bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EMG-force relation in the first dorsal interosseous muscle of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Jahanmiri-Nezhad Faezeh , Hu Xiaogang , Suresh Nina L. , Rymer William Z. , Zhou Ping 
Published: December 2019

Background and purpose: The relationship between surface electromyography (EMG) and muscle force is essential to assess muscle function and its deficits. However, few studies have explored the EMG-force relation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The purpose of this study was to examine the EMG-force relation in ALS subjects and its alteration in comparison with healthy control subjects. Methods: Surface EMG and force signals were recorded while 10 ALS and 10 age-matched healthy control subjects produced isometric voluntary contractions in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle over the full range of activation. A linear fit of the EMG-force relation was evaluated through the normalized root mean square error (RMSE) between the experimental and predicted EMG amplitudes. The EMG-force relation was compared between the ALS and the healthy control subjects. Results: With a linear fit, the normalized RMSE between the experimental and predicted EMG amplitudes was 9.6 ± 3.6% for the healthy control subjects and 12.3 ± 8.0% for the ALS subjects. The slope of the linear fit was 2.9 ± 2.2 μVN−1 for the ALS subjects and was significantly shallower (p < 0.05) than the control subjects (5.1 ± 1.8 μVN−1). However, after excluding the four ALS subjects who had very weak maximum force, the slope for the remaining ALS subjects was 3.5 ± 2.2 μVN−1 and was not significantly different from the control subjects (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A linear fit can be used to well describe the EMG-force relation for the FDI muscle of both ALS and healthy control subjects. A variety of processes may work together in ALS that can adversely affect the EMG-force relation.
Motor imagery training improves precision of an upper limb movement in patients with hemiparesis
Authors: Grabherr Luzia , Jola Corinne , Berra Gilberto , Theiler Robert , Mast Fred W. 
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND: In healthy participants, beneficial effects of motor imagery training on movement execution have been shown for precision, strength, and speed. In the clinical context, it is still debated whether motor imagery provides an effective rehabilitation technique in patients with motor deficits. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two different types of movement training: motor imagery vs. motor execution. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with hemiparesis were assigned to one of two training groups: the imagery or the execution-training group. Both groups completed a baseline test before they received six training sessions, each of which was followed by a test session. Using a novel and precisely quantifiable test, we assessed how accurately patients performed an upper limb movement. RESULTS: Both training groups improved performance over the six test sessions but the improvement was significantly larger in the imagery group. That is, the imagery group was able to perform more precise movements than the execution group after the sixth training session while there was no difference at the beginning of the training. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence for the benefit of motor imagery training in patients with hemiparesis and thus suggest the integration of cognitive training in conventional physiotherapy practice.
Health related quality of life and mental health in children with SCI/D from Neiva, Colombia
Authors: Leibach Gillian G. , Perrin Paul B. , Nicholls Elizabeth , Leonor Olivera Silvia , Medina Quintero Lorena , Mauricio Velasco Trujillo Diego , Carlos Arango-Lasprilla Juan 
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVE: To date, no research has been published on the health related quality of life (HRQOL) and mental health of children with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D) in Latin America, although limited previous research in Western countries has demonstrated the debilitating and chronic nature of these conditions in children. The aim was to examine the connections between HRQOL and mental health in children with SCI/D from Neiva, Colombia. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty children (8– 17 years) were recruited from the Hospital Universatario Hernando Mocaleano Perdomo in Neiva, Colombia. Participants completed self-report measures administered verbally by trained research staff. RESULTS: A correlation matrix generally suggested that higher HRQOL was robustly associated with better mental health. A series of multiple regressions found that HRQOL explained 50.5% of the variance in children’s depression, 31.5% of the variance in worry, and 41.9% of the variance in social anxiety. Within these regressions, emotional and social functioning were uniquely associated with depression, and emotional functioning was uniquely associated with social anxiety. CONCLUSION: This is the first published study to examine psychosocial outcomes in children with SCI/D in Latin America, and its findings suggest that future research and interventions for children with SCI/D in Colombia – and possibly in other regions of Latin America – would benefit from emphasizing emotional and social functioning.
Mind and body: Mental health and health related quality of life in SCI caregivers from Neiva, Colombia
Authors: Coleman Jennifer A. , Harper Leia A. , Perrin Paul B. , Olabarrieta Landa Laiene , Leonor Olivera Silvia , Libardo Perdomo Jose , Anselmo Arango Jose , Carlos Arango-Lasprilla Juan 
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND: Despite the body of research on caregivers of individuals with various types of disabilities, SCI caregivers have received comparably less attention, especially in regions like Latin America. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between HRQOL and mental health in SCI caregivers from Colombia. METHOD: A cross sectional study assessed SCI caregivers ( n = 40) in Neiva, Colombia. Participants completed a measure of their HRQOL (SF-36 Health Questionnaire) and four measures of mental health (Satisfaction With Life Scale, Zarit Burden Interview, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). RESULTS: A canonical correlation between variables revealed that 64% of the variance was shared between mental health and HRQOL. The domains that loaded highest within the canonical correlation were social functioning, general health, and anxiety, indicating that SCI caregivers with higher anxiety experienced lower social functioning and lower general health. Furthermore, 15 of the 24 bivariate correlations between mental health and HRQOL were statistically significant, suggesting a strong connection between these two sets of variables. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation professionals in Latin America should consider the development of caregiver interventions focusing on both physical and mental health, as the two constructs are closely connected through social functioning, general health, and anxiety.
Acute effect of repeated passive motion exercise on shoulder position sense in patients with hemiplegia: A pilot study
Authors: Baek Ji-Hye , Kim Jun-Woo , Kim Suhn-Yeop , Oh Duck-Won , Yoo Eun-Young 
Published: December 2019

Objective: To determine the effect of repeated passive motion (RPM) exercise on position sense of the shoulder joint in patients with hemiplegia. Methods: Shoulder flexion position sense was evaluated for the affected side of 15 patients with hemiplegia, using an assessment board set at five angles (30°, 60°, 90°, 120° and 150°). First, the affected shoulder was positioned passively, twice at each angle. Then, with the patient blindfolded, a repositioning test was performed twice at each angle, presented in random order. The assessment score was calculated as the proportion of correct responses (PCRs) for repositioning. After the testing, the RPM exercise, consisting of scapular and shoulder motions, was performed in a supine position for 15 min, and the testing was repeated. Results: After the RPM exercise, there was a significant difference in total PCR for right hemiplegia ( p < 0.05) and in total PCR and PCR at 90° for left hemiplegia ( p < 0.05). However, the PCR was not significantly different between right and left hemiplegia at any angle. For all of the patients, the total PCR and the PCRs for every angle except 30° and 150° were significantly greater after the RPM exercise ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: The RPM exercise was helpful in improving proprioception in patients with hemiplegia. Further studies are needed to generalize these findings.
Motor function and participation among Nigerian stroke survivors: 6-Month follow-up study
Authors: Hamzat Talhatu K. , Peters Grace O. 
Published: December 2019

The pattern of and relationship between motor function and participation among community-dwelling stroke survivors in Ibadan, Nigeria was studied over a 6-month period. Twenty post stroke individuals were recruited out of which 16 (9 males and 7 females) completed the study. Motor function and participation were assessed within 4 weeks after stroke (baseline) and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and the 5th month at the respective residence of the patients using the Modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS) and London Handicap Scale (LHS) respectively. Results showed statistically significant increase in both motor function (Friedman's ANOVA 37.50; p = 0.00) and participation (Friedman's ANOVA = 41.87; p < 0.001) across 6 months. Significant correlation was observed between overall total scores of the motor function and participation measures at the 1st month. The Orientation and Economic Self-Sufficiency domains of the LHS were however not significantly correlated with the MMAS items ( p > 0.05). At the 6th month, LHS did not correlate with MMAS items except between physical independence and sitting to standing, occupation and sitting to standing, and physical independence and walking. The results show that recovery of motor function and increase in level of participation occurred progressively across six months post stroke. This apparent association between motor function and participation suggest that as patients were regaining motor function, their participation level was also improving.
Velopharyngeal function in adult speakers of Portuguese diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vitorino Jussara 
Published: December 2019

Objective: The primary aim of the present investigation was to obtain the nasalance score in Portuguese speakers with multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to identify velopharyngeal impairments and to enhance clinicians’ ability to employ appropriate therapy strategies for speech disorders in MS. Design: Perceptual assessments (speech sample analysis) and instrumental technique (Nasometer) were performed. Two passages were constructed in the Portuguese Language: one similar to the Grandfather Passage for perceptual assessments and the other similar to the Zoo Passage for the nasalance score. Participants: Seventy (70) adult Portuguese speakers with MS and seventy five (75) nonneurologically disordered Portuguese speakers were involved in this study. Results/Conclusion: The mean nasalance score of the MS participants was found to be significantly higher than of the control group, confirming velopharyngeal dysfunction in the Portuguese speakers group with MS. The results in this study contrast with a low incidence of velopharyngeal impairment present in English speakers with MS. These findings are discussed with respect to the degree of hypernasality and the potential influence of these impairments on the verbal output of the speakers of Portuguese.
“Patternizing” standards of sit-to-stand movements with support in cerebral palsy
Authors: Yonetsu Ryo , Nitta Osamu , Surya John 
Published: December 2019

Objective: By utilizing “patternizing” standards, this study attempted to obtain objective evaluation index of sit-to-stand (STS) movements of children with cerebral palsy (CP). In hopes that this understanding can lead to a standardized and effective physical therapy treatment of CP STS movements. Design: The subjects were 50 children with CP, aged from three years and two months to twelve years and four months, mean age nine years and eleven months. The control group consisted of ten healthy children, aged from four years and five months to eleven years and ten months, mean age seven years and two months. In the analysis, firstly, pictures of the subjects’ (CP and control group) STS movements were taken from the side with one digital video camera. Next, these STS movements were classified into two phases (first phase, sitting position to hip off the seat; second phase, hip off the seat to standing position), and the state of the subjects’ extremities was evaluated by 15 items. Based on these 15 items, characteristics of STS movements were identified and recorded as YES or NO. Finally, using SPSS (version13), cluster analysis was conducted. Results: The subjects’ STS movements were classified into five aggregate groups. Conclusion: From these findings, it was possible to distinguish the characteristics and differences of STS movements in healthy children and CP subjects. Moreover, the CP subjects were also able to be classified into four groups based on their shared characteristics of STS movements.
Psychomotor and motor functioning in children with cryptogenic localization related epilepsy
Authors: van Mil Saskia G.M. , de la Parra Nora M. , Reijs Rianne P. , van Hall Mariette H.J.A. , Aldenkamp Albert P. 
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate psychomotor- and motor functioning in children with cryptogenic localization related epilepsy (CLRE) and to explore possible relationships between these two functions. Eighty-nine children were included. Results of reaction times measurements and motor functioning tasks were compared to age-related normative values. Correlations between the psychomotor and motor tasks were computed. Manual dexterity and balance problems are present in about 35% of CLRE-children. Ball skills are problematic in approximately 55% of the children. Simple reaction time measurements showed significantly slowing for CLRE children relative to the reference values. Also, performance on the m-ABC was significantly lower than the reference values. The better the child's performance on the simple reaction time measurements, the better the performance on the m-ABC.
Effect of endurance exercise training on the expression of GFAP, S100B, and NSE in the striatum of chronic/progressive mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Al-Jarrah Muhammed D. , Jamous Mohammed 
Published: December 2019

Goals and Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in elderly. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calcium-binding protein (S100B), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are brain damage markers. The main goal of this study is to investigate the expression of these markers in the striatum (ST) of chronic/progressive mouse model of PD, and to study the effect of endurance exercise training on the expression of those markers. Materials and Methods: In this study, forty C57BL/6 albino mice were randomly divided into four groups. Sedentary control (SC, n = 10), exercise control (ExC, n = 10), sedentary Parkinson’s (SPD, n = 10), and exercised Parkinson’s (ExPD, n = 10). Chronic Parkinsonism was induced by injecting the animals with 10 doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (25 mg/kg) and probenecid (250 mg/kg) over 5 weeks. Modified human treadmill was used to train the mice at a speed of 18 m/min, 0 degrees of inclination, 40 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. At the end of exercise training, we examined the expression of these markers on the striatum of the four animal groups using immunohistochemistry. Results and Discussion: Parkinsonism increases the expression of NSE, S100B, and GFAP in the ST, p value P < 0.001, < 0.05, and < 0.7 respectively compared with control group. Exercise training decreases the expression of NSE, S100B, and GFAP in the exercised PD mice compared with sedentary PD mice p value < 0.005, < 0.02, and < 0.40 respectively. Conclusion: Treadmill exercise training decreased the expression of brain damage markers in the striatum of chronic Parkinsonian mice, which can partially explain the beneficial neuroprotective role of exercise in patients with PD.
Botulinum Toxin in the management of hitchhiker's toe
Authors: Gaber Tarek A.-Z.K. , Basu Bhaskar , Shakespeare David , Singh Rajiv , Salam Sohail , McFarlane John 
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Hyperextension of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) muscle is a well recognised disabling sequel of either pyramidal or extrapyramidal lesions causing what is known as striated or hitchhiker’s toe. Surgery was the only effective strategy to manage EHL hyperextension before botulinum toxin’s use to manage muscular dystonia and spasticity became widely popular. Methods: A multicentre retrospective study. A standard proforma was sent to specialists in neurological rehabilitation dealing routinely with this problem. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Four consultants and two trainees representing five separate neurological rehabilitation services agreed to participate in the study. Full data was available from the 29 proformas completed. The subjects were 15 females with an age range between 20 and 78 years (mean 58.7). Stroke was the primary diagnosis in 18 subjects. Four subjects had bilateral involvement. 16 subjects had either an associated foot drop or equino varus deformity. Dysport® was used in 15 subjects with an average dose of 170 units per injection and Botox® in the other 14 with an average dose of 65 units. The treatment was effective in 24 subjects (83%). All patients receiving Dysport® responded to the treatment. Whilst 5 Botox® treated patients failed to respond to it (35% failure rate). Most of the non respondents seemed to receive insufficient doses of Botox® (below 60 units). Surgical management was successful in 3 out of the 5 non respondent cases. Conclusion: Botilinum Toxin is an effective and safe method to manage hitchhicker’s toe. In our study the conversion ratio between Dysport® and Botox® was 2.5:1. Third of the patients receiving Botox® failed to respond to the treatment most probably due to insufficient doses used.
The effect of robo-horseback riding therapy on spinal alignment and associated muscle size in MRI for a child with neuromuscular scoliosis: An experimenter-blind study
Authors: Lee Dong Ryul , Lee Nam Gi , Cha Hyun Jung , O Yun Sung , You Sung (Joshua) Hyun , Oh Jin Hwan , Bang Hyo Seong 
Published: December 2019

Purpose: This case study was conducted to highlight the clinical and radiological features of a patient with progressive neuromuscular scoliosis before and after robo-horseback riding therapy (HBRT). Design: A clinical, laboratory, and radiological analysis of a single case. Subject: An 11-year-old child, dignosed right thoracolumbar neuromuscular scoliosis secondary to cerebral palsy. Method: The child received a 5-week course of robo-HBRT, comprising of 60-minute periods a day, five times a week. Postural alignment was determined by Cobb’s method. A real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to determine the robo-HBRT-induced changes in cross-sectional area (CSA) of bilateral thoracic (T2) and lumbar (L2) paraspinalis. Clinical tests including the standard Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and manual muscle testing (MMT) with the Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester were used to compare the intervention-related changes in motor performance and power. The surface EMG was also used to examine therapy-induced changes in muscle activity amplitude for bilateral T2 and L2 paraspinalis and rectus abdominis muscles. Results: Clinical motor and strength scores increased after the intervention. Radiographic Cobb’s angle, MRI, and electromyographic amplitude data demonstrated notably enhanced spinal alignment and muscle fiber CSA and symmetry, respectively. Conclusions: This is the first study to provide evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of a novel form of robo-HBRT on motor function and associated structural and motor control improvements, thus suggesting a method of augmenting therapy in neuromuscular scoliosis.
Critical illness polyneuropathy: A case report
Authors: Celik Canan , Ucan Halil , Alemdaroglu Ebru , Oktay Fugen 
Published: December 2019

Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is defined as a common complication of critically ilness patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit due to sepsis, multiple trauma and/or multi-organ failure. We aimed to present a patient who was diagnosed as CIP. He was admitted to our outpatient clinic due to weakness and pain in his lower extremities. He had been followed in an intensive care unit due to suicid five months ago. There were symmetrically and predominantly muscle weakness, sensory impairment, absence of deep tendon reflexes in his lower extremities. Electrophysiological evaluation demonstrated motor and sensory axonal distal polyneuropathy predominantly in lower extremities. At follow up, he had high fever, and elevated acute phase responses. Therefore source of infection was investigated and was suspected to a diagnosis of infective endocarditis. He was discharged to be hospitalized in cardiology clinic. With this case, we think that physiatrists should take into consideration a diagnosis of critical illness polyneuropathy in patients with symmetric motor weakness. In CIP, muscle weakness, sensory loss, neuropathic pain, and autonomic problems lengthened the rehabilitation period. Due to a diagnosis of infective endocarditis in our case, we point out that source of infection should be carefully investigated if there is acute phase responses in CIP patients even if during rehabilitation period.
Motor impairments at presentation of clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis: Characterization of different disease subtypes
Authors: Kalron Alon , Achiron Anat , Dvir Zeevi 
Published: December 2019

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of motor impairments in patients with recently diagnosed clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of MS. Methods: Following a neurological examination, patients with CIS were subdivided into two groups according to the number of functional systems involved at onset. Groups consisted of monosymptomatic ( n = 35, mean EDSS = 1.3 ± 0.2) and polysymptomatic ( n = 17, mean EDSS = 2.6 ± 0.1) patients. Motor assessment included peak isometric torque and fatigue index (FI) measured at the knee and ankle bilaterally and spatiotemporal parameters of gait and postural control. Lesion load and atrophy were measured on a 3.0T brain MRI using MSAnalyze computerized software. Twenty eight age- and gender-matched healthy subjects served as controls for motor assessment. Results: Polysymptomatic patients demonstrated reduced peak strength and FI, slower gait velocity, narrower base of support and increased sway rate compared to healthy subjects and mono-symptomatic patients. Furthermore, polysymptomatic and monosymptomatic patient median score in T2-weighted volume lesions (mm3) was 4875 and 1628, respectively. Conclusions: Evidence of two subtypes of CIS was established in context with MRI findings and motor deficits. Differentiating between these groups can potentially improve management of MS patients at the initial stages of the disease process.