Movement

interaction infant − Oxytocin shapes parental motion during father Supplementary data ml An infant-oriented parental repertoire contributes to an infant's development and well-being. The role of oxytocin (OT) in promoting affiliative bonds and parenting has been established in numerous animal and human studies. Recently, acute administration of OT to a parent was found to enhance the carer's, but at the same time also the infant's, physiological and behavioural readiness for dyadic social engagement. Yet, the exact cues that are involved in this affiliative transmission process remain unclear. The existing literature suggests that motion and vocalization are key social signals for the offspring that facilitates social participation, and that distance and motion perception are modulated by OT in humans. Here, we employed a computational method on video vignettes of human parent-infant interaction including 32 fathers that were administered OT or a placebo in a crossover experimental design. Results indicate that OT modulates parental proximity to the infant, as well as the father's head speed and head acceleration but not the father's vocalization during dyadic interaction. Similarly, the infant's OT reactivity is positively correlated with father's head acceleration. The current findings are the first to report a relationship between the OT system and parental motion characteristics, further suggesting that the cross-generation transmission of parenting in humans might be underlaid by nuanced, infant-oriented, gestures relating to the carer's proximity, speed and acceleration within the dyadic context.

The main objective of this work is the evaluation, by means of the finite element method (FEM) of the mechanical stability and long-term microstructural modifications in bone induced to three different kinds of fractures of the distal femur by three types of implants: the Condyle Plate, the less invasive stabilization system plate (LISS) and the distal femur nail (DFN). The displacement and the stress distributions both in bone and implants and the internal bone remodelling process after fracture and fixation are obtained and analysed by computational simulation. The main conclusions of this work are that distal femoral fractures can be treated correctly with the Condyle Plate, the LISS plate and the DFN. The stresses both in LISS and DFN implant are high especially around the screws. When respect to remodelling, the LISS produces an important resorption in the fractured region, while the other two implants do not strongly modify bone tissue microstructure.

10. DC cultures were generated as described (5, 22). Immature I-A kϩ DCs grown from C3H/HeN, C3H/HeJ, and CBA/J (Jackson Labs, Bar Harbor, ME) marrow suspensions were pulsed with HEL (1 to 3 mg/ml) with or without LPS (1 to 10 ng/ml, E. coli 0111.B4) for 1 to 3 hours, washed, and chased in HEL-and LPS-free media. Similar results were obtained with DCs from each strain. DC cultures contained supernatant from mGM-CSFexpressing J558L cells (from A. Lanzavecchia, Basel Institute, Basel, Switzerland). LPS was removed from HEL (Sigma) with Kuttsuclean adsorbent (Maruha Corporation, Ibaraki, Japan). Maturation stimuli included LPS, CD40L, tumor necrosis factor-␣, or replating (22). 11. DCs were fixed with 4% (wt/vol) paraformaldehyde and washed in phosphate-buffered saline. Cells were incubated with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on ice as described (23). The rat mAb C4H3 was provided by R. Germain (NIH, Bethesda, MD). C4H3 was purified on protein A-Sepharose and biotinylated. Cells were labeled with biotin-conjugated mAbs (Pharmingen) to I-E k (14-4-4S) or I-A k (10-2.16) and fluorescein

Dance as a topic for systematic anthropological investigation was established in the 1960s. As the Western category of dance did not always work in a cross-cultural perspective, bounded rhythmical movements were identified, as well as dance events. Dance is an expression of wider social and cultural situations, often indicating transition or conflict, as well as unity. Dance anthropologists study all forms of dance, Western and non-Western, ranging from ritual dance and social dance to street dance and staged dance performance. Dance and movement are understood in relation to theories of the body and gender, and to ethnicity, nationalism, and transnationality.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of kinesiophobia, quality of life, and home exercise programs on women with upper extremity lymphedema. Methods: A total of 62 women with lymphedema after breast cancer treatments were provided a protocol of complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This protocol involved manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression garments, skin care, and remedial exercises. The women were taken to a 12-week therapy program once per day, 3 days per week. A home program, consisting of compression bandage exercises, skin care and walking was recommended. Absolute volume and percentage of volume of the lymphedema were compared before and after treatment. The kinesiophobia, quality of life, and home-based program were assessed before and after physiotherapy. Results: Strong correlations were found between the severity of edema and fear of movement. There was a significant negative relationship among the fear of movement, quality of life, and home-based exercises program. Mean initial lymphedema volume was 925 ml, and the percentage of lymphedema was 47.1%. After decongestive physiotherapy, the lymphedema volume and percentage were 510 ml and 21.3% (P < 0.05), respectively. There was also a trend toward improvement in general well-being (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In upper extremity lymphedema, the use of complex physiotherapy programs (CDP) can decrease edema and fear of activity, and increase the quality of life.

Background and objective: Several cognitive-behavioral factors contribute to the persistence of pain disability in patients with chronic back pain. Fear-avoidance beliefs and fear of movement/(re)injury in particular have been shown to be strong predictors of physical performance and pain disability. Patients reporting substantial pain-related fear might benefit from exposure in vivo to a set of individually tailored, fear-eliciting, and hierarchically ordered physical movements rather than more general graded activity. Patients and interventions: Six consecutive patients with chronic low back pain who reported substantial fear of movement/(re)injury were included in the study. After a no-treatment baseline measurement period, the patients were randomly assigned to one of two interventions. In the first intervention, patients received exposure in vivo first, followed by graded activity. In the second intervention, the sequence of treatment modules was reversed. Before each treatment module, treatment credibility was assessed. Daily measures of pain-related fear, pain catastrophizing, and pain intensity were completed using visual analog scales. In addition, standardized measures of pain disability, pain-related fear, and pain vigilance were taken before and after each treatment module and at the 1-year follow-up. To obtain more objective data on actual activity levels, an ambulatory activity monitor was carried by the patients during 1 week before and after each treatment module. Results: Time series analysis of the daily measures showed that improvements in pain-related fear and pain catastrophizing occurred only during the exposure in vivo and not during the graded activity, irrespective of the treatment order. Analysis of the pretreatment to post-treatment differences also revealed that decreases in pain-related fear also concurred with decreases in pain disability and pain vigilance and an increase in physical activity levels. All improvements remained at the 1-year follow-up.

Thirty patients with 49 snapping hips and patellar malalignment underwent surgical release of the iliotibial tract contracture over the trochanteric area. Minimal follow-up was 2 years (average 4.6 years, range: 2-9 years). Eight patients underwent computed tomography (CT) preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively to investigate the patellar location in the patellofemoral articulation with knee bending at 0°, 20°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Significant improvements in the congruence angle and lateral patellofemoral angle were noted on Merchant radiograph for all knees (PϽ.01). On CT, at 20° and 45°k nee bending, all congruence, lateral patellofemoral, and patellar tilt angles significantly improved postoperatively in 8 knees (PϽ.01). Iliotibial tract affects patellar tracking and dominates lateral patellar supporting structures.

I measured the knee extension torque, produced by eight hemiparetic patients during repeated knee extension-flexion reversals and during separated knee extension-flexion dyads, to determine the effect of "reversal of antagonists" on knee extension torque. The hemiparesis in these eight patients was secondary to intracranial lesions. I tested their involved lower extremity on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/sec. Using a sequential medical-trials design, I found knee extension torque to be significantly greater during repeated knee extensionflexion reversals than during separated knee extension-flexion dyads (p < .05). I, therefore, concluded that reversal of antagonists may facilitate knee extension torque production in the type of patients tested, under the specific conditions of their testing.

We studied the e¡ect of stimulus predictability on the alpha and beta changes observed in central regions during stimulus-induced movement paradigms. Six young volunteers were instructed to extend briskly their dominant wrist as soon as possible after hearing a 2000 Hz sound.Two sequences of stimuli were presented to each subject, the ¢rst rhythmic at 1/6 s and the second with random intervals between 5 and13 s. A time-frequency analysis of nonphaselocked activity in the 7^37 Hz range was performed on stimuluscentred EEG sweeps using wavelet ¢lters and Gabor transforms. During the sequence of predictable rhythmic stimuli, stimulus-induced movements were accompanied by a decrease in beta activity that began contralaterally about 1s prior to the stimulus and extended to both sides later on. This decrease was followed by a rebound after the end of the movement. In the alpha band, the decrease observed started just after the sound. During the sequence of non-predictable, random stimuli, stimulus-induced movements were accompanied by a shorter and smaller alpha and beta-ERD, that started after the stimulus.The presence of a pre-stimulus beta ERD only in the rhythmic predictable paradigm suggests that central pre-movement beta ERD may be an indicator of motor preparation, and could be used for objective evaluation of time estimation and motor timing. The minimal di¡erences observed in the alpha changes in both paradigms suggest that alpha-ERD may not be linked to motor preparation.

CITATIONS 128 READS 103 8 authors, including: Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: searching for psychobiological factors for psychopathology View project Projet RISC: Evaluation of the need and of the search of internet information by cancer patients, by their close relatives, and by the medical staff: satisfaction and influence on medical decisions View project Chantal Martin-Soelch Université de Fribourg

This pilot study obtained preliminary data on the effects of acupuncture treatment combined with a standard inpatient stroke rehabilitation program on poststroke motor recovery and physical function. Thirty-two patients with acute stroke were recruited and randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms: standard rehabilitation (control group) or a combination of acupuncture and standard rehabilitation (acupuncture group). Baseline and discharge assessments were obtained on motor recovery as measured by the Fugl-Meyer (FM) Assessment and on physical function as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Comparisons were made between the acupuncture and control group in total FM and FIM as well as for each subscale of the FM and FIM. No differences between treatment groups were found in the total FM or the total FIM. However, statistically significant benefit due to acupuncture was observed for the FM lower extremity motor function subscale (P = 0.01) and the tub/shower transfer mobility subscale of the FIM (P = 0.03). Marginally significant benefit due to acupuncture was noted for the toilet transfer mobility subscale of the FIM (P = 0.09). The effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct to standard poststroke rehabilitation programs may be demonstrated when more specific measures of stroke motor recovery and physical function are used.

Our objective was to understand the impact of motor and nonmotor symptoms of patients with early and middle stage Parkinson's disease (PD) on their spouses' caregiver strain and depression. A sample of 219 spouse caregivers of PD patients participating in a clinical trial was evaluated for six dimensions of caregiver strain and depression using the Family Care Inventory. Motor and nonmotor (i.e., psychological) clinical symptoms collected from PD patients as part of the clinical trial protocol were used as predictors. Seven hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine the contribution of the motor and nonmotor clinical symptoms in explaining variation in each of the seven caregiver-dependent variables. Clinical symptoms explained 9 -16% of the variance in caregiver strain and 10% of depression. Motor symptoms explained 0 -6% of the variance and nonmotor psychological symptoms explained 7-13% of the variance in caregiver strain. Comparing our findings with literature that is deemed clinically relevant for patient symptoms that predict caregiver strain, we concluded that PD patient symptoms are important predictors of caregiver strain and depression. Patient nonmotor psychological symptoms have a much greater impact on caregiver strain and depression than patient motor symptoms.

Mechanical sit-to-stand devices assist patient transfers and help protect against work-related injuries in rehabilitation environments. However, observational differences between patient's movements within devices compared to normal sit-to-stand transfers deter clinician use. This study compared kinematics and muscle demands during sit-to-stand transfers with no device (ND), and device-assisted during which participants exerted no effort (DA-NE) and best effort (DA-BE). Coefficient of multiple correlations (CMCs) compared kinematic profiles during each device-assisted condition to ND. Compared to DA-NE, CMCs were higher during DA-BE at the hip, knee, and ankle. However, DA-BE values were lower than DA-NE at the trunk and pelvis due to the device's mechanical constraints. In general, all joints' final DA-NE postures were more flexed than other conditions. Electromyographic was significantly lower during DA-NE compared to ND for all muscles except lateral hamstring, and during DA-BE compared to ND for gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius, and soleus. Verbal encouragement (DA-BE) significantly increased medial hamstring, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis anterior activation compared to DA-NE. In conclusion, device-assisted sit-to-stand movements differed from normal sit-to-stand patterns. Verbally encouraging best effort during device-assisted transfers elevated select lower extremity muscle activation and led to greater similarity in hip, knee and ankle movement profiles. However, trunk and pelvis profiles declined.

The usefulness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of thalamic nuclei in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) has recently been advocated. We report on a 14-month follow-up study of a patient with intractable GTS in whom bilateral DBS of the internal globus pallidus was carried out. Tic frequency per minute decreased by 73% in the postoperative phase and in particular the vocal tics became less intense. Pronation/ supination bradykinesia of the left extremities was a well-tolerated, permanent side effect. Pallidal DBS could become a valuable rescue therapy for otherwise intractable GTS.

The fate of black carbon deposited on the soil surface after burning of harvesting residues is poorly understood. In this study we quantified horizontal as well as vertical transport of total pyrogenic carbon and its chemically most stable part (OREC) during a rainfall experiment after an experimental burn. The aim of the study was to assess the importance of splash erosion versus runoff for the export of total pyrogenic carbon and OREC from soil. Our methodological approach included the comparison of 1 m 2 plots with splash erosion to 1 m 2 plots where splash erosion was prevented by mosquito nets. On these plots, we quantified total pyrogenic carbon and OREC in the soil before and after the rainfall simulation. Additionally, we assessed the amount of total pyrogenic C and OREC exported from the plots and transported vertically into the soil. Our results showed that 7-55% of pyrogenic carbon was subject to horizontal and another 23-46% of initial deposited pyrogenic C subject to vertical transport. The export of total pyrogenic carbon and OREC at least doubled on plots where splash was allowed. OREC was less prone to vertical transport than total pyrogenic C. We explained the contrasting observation for both carbon types by the favourable floating behaviour of OREC compared to higher sedimentation rates of other pyrogenic C types, which may partly lead to redistribution of the latter. The presence or absence of splash erosion was found to determine the magnitude of horizontal versus vertical transport and thereby the fate of black C in soil.

Objective: Studies of synchronous physiological responses to startle stimuli between monozygotic twins and other paired subjects have suffered from methodological flaws such as post-hoc specifications of "connectedness" criteria. The mechanisms that affect any such connectedness are unknown. With the logistic and financial support of a television company, we conducted a methodological pilot study with predefined objective hit criteria in which we used four pairs of twins with frequent experiences of connectedness. Methods: While one twin was exposed during a 12-minute period to five randomly presented mild shock or surprise stimuli, the electrodermal activity, blood pressure, breathing, and bodily movements were simultaneously recorded in the second twin. An authorized polygraph expert who was blind to the stimulus exposure times examined the data for deviations from normal physiological patterns during relaxation and delivered precisely timed estimates of such deviations. "Hits" (indications of connectedness) were objectively defined as an estimate lying within a 15-second "hit window." Results: Overall results were nonsignificant, P Ͼ .7. However, for one pair of twins, the polygraph expert identified 10 deviating patterns, of which three were hits were P Ͻ .03. This data set was sent to a second, independent expert, who blindly identified the same three hits, pointing to only eight patterns, P Ͻ .0003. Discussion: We argue that the applied methodology for "hit" identification is objective and recommendable. Speculatively, because the "successful" pair of twins was reported to be monochorionic-monoamnionic (as embryos, they shared the same placenta and the same bag of water), embryonic history might be further investigated as a potential factor for connectedness between monozygotic twins.

We employed positron emission tomography to examine the functional anatomy of the exploratory-motor aspect of spatial attention. Subjects moved their right hand under nonexploratory (control) versus exploratory (active) conditions. Movement architecture and eye movements were matched across conditions. Statistical parametric maps of the exploratory (active) minus nonexploratory (control) tasks in subjects using their right hand in the right hemispace demonstrated activation in right cingulate, premotor and posterior parietal areas. The net activation of multiple right hemisphere cortical areas ipsilateral to the active limb and hemispace strongly supports the predicted, distributed network anatomy and is consistent with possible right hemispheric dominance for exploratory attentional movements.

Previous studies in patients with Parkinson's disease have reported that a single session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve some or all of the motor symptoms for 30 to 60 minutes. A recent study suggested that repeated sessions of rTMS lead to effects that can last for at least 1 month. Here we report data that both confirm and extend this work. Fifty-five unmedicated PD patients were classified into four groups: two groups (early and late PD) received 25 Hz rTMS bilaterally on the motor arm and leg areas; other groups acted as control for frequency (10 Hz) and for site of stimulation (occipital stimulation). All patients received six consecutive daily sessions (3,000 pulses for each session). The first two groups then received a further three booster sessions (3 consecutive days of rTMS) after 1, 2, and 3 months, while the third group had only one additional session after the first month. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UP-DRS), walking time, key-tapping speed, and self-assessment scale were measured for each patient before and after each rTMS session and before and after the monthly sessions. Compared to occipital stimulation, 25 Hz rTMS over motor areas improved all measures in both early and late groups; the group that received 10 Hz rTMS improved more than the occipital group but less than the 25 Hz groups. The effect built up gradually during the sessions and was maintained for 1 month after, with a slight reduction in efficacy. Interestingly, the effect was restored and maintained for the next month by the booster sessions. We conclude that 25 Hz rTMS can lead to cumulative and long-lasting effects on motor performance.

This paper aims to develop an improved understanding of the critical response of structures to multicomponent seismic motion characterized by three uncorrelated components that are deÿned along its principal axes: two horizontal and the vertical component. An explicit formula, convenient for code applications, has been derived to calculate the critical value of structural response to the two principal horizontal components acting along any incident angle with respect to the structural axes, and the vertical component of ground motion. The critical response is deÿned as the largest value of response for all possible incident angles. The ratio rcr=rsrss between the critical value of response and the SRSS response-corresponding to the principal components of ground acceleration applied along the structure axes-is shown to depend on three dimensionless parameters: the spectrum intensity ratio between the two principal components of horizontal ground motion characterized by design spectra A(Tn) and A(Tn); the correlation coe cient of responses rx and ry due to design spectrum A(Tn) applied in the x-and y-directions, respectively; and ÿ = ry=rx. It is demonstrated that the ratio rcr=rsrss is bounded by 1 and (2=1 + 2 ). Thus the largest value of the ratio is √ 2, 1.26, 1.13 and 1.08 for = 0, 0.5, 0.75 and 0.85, respectively. This implies that the critical response never exceeds √ 2 times the result of the SRSS analysis, and this ratio is about 1.13 for typical values of , say 0.75. The correlation coe cient depends on the structural properties but is always bounded between −1 and 1. For a ÿxed value of , the ratio rcr=rsrss is largest if ÿ = 1 and = ± 1. The parametric variations presented for one-storey buildings indicate that this condition can be satisÿed by axial forces in columns of symmetric-plan buildings or can be approximated by lateral displacements in resisting elements of unsymmetrical-plan buildings.

A randomization method is developed for the calculation of covariation between multiple variables that are linked nonlinearly to a dependent variable. Covariation is a phenomenon often invoked in the study of movement coordination to capture the fact that in coordinated movement the outcome shows greater than expected consistency from the variability in the component processes. However, in most cases, the problem is that more than two variables covary in a nonlinear fashion, which makes quantification with the bivariate linear covariation and correlation coefficient inapplicable. This paper presents a generalization of the calculation of linear bivariate covariance using a variant of a randomization method that is based on the comparison between the empirically measured variability in the outcome and a covariation-free variability. The latter can be estimated by permuting data sets. A generalized correlation coefficient is derived, and it is shown how errors of estimation can be qua...

In a randomised prospective controlled trial of 52 patients aged 16 to 65 we compared early non-weightbearing ankle mobilisation with ankle immobilisation following surgical treatment of bimalleolar ankle fractures. At 3 months there was no signi®cant dierence between the two groups in the range of ankle movements or pain. There was however a signi®cant dierence in the gait pattern with a higher proportion of cases in the early ankle mobilisation group having a symmetrical gait (P = 0.0001). #

Motor improvements in chronic stroke recovery accrue from coupled protocols of bilateral movements and active neuromuscular stimulation. This experiment investigated coupled protocols and within-limb transfer between distal and proximal joint combinations. The leading question focused on within-limb transfer of coupled protocols on distal joints to a bimanual aiming task that involved proximal joints. Twenty-six volunteers completed one of three motor

Abnormal postures of the trunk are a typical feature of Parkinson&#x27;s disease (PD). These include Pisa syndrome (PS), a tonic lateral flexion of the trunk associated with slight rotation along the sagittal plane. In this study we describe clinical, electromyographic (EMG), and radiological features of PS in a group of 20 PD patients. All patients with trunk deviation underwent EMG and radiological (RX and CT scan) investigation. Clinical characteristics of patients with PS were compared with a control group of PD patients without trunk deviation. PD patients with PS showed a significantly higher score of disease asymmetry compared with the control group. In the majority of patients with PS, trunk bending was contralateral to the side of symptom onset. EMG showed abnormal tonic hyperactivity on the side of the deviation in the paravertebral thoracic muscles and in the abdominal oblique muscles. CT of the lumbar paraspinal muscles showed muscular atrophy more marked on the side of ...

We have initiated a genetic analysis of the zebrafish visual system to identify novel molecules involved in vertebrate retinal function. Zebrafish are highly visual; they have four types of cones as well as rod photoreceptors, making it possible to study both rod and cone-mediated visual responses. To identify visual mutants, optokinetic responses of mutagenized larvae are measured in a three-generation screen for recessive mutations. By measuring visual behavior our genetic screen has been targeted towards identifying mutants that do not have gross morphological abnormalities. The electroretinogram (ERG) of optokinetic-defective mutants is recorded and their retinas are examined histologically to localize defects to the retina. In this report, we summarize our screening results and ERG and histological analyses of the five morphologically normal mutants we have analyzed to date. Additionally, the more detailed characterization of a red-blind mutant that we have isolated is summariz...

We investigated the possibility of controlling reaching movements on the sole basis of central mechanisms, i.e., without peripheral feedback on hand and target positions. A deafferented subject (GL) and control subjects reached with the unseen hand for a straight-ahead target that could be displaced laterally at movement onset. The shifted target was continuously or briefly lit, or not visible. In

Purpose: External beam accelerated partial breast irradiation requires accurate localization of the target volume for each treatment fraction. Using the concept of target registration error (TRE), the performance of several methods of target localization was compared. Methods and Materials: Twelve patients who underwent external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation were included in this study. TRE was quantified for four methods of image guidance: standard laser-based setup, kilovoltage imaging of the chest wall, kilovoltage imaging of surgically implanted clips, and three-dimensional surface imaging of the breast. The use of a reference surface created from a free-breathing computed tomography scan and a reference surface directly captured with three-dimensional video imaging were compared. The effects of respiratory motion were also considered, and gating was used for 8 of 12 patients. Results: The median value of the TRE for the laser, chest wall, and clip alignment was 7.1 mm (n = 94), 5.4 mm (n = 81), and 2.4 mm (n = 93), respectively. The median TRE for gated surface imaging based on the first fraction reference surface was 3.2 mm (n = 49), and the TRE for gated surface imaging using the computed tomographybased reference surface was 4.9 mm (n = 56). The TRE for nongated surface imaging using the first fraction reference surface was 6.2 mm (n = 25). Conclusions: The TRE of surface imaging using a reference surface directly captured with three-dimensional video and the TRE for clip-based setup were within 1 mm. Gated capture is important for surface imaging to reduce the effects of respiratory motion in accelerated partial breast irradiation. Ó 2008 Elsevier Inc.

This paper considers the problem of automatically learning an activity-based semantic scene model from a stream of video data. A scene model is proposed that labels regions according an identifiable activity in each region, such as entry/exit zones, junctions, paths and stop zones. We present several unsupervised methods that learn these scene elements and present results that show the efficiency of our approach. Finally, we describe how the models can be used to support the interpretation of moving objects in a visual surveillance environment.

An important goal in rehabilitation engineering is to develop technology that allows individuals with severe motor impairment to practice arm movement without continuous supervision from a rehabilitation therapist. This paper describes the development of such a system, called Therapy WREX or ("T-WREX"). The system consists of an orthosis that assists in arm movement across a large workspace, a grip sensor that detects hand grip pressure, and software that simulates functional activities. The arm orthosis is an instrumented, adult-sized version of the Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX), which is a five degrees-of-freedom mechanism that passively counterbalances the weight of the arm using elastic bands. After providing a detailed design description of T-WREX, this paper describes two pilot studies of the system's capabilities. The first study demonstrated that individuals with chronic stroke whose arm function is compromised in a normal gravity environment can perform reaching and drawing movements while using T-WREX. The second study demonstrated that exercising the affected arm of five people with chronic stroke with T-WREX over an eight week period improved unassisted movement ability (mean change in Fugl-Meyer score was 5 points 2 SD; mean change in range of motion of reaching was 10%, 0 001). These results demonstrate the feasibility of automating upper-extremity rehabilitation therapy for people with severe stroke using passive gravity assistance, a grip sensor, and simple virtual reality software.

We undertook this investigation to determine the interrater reliability of manual tests of elbow flexor muscle spasticity graded on a modified Ashworth scale. We each independently graded the elbow flexor muscle spasticity of 30 patients with intracranial lesions. We agreed on ...

Recent systematic reviews (Wilson et al., 2013, Dev. Med. Child Neurol., 55, 217; Adams et al., 2014, Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev., 47C, 225) suggest that a common underlying problem in developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is the internal modelling deficit. The study presented here is the first to test this hypothesis using a within-subject design, assessing motor imagery, action planning, and rapid online control (ROC) in a sample of children screened rigorously for DCD. Participants were 66 children; 33 children (26 boys and seven girls) aged 6-11 years in the DCD group and 33 controls (gender and age matched). Motor imagery was assessed with the hand rotation task (HRT), action planning with an end-state comfort effect test, and ROC with the double-step pointing task. Results showed that children with DCD were slower and less accurate than controls in the HRT. Reduced forward planning for comfortable end-state was also shown in DCD. Finally, no group differences were found on th...

However, these studies are generally based on global measures that describe functional limitations, but do not describe the quality of the movement difficulties . Movement timing refers to the ability to independently produce and perceive rhythmic, accurately timed movements. Latash (2000) noted that variability in movement patterns, which could result from irregular movement timing, is seen in almost all disorders of motor skills, both developmental and acquired. Variability leads to movements that are not as smooth as possible and that are not reproducible. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that irregular movement timing captures some of the motor difficulties seen in AS. Wing (2002) has suggested that there are two causes of timing errors (1) an inaccurate central timer, and (2) a motor implementation delay, which refers to the delay between the central timer indicating that it is an appropriate time to respond, and the implementation of the movement. When there are motor impairments, the motor implementation delay is thought to be variable and unpredictable. Wing has developed methods of determining what types of errors are indicative of each of these causes. Central to the Wing-Kristofferson model ( ) of timing errors is the notion that in normally developing samples the central timer is accurate, so any motor implementation delays are self-corrected on successive trials (e.g., if the last interval was judged to be too long, the next interval would intentionally be shortened to re-establish the pace). The self-correction, then, reflects the integrity of the central timer. Self-correction is measured by looking at the correlation between successive motor implementation delays, with a longer delay on one response being corrected by a shorter delay on the second response, producing a negative autocorrelation across multiple responses.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have difficulty controlling and coordinating voluntary muscle, which results in poor selective control of muscle activity. Children with spastic CP completed ankle selective motor control exercises using a virtual reality (VR) exercise system and conventional (Conv) exercises. Ankle movements were recorded with an electrogoniometer. Children and their parents were asked to comment on their interest in the exercise programs. Greater fun and enjoyment were expressed during the VR exercises. Children completed more repetitions of the Conv exercises, but the range of motion and hold time in the stretched position were greater during VR exercises. These data suggest that using VR to elicit or guide exercise may improve exercise compliance and enhance exercise effectiveness.

In this paper, we present two new articulated motion analysis and object tracking approaches: the decentralized articulated object tracking method and the hierarchical articulated object tracking method. The first approach avoids the common practice of using a high-dimensional joint state representation for articulated object tracking. Instead, we introduce a decentralized scheme and model the interpart interaction within an innovative Bayesian framework. Specifically, we estimate the interaction density by an efficient decomposed interpart interaction model. To handle severe self-occlusions, we further extend the first approach by modeling high-level interunit interaction and develop the second algorithm within a consistent hierarchical framework. Preliminary experimental results have demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed approaches on real-world videos in both robustness and speed compared with other articulated object tracking methods.