Block Test Research Articles

The Impact of the Interactive Floor Device and Aerobic Training on Executive Functions in Children

Background/Objectives: Considering the importance of physical activity on the development of cognitive functions in children, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a ten-week training program using the Interactive Floor device (© Funtronic), i.e., a kinesthetic educational game, and aerobic activity training on executive functions in 9-year-old children. Given current knowledge of the advantages of gamification and on-task switching, stronger improvement was expected for the Interactive Floor device than aerobic exercise activities. Methods: Sixty-four children (29 boys/35 girls) were randomly assigned to the Interactive Floor (n = 22), Aerobic Training (n = 22), or Control groups (n = 20). The participants had their cognitive abilities assessed twice (pre- and post-intervention) using computer tests from the Vienna Test System (VTS) and subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children® Fifth Edition (WISC®-V). From VTS, the Stroop Test was used to measure inhibition and attentional control, while the Corsi Block test assessed visuospatial short-term working memory. To assess auditory working memory, the Digit Span subtest from the WISC®-V was applied. Additionally, fluid intelligence was estimated using Raven’s Progressive Matrices. Results: Repeated-measures mixed ANOVA and post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons showed that all intervention program groups improved in terms of intelligence and non-verbal abstract reasoning. The second significant finding in this study was that especially children from the Interactive Floor group developed their executive functions, i.e., inhibition and attentional control as well as their spatial short-term memory capacity. Conclusions: The results suggest that a combination of both physical exercise and cognitive games in the Interactive Floor group resulted in greater improvement in cognitive abilities in children than aerobic exercise or physical education lessons. It seems that a multidisciplinary approach combining physical and cognitive stimulation effectively promotes child development. Future programs aiming to improve cognitive skills in children should consider incorporating interactive and engaging activities that stimulate both the body and the mind.

Using compound stimuli to establish equivalence classes with adults: An extension using different negative comparison compounds

ABSTRACT Equivalence classes are typically established using match to sample (MTS) procedures with single stimuli serving as samples and comparisons. In a recent study, however, equivalence classes were established with samples and comparisons consisting of compound stimuli (i.e., pairs of abstract symbols). One potential problem using compound stimuli during equivalence class formation, however, is that one element may overshadow the other, thereby disrupting class formation. To address this, the current study used two different compound configurations for incorrect (negative) comparisons during MTS. One group of participants was exposed to negative comparison compounds containing stimuli from only one class (referred to as Type 1 trials) while the other group was exposed to negative comparison compounds containing stimuli from both classes (Type 2 trials) along with Type 1 trials. Class formation was assessed with a test block containing single-element-to-single-element, single-element-to-compound, compound-to-single element, and compound-to-compound derived relations trials. A card sorting test with single elements was also conducted. Results showed that class formation was high and equally likely for both groups; therefore, overshadowing did not occur for either group. Thus, Type 2 trials may be unnecessary during class formation with compound stimuli, and their omission would likely increase efficiency of instruction.

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Produced by Low-Grade Yellow-Poplar Sorted by Nondestructive Evaluation

Abstract To manufacture and market a uniform and consistent product, the US lumber industry developed grading rules to classify their lumber. Visual grading is the most commonly applied grading system, although nondestructive evaluation (NDE) could be applied. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels produced from yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) lumber sorted by NDE and compare their bending properties in the major direction to standard published panels by the American National Standards Institutes/The Engineered Wood Association (ANSI/APA) PRG 320-2019. Ten panels were produced with dimensions of 3.75 inches thick by 18 inches wide by 120 inches long. Flatwise bending, shear block, and cyclic delamination tests were performed following ANSI/APA PRG 320-2019. The results of the bending tests indicated that the calculated characteristic values using NDE-sorted lumber resulted in a 19 percent higher bending strength (Fb) than published values in ANSI/APA PRG 320-2019 for stress-rated lumber (E1 and E4) and 35 percent higher than visually graded yellow-poplar CLT panels reported by Azambuja et al. However, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) values (1.56 by 106 psi) were lower than those listed for E1 and E4 type panels. The adhesive evaluation showed delamination in some samples located in the outer areas of the panel, indicating that proper adhesion is possible with improvements in the panel production process used in the research. Overall, the results suggest potential opportunities to utilize yellow- poplar lumber that does not meet a visual structural grade category under Northeastern Lumber Association Manufacturers’ rules by classifying and sorting the lumber according to static MOE (MOEs) values assessed using NDE.

Experimental analysis on mechanical properties of sea sand geopolymer recycled aggregate concrete

Traditional silicate concrete has the problem of high CO2 emissions, in the context of the large-scale use of portland concrete, aggregate resources are increasingly scarce, which poses a non-negligible threat to the natural environment. Therefore, to cope with the influence of traditional silicate concrete on the natural environment, a new type of sea sand geopolymer recycle aggregate concrete (SGRAC) was prepared by replacing river sand with sea sand and using recycled aggregate instead of natural aggregate. In this study, a total of 120 test blocks were designed. Firstly, the mechanical properties of geoplymer recycle aggregate concrete (GRAC) and SGRAC under different slag substitution rates were analyzed from the perspective of compressive strength and microstructure. In addition, the mechanical properties of SGRAC under different slag substitution rates and NaOH solution concentrations were further studied. Finally, the strength conversion formula of SGRAC is established.The results show that the compressive strength of SGRAC is 7.24 % higher than that of GRAC, and the activation degree of the two is consistent under different dosage. The influence of slag substitution rate and NaOH solution concentration on the mechanical properties of SGRAC is different. The correlation coefficient of slag substitution rate is lower, and its comprehensive mechanical properties are the best at 10 mol/L-60 %. This study lays a theoretical foundation and experimental basis for the subsequent research and application of SGRAC, and the technology helps to reduce CO2 emissions during construction engineering and promotes the sustainable development of the natural environment on which human beings depend.

Is pre-operative block-test with lidocaine injection efficient in predicting the functional result of revision total hip arthroplasty?

BackgroundWhile performing a hip joint aspiration for culture, a lidocaine diagnostic injection called block test can be performed during the investigation of painful total hip arthroplasties (THA). This test was formerly applied to limited series in pre-operative and without assessing the predictive value on the results of THA revision. Therefore we investigated a consecutive series of THA revisions who underwent pre-operative aspiration-block test to determine if patients with pre-operative positive block test (disappearance of symptoms) have a better clinical improvement after revision. HypothesisThe positive pre-operative block test has a positive predictive value greater than 80% in predicting the favourable result of THA revisions. Materials and methodsWe reviewed 152 patients who had a hip aspiration associated with a block test before their THA revision. The patients were evaluated according to the Oxford hip score (OHS). The primary outcome was considered positive if the patient presented an improvement in the OHS greater than the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID; 9 points) and/or if the postoperative OHS was higher than the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS, defined as 39/48). ResultsBlock tests were positive for 61.2% (93/152) of patients. The median improvement in the OHS was 23.0 [IQR 16.0; 30.0] if the block test was positive versus 16.0 [IQR 4.0; 17.0] if negative (p = 0.002). The primary outcome after revision was strongly associated with block test positivity (p < 0.0001). The positive block test had a 67.7% sensitivity, 73.3% specificity, 91.4% Positive Predictive Value and 37.3% Negative Predictive Value for significant improvement after revision surgery. ConclusionHip joint aspiration for culture with concomitant block test seems to be an interesting tool in predicting outcomes of revision surgery for painful THA. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective study.

Study on the effect of thermoactivated conditions on the properties of hardened cement powder

The performance of thermoactivated hardened cement powder (HCP) is the basis for studying the performance of thermoactivated recycled concrete powder (RCP). Previous studies have mostly focused on thermoactivated RCP, while thermoactivated HCP is taken as the research object in this paper. The effects of different thermoactivated conditions on the mass loss rate, density, initial and final hardening time, standard consistency water powder ratio, and compressive strength of the test block made from thermoactivated HCP were studied. Furthermore, the mineral composition, microstructure, chemical elements, hydration heat, and hydration products of thermoactivated HCP made from different thermoactivated conditions were analyzed. The test results indicated that the average initial harden time of the 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 °C of thermoactivated HCP are 15, 1160, 85, and 13 min, respectively. In terms of phase change of HCP at different heating temperatures, when the heating temperature reached 800 °C, the diffraction peaks of C-S-H and CaCO3 disappear, while the diffraction peaks of C3S, β-C2S, and αC2S began to appear. AFt and Hydrotalcite are completely decomposed and C-S-H loses adsorbed water with temperature from 35.9 to 201.7 °C. Ca(OH)2 is completely decomposed with temperature from 413.3 to 457.4 °C. CaCO3 is completely decomposed with temperature from 457.4 to 731.6 °C. In terms of changes in the proportion of chemical elements after hydration of thermoactivated HCP, the values of Ca/Si of hydrated cement is 1.78. The average values of Ca/Si after hydration of 1000 and 1200 °C thermoactivated HCP are 3.32 and 3.33, respectively, while the average values of Ca/Si after hydration of 600 and 800 °C thermoactivated HCP are 2.74 and 2.6. These research conclusions provide a foundation for the application of thermoactivated HCP. HIGHLIGHTS The mass loss rate, density, and compressive strength of hardened cement powder made from different heating conditions were studied. The standard consistency water powder ratio, initial and final hardening time of hardened cement powder made from different thermoactivated conditions were analyzed. The mineral composition, microstructure, chemical elements, hydration heat, and hydration mechanism of hardened cement powder made from different thermoactivated conditions were revealed.

Experimental Study on Fire Resistance of Geopolymer High-Performance Concrete Prefabricated Stairs

Geopolymer-based high-performance concrete (GHPC) stairs have been proposed as an alternative solution that fulfills both lightweight and load-bearing requirements for prefabricated stairs. Nevertheless, the fire resistance properties of GHPC stairs remain uncertain. Therefore, this study first conducts high-temperature experimental research on GHPC test blocks. The experimental results demonstrated that the GHPC test blocks exhibited no signs of bursting at elevated temperatures and displayed less degradation in the compressive strength compared to that of ordinary concrete. Subsequently, GHPC-Z stair specimens with ribbed and unribbed configurations were fabricated to conduct a fire resistance test at elevated temperatures, followed by a comparative analysis of the resulting damage. The test results indicate that both types of GHPC stairs demonstrate exceptional performance without exhibiting bursting or noticeable cracks or structural spalling marks on their main bodies, despite experiencing vertical deformation. Furthermore, based on these findings, finite element models were established to simulate the fire-induced damage in GHPC and ordinary concrete stairs without ribbed folding plates. The simulation results illustrate that GHPC stairs possess commendable fire resistance capabilities along with an ability to effectively recover from high-temperature damage.

The Lack of Effect of Botulinum Toxin-A on Upper Limb Activity in Chronic Stroke: A Short Report from the InTENSE Trial

We examined the effect of botulinum toxin-A on upper limb impairments and activity limitations in chronic stroke. This study is a secondary analysis of control group data from a national, multicenter, Phase III randomized trial with a masked outcome assessment. We studied 71 stroke survivors who received a botulinum toxin-A injection in any muscle(s) that crosses the wrist due to significant spasticity after a stroke greater than 3 months previously. We measured upper limb activity, spasticity, range of motion, grip strength, pain and other outcomes at injection and three months later. The median difference between injection and 3 months later was 0.0 blocks/s (interquartile range (IQR) 0.0) on the Box and Block Test, 0/4 (IQR 1) on the Tardieu Scale, 4 degrees (IQR 26) of wrist extension, 0.0 kg (IQR 2) of grip strength, 0.0 (IQR 1.5) on the 10 cm visual analogue scale for pain, 0/100 (IQR 21) on the 10 cm visual analogue scale for overall health, 0/3 (IQR 0) for self-care and −2 (IQR 8) for burden of care. In chronic stroke survivors who have little activity in their upper limb, botulinum toxin-A is not effective in improving any measured outcomes and does not appear to be clinically justified in this population with severe activity limitations.

Surface performance characteristics of carpet‐mat stabilized cool‐season sod over drainage cells for temporary stadium installation

AbstractCarpet‐mat systems are a diverse group of hybrid stabilizing systems that are installed during sod establishment. In this experiment, eight hybrid, carpet‐mat systems (Flexgrass, Hatko Turfgrass XL BIO 40/34/10 [Turfgrass BIO], Hatko Hybridgrass 40 DS 10 XL [Hybridgrass 40 XL], Hatko Hybridgrass 53 DS 10 XL [Hybridgrass 53 XL], HG Turf Group HERO 127.127 [HERO 127], HG Turf Group HERO 169.169 [HERO 169], Tarkett Sports PlayMaster, POWERgrass™ SP/T [POWERgrass]) were screened for their suitability as a playing surface option for FIFA tournaments. Research was conducted at Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Tennessee (UT). In fall 2023, carpets were seeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and established over plastic. Carpets were infilled with a graded, 90:10 (sand:peat) root zone to each carpet manufacturers prescribed depth. In spring 2024 (&lt;12 months after seeding), established sod was harvested and transplanted to a cellular drainage testing block over asphalt. Treatments were evaluated for surface hardness, rotational resistance, and soccer ball rebound. At UT, treatments had no effect on surface hardness; however, both HERO treatments registered higher rotational resistance than all other carpets. At MSU, all carpet‐mats, but HERO 169, generated a harder playing surface than the non‐stabilized control but had no effect on rotational resistance. Ball rebound was unaffected by any treatment at either location. Based on current FIFA thresholds for an excellent quality pitch, all carpet‐mat systems we evaluated following initial establishment could be considered a suitable hybrid option as a playing surface for a FIFA tournament venue.

Advanced high‐precision methodology for assessing sediment erosion in Pelton turbine buckets

AbstractDeveloping highly accurate sediment erosion testing methods for Pelton turbine overflow components is challenging due to their irregularly curved surfaces. In this study, we designed a method to evaluate the sediment erosion of the Pelton turbine bucket using test blocks with an accuracy of 0.0001 g. In addition, we conducted sediment erosion tests on a model Pelton turbine and conducted an in‐depth study on the installation design of the turbine runner and bucket, the design of the erosion test blocks, and the arrangement; we analyzed sediment abrasion distribution on the bucket's working surface. Our test results show that the bucket splitter edge, as well as the root of the working surface, are heavily worn. The maximum erosion rate of the working face is 0.7669 μm/h, and the maximum erosion rate of the splitter edge is close to 5 μm/h, which is highly consistent with the distribution of sediment erosion observed in Pelton turbines operating under sandy river conditions. This test method is essential for examining sediment erosion in Pelton turbines.

How a co-actor’s (Un-) reliability modulates goal selection in a novel joint goal-setting paradigm

Sociomotor theory – an extension of ideomotor theory – suggests that actions can also be represented in terms of the effects they elicit from others. But what if those others violate one’s action effect anticipations? Here, we introduce a novel joint goal-setting paradigm to investigate effects of co-actors’ occasional and overall unreliability on an individual’s goal selection. In a first step, the participant moved a target halfway from the bottom center to the top left or right corner of the computer screen. In the second step, the co-actor moved the target to its final left or right position. In a learning block, the co-actor always continued the participant’s target movements. In the test block(s), the co-actor produced congruent action effects in 50% (unreliable) vs. 80% (reliable co-actor) of the trials. Experiment 1 consisted of one (between-participants), Experiment 2 and 3 of two (within-participants) test blocks; in Experiment 3, the co-actor changed between blocks. Results of Experiments 1 and 3 reveal that participants repeated their corner choice more often after incongruent trials, but only when the co-actor was generally reliable. Implications in terms of sociomotor action control and joint action are discussed.

Research on ultrasonic synchronous detection method for material residual stress and thickness

Being limited to the different transmission and reception modes and detection signals of the critical refracted longitudinal wave method for stress measurement and the perpendicular incident echo method for thickness measurement, it is necessary to use different probes and equipments when simultaneously measuring stress and thickness. For this difficulty, the acquisition frequency and the number of bits are taken as the research object to realize the optimization of the echo signal. By combining FEM simulations with Comsol software with experimental research, the effects of probe incidence angle, probe spacing, and temperature on ultrasonic waves are investigated, and the relationship between probe spacing and the stress coefficient of measured component (K) is analyzed. A novel ultrasonic synchronous detection method for residual stress and thickness is proposed. This method is based on an integrated transmit-receive probe with oblique incidence, utilizing critical refracted longitudinal wave (LCR wave) for stress detection and synchronously generated transverse waves for thickness measurement. For the first time, a formula for ultrasonic thickness measurement based on inclined incidence is derived. Using self-developed equipment, ultrasonic testing experiments on step test block and cantilever beam loading device were conducted to verify the accuracy and precision of the proposed synchronous detection method for stress and thickness. This method has significant application prospects in the inspection or online monitoring of pressure vessels concerned with fatigue and corrosion performance.

Study on the Influence of Density and Water–Cement Ratio on the Cement Utilization, Fluidity, Mechanical Properties, and Water Absorption of Foam Concrete

In this paper, we study the influence of density and the water–cement (W/C) ratio on the slurry fluidity, compressive strength, and water absorption of foamed concrete (FC) and its mechanism of action, with the aim of proposing an optimal mix ratio for FC to reduce cement usage and carbon emissions in the construction industry and ensure the good overall performance of FC. In this experiment, two groups of experiments were designed using the control variable method. Fluidity and uniaxial compression tests showed that when the density was 600 kg/m3 and the W/C ratio was 0.6, the FC slurry had maximum fluidity, but its mechanical properties were poor and it collapsed easily. Conversely, by analyzing the uniaxial compressive strength/cement (UCS/C) ratio, it was observed that the mix ratio had a maximum cement utilization rate (W/C ratio) of 0.5 and a density of 1000 kg/m3. Nondestructive testing methods were used to measure the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and rebound value of the FC test block, and the strength and durability of FC were analyzed. The water absorption rate of the FC test block was tested, and the final analysis showed that the optimal mix ratio of FC in this test was W/C = 0.5, with a density of 1000 kg/m3.

Preparation and properties of phosphogypsum-based calcined coal gangue composite cementitious materials

Phosphogypsum (PG) and coal gangue (CG), as the largest solid waste today, the effective utilization of this part of the resource can help to alleviate environmental pollution and resource waste. The aim of this study was to utilize the excellent thermal insulation properties of original PG and the regulation of hydration products by calcined coal gangue (CCG) to produce phosphogypsum-based calcined coal gangue composite cementitious materials (PBCM). The optimal ratio of PBCM was studied through a combination of mechanical properties and thermal insulation properties. Finally, the effect of the foam factor is further investigated. The results show that: CCG can be used as a silicon-rich material with gelling properties to regulate the hydration products generated. The test block with a foam content of 8 % has the best performance, with a compressive strength of 2.53 MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.1427 W/(m·K). The optimal experimental scheme obtained from the orthogonal test was as follows: The optimal experimental design obtained from orthogonal experiments was as follows: PG, quicklime (QL), sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) and foam contents were 45 %, 8 %, 8 % and 8 %, respectively. The CCG: cement and water-solid ratios (W/S) were 3:7 and 0.275, respectively. The development of high-performance composites presented in this study is conducive to enhancing waste utilization and provides a novel approach as well as a theoretical foundation for insulating building materials in practical engineering applications.

Effect of visual biofeedback on fine motor function and activity daily of life in stroke patients: A pilot study

IntroductionMany stroke patients suffer from dysfunction in their upper limbs, which can lead to difficulties in performing activities of daily living (ADL) as well as social and work interactions. This is particularly true for patients whose dominant side has been affected. The aim of the current study was to explore how effective visual biofeedback could improve fine motor function in the hand and ADL for people suffering from a stroke. MethodsTen individuals who had experienced a stroke with aged from 60 to 74 years old (mean: 64.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in study group (n: 5) received 15 sessions of visual biofeedback therapy along with routine occupational therapy. Control group (n: 5) received only routine occupational therapy. Fine motor function was measured by Fugl Meyer Scale (FMS), box and block test (BBT), and Purdue pegboard test (PPBT). Also, ADL was measured by functional independence measure (FIM). These clinical outcomes were evaluated before, after, and 1.5 months following the interventions. ResultsThe results showed that the study group experienced a significant increase in fine motor function after receiving visual biofeedback, compared to the control group. The ADL also improved in both the study and control groups after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups during the intervention and follow-up stages for ADL. ConclusionIt seems that combining biofeedback with routine occupational therapy could be a promising method to enhance fine motor function in individuals with stroke.

Automated self-adjustment of array probe with a robotic ultrasonic test system

Ultrasonic testing of objects with complex geometries often requires the use of a robotic arm to position the probe perpendicular to the local surface. Using immersion makes it possible to test these objects with standard ultrasonic linear array probes. Here, the probe positions and orientations provided by the robot are used for merging the locally acquired image data into a 3D-reconstruction. The quality of this reconstruction is highly dependent on the alignment of the position of the physical probe with the position used in the digital model. For common industrial tools, the tool center point (TCP) is usually acquired using geometric features of the tools. However, for ultrasonic arrays in immersion, there is a water standoff between the probe and the test object, therefore the TCP is in free space in front of the array and cannot be acquired with the common method. To overcome this challenge, we propose a method that allows the robotic ultrasonic system to automatically self-adjust the position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe using a test block made of steel with defined geometric features as a target for referencing. For each of the six degrees of freedom, a scan and adjustment routine are established using the data based on the actual ultrasound characteristics of the probe. Given a coarse pre-definition of the tool position and the known target test block, minimal human interaction is required to supervise the adjustment method, leading to higher quality reconstructions than with manual adjustment.

Shear tests and meso-scale simulation of cold joint structures in rock-filled concrete: Considering the mutual contact effects between component materials

To realistically reflect the shear performance of the rock-filled concrete (RFC) between layers, this study relies on an RFC dam project in Guizhou Province. Test blocks, measuring 5 m × 4 m × 2 m with cold joints, were cast on site and subjected to shear tests. Additionally, a three-dimensional four-phase meso-model was developed, considering the mutual contact effects between component materials. The mechanical response and damage mechanism of the interlayer were analyzed using the cohesive zone model. The results confirm that the cohesive zone model effectively simulates interlayer cold joint structures. The damage modes of the RFC interlayer include cold joint debonding damage (Mode I) and plastic extrusion damage of self-compacting concrete (Mode II). As the exposed height of the rocks increases, the damage mode shifts from Mode I to Mode II, and higher normal stresses intensify Mode II damage. Meanwhile, the paths of crack extension depend on the distribution of shear-resistant rocks, with weak interfacial transition zones serving as “bridges’’ for crack propagation. The interlayer shear strength is positively correlated with the average exposed height of rocks and normal stresses, with the former having a more significant impact. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed shear strength prediction model for the RFC interlayer was validated by comparing it with results from other studies, providing useful references for meso-numerical modeling of RFC.

Ultrasonic Total Focusing Method Technology in Carbon Steel Butt Weld Application

Carbon steel butt welds are widely used in aircraft carrier, shipbuilding, railway, aerospace and other industries. As a new technology of ultrasonic non-destructive testing, Total Focusing Method (TFM) technology is a method of image reconstruction in which the value of each constituent datum of the image results from focused ultrasound. TFM may also be understood as a broad term encompassing a family of processing techniques for image reconstruction from full matrix capture (FMC). This paper compares resolution and focus between TFM and conventional phased array technology, by using phased array test block type B. The paper also introduces the testing system, including equipment, probe, wedge, calibration block as per ASME, PC analysis software, for detection of 21mm thickness carbon steel welds. In order to improve the defect detection ability, a customized software on board was designed based on TFM technology, and an appropriate propagation mode was adopted for different types of defects, such as longitudinal cracks on surface, lack of fusion, porosities, slag inclusions. The test results showing that compared with conventional phased array technology, the defect information such as length and depth detected by TFM are nearer to the actual situation, and the shape is closer to the physical one. TFM technology has more advantages in quantitative and qualitative capabilities in testing carbon steel butt welds, and can meet the requirements of on-site testing.

Functional outcome of mirror therapy versus task oriented training on hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Background. Unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) is a kind of spastic cerebral palsy which is characterized by atypical posture of upper limb, poor eye-hand coordination, and reduced hand skills. These symptoms can restrict a child’s ability to engage in life activities. Purpose. To compare the effectiveness of mirror therapy as well as task-oriented training on hand functions improvement among UCP children. Methods. Sixty children suffering from UCP were randomly allocated into three equal groups. A schemed physical therapy protocol was utilized to the control, mirror therapy (MT), and task-oriented training (TOT) groups. The protocols of mirror therapy and task-oriented training were administered to MT and TOT groups respectively. Assessments of upper extremity skills, hand dexterity, wrist extension range of motion, along with overall grip strength were conducted at baseline and after intervention using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Box and Block Test (BBT), universal goniometer, as well as pneumatic squeeze handheld dynamometer respectively. Throughout a total of twelve consecutive weeks, the intervention session was held three days a week. Results. The change amount in all measured hand outcomes were significantly improved following the intervention in all three groups, with the TOT group showing a larger significant effect. Conclusion. Task-oriented training had superior impact than mirror therapy in enhancing hand functions among children having UCP.

The Use of Diagnostic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Predictor of the Functional Outcome in Ischemic Stroke

ABSTRACT. Determination of rehabilitation potential (RP) is necessary for optimal rehabilitation strategy and the best rehabilitation measures. Navigational transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) has been proposed as a method for PR determination in after-stroke patients.THE AIM. was to study the importance of navigational diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation as a neurofunctional predictor of motor function recovery after ischemic stroke.MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 28 after-stroke patients, 19 men and 9 women, the mean age was 60.07±5.67 years, who underwent a course of inpatient medical rehabilitation at the Moscow Research and Practice Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine named after S.I. Spasokukotsky in 2022–2023. Clinical examination and assessment were conducted before and after the rehabilitation course using validated scales and questionnaires — the Medical Research Committee (MRCs) scale, the Box and Block Test (BBT), the modified Rankin scale (mRS); the rehabilitation routing scale (RRS). The patients were also examined using nTMS at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine with the determination of motor evoked potential (MEP) parameters from the muscles of the upper and lower extremities.RESULTS. In patients with preserved MEP, there was a significant increase in the strength of the paretic limb on the MRCs scale from 4.00 (2.94–4.06) to 4.22 (3.83–4.89) points (p &lt;0.001) for the upper limb and from 4.00 (3.67–4.00) to 4.44 (3.83–4.61) (p&lt;0.001) for the lower limb. Improvements were revealed according to the mRS scale — the number of patients with an mRS score of 2 points in the group of patients with defined MEP increased by 26.1%, reached values of 1 point — 13.0% of patients, and the number of patients with an assessment of disability and self-care ability of 4 points decreased by 8.7%.CONCLUSION. Navigational transcranial magnetic stimulation is one of the methods for assessing the rehabilitation potential in patients with ischemic stroke. But TMS should not be used as the only method of evaluating rehabilitation potential. The assessment of RP should be comprehensive and based on the complex data obtained.