly patients with distal radius fractures: a prospective observational study.

No previous studies have reported the presence of sleep disturbances or their association with baseline factors in elderly patients with distal radius fracture (DRF). This study aimed to describe the proportion of patients with sleep disturbances and analyze their association with baseline factors in patients older than 60 years with conservatively treated DRFs. This prospective observational study included 220 patients with extra-articular DRFs who completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at two time points: two weeks after cast removal and at the one year follow-up. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed as baseline predictors, with measurements performed two weeks after cast removal. At two weeks after cast removal, 166 (75.5%) patients had sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances were associated with the affected dominant hand (β = 1.6; p = 0.04), high-energy injury (β = 3.8; p < 0.001), extra-articular comminuted metaphyseal DRFs (β = 2.3; p < 0.001), higher Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores (β = 2.4; p < 0.001), higher Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores (β = 2.4; p < 0.001), higher Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 scores (β = 2.1; p < 0.001), and higher visual analogue scale scores (β = 4.1; p < 0.001). At the one year follow-up, 85 (38.6%) patients had sleep disturbances, which were associated with higher Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores (β = 2.6; p < 0.001), higher Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores (β = 2.5; p < 0.001), and higher Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 scores (β = 1.8; p = 0.02). A high proportion of elderly patients with DRF experienced sleep disturbances. Expanding our understanding of the interplay between sleep disturbances and baseline risk factors may lead to improved care and clinical outcomes for these patients. Future studies should incorporate the clinical management of sleep disturbances in patients with DRFs.

Motor correlates of finger tapping variability in subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment and probable Alzheimer's disease.

Variability of finger tapping speeds, especially in the non-dominant hand, has been reported in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI-A) and dementia of the Alzheimer's type (AD). An explanation of this finding, however, has not appeared. The aim of this study was to investigate possible motor correlates of finger tapping variability in normal older healthy controls (HC), persons with subjective memory complaints (SMC), MCI-A and probable AD. Using a modified version of the Halstead Finger Tapping Test (HFTT), individual finger tapping movements were classified as "valid" (i.e., advanced the number on a mechanical counter) or "invalid" (i.e., did not advance the number). Failures at selective motor inhibition and learning and fatigue effects were also measured. Finger tapping variability was significantly greater in the non-dominant hand in probable AD patients compared to HC and SMC patients. MCI-A and probable AD patients did not differ on this measure. Finger tapping variability was significantly correlated (ρ = + 0.65) with the number of invalid tapping responses but not with selective motor inhibition failures. A small but significant correlation of dominant hand learning effect with finger tapping variability was found. Invalid tapping responses were significantly greater in MCI and probable AD groups compared to HC and SMC groups. Frequency of invalid tapping responses strongly correlated with finger tapping variability. The number of invalid tapping responses may have diagnostic and prognostic significance when evaluating older individuals with known or suspected memory impairment of a neurodegenerative type.

A comprehensive scoping review and meta-analysis of upper limb strength asymmetry

The “10% rule” of handedness asserts the dominant hand is 10% stronger than the non-dominant hand. Primarily derived from handgrip data, it is unclear if a generalized asymmetry exists across the upper limb. Understanding how strength asymmetry may be affected by handedness, sex, and exertion type has important implications for ergonomics design, sports performance, and clinical rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to systematically synthesize currently available evidence examining upper limb strength asymmetry. 10,061 results were retrieved, and 174 studies remained after title/abstract screening. 87 studies were synthesized. Results are compiled by exertion type and manner of asymmetry comparison (i.e. right/left, dominant/non-dominant). Asymmetry ratios were calculated to examine the effects of handedness, exertion side, arm region, and sex. Strength differences were most frequently reported for grip exertions (n = 49). 25 studies reported other joint strength asymmetries. Overall, the right limb was 6.7% stronger than the left limb (n = 9342) and the dominant limb was 11.6% stronger than the non-dominant limb (n = 9327), though strength asymmetry varied across joints and movements (2.1% to 19.5%). This research demonstrates that the 10% rule is a good approximation for upper limb strength asymmetry. However, several factors, including joint, movement type, and sex, can affect this relationship.

The effect of wrist position sense and tactile recognition on manual skills in patients with upper extremity neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy affects fine motor skills in daily life. However, reports on the effects of position sense and tactile recognition on manual dexterity are quite scarce in the literature. The increasing focus on hand rehabilitation has created a need to examine the effects of sensation on manual dexterity. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of tactile recognition and wrist position sense on manual skills in healthy and neuropathy individuals and to investigate the relationship between them. Cross-sectional, non-randomized comparative clinical study. Thirty-seven (50 hands) with median and ulnar nerve neuropathy between the ages of 18 and 65years and 32 (64 hands) healthy individuals of similar age and gender were included in the study. Wrist position sense was assessed using the K-FORCE Sens electrogoniometer as target angle, 30° wrist flexion and extension, and 10° radial and ulnar deviation. Shape-Texture Identification Test (STI), Purdue Pegboard test (PPT), and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire were applied for tactile recognition, manual dexterity, and hand functions, respectively. The independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for K-FORCE Sens, STI, and PPT to compare groups. Correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between variables. The mean age of individuals with neuropathy and healthy individuals was 45.7±10.3 and 44.5±9.2years, respectively (p>0.05). Seventy-three percent of individuals had median neuropathy and 27% had ulnar neuropathy. Totally, 33 dominant and 17 non-dominant hands of patients with neuropathy were affected. When healthy and neuropathic hands were compared, the mean error values in the dominant hand, flexion (4.4±1.4; 6.5±2.9), and radial deviation (2.4±1.0; 3.3±1.7) degrees were higher in the neuropathic hands (p<0.05). Similar results were also found in the non-dominant hands. However, there was no difference between the mean error values in the extension and ulnar deviation degrees (p>0.05). STI and PPT subtest results were also lower in the neuropathic hands (p<0.05). There was a relationship between the mean error values of position sense in the flexion and radial deviation directions in the neuropathic dominant hands and all subtests of the PPT (p<0.05), while there was a relation in the flexion direction in the non-dominant hand (p<0.05). No relation was found in the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire test (p>0.05). This study has shown that in neuropathy rehabilitation, the assessment of position and tactile sensations should not be ignored in determining participation in manual skills. This article can be used as a starting point for further studies and can be considered as one of the sensory focal points in rehabilitation in the development of manual skills.

Micromagnetic simulations of magnon–magnon coupling in synthetic antiferromagnets with tilted magnetic anisotropy

Hybrid magnonics has attracted extensive attention for its potential applications in quantum information processing, especially following the discovery of strong coupling in magnon-magnon hybrid systems. In this paper, we studied the coupling phenomena between the left-handed (LH) and right-handed (RH) magnon modes in synthetic antiferromagnets with a tilted perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). By tilting the PMA at a certain angle from the film normal, we achieved strong magnon-magnon coupling without the need for an external magnetic field. The resulting hybrid eigenmodes exhibit characteristics of a linear combination of pure LH and RH modes. In addition, micromagnetic simulations revealed in detail the gradual change of hybrid resonance modes from approximately linear to elliptic, and eventually to circular polarization as the coupling strength gradually decreases. We also examined the effects of an applied magnetic field on the coupling strength and mechanism between the two eigenmodes. These findings provide valuable insights into magnetic dynamics within hybrid magnonic systems for spintronic applications involving magnon polarization.

Substance Use is Associated With College Students' Acute Parasympathetic Nervous System Responses to Challenge.

College students use substances for varied reasons, including to cope with stress. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) regulates bodily functions to promote energy conservation (the 'rest and digest' response), and individuals differ in their physiological sensitivity to challenge. It remains unclear whether greater PNS responses (i.e., declines in PNS activity, termed vagal withdrawal) to challenge could suggest difficulty regulating and thereby confer risk for using substances in community samples. We hypothesised that lower resting PNS activity and greater PNS responses to a challenge task would be associated with more frequent substance use (i.e., alcohol use, binge drinking, cannabis use). College students (N=152; Mage=20.5, SD=3.2; 73.8% female) reported their past month frequency of substance use and completed a laboratory-based challenge task while having an electrocardiogram administered to derive respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a measure of PNS activity. They watched a 4-min neutral video (resting baseline) and then traced a star with their nondominant hand while only seeing the mirror reflection of their hand (challenge). Higher resting RSA was related to more frequent cannabis use. Individuals with larger declines in RSA from the video to the task (i.e., greater PNS responses) tended to use each substance more frequently. RSA recovery from the task was not related to substance use. Taken together, college students who are more physiologically responsive to challenge may use substances more frequently, potentially as a means of coping. Biofeedback interventions can be investigated for reducing college students' substance use risk.

The dynamic Colombian sign language dataset for basic conversation LSC70.

Sign language is a form of non-verbal communication used by people with hearing disability. This form of communication relies on the use of signs, gestures, facial expressions, and more. Considering that in Colombia, the population with hearing impairments is around half a million, a database of dynamic, alphanumeric signs and commonly used words was created to establish a basic conversation. For this purpose, 70 non-expert volunteers in Colombian Sign Language participated, and they were recorded against a clear background under uncontrolled lighting and clothing conditions. The dataset was named LSC70 and includes a six-frame transition in JPG format. It is organized into three parts: The first part contains alphanumeric signs at a resolution of 640×480 pixels; the second part includes word signs at a size of 640×480 pixels; and the third part focuses on the dominant hand in alphanumeric signs at 120×120 pixels. Through filtering that removed similar signs, the dataset now contains 35,208 frames with a total of 47 different signs. These images have been validated by experts at the University of Cauca and are available for free use within the research community.

Cast-OFF 2: One Week Versus 3-5 Weeks of Plaster Cast Immobilization for Non- or Minimally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures-A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Implementation of 1 week of cast immobilization followed by gradually increasing wrist mobilization for non- or minimally displaced distal radius fracture (DRF) and comparison of the functional outcomes and pain scores with the usual care (3-5 weeks of cast immobilization). A randomized stepped wedge cluster design, prospective cohort. Academic and peripheral hospitals in levels 1, 2, and 3 trauma centers. All patients between 18 and 85 years old with an isolated non- or minimally and nonreduced DRF were eligible for inclusion. Participating hospitals were randomized to transition from usual care (3-5 weeks of cast immobilization) to 1 week of cast immobilization, following the stepped wedge design. Patient characteristics, secondary dislocation, surgical treatment, visual analog scale, Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference, Pain Catastrophizing Scale 4, and patient satisfaction were compared between control and intervention group at weeks 1, 3-5, 6, months 3, 6, and 12. A difference around 11 points on the PRWE scale was considered clinically significant. Four hundred two patients were included (control n = 197 vs. intervention n = 205, 267/135, female/male). There were no differences in age (53.7 ± 18.6 vs. 53.3 ± 19.5, P = 0.27), sex (66% vs. 67% female, P = 0.44), dominant hand fractured (44% vs. 53%, P = 0.39), and type of fracture (39% vs. 41% extra-articular, P = 0.44). After 6 weeks, the PRWE score showed no clinically significant differences (-4.5 [confidence interval -12.9 to 4.02], P = 0.30). No significant differences were observed for function, pain scores, and patient satisfaction between groups (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in secondary dislocation rate (control 1.5% vs. intervention 1.0%, P = 0.32) and operation rate (control 1.5% vs. 1.5% intervention, P = 0.92). This study compared 1 week of cast immobilization followed by gradually increasing wrist mobilization to the usual care of 3-5 weeks for nonreduced DRF. No clinically significant differences in function, pain scores, patient satisfaction, secondary dislocation, and operations were observed. Therefore, 1 week of plaster immobilization can be safely recommended for the non- or minimally displaced and nonreduced DRF treatment. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do Different Visual Conditions Affect Tactile Acuity at Hand in Healthy Young Adults?

Background and purpose: Subjects should not see the area tested during the two-point discrimination (TPD) test. Various methods are used in the literature to hide the test area. However, there is yet to be a consensus on which method is the best. This study investigated the tactile acuity of different methods to obscure the line of vision in TPD testing in healthy young adults. Methods: We evaluated the TPD thresholds of the dominant hand's three regions in 30 healthy young adults under four different visual conditions (two eyes open and two eyes closed). Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical analysis. Results: In all areas tested, the distance required to perceive two stimuli was smaller in the eyes open conditions. 46.70% of the participants reported being more comfortable and distinguishing two points more quickly when their eyes were open. Conclusion: Although the threshold values of TPD are within clinically appropriate ranges in all four visual conditions, we suggest performing TPD testing while the patients' eyes are open. Clinicians may obtain more accurate results during TPD tests if subjects are tested with their eyes open rather than closed.

Prevalence of finger dexterity proficiency using nine-hole peg test among surgeons

Objectives: This study examined the prevalence of finger dexterity proficiency using Nine-hole peg test among surgeons. Methods: The purpose &amp; procedure of the study was explained to participants. Subjects were screened according to inclusion &amp; exclusion criteria, a written consent was obtained, &amp; the procedure was explained to them. Participant performed Nine-hole peg test according to the norms; proficiency of finger dexterity was concluded on the basis of age, sex, and dominance. Results: The result indicates a significant decrease in average finger dexterity proficiency (p&lt; 0.003), particularly in dominant hand(p&lt;0.001) among surgeons. Conclusions: The study concludes with a prevalence of reduced finger dexterity proficiency among surgeons, particularly in the dominant hand.

Laterality and performance in elite male golfers

ABSTRACT Human beings display laterilised behaviour. In sport, including golf, players adopt a right- or left-handed stance. There may be advantages in going against convention in the position of the dominant hand relative to golf stance. However, no work has investigated this in an elite sample of golfers or considered how various combinations of hand, eye, and foot dominance may be associated with elite golfing ability. This study aimed to establish the lateralised preferences of elite golfers, and how the combination of lateralised behaviours may associate with high-level performance. We elicited hand preference, eye dominance, foot dominance, and full swing stance in 71 male golfers all currently playing professionally on tour and ranked in the top 500 in the world. Performance was measured using rankings and ‘strokes gained’ statistics. There was an underrepresentation of left-hand dominance and left-hand stance in the sample, with a large proportion of players having ‘crossed’ eye dominance. There was limited association between performance and hand dominance, eye dominance and stance. However, higher ranking position was associated with right foot dominance and uncrossed combinations between hand, eye, and foot dominance. This study provides an enhanced understanding of lateralised behaviour in an elite golfing sample.

The impact of technologies on the development of repetitive speed in handball, basketball and volleyball

Introduction and objective: The study focused on identifying the differences regarding the implementation of a program that uses Fitlight technology and targets the development of simple and reactive repetitive speed in manual and bilateral manual executions. Methodology: There were 311 subjects in the study, including 243 student-athletes (handball, basketball, and volleyball) and 65 recreational subjects (control group). Study phasing: initial testing; implementing a 6-week experimental program using the Fitlight technology to improve manual, repetitive speed; final testing. Study tests: the Tapping the plates test-unilateral execution with the dominant hand (TP_dominant hand), the random reactive plate touching test_unilateral execution with the dominant hand (TPR_dominant hand), Touching the plates test- bilateral execution (TP_bilateral), Test Touching the plates bilateral execution-random reactive (TPR_bilateral). Results: The ANOVA analysis highlighted significant differences between the male and female groups, respectively, for all four versions of the Tapping Plate Test, for p&lt;0.05. While analyzing the results of the male/female sports game groups, the most significant differences in progress were recorded in TP_dominant hand between Volleyball-Basketball with 0.179/0.126 executions; TPR_ dominant hand between Volleyball-Basketball -0.126/0.086 executions; TP_bilateral between Volleyball-Basketball -0.154/-0.173 executions; bilateral TPR_ between Volleyball-Handball -0.016/-0.033 executions. Analyzing the study results, we found that the control group recorded lower results than all the experimental groups. Conclusions: The Fitlight technology positively impacted the environment of simple and reactive repetitive speed as part of practicing an experimental program of specific exercises adapted to team sports games.

P1231 Cross-sectional assessment of body composition and muscle function in Crohn's disease patients, stratified by presence and extent of intestinal resection

Abstract Background Crohn's disease (CD) is a leading cause of short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults, which can result in intestinal failure (IF) when intravenous nutritional or electrolyte supplementation is required. SBS is frequently associated with sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass and function, which adversely impacts quality of life and increases the risk of complications. This study aimed to evaluate differences in body composition and muscle strength among CD patients at varying risk levels for SBS. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving consecutive CD outpatients. The participants were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of CD patients diagnosed with SBS and patients who had undergone two or more bowel resections, or a resection of more than 50 cm. Group B included patients who had never undergone surgery or those who had undergone a resection of less than 50 cm. Body composition was assessed using bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and muscle strength was measured via hand grip testing with a dynamometer, recording the best result of three attempts with the dominant hand. We administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess eating habits. Statistical analyses, including t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, were used as appropriate, with a significance threshold of p &amp;lt; 0.05. Results The study cohort included 150 patients (mean age 53 years [±19,2]; 24% female). Group A showed an average BMI of 23,7±4 kg/m2, whereas group B showed an average BMI of 24.6±5 kg/m2. Muscle strength measured between groups was reduced in group A showing significant differences in hand grip test compared to group B (p-value&amp;lt;0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in BIA parameters, including muscle mass, or in eating habits across the groups. Conclusion Our study revealed that SBS patients and CD patients resected two or more times or with a resection greater than 50 cm had reduced muscle strength without a corresponding reduction in muscle mass, indicating impaired muscle function. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between Crohn's disease-related resections and their impact on both muscle quality and quantity. Funded by:2.1 "Rafforzamento e potenziamento della ricerca biomedica del SSN",finanziato dall’Unione europea–NextGenerationEU, CUP C53C22001140007. 2022 PNRR Project "Changing the future of intestinal failure in intestinal chronic inflammation:towards innovative predictive factors and therapeutic targets"code:PNRR-MAD-2022-12376791

P0576 Ultrasound assessment of sarcopenia and body composition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is a progressive pathological condition which can present in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) together with changes in body composition. Aim To provide ultrasound assessment of muscle mass and bioimpedance analysis of body composition in patients with IBD. Methods: Material and Method The study included 102 patients with IBD, 50 (49%) with ulcerative colitis (UC), 52 (51%) with Crohn's disease (CD), 10 persons formed the control group (CG). The average age of patients with IBD was 39,5 [28,5; 50] year, in the CG – 37 [26; 38] years. There were 52 (51%) women in the IBD group and 5 (50%) in CG. Patients underwent an examination with assessment of body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC, cm) and mid-thigh circumference (MTC, cm) of dominant side; bioimpedance analysis of body composition using the ABC-02 “MEDASS” apparatus; ultrasound examination of the muscle thickness (MT) at the following two points of the leading side: ultrasound mid upper arm, ultrasound mid-thigh. Results According to BMI, patients were distributed as follows: normal body weight was observed in 57 (55,9%) patients; deficiency – in 12 (11,8%); overweight 25 (24,5%); obesity – 8 (7,8%). The average MUAC values of the dominant hand in women were 28 [24,9; 31] cm, in the CG were 28 [27; 28,5] cm (p&amp;gt;0.05); in men 29,8 [27; 32] cm, in the CG were 33 [31; 34] cm (p&amp;lt;0.05). The average MTC in women with IBD were 54,25 [48,15; 58,1] cm, in the CG were 61,5 [56; 67] cm (p&amp;lt;0.05); in men 48 [46; 51,4] cm, in the CG were 54 [53; 54] cm (p&amp;lt;0.05). The MT in ultrasound mid upper arm in women with IBD was 19,60 [18,23; 22,84] mm, CG 22.49 [20.41; 22.66] (p&amp;gt;0.05); in men with IBD 26,45 [22,87; 29,24] mm, in the CG 21,54 [21,18; 25,13] mm (p&amp;gt;0.05). The MT in ultrasound mid-thigh in women with IBD was 31,05 [23,21; 37,11] mm, CG 41,30 [35,55; 41,74] mm (p&amp;lt;0.05), in men with IBD 30,90 [25,64; 39,99] mm, in the CG 40,67 [39,10; 41,84] (p&amp;lt;0.05). According to the results of bioimpedance, a deficiency of skeletal muscle mass was detected in 31% patients, in 66% patients skeletal muscle mass was normal, excess muscle mass was detected in 3% patients. The MT in ultrasound mid upper arm correlated with MUAC (r=0,557; p&amp;lt;0.05), with BMI (r=0,448; p&amp;lt;0.05), with skeletal muscle mass according to bioimpedancemetry (r=0,666; p&amp;lt;0.05). The MT in ultrasound mid-thigh correlated with MTC (r=0,505; p&amp;lt;0.05), with BMI (r= 0,376; p&amp;lt;0.05), with skeletal muscle mass according to bioimpedancemetry (r=0,373; p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion In patients with IBD MTC was lower than in CG. The muscle thickness in ultrasound mid-thigh in women and men with IBD was less than in CG, which correlated with MTC, BMI, skeletal muscle mass according to bioimpedancemetry.

The Perceived Handism Discrimination Scale (PHDS): Development and factor analysis

ABSTRACT While discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors is well-documented, the discrimination faced by left-handed individuals is often overlooked. To address this gap, a study developed the Perceived Handism Discrimination Scale (PHDS) to assess how left-handed people perceive discrimination related to their hand preference. The original questionnaire consisted of 20 items using a 7-point Likert scale and was evaluated by experts using Lawshe’s methodology. After refinement, the scale was reduced to 12 items, and further analysis through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with two separate samples (n=200 each) led to a final scale of 10 items clustered around two significant factors: cultural and individual dimensions of perceived handism discrimination. The PHDS demonstrated good psychometric properties, including reliability and statistical significance in factor analyses. However, the fit of the assumptions underlying EFA and CFA was not ideal, suggesting that further refinement is needed. Despite this, the PHDS represents a valuable tool for identifying perceived handism discrimination, ultimately aiming to inform policies that mitigate its effects in society.

The impact of sociodemographic, psychological, and quality of life factors on dual-task performance in elderly individuals: a cross-sectional study in Iraq

Objective This study aims to explore how sociodemographic, psychological, and quality of life factors impact dual-task performance among elderly individuals in Iraq. Methods This cross-sectional study included 384 healthy community-dwelling participants aged 60 years and over, recruited from Najaf, Iraq. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Dual-task performance was assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) combined with a cognitive task of counting backward by threes. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of cognitive dual-task performance. Results Among the WHOQOL domains, only physical health significantly predicted dual-task performance for both dominant and non-dominant hands (β = 0.234, p = 0.041; β = 0.263, p = 0.025, respectively), underscoring the importance of physical well-being in cognitive-motor functions. Psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and stress) measured by DASS-21 did not significantly predict dual-task performance. The model explained a small part of the variance in dual-task performance, suggesting that other factors may influence these abilities in elderly individuals. Conclusion While psychological factors measured by DASS-21 did not significantly impact dual-task performance, the overall quality of life remained essential. These insights can inform the design of elderly care programs.

Synchronization of auditory-hand tapping coupling: the effect of aging.

Hand(s)-tapping tasks have been extensively studied in order to characterize the features of sensorimotor synchronization (SMS). These tasks frequently require participants to synchronize their tapping pace to an external, metronome-like sound. The impact of ageing on SMS abilities remains mainly unexplored. Thus, we conducted a series of hand tapping tasks on 15 young adults (YA) and 15 older adults (OA). The tasks included tapping with the dominant hand only (D), with the non-dominant hand only (ND), with both hands simultaneously (SIM), and alternating between the hands (ALT). Participants in each task performed a synchronization-continuation task, in which they had to tap for one minute according to an external sound set at their spontaneous motor tempo (separately identified), and then, after the sound stopped, continue tapping at the same tempo for another minute. Results indicated a set of preserved and degraded tapping behaviors in OA compared to YA. The ALT task produced the most deteriorated tapping performance, followed by the ND task; the other two tasks revealed no difference between the groups. These findings shed more light on how SMS declines across the lifespan and provide some preliminary but important information that may guide rehabilitation and diagnostic procedures.

Investigating the relationship between non-pathological neck pain and hand grip strength: A cross-sectional study

Background: Non-pathological neck pain (NPNP) is neck pain without a known cause. It might weaken the hand grip strength (HGS) by affecting the neck, shoulder, and upper extremity muscles. Head-neck positions (HNPs) can have a significant impact on neck pain. However, no previous study investigated the effect of NPNP and different HNPs on the HGS among healthcare professionals (HCPs). Objective: To determine how HNPs influence the HGS of medical personnel with NPNP. Method: A cross-sectional study recruited 46 healthcare professionals: 21 (45.7%) with and 25 (54.3%) without NPNP. A dynamometer, cervical range of motion, and visual analogue scale measured HGS, HNPs, and NPNPs, respectively. Participants were instructed to squeeze the handgrip dynamometer handle in 90-degree elbow flexion as much as possible from a seated position to measure HGS from the neutral head position (NHP), 40° head neck flexion (HFP40°), and 30° head neck extension (HEP30°). Data differences were analysed using ANOVA. The significance level was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The mean HGS for the dominant hand in NHP, HFP40°, and HEP30° was 29.27 (±9.03), 27.24 (±9.08), and 26.37 (±9.32), respectively, while for the non-dominant hand it was 27.45 (±9.62), 25.23 (±9.36), and 24.61 (±10.17). There was no significant correlation between HNPs and HGS. However, the only significant difference was between dominant HGS in the NHP and non-dominant HGS in the HEP30° (P = 0.018). Furthermore, NPNP had no significant effect on the HGS (P = 0.325). Conclusion: NPNP had no significant influence on HGS in any of the three HNPs for either hand. Future studies should include other HNPs and other potential variables such as age, gender, weight, and pain intensity.

Cutoff points for handgrip strength in patients with liver cirrhosis: a multicenter study.

This study aimed to define handgrip strength (HGS) cutoff points to predict 1-year mortality in adult patients with liver cirrhosis. This is an analysis of cohort databases from four reference centers in Brazil. Inpatients or outpatients with cirrhosis and aged ≥18 years were included. The best cutoff values of HGS (highest value from three attempts with the non-dominant hand) for predicting 1-year mortality, stratified by sex and age, were established based on the sensitivity and specificity analyses. Adjusted Cox regression models were used to test the predictive value of low HGS. The study included 724 patients with cirrhosis, with a median age of 57.0 years (IQR: 50.0-63.0), 66.4% (n = 481) male. Most patients had alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 281; 38.8%), 400 (55.3%) were classified as Child-Pugh B or C, and 134 (18.5%) patients died after 1-year. The HGS cutoffs were ≤33 kgf and ≤12 kgf for men and women aged <60 years, respectively, and ≤22 kgf and ≤10 kgf for older men and women, respectively (sensitivity: 70.9%; specificity: 61.2%). Low HGS was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of 1-year mortality. These cutoff points could be used to identify patients with a higher mortality risk.