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Bazzi H, Cacace AT. Altered gait parameters in distracted walking: a bio-evolutionary and prognostic health perspective on passive listening and active responding during cell phone use. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1135495. [PMID: 38027460 PMCID: PMC10668124 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1135495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The underpinnings of bipedal gait are reviewed from an evolutionary biology and prognostic health perspective to better understand issues and concerns related to cell phone use during ambulation and under conditions of distraction and interference. We also consider gait-related health issues associated with the fear of or risk of falling and include prognostic dimensions associated with cognitive decline, dementia, and mortality. Data were acquired on 21 healthy young adults without hearing loss, vestibular, balance, otological or neurological dysfunction using a computerized walkway (GAITRite® Walkway System) combined with specialized software algorithms to extract gait parameters. Four experimental conditions and seven temporo-spatial gait parameters were studied: gait velocity, cadence, stride length, ambulatory time, single-support time, double-support time, and step count. Significant main effects were observed for ambulation time, velocity, stride velocity, and double-support time. The greatest impact of distraction and interference occurred during the texting condition, although other significant effects occurred when participants were verbally responding to queries and passively listening to a story. These experimental observations show that relatively simple distraction and interference tasks implemented through the auditory sensory modality can induce significant perturbations in gait while individuals were ambulating and using a cell phone. Herein, emphasis is placed on the use of quantifiable gait parameters in medical, psychological, and audiological examinations to serve as a foundation for identifying and potentially averting gait-related disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Bazzi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Anthony T. Cacace
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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2
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Hanson MR, Swanson CW, Whittier TT, Fling BW. Inhibitory signaling as a predictor of leg force control in young and older adults. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:1005-1016. [PMID: 35171308 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06321-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
As the populations of the United States and developed nations age, motor control performance is adversely impacted, resulting in functional impairments that can diminish quality of life. Generally, force control in the lower limb worsens with age, with older adults (OA) displaying more variable and less accurate submaximal forces. Corticospinal inhibitory signaling may influence force control, with those OA who maintain corticospinal inhibitory signaling capacity achieving steadier forces. This study aimed to assess the relationships between lower limb force control and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of corticospinal inhibition (i.e., cortical silent period (cSP) duration and depth). 15 OA and 14 young adults (YA) were recruited for this study. All subjects underwent a TMS protocol to elicit the cSP while maintaining 15% of their maximal force in their knee extensor muscles. OA and YA did not display differences in force control metrics or corticospinal inhibitory measures. However, in OA, maximal cSP depth (%dSP max) was associated with lower force variability. No other significant relationships existed in the YA or OA groups. Future studies will benefit from evaluating a range of target forces and target muscles to assess potential relationships between sensorimotor inhibitory capacity and control of muscle force output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriah R Hanson
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Clayton W Swanson
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, 1582 Campus Delivery, Moby B-201A, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Tyler T Whittier
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, 1582 Campus Delivery, Moby B-201A, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Brett W Fling
- Department of Health & Exercise Science, Colorado State University, 1582 Campus Delivery, Moby B-201A, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA. .,Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Miller DM, Joshi A, Kambouroglos ET, Engstrom IC, Bielanin JP, Wittman SR, McCall AA, Barman SM, Yates BJ. Responses of neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of conscious cats to anticipated and passive movements. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 318:R481-R492. [PMID: 31940234 PMCID: PMC7099461 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00205.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The vestibular system contributes to regulating sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure. Initial studies in decerebrate animals showed that neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) respond to small-amplitude (<10°) rotations of the body, as in other brain areas that process vestibular signals, although such movements do not affect blood distribution in the body. However, a subsequent experiment in conscious animals showed that few RVLM neurons respond to small-amplitude movements. This study tested the hypothesis that RVLM neurons in conscious animals respond to signals from the vestibular otolith organs elicited by large-amplitude static tilts. The activity of approximately one-third of RVLM neurons whose firing rate was related to the cardiac cycle, and thus likely received baroreceptor inputs, was modulated by vestibular inputs elicited by 40° head-up tilts in conscious cats, but not during 10° sinusoidal rotations in the pitch plane that affected the activity of neurons in brain regions providing inputs to the RVLM. These data suggest the existence of brain circuitry that suppresses vestibular influences on the activity of RVLM neurons and the sympathetic nervous system unless these inputs are physiologically warranted. We also determined that RVLM neurons failed to respond to a light cue signaling the movement, suggesting that feedforward cardiovascular responses do not occur before passive movements that require cardiovascular adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Asmita Joshi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Isaiah C Engstrom
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John P Bielanin
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Samuel R Wittman
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew A McCall
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan M Barman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Bill J Yates
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Goel R, Nakagome S, Rao N, Paloski WH, Contreras-Vidal JL, Parikh PJ. Fronto-Parietal Brain Areas Contribute to the Online Control of Posture during a Continuous Balance Task. Neuroscience 2019; 413:135-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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de Moura MCDS, Hazime FA, Marotti Aparicio LV, Grecco LAC, Brunoni AR, Hasue RH. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on balance improvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Somatosens Mot Res 2019; 36:122-135. [PMID: 31181963 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2019.1624517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool to improve balance and optimize rehabilitation strategies. However, current literature shows the methodological heterogeneity of tDCS protocols and results, hindering any clear conclusions about the effects of tDCS on postural control. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS on postural control, and identify the most beneficial target brain areas and the effect on different populations. Methods: Two independent reviewers selected randomized tDCS clinical-trials studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists of retrieved articles published between 1998 and 2017. Most frequently reported centre of pressure (COP) variables were selected for meta-analysis. Other postural control outcomes were discussed in the review. Results: Thirty studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were submitted to a meta-analysis. A reduction of COP displacement area has been significantly achieved by tDCS, evidencing an improvement in balance control. Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy young adults are mostly affected by stimulation. The analysis of the impact of tDCS over different brain areas revealed a significant effect after primary motor cortex (M1) stimulation, however, with no clear results after cerebellar stimulation due to divergent results among studies. Conclusions: tDCS appears to improve balance control, more evident in healthy and CP subjects. Effects are observed when primary MI is stimulated. Cerebellar stimulation should be better investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara D Soares de Moura
- a Department of Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Fuad A Hazime
- b Department of Physical Therapy , Federal University of Piauí , Piauí , Brazil
| | - Luana V Marotti Aparicio
- c Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27) and National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry (INBioN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital of Clinics, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | | | - André R Brunoni
- c Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27) and National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry (INBioN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital of Clinics, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil.,e Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Ludwig-Maximilians-University , Munich , Germany
| | - Renata Hydeé Hasue
- a Department of Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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Ozdemir RA, Contreras-Vidal JL, Paloski WH. Cortical control of upright stance in elderly. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 169:19-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Saliani A, Perraud B, Duval T, Stikov N, Rossignol S, Cohen-Adad J. Axon and Myelin Morphology in Animal and Human Spinal Cord. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:129. [PMID: 29311857 PMCID: PMC5743665 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing precisely the microstructure of axons, their density, size and myelination is of interest for the neuroscientific community, for example to help maximize the outcome of studies on white matter (WM) pathologies of the spinal cord (SC). The existence of a comprehensive and structured database of axonal measurements in healthy and disease models could help the validation of results obtained by different researchers. The purpose of this article is to provide such a database of healthy SC WM, to discuss the potential sources of variability and to suggest avenues for robust and accurate quantification of axon morphometry based on novel acquisition and processing techniques. The article is organized in three sections. The first section reviews morphometric results across species according to range of densities and counts of myelinated axons, axon diameter and myelin thickness, and characteristics of unmyelinated axons in different regions. The second section discusses the sources of variability across studies, such as age, sex, spinal pathways, spinal levels, statistical power and terminology in regard to tracts and protocols. The third section presents new techniques and perspectives that could benefit histology studies. For example, coherent anti-stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) imaging can provide sub-micrometric resolution without the need for fixation and staining, while slide scanners and stitching algorithms can provide full cross-sectional area of SC. In combination with these acquisition techniques, automatic segmentation algorithms for delineating axons and myelin sheath can help provide large-scale statistics on axon morphometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Saliani
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Blanche Perraud
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tanguy Duval
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nikola Stikov
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Serge Rossignol
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Functionnal Neuroimaging Unit, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Antelmi E, Plazzi G, Erro R, Tinuper P, Balint B, Liguori R, Bhatia KP. Intermittent head drops: the differential spectrum. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:414-9. [PMID: 26085650 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2015-310864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Intermittent Head Drops are episodic head flexion movements that can occur in a number of conditions. Typically, the term has mainly been related to epileptic episodes, but the spectrum of clinical conditions associated with this feature is wide-ranging even if never discussed in detail. By searching the electronic database, we may find that apart from the epileptic conditions, Intermittent Head Drops have been in fact reported in the setting of movement disorders, sleep disorders and even internal medicine disorders, such as Sandifer syndrome. We render an in-depth description of this characteristic phenomenon in different diseases, describing the clinical clues and neurophysiological patterns that may help the clinician to distinguish between the different settings of occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Antelmi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Erro
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bettina Balint
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Kailash P Bhatia
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Mathur P, Yang J. Usher syndrome: Hearing loss, retinal degeneration and associated abnormalities. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1852:406-20. [PMID: 25481835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH), clinically and genetically heterogeneous, is the leading genetic cause of combined hearing and vision loss. USH is classified into three types, based on the hearing and vestibular symptoms observed in patients. Sixteen loci have been reported to be involved in the occurrence of USH and atypical USH. Among them, twelve have been identified as causative genes and one as a modifier gene. Studies on the proteins encoded by these USH genes suggest that USH proteins interact among one another and function in multiprotein complexes in vivo. Although their exact functions remain enigmatic in the retina, USH proteins are required for the development, maintenance and function of hair bundles, which are the primary mechanosensitive structure of inner ear hair cells. Despite the unavailability of a cure, progress has been made to develop effective treatments for this disease. In this review, we focus on the most recent discoveries in the field with an emphasis on USH genes, protein complexes and functions in various tissues as well as progress toward therapeutic development for USH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Mathur
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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10
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Caporali P, Cutuli D, Gelfo F, Laricchiuta D, Foti F, De Bartolo P, Mancini L, Angelucci F, Petrosini L. Pre-reproductive maternal enrichment influences offspring developmental trajectories: motor behavior and neurotrophin expression. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:195. [PMID: 24910599 PMCID: PMC4038762 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is usually applied immediately after weaning or in adulthood, with strong effects on CNS anatomy and behavior. To examine the hypothesis that a pre-reproductive environmental enrichment of females could affect the motor development of their offspring, female rats were reared in an enriched environment from weaning to sexual maturity, while other female rats used as controls were reared under standard conditions. Following mating with standard-reared males, all females were housed individually. To evaluate the eventual transgenerational influence of positive pre-reproductive maternal experiences, postural and motor development of male pups was analyzed from birth to weaning. Moreover, expression of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in different brain regions was evaluated at birth and weaning. Pre-reproductive environmental enrichment of females affected the offspring motor development, as indicated by the earlier acquisition of complex motor abilities displayed by the pups of enriched females. The earlier acquisition of motor abilities was associated with enhanced neurotrophin levels in striatum and cerebellum. In conclusion, maternal positive experiences were transgenerationally transmitted, and influenced offspring phenotype at both behavioral and biochemical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Caporali
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Cutuli
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelfo
- I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy ; Department of Systemic Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Laricchiuta
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Foti
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Bartolo
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mancini
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
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11
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Tsuruike M, Ellenbecker TS. Effects of a Compression Garment on Shoulder External Rotation Force Outputs During Isotonic Contractions. J Strength Cond Res 2013; 27:519-25. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e3182578145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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12
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Tan U. Uner tan syndrome: history, clinical evaluations, genetics, and the dynamics of human quadrupedalism. Open Neurol J 2010; 4:78-89. [PMID: 21258577 PMCID: PMC3024602 DOI: 10.2174/1874205x01004010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2010] [Revised: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This review includes for the first time a dynamical systems analysis of human quadrupedalism in Uner Tan syndrome, which is characterized by habitual quadrupedalism, impaired intelligence, and rudimentary speech. The first family was discovered in a small village near Iskenderun, and families were later found in Adana and two other small villages near Gaziantep and Canakkale. In all the affected individuals dynamic balance was impaired during upright walking, and they habitually preferred walking on all four extremities. MRI scans showed inferior cerebellovermian hypoplasia with slightly simplified cerebral gyri in three of the families, but appeared normal in the fourth. PET scans showed a decreased glucose metabolic activity in the cerebellum, vermis and, to a lesser extent the cerebral cortex, except for one patient, whose MRI scan also appeared to be normal. All four families had consanguineous marriages in their pedigrees, suggesting autosomal recessive transmission. The syndrome was genetically heterogeneous. Since the initial discoveries more cases have been found, and these exhibit facultative quadrupedal locomotion, and in one case, late childhood onset. It has been suggested that the human quadrupedalism may, at least, be a phenotypic example of reverse evolution. From the viewpoint of dynamic systems theory, it was concluded there may not be a single factor that predetermines human quadrupedalism in Uner Tan syndrome, but that it may involve self-organization, brain plasticity, and rewiring, from the many decentralized and local interactions among neuronal, genetic, and environmental subsystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uner Tan
- Department of Physiology, Çukurova University, Medical School, 01330 Adana, Turkey
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13
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De Nunzio AM, Grasso M, Nardone A, Godi M, Schieppati M. Alternate rhythmic vibratory stimulation of trunk muscles affects walking cadence and velocity in Parkinson's disease. Clin Neurophysiol 2009; 121:240-7. [PMID: 19955020 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2009.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2009] [Revised: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the administration of timed bilateral alternate vibration to homonymous leg or trunk muscles during quiet upright stance, Parkinsonian (PD) patients undergo cyclic antero-posterior and medio-lateral transfers of the centre of foot pressure. This event might be potentially exploited for improving gait in these patients. Here, we tested this hypothesis by applying alternate muscle vibration during walking in PD. METHODS Fifteen patients and 15 healthy subjects walked on an instrumented walkway under four conditions: no vibration (no-Vib), and vibration of tibialis anterior (TA-Vib), soleus (Sol-Vib) and erector spinae (ES-Vib) muscles of both sides. Trains of vibration (internal frequency 100 Hz) were delivered to right and left side at alternating frequency of 10% above preferred step cadence. RESULTS During vibration, stride length, cadence and velocity increased in both patients and healthy subjects, significantly so for ES-Vib. Stance and swing time tended to decrease. Width of support base increased with Sol-Vib or TA-Vib, but was unaffected by ES-Vib. CONCLUSIONS Alternate ES vibration enhances gait velocity in PD. The stronger effect of ES over leg muscle vibration might depend on the relevance of the proprioceptive inflow from the trunk muscles and on the absence of adverse effects on the support base width. SIGNIFICANCE Trunk control is defective in PD. The effect of timed vibratory stimulation on gait suggests the potential use of trunk proprioceptive stimulation for tuning the central pattern generators for locomotion in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro M De Nunzio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Centro Studi Attività Motorie, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri (IRCCS), Istituto Scientifico di Pavia, University of Pavia, Italy
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Ghika J. Paleoneurology: Neurodegenerative diseases are age-related diseases of specific brain regions recently developed by homo sapiens. Med Hypotheses 2008; 71:788-801. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2008] [Revised: 05/01/2008] [Accepted: 05/04/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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Zanetti C, Schieppati M. Quiet stance control is affected by prior treadmill but not overground locomotion. Eur J Appl Physiol 2007; 100:331-9. [PMID: 17357791 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-007-0434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Treadmill locomotion is different with respect to overground walking and may require an adapted control mode. The relevant neural computational effort may produce lasting effects encroaching upon the performance of a subsequent postural task. The hypothesis of the present study was that, contrary to overground walking, treadmill walking has effects on quiet stance variables, in the assumption that the imposed locomotor activity is more critical to stance control than natural walking. Nine young subjects performed three different walking sessions: treadmill with eyes closed, treadmill with eyes open, overground walking with eyes open. Body sway area and sway path and the position of the centre of foot pressure during stance were recorded by a dynamometric platform under control, post-walking and post-recovery conditions, alternatively with eyes closed and eyes open. At variance with overground walking, treadmill locomotion produced an effect on body orientation in space during the subsequent stance trials. This consisted in a forward inclination of the body, not accompanied by increased body sway, lasting for a few minutes. Presence or absence of vision during treadmill locomotion did not induce differences in the amplitude or time-course of the post-effect. We argue that body inclination would be the consequence of a change in the postural reference produced by a message arising from treadmill locomotion itself, possibly connected to particularities in the control mode of this type of walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Zanetti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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