Usual Walking Research Articles

The Effect of Functional Biomechanics Garment for Walking.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a functional biomechanics garment (FBG) with a lower extremity assist function. 32 healthy male participants were included in this study. Participants were divided into an FBG with taping function group (FBG group) and a compression garment group (CG group). Cadence (steps/min), step length (m), and usual walking speed (m/s) were measured as spatio-temporal data. Kinetics, kinematics data, and dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of the lower extremity were calculated using a three-dimensional gait analysis system. The FBG group showed significantly faster walking speed (FBG, 1.54 ± 0.12 m/s; CG, 1.42 ± 0.15 m/s, p < 0.05) and reduced hip DJS in terminal stance (FBG, 0.033 ± 0.014 Nm/kg/degree; CG: 0.049 ± 0.016 Nm/kg/degree, p < 0.05) compared to the CG group. The FBG decreased hip DJS in the terminal stance and affected walking speed. The passive elastic moment generated by the high elasticity part of the hip joint front in the FBG supported the internal hip flexion moment. Therefore, our FBG has a biomechanical effect. The FBG may be useful as a tool to promote health activities.

Relative Trajectories of Gait and Cognitive Decline in Aging.

Gait and cognition decline with advancing age, and presage the onset of dementia. Yet, the relative trajectories of gait and cognitive decline in aging are poorly understood-particularly among those with the motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome. This study compared changes in simple and complex gait performance and cognition, as a function of age and MCR. We examined gait and cognitive functions of 1 095 LonGenity study participants (mean age = 75.4 ± 6.7 years) with up to 12 years of annual follow-up. Participants were of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, free of dementia, ambulatory, and had a 12.2% MCR prevalence at baseline. Gait speed was measured at usual pace walking (single-task walking, STW-speed) and walking while talking (WWT-speed). Eleven neuropsychological test scores were examined separately, and as a global cognition composite. Linear mixed-effects models adjusted for baseline sex, education, parental longevity, cognitive impairment, and global health were used to estimate changes in gait and cognition, as a function of age and MCR. STW-speed, WWT-speed, and cognitive tests performance declined in a nonlinear (accelerating) fashion with age. STW-speed declined faster than WWT-speed and cognitive test scores. People with MCR showed faster rates of decline on figure copy and phonemic fluency. Gait declines at a faster rate than cognition in aging. People with MCR are susceptible to faster decline in visuospatial, executive, and language functions. This study adds important knowledge of trajectories of gait and cognitive decline in aging, and identifies MCR as a risk factor for accelerated cognitive decline.

Gait and cognitive abnormalities are associated with regional cerebellar atrophy in elderly fallers - A pilot study.

To investigate cerebellar lobule atrophy patterns in elderly fallers (EFs) and their association with gait and cognitive performance. Cognitive impairments, gait, and balance deficits are major risk factors for falls in older adults, however, their neural fingerprints remain poorly understood. Recent evidence from neuroimaging studies highlight the role of the cerebellum in both sensorimotor and cognitive networks, suggesting that it may contribute to fall risk. Fourteen EFs (mean age ± SD = 78 ± 1.5 yrs.) and 20 healthy controls (HCs) (mean age ± SD = 69.6 ± 1.3 yrs.) underwent a 3 T MRI scan obtaining 3D T1-weighted images, cognitive, and gait assessments. Cerebellar lobule segmentation was performed, and the obtained cerebellar lobules volumes were adjusted for intracranial volume (ICV). The relationship between lobules volumes, gait, and cognitive performance scores was assessed using hierarchical multiple linear regression adjusted for age and gender. EFs exhibited lower cerebellar volumes in the posterior cerebellum, lobules V, VI, VIIB, VIIIA, VIIIB, and Crus II, and significantly higher volumes in the anterior cerebellum and lobule IV (p = 0.018 and p = 0.046) compared to HCs. In EFs, lobule V, VI, VIIB, VIIIA, VIIIB, and anterior cerebellum volumes were found to be independent predictors of usual walking (UW) gait speed, dual-task (DT) gait speed, mini Best, MOCA, CTTa, and CTTb (p < 0.05). The observed patterns of cerebellar lobule atrophy and their associations with motor and cognitive performance scores suggest that cerebellar atrophy contributes to the pathophysiology of fall risk in EFs.

Prognostic score based on physical frailty in patients with heart failure: a multicenter prospective cohort study (FLAGSHIP).

BackgroundIn patients with heart failure (HF), physical frailty should be assessed to enable risk stratification. No conventional frailty criteria have so far been developed considering HF‐specific outcomes. This study aimed to propose a frailty‐based prognostic score using a nationwide cohort study of Japanese patients with HF.MethodsWe analysed 2721 patients hospitalized for HF and capable of walking at discharge (median age: 76 years [interquartile range 67–83], men: 60.5%). Physical frailty was evaluated at discharge using four quantitative measures: usual walking speed, grip strength, Performance Measure for Activities of Daily Living‐8 (PMADL‐8), and Self‐Efficacy for Walking‐7 (SEW‐7). The primary outcome was a composite of HF rehospitalization and all‐cause mortality within 2 years. A cut‐off point was identified for each measure using receiver operating characteristic analysis in a derivation cohort (n = 1778). Cox proportional hazards model was used to assign a score to each frailty domain according to the correlation with the endpoint. Patients were divided into four categories according to the sum score, and survival was compared by analysing the Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards model. Cumulative incidences of the events according to frailty categories were compared between the derivation cohort and a validation cohort (n = 943).ResultsThe cut‐off value and assigned score of each indicator was determined as follows: usual walking speed < 0.98 m/s = 4 points; grip strength < 30.0 kg (men) or 17.5 kg (women) = 5 points; PMADL‐8 ≥ 21 points = 2 points; SEW‐7 ≤ 20 points = 3 points. We stratified patients into four categories according to the sum score: Category I, ≤3 points; Categories II, 4–8 points; Category III, 9–13 points; and Category IV, 14 points. The prevalence and cumulative incidence of the composite outcome for Categories I to IV in the derivation cohort were 27.4%, 25.2%, 26.4%, and 21.0%, and 9.5, 16.3, 26.3, and 36.8/100 person‐years, respectively. Similar results were confirmed in the validation cohort. In Cox proportional hazards model, frailty categories were associated with the composite outcome independent of potential confounders (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] in reference to Category I: Categories II, 1.51 [0.84–2.72], P = 0.169; Category III, 2.37 [1.32–4.23], P = 0.004; Category IV, 2.66 [1.45–4.89], P = 0.002).ConclusionsThe frailty‐based prognostic score proposed in this study was well associated with prognosis and will serve for risk stratification in patients with HF.

Effect of Multicomponent Home-Based Training on Gait and Muscle Strength Performance in Older Adults With Hip Fracture

Research Objectives To investigate the effect of a specific multicomponent home-based physical therapy intervention on gait and muscle strength. Design Single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting General community. Participants Thirty-four older adults post hip fracture were randomly assigned to either experimental group (n=17, 10 women, age=78.6±7.3 years, 112.1±39.8 days post-fracture) or control group (n=17, 11 women, age=77.8±7.8 years, 118.2±37.5 days post-fracture). Interventions Experimental group received multi-component home-based physical therapy focused on lower extremity strength, endurance, balance, and function for community ambulation; control group received non-specific multi-component home-based physical therapy including active joint movement and TENS. Both groups received 32-40 training sessions for 16 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Gait characteristics, and ankle and knee muscle strength were measured at baseline and 16-weeks. Cognitive testing of Trail Making Test (Part A: TMT-A; Part-B: TMT-B) was measured at baseline. Results At 16-weeks, both groups demonstrated a significant increase in usual walking speed (experimental group: 0.15m/s [95%CI: 0.02-0.27], p=0.003; control group: 0.17m/s [95%CI: 0.03-0.31], p=0.002). Knee extensor normalized peak torque (fractured side) increased in the experimental group (difference 0.9% [0.0% to 1.7%], p=0.001). However, there were no significant differences in time-course change between the groups for measured outcomes. The increase in usual walking speed correlated with the baseline TMT-B score (r=-0.371, p=0.037), and an increase in fast walking speed was associated with improved muscle strength in the fractured limb (r=0.446, p=0.001). However, those correlations diminished when adjusted by age. Conclusions Specific home-based multicomponent physical therapy is associated with improved muscle strength and gait speed in older adults after hip fracture surgery. Intervention targeting modifiable factors such as cognition and muscle strength may assist gait recovery after hip fracture surgery. Author(s) Disclosuress The study was supported by NIH, grant no. P30 AG028747, R21 HD043269, R01 AG029315, R37 AG09901, and T32 AG00262; NIDILRR, grant no. 90AR5028.

Immediate Effects of Passive Ankle Joint Movement with Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Walking Speed in Older Adults

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the immediate effect of passive interventions (passive joint movement with electrical muscle stimulation [EMS]) of the ankle joint on walking speed in frail older adults. <h3>Design</h3> One-group pretest-posttest open-label pilot study. <h3>Setting</h3> A geriatric health care facility. <h3>Participants</h3> Ten older adults undergoing daycare rehabilitation (86.1 ± 6.5 years, 3 men and 7 women). <h3>Interventions</h3> Ankle joint movement was performed at a speed of 100 times/min with a passive repetitive movement device, in a sitting position on a chair. The execution time was set to 5 min. The gastrocnemius muscle was stimulated by the EMS at the time of plantar flexion motion during the ankle joint movement. EMS was set to the maximum intensity that did not cause discomfort or pain. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Usual walking speed and ankle functions (plantar flexion strength, plantar flexion angular velocity, and plantar/dorsiflexion range of motion) were measured before and after the intervention. <h3>Results</h3> There were significant improvements in plantar flexion angular velocity (pre: 486.2 ± 160.4, post: 541.0 ± 181.9, p=0.02) and walking speed (pre: 0.61 ± 0.19, post: 0.66 ± 0.20, p=0.04) by paired t-test. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Passive ankle joint movement with ESM immediately improved walking speed in older adults. Because this passive intervention can be performed without being affected by a decline in physical or cognitive functions, it may be an effective method for improving walking speed in frail older adults who are unable to engage in active exercise. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors have no financial or non-financial conflicts to disclose.

Modifications in Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation in Linear and Curvilinear Dual Task Walking: A Combined fNIRS and IMUs Study.

Increased oxygenated hemoglobin concentration of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been observed during linear walking, particularly when there is a high attention demand on the task, like in dual-task (DT) paradigms. Despite the knowledge that cognitive and motor demands depend on the complexity of the motor task, most studies have only focused on usual walking, while little is known for more challenging tasks, such as curved paths. To explore the relationship between cortical activation and gait biomechanics, 20 healthy young adults were asked to perform linear and curvilinear walking trajectories in single-task and DT conditions. PFC activation was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, while gait quality with four inertial measurement units. The Figure-of-8-Walk-Test was adopted as the curvilinear trajectory, with the “Serial 7s” test as concurrent cognitive task. Results show that walking along curvilinear trajectories in DT led to increased PFC activation and decreased motor performance. Under DT walking, the neural correlates of executive function and gait control tend to be modified in response to the cognitive resources imposed by the motor task. Being more representative of real-life situations, this approach to curved walking has the potential to reveal crucial information and to improve people’ s balance, safety, and life’s quality.

Reference Values for 7 Different Protocols of Simple Functional Tests: A Multicenter Study

ObjectivesTo establish reference values and equations (ages 20-80y) for 7 simple functional tests based on a multicenter study. DesignCross-sectional data collection in 4 research centers across different regions of a continental dimension country. SettingHealthy subjects from general community were assessed in different research laboratories. ParticipantsData collection of 296 volunteer subjects (N=296; 45% men; aged 50±18y, forced expiratory volume in the first second 95±13% pred, body mass index 26.9±4.5 kg/m2) aged 20-80 years; representing both sexes; with the ability to understand and perform all proposed assessments; and with no severe and/or unstable condition that could limit functional assessments occurred simultaneously in all centers. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresAll participants randomly performed the following 7 functional tests twice: (1) the 4-meter gait speed test at usual walking speed; (2) the 4-meter gait speed test at maximal walking speed; (3) the Sit-to-Stand test performed with 5 repetitions; (4) the Sit-to-Stand test performed in 30 seconds; (5) the Sit-to-Stand test performed in 1 minute; (6) the Timed Up and Go test at usual speed; and (7) the Timed Up and Go test at maximal speed. Spirometry, quality of life, depression, anxiety, physical activity, and comorbidities were also assessed to better characterize the sample. The best performance of each test was used to propose reference values for men and women and reference equations for all. ResultsParticipants similarly distributed by age groups from the 4 centers were included. All tests were correlated with age (0.34<r<0.53) and body mass index (0.24<r< 0.31; P<.05 for all). Reference values with limits of normality were provided by each 10-year age group and regression models identified reference equations for all tests. Reliability of the reference equations were confirmed in an independent sample. ConclusionsReference values and equations for 7 widely used simple functional tests were provided in this study and might help researchers and clinicians to identify and quantify functional impairments using easy-to-perform assessments.

Fluid Cognition Relates to Locomotor Switching in Neurotypical Adults, Not Individuals After Stroke.

The ability to switch between walking patterns (ie, locomotor switching) is vital for successful community navigation and may be impacted by poststroke impairments. Thus, the purpose of this work was to examine locomotor switching and the relationship between locomotor switching and fluid cognition in individuals after stroke compared with neurotypical adults. Twenty-nine individuals more than 6 months after stroke and 18 neurotypical adults participated in a 2-day study. On day 1, participants were taught a new walking pattern on the treadmill and then locomotor switching was assessed by instructing participants to switch between the new walking pattern and their usual walking pattern. The change between these 2 patterns was calculated as the switching index. On day 2, the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery was administered to obtain the Fluid Cognition Composite Score (FCCS), which reflected fluid cognition. The switching index was compared between groups using an analysis of covariance, and the relationship between locomotor switching and fluid cognition was assessed with regression. Individuals after stroke had significantly lower switching indexes compared with neurotypical adults (P = 0.03). The regression showed a significant interaction between group and FCCS (P = 0.002), with the FCCS predicting the switching index in neurotypical adults but not in individuals after stroke. Individuals after stroke appear to have deficits in locomotor switching compared with neurotypical adults. The relationship between fluid cognition and locomotor switching was significant in neurotypical adults but not in individuals after stroke. Future work to understand the relationship between specific cognitive domains and locomotor switching is needed (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A361).

Walking speed and short physical performance battery are associated with conversion to long-term care need: A study in outpatients of a locomotive syndrome-frailty clinic.

As the number of frail and disabled older people increases in Japan, systems are needed to detect efficiently the populations at high risk in need of care and to allow early intervention. We investigated cut-off values for those physical functioning assessments adopted by AWGS 2019 associated with new or worsening long-term care insurance (LTCI) certification. We recruited 497 outpatients from our locomotive syndrome-frailty clinic. After excluding patients who had undergone orthopedic surgery right after assessment or ≤65 years old, 233 patients (mean age, 78 ± 6 years) were included. Logistic regression analysis was performed using new certification for LTCI services need or deterioration of care status in 1 year as the dependent variable and physical function and other assessments as independent variables. Next, we constructed receiver operating characteristic curves and calculated areas under the curve and optimal cut-off values. During 1-year follow-up, 37 patients (16%) obtained new certification for LTCI services need or deterioration of status. After adjusting, usual walking speed and Short Physical Performance Battery score were significantly associated with outcomes. With receiver operating characteristic curves, usual walking speed as the test variable showed an area under the curve of 0.740 with a cut-off of 0.92 m/s, whereas the Short Physical Performance Battery score showed an area under the curve of 0.737 with a cut-off score of 9. Slower walking speed and lower Short Physical Performance Battery score may predict new or worsening LTCI for older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 919-925.

Characterizing the physical function decline and disabilities present among older adults with fecal incontinence: a secondary analysis of the health, aging, and body composition study.

Unhealthy aging is associated with fecal incontinence (FI) and poor physical performance. The link between FI and physical performance in older adults is unknown. We aim to examine the longitudinal relationship between FI symptoms and physical performance among older US adults. We analyzed a cohort of well-functioning, adults aged 70-79years enrolled in the prospective cohort of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study. Fecal incontinence symptoms were assessed at baseline using a validated question. Physical performance was determined by the expanded version of the Short Physical Performance Battery (HABC PBB), which includes an assessment of usual and fast walking speed and balance measures. Objective measures of physical performance were determined at baseline and year 4. Univariate and multivariate analyses compared physical performance based on presence of FI symptoms adjusting for important demographic and clinical covariates. Of the 2914 participants in the Health ABC cohort, 222 (8%) had FI symptoms and 2692 (92%) did not. Mean age and BMI were 73years and 27kg/m2, respectively. Older adults with FI symptoms demonstrated a clinically significant decline in total HABC PBB scores from baseline to year 4 of -0.33 (95% CI: -0.41, -0.25), a statistically significant difference compared to adults without FI symptoms (-0.26 [95% CI: -0.32, -0.20]), p = 0.04. Sub-scale components demonstrated greater deficits in narrow walk speed, p = 0.03, and non-significant trend in greater deficits in repeated chair rise pace and gait speed, p ≥ 0.05. Fecal incontinence symptoms are associated with clinically important declines in physical performance in older adults.

Effects of intradialytic progressive resistance training on muscle strength, physical capacity and quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate- to high-intensity intradialytic progressive resistance training (IPRT) on muscle strength (MS), physical capacity (PC), and quality of life (QoL) in end-stage renal disease patients. Methods: Twenty-seven sedentary hemodialysis patients (55.5±10.6 years) were divided into a resistance training group (RTG, n=15) and a control group (CG, n=12). Patients of RTG were submitted to IPRT, three times per week for 12 weeks. The Borg’s scale was used for exercise prescription. Muscle strength was measured using hand grip dynamometry (MS). The sit-to-stand (STS) test and usual walking speed (UWS) test were performed to measure the physical capacity, and the SF-36 questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life (QoL). All patients were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Moderate- to high-intensity IPRT significantly increased the MS (p=0.001, effect size (ES)=0.98), the physical capacity evaluated by the STS (p=0.002, ES=0.85) and UWS (p=0.014, ES=1.11), and all domains of SF-36 questionnaire (p&lt;0.05). On the other hand, in the CG these variables did not change significantly. The protocol was well tolerated and was not associated with significant clinical complications. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of moderate- to high-intensity IPRT in HD patients was safe and improved MS, PC, and QoL.

Peak oxygen uptake correlates with indices of sarcopenia, frailty, and cachexia in older Japanese outpatients

AbstractBackgroundPeak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) is known not only as an index of aerobic fitness but also one of an index of life expectancy. Frailty, sarcopenia, and cachexia are associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of peak VO2 with the features of sarcopenia, frailty, and cachexia, to provide insight into which might mediate the poor prognosis.MethodsThe first group of participants was 175 community‐dwelling older Japanese outpatients (58 men and 117 women; mean age 77.6 ± 6.4 years), in whom we assessed the features of sarcopenia, frailty, and cachexia, and measured peak VO2 during cardiopulmonary exercise. To confirm the relationships, we analysed another group of 162 participants (77.3 ± 5.5 years).ResultsThere were significant correlations between peak VO2 and the features of sarcopenia, frailty, and cachexia, with the exception of high sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Multiple linear regression analysis for the prediction of peak VO2 (mL/min) identified following formula: predicted peak VO2 = −11.6 × age (years) + 25.5 × haemoglobin concentration (g/dL) + 114.2 × skeletal muscle mass index (kg/m2) + 8.9 × hand grip strength (kg) + 226.4 × usual walking speed (m/s) − 65.8 × fatiguability (absence 0, presence 1) − 177.4 × chronic heart failure (absence 0, presence 1) + 437.1 (R2 = 0.627, P &lt; 0.001). The validity of the formula was confirmed with another group (r = 0.78, P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThis study has identified the features of sarcopenia, frailty, and cachexia that are related to peak VO2 in an older population.

Detecting Sensitive Mobility Features for Parkinson's Disease Stages Via Machine Learning.

It is not clear how specific gait measures reflect disease severity across the disease spectrum in Parkinson's disease (PD). To identify the gait and mobility measures that are most sensitive and reflective of PD motor stages and determine the optimal sensor location in each disease stage. Cross-sectional wearable-sensor records were collected in 332 patients with PD (Hoehn and Yahr scale I-III) and 100 age-matched healthy controls. Sensors were adhered to the participant's lower back, bilateral ankles, and wrists. Study participants walked in a ~15-meter corridor for 1 minute under two walking conditions: (1) preferred, usual walking speed and (2) walking while engaging in a cognitive task (dual-task). A subgroup (n=303, 67% PD) also performed the Timed Up and Go test. Multiple machine-learning feature selection and classification algorithms were applied to discriminate between controls and PD and between the different PD severity stages. High discriminatory values were found between motor disease stages with mean sensitivity in the range 72%-83%, specificity 69%-80%, and area under the curve (AUC) 0.76-0.90. Measures from upper-limb sensors best discriminated controls from early PD, turning measures obtained from the trunk sensor were prominent in mid-stage PD, and stride timing and regularity were discriminative in more advanced stages. Applying machine-learning to multiple, wearable-derived features reveals that different measures of gait and mobility are associated with and discriminate distinct stages of PD. These disparate feature sets can augment the objective monitoring of disease progression and may be useful for cohort selection and power analyses in clinical trials of PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Measuring Outdoor Walking Capacities Using Global Positioning System in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Methodological Insights from an Exploratory Study.

We aimed at showing how Global Positioning System (GPS) along with a previously validated speed processing methodology could be used to measure outdoor walking capacities in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). We also deal with methodological issues that may occur when conducting such measurements, and explore to what extent GPS-measured outdoor walking capacities (maximal walking distance [MWDGPS] and usual walking speed) could be related to traditional functional outcomes (6-min total walking distance) in people with MS. Eighteen people with MS, with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤6, completed a 6-min walking test and an outdoor walking session (60 min maximum) at usual pace during which participants were wearing a DG100 GPS receiver and could perform several walking bouts. Among the 12 participants with valid data (i.e., who correctly completed the outdoor session with no spurious GPS signals that could prevent the detection of the occurrence of a walking/stopping bout), the median (90% confidence interval, CI) outdoor walking speed was 2.52 km/h (2.17; 2.93). Ten participants (83% (56; 97)) had ≥1 stop during the session. Among these participants, the median of MWDGPS was 410 m (226; 1350), and 40% (15; 70) did not reach their MWDGPS during the first walking bout. Spearman correlations of MWDGPS and walking speed with 6-min total walking distance were, respectively, 0.19 (−0.41; 0.95) and 0.66 (0.30; 1.00). Further work is required to provide guidance about GPS assessment in people with MS.

Cortical Activity Underlying Gait Improvements Achieved With Dopaminergic Medication During Usual Walking and Obstacle Avoidance in Parkinson Disease

Background Dopaminergic medication improves gait in people with Parkinson disease (PD). However, it remains unclear if dopaminergic medication modulates cortical activity while walking. Objective We investigated the effects of dopaminergic medication on cortical activity during unobstructed walking and obstacle avoidance in people with PD. Methods A total of 23 individuals with PD, in both off (PDOFF) and on (PDON) medication states, and 30 healthy older adults (control group [CG]) performed unobstructed walking and obstacle avoidance conditions. Cortical activity was acquired through a combined functional near-infrared spectroscopy electroencephalography (EEG) system, along with gait parameters, through an electronic carpet. Prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and EEG absolute power from FCz, Cz, and CPz channels were calculated. Results HbO2 concentration reduced for people with PDOFF during obstacle avoidance compared with unobstructed walking. In contrast, both people with PDON and the CG had increased HbO2 concentration when avoiding obstacles compared with unobstructed walking. Dopaminergic medication increased step length, step velocity, and β and γ power in the CPz channel, regardless of walking condition. Moreover, dopaminergic-related changes (ie, on-off) in FCz/CPz γ power were associated with dopaminergic-related changes in step length for both walking conditions. Conclusions PD compromises the activation of the PFC during obstacle avoidance, and dopaminergic medication facilitates its recruitment. In addition, PD medication increases sensorimotor integration during walking by increasing posterior parietal cortex (CPz) activity. Increased γ power in the CPz and FCz channels is correlated with step length improvements achieved with dopaminergic medication during unobstructed walking and obstacle avoidance in PD.

Outcomes of Tendo-Achilles lengthening and weight-bearing total contact cast for management of early midfoot charcot neuroarthropathy

Aim of studyTo report outcomes of tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) followed by weight-bearing total contact cast (TCC) in the out-patient setting for patients presented with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) and, develop a new classification system for midfoot CN based on this experience. Patient and methodsPublished evidence suggests that tight Achilles-gastrocnemius-soleus complex is the deforming force in the initiation and progression of midfoot CN and TAL has shown to improve the range of ankle dorsiflexion and reduction of midfoot plantar pressures. We utilised this technique in the out-patient setting followed by weight-bearing TCC for all new patients who presented with a diagnosis of midfoot CN from February 2018.We report their outcomes after a 12 months follow-up and propose a new classification system based on the clinical and radiographic parameters. ResultsTAL followed by weight-bearing TCC was performed in 33 feet. In 30 feet, the disease progression either stopped or receded to a lower stage on the new classification system. The procedure was well tolerated by patients in an out-patient setting and there were no reported complications such as wound healing, complete transaction of tendon or deep vein thrombosis. At 12 months follow-up, 30 of 33 pts returned to their pre-procedure level of mobilisation with their usual walking aids or customised shoes. The inter-observer agreement was k = 0.86 for read 1 and k = 0.96 for read 2; and intra-observer agreement ranged from 0.93 to 1.00 for the double read indicating excellent inter-observer and intra-observer agreement. ConclusionTAL followed by weight-bearing TCC is a safe and well tolerated procedure when performed in an out-patient setting. The Charcot disease of the midfoot slowed in the early stages of midfoot CN and in some cases, receded. The new classification system is easy to use, reliable, reproducible and sensitive enough to detect changes in the disease progression.

Peripheral neuropathy: an important contributor to physical limitation and morbidity in stages 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease.

Impaired physical function drives adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Peripheral neuropathy is highly prevalent in CKD, though its contribution to physical function in CKD patients is unknown. This study examined the relationships between peripheral neuropathy, walking speed and quality of life (QoL) in stages 3 and 4 CKD. This was a prospective observational study investigating neuropathy in CKD patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15-60 mL/min/1.73 m2. A total of 109 patients were consecutively recruited. The presence and severity of peripheral neuropathy was determined using the total neuropathy score. Walking speed was assessed at both usual and maximal speed, and QoL was assessed using the Short- Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Peripheral neuropathy was highly prevalent: 40% demonstrated mild neuropathy and 37% had moderate-severe neuropathy. Increasing neuropathy severity was the primary predictor of reduced walking speed (R2 = -0.41, P < 0.001) and remained so after multivariable analysis adjustment for diabetes. This association was evident for both usual and maximal walking speeds. Neuropathy correlated significantly with low scores on multiple domains of SF-36 including physical function (r = -0.570, P < 0.001). Subanalysis according to diabetic status revealed a high prevalence of neuropathy both with and without diabetes; relationships to walking speed remained evident in subgroup analysis. However, those with diabetes demonstrated greater severity of neuropathy, slower walking speed and lower scores in QoL. Moderate to severe peripheral neuropathy was common in stages 3 and 4 CKD, associated with reduced walking speed independent of diabetes status and was correlated with patient-reported QoL. This suggests that neuropathy is an important contributor to declining physical function in CKD irrespective of diabetes status. Targeted diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathy during CKD progression may improve functional outcomes and QoL.

Exercise effects on backward walking speed in people with dementia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMultidirectional walking, including backward walking, is integral to daily activities, and seems particularly challenging in older age, and in people with pathology affecting postural control such as dementia. Research QuestionDoes exercise influence backward walking speed in people with dementia, when tested using habitual walking aids and without, and do effects differ according to walking aid use? MethodsThis study included 141 women and 45 men (mean age 85 years) with dementia from the Umeå Dementia and Exercise (UMDEX), a cluster-randomized controlled trial study set in 16 nursing homes in Umeå, Sweden. Participants were randomized to a High-Intensity Functional Exercise (HIFE) program targeting lower limb strength-, balance and mobility exercise or to a seated attention control activity. Blinded assessors measured 2.4-meter usual backward walking speed, at baseline, 4 - (intervention completion) and 7-month follow-up; tested 1) with habitual walking aids allowed, and 2) without walking aids. ResultsLinear mixed models showed no between-group effect in either backward walking speed test at 4 or 7 months; test 1) 0.005 m/s, P = .788 and –0.006 m/s, P = .754 and test 2) 0.030 m/s, P = .231 and 0.015 m/s, P = .569, respectively. In interaction analyses, exercise effects differed significantly between participants who habitually walked unaided compared with those that used a walking aid at 7 months (0.094 m/s, P = .027). SignificanceIn this study of older people with dementia living in nursing homes, the effects of exercise had no overall effects on backwards walking speed. Nevertheless, some benefit was indicated in participants who habitually walked unaided, which is promising and merits further investigation in future studies.

Step and Distance Measurement From a Low-Cost Consumer-Based Hip and Wrist Activity Monitor: Protocol for a Validity and Reliability Assessment.

BackgroundSelf-tracking via wearable and mobile technologies is becoming an essential part of personal health management. At this point, however, little information is available to substantiate the validity and reliability of low-cost consumer-based hip and wrist activity monitors, with regard more specifically to the measurements of step counts and distance traveled while walking.ObjectiveThe aim of our study is to assess the validity and reliability of step and distance measurement from a low-cost consumer-based hip and wrist activity monitor specific in various walking conditions that are commonly encountered in daily life. Specifically, this study is designed to evaluate whether and to what extent validity and reliability could depend on the sensor placement on the human body and the walking task being performed.MethodsThirty healthy participants will be instructed to wear four PBN 2433 (Nakosite) activity monitors simultaneously, with one placed on each hip and each wrist. Participants will attend two experimental sessions separated by 1 week. During each experimental session, two separate studies will be performed. In study 1, participants will be instructed to complete a 2-minute walk test along a 30-meter indoor corridor under 3 walking speeds: very slow, slow, and usual speed. In study 2, participants will be required to complete the following 3 conditions performed at usual walking speed: walking on flat ground, upstairs, and downstairs. Activity monitor measured step count and distance values will be computed along with the actual step count (determined from video recordings) and distance (measured using a measuring tape) to determine validity and reliability for each activity monitor placement and each walking condition.ResultsParticipant recruitment and data collection began in January 2020. As of June 2020, we enrolled 8 participants. Dissemination of study results in peer-reviewed journals is expected in spring 2021.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines the validity and reliability of step and distance measurement during walking using the PBN 2433 (Nakosite) activity monitor. Results of this study will provide beneficial information on the effects of activity monitor placement, walking speed, and walking tasks on the validity and reliability of step and distance measurement. We believe such information is of utmost importance to general consumers, clinicians, and researchers.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/21262