Walking Speed Research Articles

Natural variability and individuality of walking behavior in Drosophila.

Insects use walking behavior in a large number of contexts, such as exploration, foraging, escape and pursuit, or migration. A lot is known on how nervous systems produce this behavior in general and also how certain parameters vary with regard to walking direction or speed, for instance. An aspect that has not received much attention is if and how walking behavior varies across individuals of a particular species. To address this, we created a large corpus of kinematic walking data of many individuals of the fruit fly Drosophila. We only selected instances of straight walking in a narrow range of walking speeds to minimize the influence of high-level parameters, like turning and walking speed, aiming to uncover more subtle aspects of variability. Using high-speed videography and automated annotation we captured the positions of the six leg tips for thousands of steps and used principal components analysis to characterize the postural space individuals used during walking. Our analysis shows that the largest part of walking kinematics can be described by five principal components (PCs). Separation of these five PCs into a 2-dimensional and a 3-dimensional subspace divided the description of walking behavior into invariant features shared across individuals and features that relate to the specifics of individuals; the latter features can be regarded as idiosyncrasies. We also demonstrate that this approach can detect the effects of experimental interventions in an unbiased manner and that general aspects of individuality, such as the the individual walking posture, can be described.

Association of alpha-actinin-3 genotype with muscle mass and physical function in community-dwelling older adults.

Polymorphisms (rs1815739; R577X) in the gene encoding alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) are thought to be associated with body composition and physical function in older people and athletes. RR homozygotes are associated with greater expression of ACTN3 protein in muscle than the X-allele carriers. We aimed to investigate the association between ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and appendicular skeletal muscle mass, walking speed, and muscle strength in older adults. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 265 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.0 ± 5.8years, 63.4% female) who provided data on ACTN3 gene polymorphisms and completed surveys in the Tarumizu study conducted between 2018 and 2019. Genetic polymorphisms were categorized as RR homozygous and X allele. Muscle mass was assessed using the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and physical function was assessed based on walking speed and relative muscle strength. Those in the bottom 25% for each sex were considered "low" and the association with ACTN3 genotype was examined. Considering ACTN3 polymorphism, 72 participants were RR homozygotes (27.2%) and 193 were X-allele carriers (72.8%). After adjusting for potential confounders, RR homozygosity was associated with not having low muscle mass (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.82, p = 0.013) but not with low walking speed and muscle strength. The association between ACTN3 genotype and physical function in community-dwelling older adults is not clear; however, it is considered to be associated with muscle mass.

A piezoelectric driven amphibious microrobot capable of fast and controllable movement

Abstract Due to its excellent adaptability to the environment and flexibility in narrow spaces, amphibious microrobots have become an important research direction recently. This study proposes an amphibious microrobot driven by piezoelectric actuators with a body length of 4.5 cm and a mass of 1.4 g. The microrobot consists of two active front legs, two passive rear legs, two caudal fins, and a support frame. Each front leg and each caudal fin are designed as structures integrated with their respective piezoelectric actuators. The microrobot has a tilted body, and the ground exerts an oblique upward impact force that makes it jump forward when its front legs swing backwards. The opposite swing of the two caudal fins generates propulsion for swimming. The components of the microrobot are manufactured based on the monolithic laminate process. The monolithic front actuator-leg and monolithic actuator-fin both emerge from a multi-layer material laminate. The support frame is designed and fabricated as a monolithic structure to improve assembly accuracy and reduce redundant assembly steps. The manufactured microrobot demonstrates its flexible and fast amphibious movements. Its maximum land walking speed reaches 15.3 cm/s and its turning speed reaches 48.2 degrees per second. The microrobot has a maximum payload capacity of 5 g moving on land. When the front legs and caudal fins work simultaneously, its underwater swimming speed reaches 9.1 cm/s, and the maximum turning speed is 20.5 degrees per second. The microrobot also confirms a maximum payload of 3 g during its underwater movement.

Effects of a 12-Week Mixed-Method Physical Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Stress, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series Study.

Although the health benefits related to physical exercise for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) have been recognized, studies indicate that individuals with CP at school age are less involved in physical activities than their typical peers and are twice as likely to engage in sedentary behaviors. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the effects of a physical exercise program on physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality-of-life variables. A total of 15 teenagers with ambulatory CP (n = 8 boys, n = 7 girls, between 12 and 18 years old; M = 14.35; SD = 1.76) completed a 12-week program based on a mixed-method approach with face-to-face and live online activities. The outcome measures were physical fitness, stress, anxiety, and quality of life. The 12-week exercise program resulted in gains in muscular strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance tests, characterized by an increase in average walking speed and average VO2 max. There was also a significant change in the perception of emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress reported by the participants. The program proved to be effective in physical fitness tests and perception of emotional states. Given the positive effects produced by the program, its design appears to meet the demands of adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Do People With Stroke Meet Aerobic and Muscle-Strengthening Activity Guidelines? Data From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Background and Purpose: It is unclear to what extent Canadians with stroke engage in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening activities (MSA). The purpose of this study was to describe overall physical activity, aerobic MVPA, and MSA participation in Canadians with stroke; determine the functioning, disability, and health classes that best characterize this population; and examine the relationship between-class membership and physical activity participation. Methods: Activity levels were quantified using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in 2094 adults with stroke or transient ischemic attack (mean age 67.9 years, 9.5 years poststroke) from the CLSA. Means and percentages were used to characterize participation. Latent class analysis was used to create health and disability classes, and activity levels were compared between classes. Results: Only 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8%-8.0%) met both MVPA and MSA guidelines. Most (88.2%, 95% CI, 85.0%-88.9%) engaged in MVPA <3 times/wk and 76.7% (95% CI, 73.7%-79.1%) never engaged in MSA. In latent class analyses, 2 classes for males and females were characterized by high-positive or low-negative levels of intrinsic capacity (eg, grip strength), functional mobility (eg, walking speed), and environment (eg, social support). Those in the low-negative classes had the lowest Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly scores and aerobic MVPA levels compared to the high-positive (healthiest) classes. MSA participation was not different between classes. Discussion and Conclusions: Canadians with stroke are not engaging in sufficient physical activity. Clinicians should encourage regular participation in physical activity, especially among those with lower levels of intrinsic capacity, functional mobility, and environmental support. Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see Supplementary Digital Content 3 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A494).

Chronic thyrotoxic myopathy development is associated with thyroid hormone sensitivity index, predicted by lower-limb fatigue and the squat-up test

Thyroid hormones (THs) may affect chronic thyrotoxic myopathy (CTM). The relationship between TH sensitivity and CTM is inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the associations between TH sensitivity and the risk of CTM and to screen potential CTMs with strength and function tests. A total of 162 Chinese patients (36.58% men) with Graves’ disease were enrolled and divided into CTM and non-CTM groups. TH and sensitivity indices were measured. Muscle power and function were assessed by grip, upper-limb fatigue (ULFT), lower-limb fatigue (LLFT), and squat-up (SUT) tests, and walking pace. Association between sensitivity to TH indices and the risk of developing CTM was assessed via multivariate logistic regression. The diagnostic effectiveness of muscle power and function for predicting CTM was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Thyroid feedback quantile-based index FT3 (TFQIFT3) and the parametric TFQIFT3 (PTFQIFT3), TFQIFT4, and PTFQIFT4 were positively associated with CTM risk by using inverse probability of treatment weighting multivariate logistic regression. For each 1-SD increase in TFQIFT3 and PTFQIFT3, TFQIFT4 and PTFQIFT4, the odds ratios for CTM were 1.67 (95% CI = 1.17–2.48) ,1.64 (95% CI = 1.51–2.93), 1.60 (95%CI = 1.12–2.32), 1.58 (95%CI = 1.11–2.30), respectively. LLFT and SUT best predicted male/female CTM, respectively (AUC = 0.89/0.85). In Graves’ disease patients, TH sensitivity is associated with CTM development, which can be predicted by SUT and LLFT results.

Comparing cadence-based energy expenditure and oxygen cost indices in able-bodied male people.

Walking is a fundamental aspect of daily life and exercise, with clinical benefits for cardiovascular health and muscle strength. However, accurately measuring energy efficiency during walking poses challenges due to equipment and spatial constraints. In this study, we proposed the cadence-based energy expenditure index (cEEI) and analyzed its correlation with the previously proposed index for measuring energy expenditure under various gait conditions. We enrolled 15 healthy participants and conducted an experimental protocol on a treadmill to measure the following energy expenditure-related indices: oxygen cost index (OCI), energy expenditure index (EEI), and cEEI. The participants underwent stages of walking at different speeds and inclinations that comply with the modified Bruce protocol while their heart rate, oxygen uptake, and cadence were recorded. Participants showed significant increases in heart rate, oxygen uptake, and cadence with higher walking speeds and inclinations. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between cEEI and OCI, especially during walking conditions. Bland-Altman plots and interclass correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated a favorable agreement between cEEI and OCI, outperforming EEI. In conclusion, this study proposes cEEI as a reliable metric for estimating energy expenditure during walking by proving a strong correlation and agreement with OCI across various gait conditions. This suggests the potential for cEEI to provide real-time, individualized feedback on energy expenditure during walking, facilitating more personalized exercise prescriptions.

Enhancing navigation and obstacle avoidance with a vibrotactile device as secondary electronic travel aid

People with visual impairments commonly rely on the use of a white cane to navigate and avoid obstacles. Although this analog tool is highly reliable and easy to use, its drawback is the impossibility to anticipate obstacles beyond reach and routes, as well as obstacles above waist level. Electronic travel aids (ETAs) and sensory substitution devices (SSDs) are new technological solutions designed to enhance the tactile and/or auditory capabilities to access the information needed to overcome those drawbacks. In the present study, 25 individuals with visual impairments used the T-Sight, a vibrotactile SSD, and/or the white cane in a navigation task involving obstacle avoidance. While the performance achieved with the device, measured by the number of collisions and walking speed, did not surpass the white cane, the SSD did have a positive impact on ambulation. Participants reduced the number of white cane touches towards environmental obstacles and performed obstacle avoidance maneuvers earlier. These results demonstrate the potential of vibrotactile devices to address the limitations of the white cane.

The Methodological Quality of Studies on Physical Exercise in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses point to the benefits of physical exercise for adolescents with cerebral palsy, improving physical conditioning, muscle strength, balance, and walking speed. However, given the high number of reviews that include randomized and non-randomized studies, it is increasingly necessary to assess the methodological quality of these reviews. This scoping review investigated the methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effects of physical exercise in adolescents with cerebral palsy to elucidate the methodological limitations of the research and the priorities to be observed in future research. The electronic search used PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Studies published between 2016 and 2023 were selected. The terms used were "cerebral palsy" combined with "physical fitness", "exercise", and "physical activity". A total of 219 original reviews were selected. Of these, 19 reviews were included for data analysis. AMSTAR2 was used to assess the methodological quality of the reviews. Three reviews presented high methodological quality (15.78%) and three had moderate methodological quality (15.78%). The remaining reviews had low or critically low methodological quality, according to AMSTAR2. This study evidenced that systematic reviews have variable methodological quality and that new studies are still needed.

EVALUATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RADIOTHERAPY CLINICAL TARGET VOLUME AND GAIT ACTIVITY IN HIGH GRADE GLIOMA

Abstract AIMS Walking speed or peak cadence serves as a potential indicator of overall health, particularly in older individuals, with documented predictive value for various health-related outcomes. The emergence of wearable technology for gait analysis has facilitated early disease detection and monitoring in conditions like Parkinson’s disease. This study aimed to explore the association between gait metrics and radiotherapy Clinical Target Volume (CTV) in participants with High-Grade Glioma (HGG) enrolled in the BrainWear study, which captures longitudinal physical activity data through wearable devices. METHOD 21 HGG participants provided accelerometer data before and after a course of radiotherapy. Using Spearman rank correlation analysis, we examined the relationship between CTV and gait features while considering the total radiotherapy dose and tumour location. Participant data was cut at the same time point of 14-days either side of the start or end of radiotherapy to ensure the data was aligned. RESULTS The analysis revealed a moderately negative correlation between CTV and peak cadence at the onset of radiotherapy. At the end of radiotherapy and in the two weeks following completion, both peak cadence in 1 minute and 30 minutes showed a stronger inverse correlation with CTV (Spearman’s ρ = -0.52 and ρ = -0.44 respectively, p-value <0.05). This suggests that higher CTV may be associated with decreased peak cadence, particularly at the time of expected radiotherapy toxicity. Subgroup analysis focusing on patients with CTV covering the motor cortex further illustrated a more significant inverse correlation between CTV size and peak cadence (Spearman’s ρ = -0.77, p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between tumour treatment volume, location and physical function. Further exploration of CTV volume in relation to anatomical areas such as the motor cortex could provide deeper insights into this relationship and provide opportunities for personalised monitoring in HGG.

Prescribing strength training for stroke recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of strength training on patient-important outcomes of stroke recovery and to quantify the influence of the exercise prescription on treatment effects.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesEight electronic...

Effects of Resistance Training Volume on Physical Function, Lean Body Mass and Lower-Body Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of 151 Randomised Trials.

The optimal prescription and precise recommendations of resistance training volume for older adults is unclear in the current literature. In addition, the interactions between resistance training volume and program duration as well as physical health status remain to be determined when assessing physical function, muscle size and hypertrophy and muscle strength adaptations in older adults. This study aimed to determine which resistance training volume is the most effective in improving physical function, lean body mass, lower-limb muscle hypertrophy and strength in older adults. Additionally, we examined whether effects were moderated by intervention duration (i.e. short term, < 20weeks; medium-to-long term, ≥ 20weeks) and physical health status (i.e. physically healthy, physically impaired, mixed physically healthy and physically impaired; PROSPERO identifier: CRD42023413209). CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scielo, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were searched up to April 2023. Eligible randomised trials examined the effects of supervised resistance training in older adults (i.e. ≥ 60years). Resistance training programs were categorised as low (LVRT), moderate (MVRT) and high volume (HVRT) on the basis of terciles of prescribed weekly resistance training volume (i.e. product of frequency, number of exercises and number of sets) for full- and lower-body training. The primary outcomes for this review were physical function measured by fast walking speed, timed up and go and 6-min walking tests; lean body mass and lower-body muscle hypertrophy; and lower-body muscle strength measured by knee extension and leg press one-repetition maximum (1-RM), isometric muscle strength and isokinetic torque. A random-effects network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effects of different resistance training volumes on the outcomes of interest. We included a total of 161 articles describing 151 trials (n = 6306). LVRT was the most effective for improving timed up and go [- 1.20 standardised mean difference (SMD), 95% confidence interval (95% CI): - 1.57 to - 0.82], 6-min walk test (1.03 SMD, 95% CI: 0.33-1.73), lean body mass (0.25 SMD, 95% CI: 0.10-0.40) and muscle hypertrophy (0.40 SMD, 95% CI: 0.25-0.54). Both MVRT and HVRT were the most effective for improving lower-limb strength, while only HVRT was effective in increasing fast walking speed (0.40 SMD, 95% CI: - 0.57 to 0.14). Regarding the moderators, our results were independent of program duration and mainly observed for healthy older adults, while evidence was limited for those who were physically impaired. A low resistance training volume can substantially improve healthy older adults' physical function and benefits lean mass and muscle size independently of program duration, while a higher volume seems to be necessary for achieving greater improvements in muscle strength. A low volume of resistance training should be recommended in future exercise guidelines, particularly for physically healthy older adults targeting healthy ageing.

Application of synchronous music reinforcement to increase walking speed: A novel approach for training intensity.

Walking is a common and preferred form of exercise. Although there are current recommendations for walking volume (e.g., steps per day), recent research has begun to distinguish volume from intensity (e.g., "brisk" walking) as an important dimension of exercise. Increasing intensity may confer health advantages beyond volume measures because it shifts cardiovascular performance to more vigorous training zones. Reinforcement-based approaches have been valuable in increasing volume measures of exercise, and the present study sought to develop a corresponding reinforcement approach to training walking intensity. For this study, we used a continuous reinforcement paradigm where music played only while walking met specified criteria; otherwise, music playback stopped. As a result, music was synchronized with walking performance. Seventeen participants walked on a nonmotorized treadmill at a self-selected pace. Across the session, different conditions arranged for music to play independent of walking speed or contingent on speed increases or decreases. An extinction component assessed performance when music was withdrawn completely. Walking speed was selectively increased and decreased by adjusting the contingencies that were arranged for music, and variability in speed increased during extinction, with both findings indicating that music was a reinforcer. Heart rate was also increased to moderate-vigorous intensities during reinforcement. The findings provide a compelling case that walking intensity can be modified by music reinforcement. We suggest that synchronous schedules may be an important foundation for future exercise technologies that are based on reinforcement.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Postural Balance and Physical Performance in Older Women: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Aging causes morphological and physiological changes, especially in the musculoskeletal and somatosensory systems, leading to sarcopenia and reduced postural balance, increasing the risk of falls and loss of independence. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a neuromuscular training program on postural balance, physical performance, and muscle strength in older Chilean women. Methods: The double-blind randomized controlled trial included 48 participants aged 65-80 who were divided into three groups: a control group (CG), a multicomponent training group (MCG), and a neuromuscular training group (NMG). Postural balance was assessed using a force platform with open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions, measuring ML velocity, AP velocity, mean radius, and area. Physical performance was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including static balance, 4-m walking speed, and 5× sit-to-stand chair test. Muscle strength was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer to record maximum grip force. Results: Significant time × group interactions in the CE condition were found for mean radius (F = 0.984; p = 0.017; ηp2 = 0.184), AP velocity (F = 10.01; p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.312), and ML velocity (F = 4.30; p = 0.027; ηp2 = 0.163). Significant pre-post differences in the NMG for mean radius (p < 0.001), AP velocity (p < 0.001), and ML velocity (p = 0.029) were observed, with no significant changes in CG. Significant time × group interactions were also found in the SPPB test score (F = 11.49; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.343), gait speed (F = 5.513; p = 0.012; ηp2 = 0.198), and sit-to-stand test (F = 5.731; p = 0.010; ηp2 = 0.206), but not in the balance score (F = 2.099; p = 0.148). Handgrip strength showed no significant interactions (F = 3.216; p = 0.061; ηp2 = 0.127). Conclusions: These findings suggest that neuromuscular training is a promising intervention to mitigate the decline in balance and physical function associated with aging, offering a targeted approach to improve the quality of life in the elderly.

Effect of adapted dance program on gait in adults with cerebral palsy: a pilot study.

The gait function in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) deteriorates rapidly with age. Dance has been used as an effective intervention to improve balance, postural control, and gait. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effects of an adapted dance program (ADP) on the gait in adults with CP. The ADP, which consists of floor and barre workouts, was designed to be adapted for individuals with CP. Ten female adults with spastic diplegic CP (mean age 52.3 ± 6.34, Gross Motor Function Classification System level II) participated in this study. Outcome measures, examined using 3D gait analysis, included spatiotemporal gait parameters and the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) based on nine kinematic variables in all planes of motion. To assess feasibility, we conducted post-questionnaires and a group interview. The ADP, each lasting 90 min, was held twice per week for 12 weeks. A statistically significant improvement was observed in GDI (Δ5.74 points, p = 0.014), with a large effect size (d = 0.76). Foot off (Δ-0.72%), first double support (Δ-0.2%), second double support (Δ1.5%), and single support (Δ0.64%) showed no significant differences. Step length (Δ1.48 cm), cadence (Δ3.95 steps/min), and walking speed (Δ6.41 cm/s) tended to increase, though the differences were not statistically significant. Participants expressed high levels of physical and emotional satisfaction, suggesting a need for early intervention. The ADP may improve gait patterns in adults with spastic diplegic CP. The feasibility results indicated that the ADP is suitable for adults with spastic diplegic CP. This study provides evidence for improvement in gait patterns through dance, which has not been reported in previous dance studies on individuals with CP, offering additional information on the benefits of dance.

Foot-Floor Contact Sequences: A Metric for Gait Assessment in Parkinson's Disease after Deep Brain Stimulation.

Digital gait monitoring is increasingly used to assess locomotion and fall risk. The aim of this work is to analyze the changes in the foot-floor contact sequences of Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients in the year following the implantation of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). During their best-ON condition, 30 PD patients underwent gait analysis at baseline (T0), at 3 months after subthalamic nucleus DBS neurosurgery (T1), and at 12 months (T2) after subthalamic nucleus DBS neurosurgery. Thirty age-matched controls underwent gait analysis once. Each subject was equipped with bilateral foot-switches and a 5 min walk was recorded, including both straight-line and turnings. The walking speed, turning time, stride time variability, percentage of atypical gait cycles, stance, swing, and double support duration were estimated. Overall, the gait performance of PD patients improved after DBS, as also confirmed by the decrease in their UPDRS-III scores from 19.4 ± 1.8 to 10.2 ± 1.0 (T0 vs. T2) (p < 0.001). In straight-line walking, the percentages of atypical cycles of PD on the more affected side were 11.1 ± 1.5% (at T0), 3.1 ± 1.5% (at T1), and 5.1 ± 2.4% (at T2), while in controls it was 3.1 ± 1.3% (p < 0.0005). In turnings, this percentage was 13.7 ± 1.1% (at T0), 7.8 ± 1.1% (at T1), and 10.9 ± 1.8% (at T2), while in controls it was 8.1 ± 1.0% (p < 0.001). Therefore, in straight-line walking, the atypical cycles decreased by 72% at T1, and by 54% at T2 (with respect to baseline), while, in turnings, atypical cycles decreased by 43% at T1, and by 20% at T2. The percentage of atypical gait cycles proved an informative digital biomarker for quantifying PD gait changes after DBS, both in straight-line paths and turnings.

Exploring the relationship between sarcopenia and 11 respiratory diseases: a comprehensive mendelian randomization analysis

BackgroundSarcopenia (SP) is an aging-related loss of muscle mass and function, affecting the respiratory system. However, the causality of the association between sarcopenia on lung diseases remains elusive.MethodsThe bidirectional univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR), multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis, and mediation MR were utilized to systematically investigate the genetic causal relationship of SP and 11 respiratory diseases. Independent genomic variants related to sarcopenia or respiratory diseases were identified as instrumental variables (IVs), and the summary level data of genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) were obtained from the UK biobank and FinnGen. MVMR analysis was conducted to explore the mediation effects of body mass index (BMI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), smoking, education attainment (EA), physical activity, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).ResultsForward UVMR analysis based on the primary method revealed that pneumoconiosis was associated with a higher risk of appendicular lean mass (ALM) (OR = 1.01, p = 0.03), and BMI (10.65%), smoking (10.65%), and physical activity (17.70%) had a mediating role in the effect of pneumoconiosis on ALM. In reverse MR analysis, we found that genetically predicted ALM was significantly associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) (OR = 1.24, p = 7.21E-05). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR = 0.98, p = 0.002) and sarcoidosis (OR = 1.01, p = 0.004) were identified to increase the loss of left-hand grip strength (HGS). Conversely, the increase in left- HGS presented a protective effect on chronic bronchitis (CB) (OR = 0.35, p = 0.03), (OR = 0.80, p = 0.02), and asthma (OR = 0.78, p = 0.04). Similarly, the loss of the right-HGS elevated the risk of low respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (OR = 0.97, p = 0.02) and bronchiectasis (OR = 1.01, p = 0.03), which is also an independent protective factor for LRTI and asthma. In the aspects of low HGS, the risk of LRTI was increased after MVMR analysis, and the risk of sarcoidosis and pneumoconiosis was elevated in the reverse analysis. Lastly, asthma was found to be related to the loss of the usual walking pace, and the reverse MR analysis suggested a causal relationship between the usual walking pace and LRTI (OR = 0.32, p = 2.79 × 10−5), asthma (OR = 0.24, p = 2.09 × 10−6), COPD (OR = 0.22, p = 6.64 × 10−4), and PE(OR = 0.35, p = 0.03).ConclusionsThis data-driven MR analysis revealed SP was bidirectional causally associated with lung diseases, providing genetic evidence for further mechanistic and clinical studies to understand the crosstalk between SP and lung diseases.

Frailty or sarcopenia: which is a better indicator of mortality risk in older adults?

BackgroundDespite the different conditions, frailty and sarcopenia overlap regarding their common link: the assessment of walking speed and muscle strength. This study aimed to compare the frailty phenotype to the...

Balance and Walking Speed Outcomes in Individuals Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation for Acute Cerebellar Stroke.

Cerebellar strokes account for only 2-3% of all strokes occurring annually in the United States but represent a disproportionally higher share of morbidity and mortality. Evidence examining the effect of inpatient rehabilitation on functional outcomes following a cerebellar stroke is limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of inpatient rehabilitation on balance and walking speed in individuals with cerebellar stroke. A secondary purpose of this study was to examine the length of inpatient rehabilitation stay of the included patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted using review of patient records during their inpatient rehabilitation stay from January 2021 to February 2022 at a large hospital system in the southeast United States. Balance and gait outcomes were examined on admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation that included physical therapy interventions. A paired t-test examined for changes in outcomes from admission to discharge. Pearson correlation examined for the association between length of stay and outcomes. A total of 15 records were reviewed. There were significant improvements in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (p's < 0.01) from admission to discharge with large effect sizes (range d = 0.70-1.67) following inpatient rehabilitation. The average length of stay was 12.67 days (SD = 6.5) and the mean total hours of combined occupational, physical, and speech therapy was 27.33 (SD = 6.52) h. There was a moderate association between length of stay and PASS (r = 0.525, p = 0.04) and BBS (r = 0.546, p = 0.04) outcomes. Patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation following acute cerebellar strokes demonstrated improvements in balance and gait speed. Study results could assist clinicians designing interventions for patients with cerebellar strokes in the inpatient rehabilitation setting.

The Ramp protocol: Uncovering individual differences in walking to an auditory beat using TeensyStep

Intentionally walking to the beat of an auditory stimulus seems effortless for most humans. However, studies have revealed significant individual differences in the spontaneous tendency to synchronize. Some individuals tend to adapt their walking pace to the beat, while others show little or no adjustment. To fill this gap we introduce the Ramp protocol, which measures spontaneous adaptation to a change in an auditory rhythmic stimulus in a gait task. First, participants walk at their preferred cadence without stimulation. After several steps, a metronome is presented, timed to match the participant’s heel-strike. Then, the metronome tempo progressively departs from the participant’s cadence by either accelerating or decelerating. The implementation of the Ramp protocol required real-time detection of heel-strike and auditory stimuli aligned with participants’ preferred cadence. To achieve this, we developed the TeensyStep device, which we validated compared to a gold standard for step detection. We also demonstrated the sensitivity of the Ramp protocol to individual differences in the spontaneous response to a tempo-changing rhythmic stimulus by introducing a new measure: the Response Score. This new method and quantification of spontaneous response to rhythmic stimuli holds promise for highlighting and distinguishing different profiles of adaptation in a gait task.