Standardized Motor Test Research Articles

Зміни у фізичній підготовленості учнів ліцею спортивного профілю

The article examines the indicators of motor abilities of 10th-grade pupils of the sport’s professional college lyceum. The number of respondents was 210 people, the average age of the representatives was 15.46 years. The aim of the study is to determine the level of physical fitness of 10th-grade lyceum pupils and to investigate its dynamics over three years. Research methods and organization. The research was conducted during 2020-2022 on the basis of the Kharkiv Professional College of Sports Lyceum. In order to analyze the level of development of basic motor skills, standard tests of the school physical education program were chosen to determine indicators of speed abilities, agility, strength, power speed abilities and endurance. One-dimensional statistical analysis according to the Student’s t-test was chosen to prove the regularities discovered in the process of research and hypothesis testing. Results. The results of the study showed that the average statistical indicators of physical fitness of 10th-grade students of the Kharkiv Professional College of Sports Lyceum of the 2020-2022 sets are better than the data available in the scientific and methodological periodicals of peers who study in common schools. The average results of the sports lyceum pupils in 60 meters running range from 8.5 to 8.4 s; the results of the 4x9 m shuttle run exercise are within 9.1-9.2 s; pull-up on a high bar 8.2-8.8 times, long jump are in the range from 219 to 222 cm; running 1500 m within 5.29-5.36 min. The results of the exercises correspond to a high level of competence for representatives of this age. Statistical analysis of the obtained data showed that pupils of the 2022 control group compared to representatives of 2020 demonstrated worse results in exercises designed to determine indicators of speed, agility and endurance (p<0.05); indicators of strength and speed-power abilities do not have statistically significant differences. Conclusion. Systematic purposeful sports engagements and an increased level of physical activity allows to ensure a high level of competence in performing standard motor tests. However, during the three years of the study, the indicators of speed, agility and endurance of sports lyceum pupils statistically decreased.

Effects of a Complex Physical Activity Program on Children's Arithmetic Problem Solving and Arithmetic Reasoning Abilities.

Research has shown that higher levels of physical activity are associated with better cognitive performance in children. However, the benefits of physical activity on academic achievement and specifically on mathematics performance need to be further explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a complex physical activity (CPA) intervention program, including cognitive involvement, on children’s mathematics performance. The participants were 128 children (aged 12−13 years) attending third grade in three middle schools. They were randomly allocated into a CPA intervention (n = 64) or a waitlist control group (n = 64), the latter of which was given a regular and easy-to-perform activity program. At baseline and after the intervention, students’ physical fitness was measured using a battery of standardized motor tests (20 m shuttle run test, curl-up test, push-up test, and sit and reach test). In addition, the AC-MT 11-14 test was administered to allow a standardized and comprehensive assessment of arithmetic problem-solving and arithmetic reasoning abilities. In comparison to the control, the intervention group showed significant improvements (p < 0.001) in comprehension and production (d = 1.88), arithmetic reasoning (d = 2.50), and problem solving (d = 1.32), as well as in 20 m shuttle run test (d = 1.81), push-up test (d = 1.88), curl-up (d = 3.52), and sit and reach (d = 2.52). No significant changes were found in the control group. In conclusion, findings showed that a 12-week CPA intervention program can improve mathematical performance in children in the third grade of middle school. CPA intervention may be an effective method to improve academic performance and avoid student failure.

Developmental Coordination Disorder before the Age of Three: A Longitudinal Retrospective Study in a Belgian Center for Developmental Disabilities.

This study aimed to explore the association between developmental coordination disorder (DCD) diagnosed after the age of three and both a standardized motor test—the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS)—and non-standardized observation of movement quality carried out before the age of three. Children at risk or with developmental concerns were studied retrospectively. Children were excluded in case of a diagnosis, excluding DCD, e.g., cerebral palsy, or IQ < 70. Of the 503 included children, 246 were diagnosed with (at-risk) DCD. Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed a significant association between DCD diagnosis after the age of three and male gender and with different aspects of poor movement quality in different age groups before the age three. Univariate analyses revealed an association between DCD diagnosis and the number of poor movement-quality descriptions at 0–6 months, 6–12 months, and 18 months–3 years but not with the AIMS scores. The MABC-2 scores after the age of three were significantly correlated with the number of poor movement-quality descriptions in age groups 0–6 months and 18 months–3 years and with the AIMS scores in age groups 6–12 months and 12–18 months. The results suggest that DCD can be associated with poor movement quality before the age of three.

The Influence of Physical Education on Self-Efficacy in Overweight Schoolgirls: A 12-Week Training Program.

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the impact of a 12-week physical education (PE) program on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls. We randomly assigned 60 overweight schoolgirls (15–17 years) to either an experimental moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise (∼90 min, three times a week) group (n = 30) or a control group (CG) (n = 30) that received non-specific regular PE lessons with activities chosen by the curricular teacher mainly focused on team games and sports skills that aimed to achieve general psycho-physical wellness (∼90 min, three times a week). To assess the starting level of students and significant changes reached, at baseline and after training, a battery of standardized assessment motor tests and a psychometric scale (generalized self-efficacy scale, GES) were administered. At the end of the intervention, the experimental group reported a considerable decrease in body mass index (BMI) and a large improvement in self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in the CG. The results suggested that the 12-week moderate to a vigorous aerobic exercise program is an effective weight loss intervention and a vehicle to promote a range of outcomes important to the qualitative growth of adolescents. In fact, it could provide a positive and significant impact on the self-efficacy of overweight schoolgirls.

The Impact of an 8-Weeks At-Home Physical Activity Plan on Academic Achievement at the Time of COVID-19 Lock-Down in Italian School

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the efficacy of an 8-week exercise programme conducted in e-learning mode on high school students’ academic performance. The aim was to examine the changes in physical fitness and learning outcomes during the enforced period of lockdown caused by outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of schools in Italy. Thirty high-school students (14–15 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) that performed an at-home workout programme (~60 min., twice a week), or a control group (n = 15) who received only a regular programme of theoretical lessons where no practice takes place. Both groups were synchronized in real-time with the physical education teacher. In order to assess students’ starting level and significant changes reached, at baseline and after training, a battery of standardized assessment motor tests (Standing long jump test, Harvard step test, sit and reach test, and butt kicks test), and an academic achievement test (Amos 8–15) were administered. In comparison to the control group at baseline and the end of the programme, the experimental group reported considerable improvements in motivation and concentration, significant anxiety reduction, and an increase in capacity to organize studying and to be more flexible. Moreover, it was possible to observe the efficacy of the workout to improve learning ability among practicing students (p &lt; 0.001). No significant changes were found in the control group. The results suggest that a school-based exercise programme conducted online could be a powerful approach in order to achieve the best academic outcomes and for improving students’ physical fitness as well as their cognitive health.

A multimethod approach to assessing motor skills in boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder

Motor peculiarities are often reported in children with autism spectrum disorder and may predict subsequent adaptive functioning and quality of life. Although the sex bias in the prevalence of the disorder is well documented, little is known about differences in motor profile in males and females with autism spectrum disorder. Our goal was to study differences in motor functioning of boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder aged 3-11 years compared with typically developing children. Their motor performances were evaluated using a multimethod approach, including standardized motor tests, caregiver reports, and a detailed motion capture analysis of a simple reach-to-drop movement. We found that, irrespective of sex, children with autism spectrum disorder had worse scores than typically developing children on standardized tests and on caregiver reports. Interestingly, girls with autism spectrum disorder, but not boys, presented altered motor anticipation in reach-to-drop. Our findings emphasize the need for more sex-specific assessment of motor function in autism spectrum disorder.

Effects of a Coordinative Ability Training Program on Adolescents' Cognitive Functioning.

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week coordinative ability training program on adolescents’ cognitive functioning, using evaluation tests of visuospatial perception, attention, and working memory. We randomly assigned 60 public school students (14–15 years) to either an experimental coordinative abilities training (∼40 min twice/week) group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30) who received general psycho-physical wellness training (∼40 min., twice a week). At baseline and after training we used two standardized motor tests and a single cognitive measure (Corsi’s Block-tapping test) to assess students’ visuospatial perception, attention, and working memory. We found a significant Time x Group interaction for the Throwing and Catching Test and Corsi’s Block-Tapping test, reflecting a meaningful experimental group improvement (p < 0.001), and there were no significant pre-post changes found in the control group. Thus, a 12-week program of coordinative abilities was able to improve not only coordination skills but aspects of cognitive functioning relevant to academic achievement.

Standardized motor assessments before the age of five predicting school-aged motor outcome including DCD: A systematic review.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed at primary-school-age. This systematic review aimed to summarize available standardized motor assessments before five years of age predicting DCD, complex Minor Neurological Disorder (cMND) and motor delay assessed by a standardized motor test. A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, WoS, Scopus, CENTRAL and ERIC. A hand search was executed. Only data of non-Cerebral Palsy children was included. At or before two years, the BSID, motor subtests of GMDS, NOMAS, and NSMDA might be valuable in detecting school-aged motor delay, while starting at three years, the PDMS, motor subtests of GMDS, NSDMA, M-ABC-2, and CAMPB show promising results. General movements Assessment is associated with cMND, but does not seem sensitive enough to detect DCD. Predictive values are superior in high-risk groups and improve as children age. However, no assessment instrument reached 80% sensitivity and specificity. Standardized motor assessments before five years seem valuable in detecting early motor problems. More longitudinal research commencing in infancy, including multiple assessments over time and the implementation of clear diagnostic criteria is imperative.

Pain is a major determinant of impaired performance in standardized active motor tests. A study in patients with fracture of the proximal humerus

We have followed the recovery of motor performance and the subsidence of pain for one year in 12 patients after fracture of the proximal humerus. Performance scores during standardized active motor tests were recorded 3, 8, 16, 24, and 52 weeks after injury, and the pain ratings during each of three manoeuvres were assessed on a modified Borg verbal scale. The manoeuvres were: Hand in Neck, Hand in Back, and Pour out of a Pot. In a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained 3 weeks after injury, significant correlations were found between movement-induced pain and impairment of performance in all three tests. A multivariate analysis indicated a strong association between decreasing pain and increasing performance and this was significant after elimination of the influence of healing as measured by time. In contrast, the association between time and increasing performance, after eliminating of the influence of decreasing pain, was weak and non-significant. It is concluded that pain is a major determinant of impaired performance after fracture of the proximal humerus, and that performance scores in standardized active motor tests are inversely correlated with the amount of movement-induced pain.

Cognitive and Motor Outcomes of Children With Prenatal Opioid Exposure

Prenatal opioid exposure (POE) is one of the fastest-growing global health problems, but its association with long-term neurologic and physical development remains unknown. To assess the association between POE and cognitive and motor development in children from age 6 months to 18 years. Key search terms included prenatal opioid exposure, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and neurocognitive development. Studies were searched using PubMed and Embase, with no publication date restriction, through August 20, 2018. Only published cohort studies comparing the results of age-appropriate standardized cognitive and/or motor tests between children with any POE (aged 0-18 years) with drug-free controls were included. Data that were not convertible to means and SDs were excluded. This study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Standardized mean difference of cognitive and motor tests between POE and nonexposed children. Twenty-six peer-reviewed cohort studies were included. Cognitive outcomes were compared for a total of 1455 children with POE and 2982 nonexposed children across 3 age groups (mean [SE] age at cognitive testing was 13 [1.58] months for the toddler group; 4.5 [0.38] years for the preschool group; and 13 [2.36] years for the school-aged group). Motor outcomes were compared for 688 children with POE and 1500 nonexposed children up to age 6 years (mean [SD] age at motor testing, 2 [0.45] years). Standardized mean difference was lower in cognitive tests for children with POE at 0 to 2 years (d = -0.52; 95% CI, -0.74 to -0.31; P < .001) and 3 to 6 years (d = -0.38; 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.07; P < .001); the difference was not significant for those aged 7 to 18 years (d = -0.44; 95% CI, -1.16 to 0.28; P = .23). Motor scores were lower in children with POE (d = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.23-0.74; P < .001). Prenatal opioid exposure appeared to be negatively associated with neurocognitive and physical development from age 6 months, and this association persisted until adolescence. The cause and association of this with POE or other factors (eg, withdrawal treatment) are uncertain but suggest that POE necessitates long-term support and intervention.

Індивідуалізація оцінки розвитку рухових якостей юних борців на основі соматотипування

Актуальність. Актуальність роботи зумовлена індивідуальним підходом до контролю фізичної підготовленості юних спортсменів, які спеціалізуються в боротьбі дзюдо. Основними критеріями індивідуалізації обрано вік, стать та соматичний тип. Завдання роботи – за результатами педагогічних тестувань фізичних якостей здійснити комплексний аналіз загальної й спеціальної фізичної підготовленості дзюдоїстів 11–12 років різних соматотипів, провести кореляційний аналіз і встановити парні взаємозв’язки між показниками загальної та спеціальної фізичної підготовленості в дзюдоїстів в 11–12 років; розробити критерії оцінки загальної й спеціальної фізичної підготовленості борців 11–12 років на основі встановлення їхніх соматотипів. Методи роботи. Установлення соматотипу в юних спортсменів здійснювали за схемою В. Г. Штефка, А. Д. Островського в модифікації С. С. Дарської (1975). Методика передбачає застосування соматоскопії та соматометрії й виділення чотирьох типів тілобудови – астеноїдного, торакального, м’язового й дигестивного. Під час педагогічного тестування проводили стандартні та спеціальні рухові тести, за допомогою яких характеризували розвиток фізичної підготовленості дзюдоїстів. Для встановлення взаємозв’язку між досліджуваними показниками проводили ранговий кореляційний аналіз за Спірменом. Шкалу оцінки результатів рухових тестів розробляли, застосовуючи правило 3-х сигм. Результати. У дослідженні взяли участь дзюдоїсти 11–12 років торакального, м’язового та дигестивного соматотипів (усього 43 особи). Під час дослідження використали 22 рухові тести, які відображають загальну та спеціальну підготовленість дзюдоїста. За результатами застосування 15-ти з них виявлено достовірні відмінності показників у представників різних соматотипів. Достовірно вирізняються своїми показниками дзюдоїсти м’язового соматотипу. Застосування комплексу рухових тестів дало змогу отримати повну інформацію про ефективність тренувального процесу юних дзюдоїстів. Із метою уніфікації педагогічного контролю та визначення найбільш інформативних тестів проведено кореляційний аналіз показників загальної й спеціальної фізичної підготовленості юних дзюдоїстів за результатами 22 рухових тестів. У процесі дослідження виявлено парні кореляційні зв’язки великої сили між параметрами, які характеризують швидкість, швидкісну силу та спеціальну фізичну підготовленість. За результатами педагогічного тестування розроблено оцінну шкалу результатів у балах. Обґрунтовано доцільність його застосовування в процесі педагогічного контролю дзюдоїстів 11–12 років із різними соматотипами. Комплекс тестових завдань має просту технічну характеристику, охоплює всі фізичні здібності й ті форми їх прояву, до яких пред’являються підвищені вимоги в спортивній боротьбі. Висновки. Отримані нами результати дають змогу тренерам легко здійснювати науково обґрунтований добір найбільш інформативних рухових тестів із метою якісного педагогічного контролю розвитку фізичних якостей борців 11–12 років. Розроблену нами п’ятибальну шкалу оцінки результатів тестувань фізичних якостей доцільно застосовувати в процесі педагогічного контролю за навчально-тренувальним процесом дзюдоїстів 11–12 років з урахуванням їхніх соматотипів.

Identifying patterns of motor performance, executive functioning, and verbal ability in preschool children: A latent profile analysis

BackgroundA relationship between motor performance and cognitive functioning is increasingly being recognized. Yet, little is known about the precise nature of the relationship between both domains, especially in early childhood. AimsTo identify distinct constellations of motor performance, executive functioning (EF), and verbal ability in preschool aged children; and to explore how individual and contextual variables are related to profile membership. Methods and proceduresThe sample consisted of 119 3- to 4-year old children (62 boys; 52%). The home based assessments consisted of a standardized motor test (Movement Assessment Battery for Children – 2), five performance-based EF tasks measuring inhibition and working memory, and the Receptive Vocabulary subtest from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Third Edition. Parents filled out the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Preschool version. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to delineate profiles of motor performance, EF, and verbal ability. Chi-square statistics and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to examine whether profile membership was predicted by age, gender, risk of motor coordination difficulties, ADHD symptomatology, language problems, and socioeconomic status (SES). Outcomes and resultsLPA yielded three profiles with qualitatively distinct response patterns of motor performance, EF, and verbal ability. Quantitatively, the profiles showed most pronounced differences with regard to parent ratings and performance-based tests of EF, as well as verbal ability. Risk of motor coordination difficulties and ADHD symptomatology were associated with profile membership, whereas age, gender, language problems, and SES were not. Conclusions and implicationsOur results indicate that there are distinct subpopulations of children who show differential relations with regard to motor performance, EF, and verbal ability. The fact that we found both quantitative as well as qualitative differences between the three patterns of profiles underscores the need for a person-centered approach with a focus on patterns of individual characteristics.

Analysis of peripheral nerve and autonomic nervous system function and the stage of microangiopathy in patients with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon in the course of connective tissue diseases.

The pathogenesis of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (SRP) associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD) is not entirely understood. Nervous system dysfunction and microangiopathy are considered to be causes of this pathology. Peripheral and autonomic nervous system function, the stage of microangiopathy, and the relationships between these in patients with SRP were analyzed. In the study, 20 patients with CTD-related SRP and 30 healthy controls were subject to capillaroscopy, standard conduction velocity tests and conduction velocity distribution (CVD) tests in ulnar and peroneal nerves, heart rate variability (HRV), and sympathetic skin response (SSR) tests. There were no significant differences in the standard motor and sensory conduction velocity tests, or in CVD tests in the ulnar and peroneal nerves in SRP patients compared with the controls. The patients with SRP had a significantly lower SSR amplitude and longer latency in hands and feet. The patients with CTD-related SRP had a significantly lower mean HRV with higher low frequency (LF) values in the spectral analysis and expiration/inspiration ratio (E/I) during deep breathing. There was no correlation between the stage of microangiopathy and neurophysiological test results. Correct standard conduction velocity and CVD testing in patients with SPR suggest that vasomotor disturbances may occur in CTD regardless of peripheral neuropathy. The lack of relationship between SSR and microangiopathy could confirm that these 2 processes occur independently in patients with CTD-related SRP. Autonomic nervous system impairment together with normal peripheral nerve function suggest the central origin of CTD-related SRP.

The validity of parental reports on motor skills performance level in preschool children: a comparison with a standardized motor test

Motor skills are interrelated with essential domains of childhood such as cognitive and social development. Thus, the evaluation of motor skills and the identification of atypical or delayed motor development is crucial in pediatric practice (e.g., during well-child visits). Parental reports on motor skills may serve as possible indicators to decide whether further assessment of a child is necessary or not. We compared parental reports on fundamental motor skills performance level (e.g., hopping, throwing), based on questions frequently asked in pediatric practice, with a standardized motor test in 389 children (46.5% girls/53.5% boys, M age = 3.8 years, SD = 0.5, range 3.0–5.0 years) from the Swiss Preschoolers’ Health Study (SPLASHY). Motor skills were examined using the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment 3–5 (ZNA3–5), and parents filled in an online questionnaire on fundamental motor skills performance level. The results showed that the answers from the parental report correlated only weakly with the objectively assessed motor skills (r = .225, p < .001).Conclusion: Although a parental screening instrument for motor skills would be desirable, the parent’s report used in this study was not a valid indicator for children’s fundamental motor skills. Thus, we may recommend to objectively examine motor skills in clinical practice and not to exclusively rely on parental report.What is Known:• Early assessment of motor skills in preschool children is important because motor skills are essential for the engagement in social activities and the development of cognitive abilities. Atypical or delayed motor development can be an indicator for different developmental needs or disorders.• Pediatricians frequently ask parents about the motor competences of their child during well-child visits.What is New:• The parental report on fundamental motor skills performance level used in this study was not a reliable indicator for describing motor development in the preschool age.• Standardized examinations of motor skills are required to validly assess motor development in preschoolers.

Neurodevelopmental Profiles of Children with Congenital Heart Disease at School Age

To assess 6-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in a current cohort of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB), and to determine risk factors for adverse outcomes. Outcomes were examined in 233 prospectively enrolled children with CHD (including 64 with a recognized genetic disorder) who underwent CPB between 2004 and 2009. Follow-up assessment included standardized neurologic, motor, and cognitive tests. Variables were collected prospectively, and multiple regression analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors for adverse outcome. The mean patient age at assessment was 6.3 years (range, 5.1-6.8 years). IQ was lower in children with a genetic disorder (median, 55; range, 17-115) compared with children without a genetic disorder (median, 95; range, 47-135; P < .001). Cognitive and motor performance also were lower in children without a genetic disorder compared with the norm (P < .01 for both). The prevalence of children without a genetic disorder performing below -2 SD (IQ 70) was higher than the norm (5.3% vs 2.3%; P = .008), and the prevalence of poor motor performance (<10th percentile) ranged from 21.2% to 41.1% (P < .01 for all). Significant independent risk factors for poor neurodevelopmental outcome included a genetic disorder, longer length of intensive care stay, lower birth weight, postoperative seizures, and lower socioeconomic status. Current cohorts of children with CHD undergoing CPB show favorable outcomes but remain at risk for long-term neurodevelopmental impairments, particularly those with a genetic disorder and a complicated postoperative course. Close neurodevelopmental surveillance is necessary to provide early therapeutic support.

Locked Rotor and Transient Tests of a 100 kW HTS Machine

Locked rotor and “short circuit at the stator terminals” are two standard motor tests that provide operators with useful data about the electro-mechanical performance of rotating machines for installation. A programme of motor tests was performed on a novel machine with an HTS rotor winding and a conventional copper wound stator. The rotor winding was cooled down to 77 K. The differences when driving 0 and 190 A in the stator winding whilst ramping the field current in the locked rotor close to its critical current are discussed by interpreting small changes in the voltages measured at different locations in the winding. The perpendicular field generated by the stator produced the greatest impact on the HTS winding and its starting torque. Finally, a comparison of single-phase short circuits with three-phase short circuits unveiled a doubling in the peak stator current induced and the period for the transient to dissipate, but a moderate reduction in the peak (spiking) current in the HTS winding.

Online Control of Prehension Predicts Performance on a Standardized Motor Assessment Test in 8- to 12-Year-Old Children.

Goal-directed hand movements are guided by sensory information and may be adjusted ‘online,’ during the movement. If the target of a movement unexpectedly changes position, trajectory corrections can be initiated in as little as 100 ms in adults. This rapid visual online control is impaired in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and potentially in other neurodevelopmental conditions. We investigated the visual control of hand movements in children in a ‘center-out’ double-step reaching and grasping task, and examined how parameters of this visuomotor control co-vary with performance on standardized motor tests often used with typically and atypically developing children. Two groups of children aged 8–12 years were asked to reach and grasp an illuminated central ball on a vertically oriented board. On a proportion of trials, and at movement onset, the illumination switched unpredictably to one of four other balls in a center-out configuration (left, right, up, or down). When the target moved, all but one of the children were able to correct their movements before reaching the initial target, at least on some trials, but the latencies to initiate these corrections were longer than those typically reported in the adult literature, ranging from 211 to 581 ms. These later corrections may be due to less developed motor skills in children, or to the increased cognitive and biomechanical complexity of switching movements in four directions. In the first group (n = 187), reaching and grasping parameters significantly predicted standardized movement scores on the MABC-2, most strongly for the aiming and catching component. In the second group (n = 85), these same parameters did not significantly predict scores on the DCDQ′07 parent questionnaire. Our reaching and grasping task provides a sensitive and continuous measure of movement skill that predicts scores on standardized movement tasks used to screen for DCD.

Altered Functional Performance in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain condition that exerts a considerable impact on patients' daily activities and quality of life.Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to evaluate kinematic parameters of gait, functional performance, and balance in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.Methods: The study included 26 female patients with fibromyalgia (49.2 ± 8.0 years) according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, as well as 16 pain-free women (43.5 ± 8.5 years). Gait and balance parameters were extracted from video recordings of participants performing several motor tasks. Non-linear dynamic of body sway time series was also analyzed by computing the Hurst exponent. In addition, functional performance and clinical pain were obtained by using standardized motor tests (Berg's balance scale, 6-min walking test, timed up and go task, Romberg's balance test) and self-report questionnaires (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire).Results: Walking speed was significantly diminished (p < 0.001) in FM patients as compared to pain-free controls, probably due to significant reductions in stride length (p < 0.001) and cycle frequency (p < 0.001). Analyses of balance also revealed significant differences between fibromyalgia and pain-free controls on body sway in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior axes (all ps < 0.01). Several parameters of gait and balance were significantly associated with high levels of pain, depression, stiffness, anxiety, and fatigue in fibromyalgia.Conclusion: Our data revealed that both gait and balance were severely impaired in FM, and that subjective complaints associated with FM could contribute to functional disability in these patients. These findings suggest that optimal rehabilitation and fall prevention in fibromyalgia require a comprehensive assessment of both psychological responses to pain and physical impairments during postural control and gait.

Screening accuracy of the parent-completed Ages and Stages Questionnaires - second edition as a broadband screener for motor problems in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders.

Children with autism spectrum disorders are at risk for motor problems. However, this area is often overlooked in the developmental evaluation in autism diagnostic clinics. An alternative can be to identify children who should receive intensive motor assessment by using a parent-based screener. The aim of this study was to examine whether the Ages and Stages Questionnaires - second edition may be used to identify gross and fine motor problems in children. High-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 43, 22-54 m) participated in this study. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated by comparing the Ages and Stages Questionnaires - second edition scores to the developmental evaluation of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale - second edition. The results revealed that both the Ages and Stages Questionnaires - second edition gross and fine motor domain may be used to identify children without motor problems. In contrast, sensitivity analyses revealed the likelihood of under screening motor problems in this population. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires - second edition met only the criteria of a fair to good accuracy to identify poor gross motor (sensitivity = 100%) and below-average fine motor development (sensitivity = 71%) in this sample. Hence, the capacity of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires - second edition to identify motor problems in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder appears to be limited. It is recommended to include a formal standardized motor test in the diagnostic procedure for all children with autism spectrum disorder.

The phenotypical core of Alzheimer's disease-related and nonrelated variants of the corticobasal syndrome: A systematic clinical, neuropsychological, imaging, and biomarker study

IntroductionThe corticobasal syndrome (CBS) constitutes a neurodegenerative disease spectrum with substantial phenotypical or biological heterogeneity, requiring large or multimodal studies to identify its clinico-biological signature while disentangling Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related from non-AD-related CBS. MethodsWe analyzed a large (N = 45) monocenter expert-clinic CBS cohort, recruited in motor and/or cognitive units to avoid recruitment biases, assessed with standardized motor and/or cognitive-language tests, brain perfusion imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. ResultsCBS mainly manifests as a motor and/or language disorder incorporating a “mixed progressive aphasia” phenotype, consistent with left-lateralized damage to frontal-parietal-temporal cortices. Biomarker expression indicates in 18% underlying AD causing predominant parietal-temporal damage and Gerstmann syndrome (sensitivity 75%; specificity 75%), whereas non-AD-CBS presented with predominant prefrontal and lexical-semantic impairment. DiscussionCBS is primarily a “motor-plus-aphasia” disease unfolding into AD-related and non-AD-related variants with distinctive cognitive-anatomic patterns. CBS, and notably its “Gerstmann variant”, should be included in the new AD “lexicon” and categorized in the evolving diagnostic spectrum of “atypical AD”d.