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Fritze S, Brandt GA, Volkmer S, Daub J, Krayem M, Kukovic J, Schwarz E, Braun U, Northoff G, Wolf RC, Kubera KM, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Hirjak D. Deciphering the interplay between psychopathological symptoms, sensorimotor, cognitive and global functioning: a transdiagnostic network analysis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01782-3. [PMID: 38509230 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01782-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the relationship between psychopathology and major domains of human neurobehavioral functioning may identify new transdiagnostic treatment targets. However, studies examining the interrelationship between psychopathological symptoms, sensorimotor, cognitive, and global functioning in a transdiagnostic sample are lacking. We hypothesized a close relationship between sensorimotor and cognitive functioning in a transdiagnostic patient sample. METHODS We applied network analysis and community detection methods to examine the interplay and centrality [expected influence (EI) and strength] between psychopathological symptoms, sensorimotor, cognitive, and global functioning in a transdiagnostic sample consisting of 174 schizophrenia spectrum (SSD) and 38 mood disorder (MOD) patients. All patients (n = 212) were examined with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Heidelberg Neurological Soft Signs Scale (NSS), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia consisted of trail making test B (TMT-B), category fluency (CF) and digit symbol substitution test (DSST). RESULTS NSS showed closer connections with TMT-B, CF, and DSST than with GAF and PANSS. DSST, PANSS general, and NSS motor coordination scores showed the highest EI. Sensory integration, DSST, and CF showed the highest strength. CONCLUSIONS The close connection between sensorimotor and cognitive impairment as well as the high centrality of sensorimotor symptoms suggests that both domains share aspects of SSD and MOD pathophysiology. But, because the majority of the study population was diagnosed with SSD, the question as to whether sensorimotor symptoms are really a transdiagnostic therapeutic target needs to be examined in future studies including more balanced diagnostic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Fritze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Geva A Brandt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Volkmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
- Hector Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jonas Daub
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Krayem
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Kukovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Emanuel Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
- Hector Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim/Ulm, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Urs Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim/Ulm, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Georg Northoff
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Christian Wolf
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina M Kubera
- Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
- German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim/Ulm, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dusan Hirjak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
- German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim/Ulm, Mannheim, Germany.
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Phiri P, Delanerolle G, Hope O, Murugaiyan T, Dimba G, Rathod S, Zingela Z. Catatonia: A deep dive into its unfathomable depths. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:210-214. [PMID: 38464767 PMCID: PMC10921292 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i2.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This editorial addresses catatonia, a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterised by a spectrum of psychomotor disturbances. The editorial seeks to clarify the ambiguous aspects of catatonia, integrating recent research findings, including global studies and diagnostic advancements. It discusses catatonia's clinical manifestations, prevalence, and associated psychiatric and medical conditions, with particular emphasis on its frequent co-occurrence with schizophrenia and mood disorders. The prevalence of catatonia, which varies across psychiatric populations, is illustrated by a significant study conducted in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the Bush-Francis Screening Instrument compared to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 criteria in diagnosing catatonia. The editorial evaluates treatment approaches, primarily focusing on benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy, and discusses emerging therapeutic strategies. It underscores the importance of robust diagnostic frameworks and early intervention in managing catatonia, as recommended by the latest evidence-based consensus guideline. Furthermore, it suggests future research directions, particularly in exploring the neurobiological and genetic factors of catatonia, to enhance our understanding and improve treatment outcomes. This editorial succinctly aims to demystify catatonia and provide valuable insights for clinicians and researchers in mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Phiri
- Research & Innovation Department, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO30 3JB, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, Hampshire, United Kingdom
| | - Gayathri Delanerolle
- Research & Innovation Department, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO30 3JB, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Hope
- Research & Innovation Department, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO30 3JB, United Kingdom
| | - Tharangini Murugaiyan
- Acute Inpatients Services, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke RG24 9RH, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Dimba
- Home Treatment Team, South West, Surrey and Borders Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XL, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Shanaya Rathod
- Research & Innovation Department, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO30 3JB, United Kingdom
| | - Zukiswa Zingela
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Summerstrand 6001, Gqeberha, South Africa
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Chen J, Xia Y, Zhou X, Vidal Rosas E, Thomas A, Loureiro R, Cooper RJ, Carlson T, Zhao H. fNIRS-EEG BCIs for Motor Rehabilitation: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1393. [PMID: 38135985 PMCID: PMC10740927 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor impairment has a profound impact on a significant number of individuals, leading to a substantial demand for rehabilitation services. Through brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), people with severe motor disabilities could have improved communication with others and control appropriately designed robotic prosthetics, so as to (at least partially) restore their motor abilities. BCI plays a pivotal role in promoting smoother communication and interactions between individuals with motor impairments and others. Moreover, they enable the direct control of assistive devices through brain signals. In particular, their most significant potential lies in the realm of motor rehabilitation, where BCIs can offer real-time feedback to assist users in their training and continuously monitor the brain's state throughout the entire rehabilitation process. Hybridization of different brain-sensing modalities, especially functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG), has shown great potential in the creation of BCIs for rehabilitating the motor-impaired populations. EEG, as a well-established methodology, can be combined with fNIRS to compensate for the inherent disadvantages and achieve higher temporal and spatial resolution. This paper reviews the recent works in hybrid fNIRS-EEG BCIs for motor rehabilitation, emphasizing the methodologies that utilized motor imagery. An overview of the BCI system and its key components was introduced, followed by an introduction to various devices, strengths and weaknesses of different signal processing techniques, and applications in neuroscience and clinical contexts. The review concludes by discussing the possible challenges and opportunities for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Chen
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
| | - Yunjia Xia
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Xinkai Zhou
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
| | - Ernesto Vidal Rosas
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
- Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Alexander Thomas
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
- Aspire CREATe, Department of Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Rui Loureiro
- Aspire CREATe, Department of Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Robert J. Cooper
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Tom Carlson
- Aspire CREATe, Department of Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Hubin Zhao
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
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Pavlidou A, Gorisse G, Banakou D, Walther S. Using virtual reality to assess gesture performance deficits in schizophrenia patients. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1191601. [PMID: 37363173 PMCID: PMC10288366 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1191601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gesture performance deficits are prevalent in schizophrenia patients and are strongly associated with poor social communication skills and community functioning, affecting their overall quality of life. Currently, video-recording technology is widely used in clinical settings to assess gesture production deficits in schizophrenia patients. Nevertheless, the subjective evaluation of video-recordings can encumber task assessment. The present study will aim to use virtual reality to examine its potential use as an alternative tool to objectively measure gesture performance accuracy in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. Methods Gesture performance in the virtual reality setting will be based on the well-established Test of Upper Limb Apraxia. Participants will be immersed in a virtual environment where they will experience themselves being embodied in a collocated virtual body seen from a first-person perspective. Motion trackers will be placed on participants' hands and elbows to track upper body movements in real-time, and to record gesture movement for later analysis. Participants will see a virtual agent sitting across from them, with a virtual table in between. The agent will perform various types of gestures and the participants' task will be to imitate those gestures as accurately as possible. Measurements from the tracking devices will be stored and analyzed to address gesture performance accuracy across groups. Discussion This study aims to provide objective measurements of gesture performance accuracy in schizophrenia patients. If successful, the results will provide new knowledge to the gesture literature and offer the potential for novel therapeutic interventions using virtual reality technologies. Such interventions can improve gesturing and thus advance social communication skills in schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Pavlidou
- University of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Translation Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Domna Banakou
- Arts and Humanities Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sebastian Walther
- University of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Translation Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland
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Therapeutic Use of VR Serious Games in the Treatment of Negative Schizophrenia Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081497. [PMID: 36011154 PMCID: PMC9408427 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects 1 in every 300 people worldwide. This study intended to perform a systematic review to describe the state-of-the-art of interventions involving patients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia that use Virtual Reality (VR) games as a complement to therapy, and to analyze the key features of such games. Literature research was conducted in three databases, namely, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Scopus, and PubMed, to identify relevant publications dated from 2010 to 2021. Of the initial 74 publications found, only 11 satisfied the eligibility requirements and were included in this study. The results were then organized and displayed in a flow diagram. Overall, the results from the studies suggest that the use of VR in therapies enables an increase in social skills and a decrease in anxiety symptoms. The use of such technology in therapy has proven to be effective, although it still lacks features to provide better long-term results.
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Pavlidou A, Chapellier V, Maderthaner L, von Känel S, Walther S. Using dynamic point light display stimuli to assess gesture deficits in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res Cogn 2022; 28:100240. [PMID: 35242609 PMCID: PMC8866720 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2022.100240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Gesture deficits are ubiquitous in schizophrenia patients contributing to poor social communication and functional outcome. Given the dynamic nature of social communications, the current study aimed to explore the underlying socio-cognitive processes associated with point-light-displays (PLDs) of communicative gestures in the absence of any other confounding visual characteristics, and compare them to other well-established stimuli of gestures such as pictures by examining their association with symptom severity and motor-cognitive modalities. Methods We included 39-stable schizophrenia outpatients and 27-age-gender matched controls and assessed gesture processing using two tasks. The first task used static stimuli of pictures of a person performing a gesture. The limbs executing the gesture were missing and participants' task was to choose the correct gesture from three-options provided. The second task included videos of dynamic PLDs interacting with each other. One PLD performed communicative gestures, while the other PLD imitated/followed these performed gestures. Participants had to indicate, which of the two PLDs was imitating/following the other. Additionally, we evaluated symptom severity, as well as, motor and cognitive parameters. Results Patients underperformed in both gesture tasks compared to controls. Task performance for static stimuli was associated with blunted affect, motor coordination and sequencing domains, while PLD performance was associated with expressive gestures and sensory integration processes. Discussion Gesture representations of static and dynamic stimuli are associated with distinct processes contributing to poor social communication in schizophrenia, requiring novel therapeutic interventions. Such stimuli can easily be applied remotely for screening socio-cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Pavlidou
- Corresponding author at: Psychiatric Services University of Bern, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Systems Neuroscience of Psychopathology, Translational Research Center, Bollingerstr. 111, CH-3000 Bern 60, Switzerland.
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Chapellier V, Pavlidou A, Maderthaner L, von Känel S, Walther S. The Impact of Poor Nonverbal Social Perception on Functional Capacity in Schizophrenia. Front Psychol 2022; 13:804093. [PMID: 35282219 PMCID: PMC8904900 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.804093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonverbal social perception is the ability to interpret the intentions and dispositions of others by evaluating cues such as facial expressions, body movements, and emotional prosody. Nonverbal social perception plays a key role in social cognition and is fundamental for successful social interactions. Patients with schizophrenia have severe impairments in nonverbal social perception leading to social isolation and withdrawal. Collectively, these aforementioned deficits affect patients’ quality of life. Here, we compare nonverbal social perception in patients with schizophrenia and controls and examine how nonverbal social perception relates to daily functioning. Methods We compared nonverbal social perception in 41 stable outpatients with schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls using the Mini Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity (Mini-PONS). The participants evaluated 64 video clips showing a female actor demonstrating various nonverbal social cues. Participants were asked to choose one of two options that best described the observed scenario. We correlated clinical ratings (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Brief Negative Syndrome Scale), Self-report of Negative Symptoms, and functional assessments (functional capacity and functional outcome) with Mini-PONS scores. Results Patients performed significantly poorer in the Mini-PONS compared to controls, suggesting deficits in nonverbal social perception. These deficits were not associated with either positive symptoms or negative symptoms (including self-report). However, impaired nonverbal social perception correlated with distinctive domains of BNSS (mainly avolition and blunted affect), as well as functional capacity and functional outcome in patients. Conclusion We demonstrate that nonverbal social perception is impaired in stable outpatients with schizophrenia. Nonverbal social perception is directly related to specific negative symptom domains, functional capacity and functional outcome. These findings underline the importance of nonverbal social perception for patients’ everyday life and call for novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate nonverbal social perception deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Chapellier
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Pavlidou
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lydia Maderthaner
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofie von Känel
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Walther
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Martin L, Stein K, Kubera K, Troje NF, Fuchs T. Movement markers of schizophrenia: a detailed analysis of patients' gait patterns. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 272:1347-1364. [PMID: 35362775 PMCID: PMC9508056 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01402-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Motor abnormalities occur in the majority of persons with schizophrenia but are generally neglected in clinical care. Psychiatric diagnostics fail to include quantifiable motor variables and few assessment tools examine full-body movement. We assessed full-body movement during gait of 20 patients and 20 controls with motion capture technology, symptom load (PANSS, BPRS) and Neurological Soft Signs (NSS). In a data-driven analysis, participants' motion patterns were quantified and compared between groups. Resulting movement markers (MM) were correlated with the clinical assessment. We identified 16 quantifiable MM of schizophrenia. While walking, patients and controls display significant differences in movement patterns related to posture, velocity, regularity of gait as well as sway, flexibility and integration of body parts. Specifically, the adjustment of body sides, limbs and movement direction were affected. The MM remain significant when controlling for medication load. They are systematically related to NSS. Results add assessment tools, analysis methods as well as theory-independent MM to the growing body of research on motor abnormalities in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Martin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of General Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Heidelberg University, Voßstr., 69115, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kevin Stein
- Optimization, Robotics and Biomechanics, ZITI-Institute of Computer Engineering, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Kubera
- Department of General Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Heidelberg University, Voßstr., 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nikolaus F Troje
- BioMotionLab, Department of Biology, Centre for Vision Research, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Thomas Fuchs
- Department of General Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Heidelberg University, Voßstr., 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
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Chapellier V, Pavlidou A, Mueller DR, Walther S. Brain Stimulation and Group Therapy to Improve Gesture and Social Skills in Schizophrenia-The Study Protocol of a Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Three-Arm, Double-Blind Trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:909703. [PMID: 35873264 PMCID: PMC9301234 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.909703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED An important component of nonverbal communication is gesture performance, which is strongly impaired in 2/3 of patients with schizophrenia. Gesture deficits in schizophrenia are linked to poor social functioning and reduced quality of life. Therefore, interventions that can help alleviate these deficits in schizophrenia are crucial. Here, we describe an ongoing randomized, double-blind 3-arm, sham-controlled trial that combines two interventions to reduce gesture deficits in schizophrenia patients. The combined interventions are continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) and social cognitive remediation therapy (SCRT). We will randomize 72 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in three different groups of 24 patients. The first group will receive real cTBS and real SCRT, the second group will receive sham cTBS and real SCRT, and finally the third group will receive sham SCRT. Here, the sham treatments are, as per definition, inactive interventions that mimic as closely as possible the real treatments (similar to placebo). In addition, 24 age- and gender-matched controls with no interventions will be added for comparison. Measures of nonverbal communication, social cognition, and multimodal brain imaging will be applied at baseline and after intervention. The main research aim of this project will be to test whether the combination of cTBS and SCRT improves gesture performance and social functioning in schizophrenia patients more than standalone cTBS, SCRT or sham psychotherapy. We hypothesize that the patient group receiving the combined interventions will be superior in improving gesture performance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04106427].
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Chapellier
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Pavlidou
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel R Mueller
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Walther
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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