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LOOK out world! Here comes the newest generation of trailblazers, who just happen to be teenagers. And what they lack in years, they make up with an impressive show of [...]

SPECTACLES vu et entendu God Save the King La Monnaie de Bruxelles démontre avec éclat la valeur du trop rare Henry VIII de Saint-Saëns, avatar tardif du grand opéra dont [...]

Tulsa King La série suit un ancien parrain de la mafia new-yorkaise, Dwight «The General» Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone), qui est libéré après avoir purgé 25 ans de prison. Chassé de [...]

Background and Purpose. Within dynamical pattern theory, ankle motion can be proposed to be a control variable, and solid ankle-foot orthoses (SAFOs) can be considered a constraint to ankle movement. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of SAFOs on movement patterns used to rise from the supine position to erect stance. Subject& Thirty-nine nondisabled young adults, ranging in age from 20 to 28 years ( X-=22.7, SD=1.87), participated. Methods. Subjects were videotaped while rising from a supine position on a floor mat. Each subject performed 10 trials under each of four conditions: without SAFOs, right SAFO, left SAFO, and bilateral SAFOs. Movement patterns were described within three body components (ie, upper extremities, axial region, and lower extremities) by determining the mode and the incidence of each movement pattern under each condition. The subjects' mode movement patterns in the no SAFO condition were compared with mode movement patterns in the SAFO conditions using McNemar tests. Results. Without SAFOs, subjects rose most commonly using a push and reach pattern of the upper extremities, a forward with rotation pattern in the trunk, and an asymmetrical squat in the lower extremities. Changes in the incidence of movement patterns occurred in all of the SAFO conditions when compared with the no SAFO condition. These changes resulted in more asymmetry when SAFOs were worn and asymmetry was most notable in the axial region. Conclusions and Discussion From a dynamic pattern theory perspective, ankle motion is a control variable for the supine-to-stand rising task., [King LA, VanSant AF. The effect of solid ankle-foot orthoses on movement patterns used in a supine-to-stand rising task. Phys Ther. 1995; 75.-952-9641 Key Words: Movement patterns,Solid ankle-foot orthosis. Dynamic [...]

Byline: W.B. King LA CROSSE, Wis.-Altra Federal Credit Union wanted more members-especially younger ones-to use its mobile banking and remote deposit capture services. 'With an aging membership and rising operational [...]

Call it the massacre of 2000. Jane Eyre switched off the lighting designer, Seussical tore apart the costume designer, and Lion King LA shut down the sound designer who had [...]

Objective. Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with a predictable decline in motor function and mobility that is commonly managed with exercise. There is a limited understanding of the effects of group exercise compared to individual exercise (IE) and usual care (UC) on motor function and mobility. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of group exercise compared to IE and UC on motor function and mobility for people with PD. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed with randomized control trials that investigated the effects of group compared with IE and UC on motor function and mobility for people with PD. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EBSCO, and Science Direct databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Results. Twenty-three studies assessed at least 1 mobility-related outcome measure, met our inclusion criteria, and were included in quantitative analysis. There was no significant difference on motor function and mobility between group exercise and IE for all standardized outcome assessment meta-analyses. Motor function and mobility were significantly improved with group exercise compared to UC in 9 of 11 standardized outcome assessment meta-analyses. Results were based upon low to moderate quality of evidence. Conclusion. Based upon low to moderate quality of evidence, group exercise has a similar to larger effect as IE and UC on improving motor function and mobility for people with PD. When used in combination with skilled physical therapy, group exercise may be an appropriate adjunct to individualized physical therapy to maximize mobility and function. Impact. Long-term adherence to exercise is essential to maintain mobility and motor function for people with PD. Our study suggests group exercise is as effective as IE and may be an appropriate option to encourage long-term adherence related to increased access, socialization, and accountability. Keywords: Exercise, Exercise Therapy, Mobility, Motor Activity, Parkinson Disease, Introduction Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting more than 1 million people in the USA, (1) and by 2040, the worldwide prevalence of PD is expected to double [...]

VERDI: Aida Maria Chiara (Aida), Ghena Dimitrova (Amneris), Luciano Pavarotti (Radames), Juan Pons (Amonasro), Nicolai Ghiaurov (Ramfis), Paata Burchuladze (King); La Scala/ Lorin Maazel ArtHaus 100 059 [2DVD] 160 minutes […]

Objective. The aim of this study was to establish the test-retest reliability of metrics obtained from wearable inertial sensors that reflect turning performance during tasks designed to imitate various turns in daily activity. Methods. Seventy-one adults who were healthy completed 3 turning tasks: a 1-minute walk along a 6-m walkway, a modified Illinois Agility Test (mIAT), and a complex turning course (CTC). Peak axial turning and rotational velocity (yaw angular velocity) were extracted from wearable inertial sensors on the head, trunk, and lumbar spine. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were established to assess the test-retest reliability of average peak turning speed for each task. Lap time was collected for reliability analysis as well. Results. Turning speed across all tasks demonstrated good to excellent reliability, with the highest reliability noted forthe CTC (45-degree turns: ICC = 0.73-0.81; 90-degree turns: ICC = 0.71-0.83; and 135-degree turns: ICC = 0.72-0.80). The reliability of turning speed during 180-degree turns from the 1-minute walk was consistent across all body segments (ICC = 0.740.76). mIAT reliability ranged from fair to excellent (end turns: ICC = 0.52-0.72; mid turns: ICC = 0.50-0.56; and slalom turns: ICC = 0.66-0.84). The CTC average lap time demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.69), and the mIAT average lap time test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.91). Conclusion. Turning speed measured by inertial sensors is a reliable outcome across a variety of ecologically valid turning tasks that can be easily tested in a clinical environment. Impact. Turning performance is a reliable and important measure that should be included in clinical assessments and clinical trials. Keywords: Gait, Inertial Measurement Unit, Rehabilitation, Turning, Wearable Technology, Introduction Turning is common during walking and accounts for over 40% of steps taken during daily life. (1) Compared to linear gait (ie, straight walking), turning is a more complex [...]

AN AFRICAN HISTORY OF AFRICA: FROM THE DAWN OF HUMANITY TO INDEPENDENCE By Zeinab Badawi £25, W.H. Allen ISBN: 978-075356012-9 This long-awaited book from celebrated broadcaster and journalist Zeinab Badawi [...]

PAR FRANCIS BOLDUC Gérard Depardieu Resto, paparazzi et coups de poing sur la gueule Gérard Depardieu, qui fait l’objet d’enquêtes et d’accusations au sujet de comportements répréhensibles, a pété les [...]

STARS 5 FILMS QUI TRAITENT DU bal de graduation! Les comédies adolescentes américaines sont truffées de scènes de bal de promotion depuis des décennies, mythifiant et créant de hautes attentes [...]

Objectives. Studies have examined floor-to-stand performance in varied adult populations both quantitatively and qualitatively. Despite an elevated risk of falls and inability to independently return to stand after a fall, few have examined the ability to stand from the floor in patients recovering from stroke. There were 2 objectives of the study: to identify the relationships between floor-to-stand performance using a timed supine-to-stand test (TSS) and physical performance measures of gait, balance, and balance confidence among persons in the subacute phase after stroke; and to analyze descriptive strategies used in the completion of the TSS. Methods. A cross-sectional design was implemented. Fifty-eight adults (mean age = 59.2 [standard deviation (SD) = 13.9] years; 34 [58.6%] men) who were in the subacute phase after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and who could stand from the floor with no more than supervision completed the TSS and physical performance assessments. Results. The median time to complete the TSS in our sample was 13.0 (interquartile range = 15.5) seconds. TSS time was significantly correlated with physical performance tests, including the Timed "Up & Go" Test ([rho] = 0.70), gait speed ([rho] = -0.67), Dynamic Gait Index ([rho] = -0.52), and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale ([rho] = -0.43). Thirty-two percent of the variance in TSS time was attributed to Timed "Up & Go" Test time and the use of the quadruped position to transition to standing. Participants who used a gait device were more likely to use a chair during rise to stand. Conclusion. The TSS demonstrates concurrent validity with physical performance measures. Impact. Findings serve to improve functional mobility examination after stroke and to formulate effective treatment interventions to improve floor-to-stand performance. Keywords: Cerebrovascular Accident, Movement, Physical Examination, Stroke, Introduction Stroke, also known as cerebral vascular accident, is the leading cause of long-term disability in the USA, with 800,000 persons experiencing a stroke each year. (1) Falling is one [...]

POR EUNICE CASTRO ORCHILLÉS (FOTOGRAFÍAS: GETTY IMAGES.) Daniel Cousteau y Elisabeth Dunanthon eran novios y oriundos del antiguo pueblo Saint-André-de-Cubsac, situado en la costa oeste de Francia. Él había estudiado [...]

LA HABITACIÓN DE INVITADOS DREDA SAY MITCHELL NEWTON COMPTON, TRADUC-CIÓN DE JOSEP ESCARRÉ REIG, 352 PP., 12,25 € A finales de 2023 llegaba a nuestras librerías este thriller psicológico traducido [...]

STARS ACTU STAR PAR EDITH CHOUINARD ARIANA GRANDEÀ BAS LES MASQUES! Invitée à partager les secrets de sa routine beauté dans une vidéo pour Vogue, la fondatrice de R.E.M. Beauty [...]

Actualité International Le JDD à travers ses « Unes » DIMANCHE 20 OCTOBRE 1968 Jackie et Onassis DOMINIQUE GRIMAULT Si ce n’est pas le mariage du siècle, c’est au moins [...]

PAR MALIK COCHEREL Après avoir puisé dans les ouvrages de Shirley Jackson (pour La dernière demeure des Hill) et Henry James (pour Bly Manor: La dernière demeure), Mike Flanagan a [...]

TEXTO: LUISA DE BARNA C arrie (1976), de Brian de Palma (1940), está considerada como una de las películas más iconográficas del cine de terror, solo equiparable a El Exorcista [...]

PAR HÉLÈNE VISSIÈRE (WASHINGTON) Au printemps 2022, Isabella Miller se retrouve devant un choix difficile. Cette élève de terminale de Caroline du Sud a été acceptée à Harvard, le rêve [...]

Dans ce numéro Mojo Workin’ NASHVILLE, MEMPHIS, LA NOUVELLE-ORLÉANS. LE “MOJO TRIANGLE” N’EST AUTRE QUE LE CHAUDRON MUSICAL DANS LEQUEL TOUTE LA MUSIQUE AMÉRICAINE POPULAIRE EST NÉE. PAR BELKACEM BAHLOULI [...]

Objective. Concussion can cause deficits in balance and gait. Much of what is known about how concussion affects balance and gait has been derived from studies involving youth, high school, and university athletes. However, investigation into the effects of concussion on balance and gait in community-dwelling young, middle-age, and older aged adults is limited. This study aimed to present descriptive reference values for common balance and gait measures in community-dwelling adults between the ages of 20 and 69 years with concussion. Methods. In this observational study, 318 participants were enrolled from a concussion care clinic at a rehabilitation hospital in an urban center and were assessed within 7 days of injury. Balance measures included the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), modified BESS, and center-of-pressure root mean square during quiet standing. Gait measures included velocity (absolute and height adjusted), cadence, and step length during self-paced gait. Data were binned by decade-long age range. Results. Mean (SD) per-decade scores for the BESS ranged from 14.8 (5.1) to 21.8 (5.6) errors and 4.0 (3.0) to 9.4 (4.6) errors for the modified BESS. Mean values for center-of-pressure root mean square in the anteroposterior direction ranged from 0.42 (0.18) to 0.52 (0.26) with the eyes open, and from 0.49 (0.19) to 0.62 (0.39) with eyes closed. Mean absolute gait velocity ranged from 98.5 (9.1) to 119.3 (21.3) cm/s. The range of step length values was 58.2 (6.8) to 66.3 (7.3) cm and cadence ranged from 102.1 (9.8) to 108.6 (10.8) steps/min across age groups. Conclusion. These data provide insight into the impact of concussion on balance and mobility in community-dwelling adults across the lifespan. Impact. Community-dwelling adults can experience concussion across the lifespan. Availability of reference values for commonly used balance and gait measures can help to inform clinical strategies and progression of recovery of balance and mobility after injury. Keywords: Adult, Balance, Concussion, Gait, Introduction Community-dwelling adults experiencing concussion remain overlooked and understudied with respect to the impact of injury on daily life activities. The majority of the current literature examines concussion in athletes [...]

Objective. Challenges remain in sports-related concussion (SRC) assessment to better inform return to play. Reliance on selfreported symptoms within the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool means that there are limited data on the effectiveness of novel methods to assess a player's readiness to return to play. Digital methods such as wearable technologies may augment traditional SRC assessment and improve objectivity in making decisions regarding return to play. Methods. The participant was a male university athlete who had a recent history of SRC. The single-participant design consisted of baseline laboratory testing immediately after SRC, free-living monitoring, and follow-up supervised testing after 2 months. The primary outcome measures were from traditional assessment (eg, Sports Concussion Assessment Tool and 2-minute instrumented walk/gait test; secondary outcome measures were from remote (free-living) assessment with a single wearable inertial measurement unit (eg, for gait and sleep). Results. The university athlete (age = 20 years, height = 175 cm, weight = 77 kg [176.37 lb]) recovered and returned to play 20 days after SRC. Primary measures returned to baseline levels after 12 days. However, supervised (laboratory-based) wearable device assessment showed that gait impairments (increased step time) remained even after the athlete was cleared for return to play (2 months). Similarly, a 24-hour remote gait assessment showed changes in step time, step time variability, and step time asymmetry immediately after SRC and at return to play (1 month after SRC). Remote sleep analysis showed differences in sleep quality and disturbance (increased movement between immediately after SRC and once the athlete had returned to play [1 month after SRC]). Conclusion. The concern about missed or delayed SRC diagnosis is growing, but methods to objectively monitor return to play after concussion are still lacking. This report showed that wearable device assessment offers additional objective data for use in monitoring players who have SRC. This work could better inform SRC assessment and return-to-play protocols. Impact. Digital technologies such as wearable technologies can yield additional data that traditional self-report approaches cannot. Combining data from nondigital (traditional) and digital (wearable) methods may augment SRC assessment for improved return-to-play decisions. Lay Summary. Inertia-based wearable technologies (eg, accelerometers) may be useful to help augment traditional, selfreport approaches to sports-related concussion assessment and management by better informing return-to-play protocols. Keywords: Brain Concussion, Return to Play, Rugby, Sports Medicine, Wearable Technologies, Introduction In the United Kingdom, more than 1 million people per year attend accident and emergency departments because of head injuries. (1) Severity of head injuries can range from mild [...]

A clinical practice guideline on Parkinson disease was developed by an American Physical Therapy Association volunteer guideline development group that consisted of physical therapists and a neurologist. The guideline was based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information and accepted approaches for management of Parkinson disease. The Spanish version of this clinical practice guideline is available as a supplement (Suppl. Appendix 1). Keywords: Clinical, Clinical Guidelines, Decision-Making, Parkinson Disease, Introduction Overview This clinical practice guideline (CPG) is based on a systematic review of published studies involving the physical therapist management of individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). In addition to [...]

En este número / FORBES TALKS G2A.COM GAMING Y PRODUCTOS DIGITALES Hace apenas veinte años, los gamers no se llamaban gamers , se llamaban simplemente jugadores de videojuegos, y su [...]

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the static balance of children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) according to the degrees of SNHL and the function of the vestibular system. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in public schools located in Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil, with 130 children (65 with normal hearing and 65 with SNHL as documented by air and bone conduction audiometry) of both sexes between 7 and 11 years old. Static balance was assessed by a stabilometric analysis using a force platform consisting of the circular area of center-of-pressure displacement of the children evaluated in 3 positions: bipedal support with feet together and parallel (PF), tandem feet (TF), and 1 foot (OF), carried out under 2 sensory conditions each, with eyes open and eyes closed. After balance assessments, the children with SNHL received examinations of auditory and vestibular functions--through audiometry and computerized vectoelectronystagmography, respectively--to compose the groups according to degrees of SNHL and vestibular function. Results. The children with severe and profound SNHL demonstrated more static balance instabilities than the children with normal hearing in 5 positions assessed with eyes open (PF, TF, and OF) and eyes closed (PF and TF). The same phenomenon occurred in children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction in all of the positions assessed with eyes open and eyes closed (PF, TF, and OF). Conclusion. The larger the degree of SNHL, the greater the balance instability of the children. The children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction showed the highest balance instabilities in this study. Impact. Children with larger degrees of SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction might require prolonged periods to rehabilitate their balance. Keywords: Cochlear Implants, Deaf, Hearing Impairment, Motor Skills Disorders, Postural Balance, Vestibular Diseases, Introduction Permanent hearing loss affects approximately 62 million people worldwide aged 15 years or younger, (1) two-thirds of whom (41 million) live in developing countries. (2) The prevalence of hearing [...]

Por Luis Felipe Brice Era la tarde del jueves 4 de abril de 1968, enMemphis, Tennessee. En la habitación 306 del Motel Lorraine, donde se hospedaba, el doctor Martin Luther [...]

Par Simon Liberati Lors de la célébration annuelle de l’anniversaire du King à Graceland, sa résidence de Memphis, le 8 janvier.Quatre jours avant sa mort. resley est morte… » La [...]

Dans ce numéro / PHÉNOMÈNE MICHAEL McDOWELL Le génie de la rivière Un roman-feuilleton de 1500 pages écrit il y a quarante ans par un Américain inconnu et jamais traduit [...]

PAR MARIE-JOSÉE ROY Une femme libérée Si la soixantaine s’avère parfois fatale pour ceux qui ont des carrières hollywoodiennes, elle semble plutôt porter chance à Demi Moore, qui connaît une [...]

POR CRISTINA ENRÍQUEZ ‘BATALLAS DECISIVAS DE LA GUERRA CIVIL’ MANUEL P. VILLATORO La lucha fratricida que dividió a nuestros antepasados entre 1936 y 1939 comenzó como un golpe de Estado [...]

PHOTO SÉBASTIEN MICKE RÉCIT OLIVIER O’MAHONY Chez eux, à Beverly Hills, en 2012. « On prend Sylvester pour un dur mais il est l’opposé de ses personnages », confiait Jennifer. [...]

by STEPHANIE LIVAUDAIS > May 20:After Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from participating, the ATP and WTA strip the Slam of its ranking points. > May 24: [...]

Background. Clinical practice for rehabilitation after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is variable, and guidance on when to initiate physical therapy is lacking. Wearable sensor technology may aid clinical assessment, performance monitoring, and exercise adherence, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes during unsupervised home exercise programs. Objective. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine whether initiating rehabilitation earlier than typical will improve outcomes after mTBI, and (2) examine whether using wearable sensors during a home-exercise program will improve outcomes in participants with mTBI. Design. This was a randomized controlled trial. Setting. This study will take place within an academic hospital setting at Oregon Health & Science University and Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, and in the home environment. Participants. This study will include 160 individuals with mTBI. Intervention. The early intervention group (n = 80) will receive one-on-one physical therapy 8 times over 6 weeks and complete daily home exercises. The standard care group (n = 80) will complete the same intervention after a 6- to 8-week wait period. One-half of each group will receive wearable sensors for therapist monitoring of patient adherence and quality of movements during their home exercise program. Measurements. The primary outcome measure will be the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score. Secondary outcome measures will include symptomatology, static and dynamic postural control, central sensorimotor integration posturography, and vestibular-ocular-motor function. Limitations. Potential limitations include variable onset of care, a wide range of ages, possible low adherence and/or withdrawal from the study in the standard of care group, and low Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores effecting ceiling for change after rehabilitation. Conclusions. If initiating rehabilitation earlier improves primary and secondary outcomes post-mTBI, this could help shape current clinical care guidelines for rehabilitation. Additionally, using wearable sensors to monitor performance and adherence may improve home exercise outcomes., There is currently limited evidence supporting when rehabilitation for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) should be initiated, and as a result, clinical care guidelines for rehabilitation of mTBI lack consistency. [...]

PAR VÉRONIQUE QUIRION Un nouveau jour Cette série documentaire originale s’intéresse au parcours de personnes trans tout au long de leur processus chirurgical d’affirmation de genre. Souvent nées dans un [...]

The United States is experiencing a mental health crisis and psychedelics (ketamine, LSD, MDMA, psilocybin) have emerged as a potential new drug class to add to the treatment armamentarium. Approximately [...]

Objective: To examine the relationship between care fragmentation and patient ratings of care quality and identify potentially actionable mediators. Data Sources/Study Setting: 2015 telephone survey of 1395 women Veterans with three or more visits in primary care and/or women's health care in the prior year at 12 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: We operationalized lower care fragmentation as receiving VA-only care versus dual use of VA/non-VA care. Participants rated VA care quality (overall care, women's health care (WH), and primary care (PC)) and three aspects of their patient experience (ease of access to services, provider communication, and gender sensitivity of VA environments). We examined associations between care fragmentation and care ratings and applied the Karlson-Holm-Breen decomposition method to test for mediation by aspects of patients' experience. Principal Findings: Lower care fragmentation was associated with higher ratings of care quality (odds ratios [95% CI] for overall care: 1.57 [1.14;2.17]; WH: 1.65 [1.20;2.27]; PC: 1.41 [1.10;1.82]). Relationships were mediated by patient-rated provider communication and gender sensitivity (26-54 percent and 14-15 percent of total effects, respectively). Ease of access was associated with higher care ratings (odds ratios [95% CI] for overall care: 2.93 [2.25;3.81]; WH: 2.81 [2.15;3.68]; PC: 2.33 [1.63;3.33], in models with the three types of patient care experiences included), but did not mediate the association of care fragmentation and care ratings. Conclusions: Potential negative effects of care fragmentation on care quality ratings could be mitigated by attention to quality of patient-provider communication and gender sensitivity of VA environments. KEYWORDS access to care, gender, patient experience, patient-provider communication, Veterans, 1 | INTRODUCTION In the face of widely publicized access delays, the 2014 Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act created new provisions for Veteran access to care by increasing Veterans [...]

Para estimar la biomasa leñosa a partir de las existencias maderables en volumen obtenidas en inventarios forestales, se determinó la densidad básica de la madera en 59 especies arbóreas, para algunas de las cuales escasea la información publicada sobre las características de su madera. Se trata de especies pertenecientes a las familias Anacardiaceae, Burseraceae, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae y Simaroubaceae, todas ellas incluidas en el orden Sapindales. La densidad básica se obtuvo a partir de muestras procedentes de inventarios forestales realizados en las dos últimas décadas en diversas regiones del Brasil. Se comprobó que la mayor parte de las especies analizadas (68%) presentan maderas livianas o semipesadas (densidad básica entre 0,51 y 0,80) aunque la densidad se mostró muy variable entre especies, desde 0,38 para Simarouba amara hasta 1,25 para Schinopsis lorentzii. Se encontró información bibliográfica sobre densidad básica de la madera para tres cuartas partes de las especies objeto de estudio, resultando que según referencias bibliográficas la madera analizada en este trabajo es 21% más densa que la procedente de las mismas especies en otras regiones. Este trabajo aporta información sobre especies de maderas poco conocidas hasta el momento. Así mismo, las especies arbóreas del orden Sapindales procedentes de Brasil y que fueron analizadas en este trabajo, destacan por la alta densidad básica de su madera, por lo que contribuyen de forma especialmente eficaz a la acumulación de biomasa y a la correspondiente fijación de carbono. The basic density of wood from 59 tree species was determined in order to estimate the weight of woody biomass from the volume of wood measured in forest inventories. Published information about wood properties of some of these species is scarce. The 59 species considered belong to the families Anacardiaceae, Burseraceae, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae and Simaroubaceae, all of which are included in the order Sapindales. The basic density was determined in samples obtained in forest inventories performed in the last two decades in various regions of Brazil. Most of the species analyzed (68%) had light or semi-heavy wood (basic density between 0,51 and 0,80), although the density varied widely between species, ranging from 0,38 for Simarouba amara to 1,25 for Schinopsis lorentzii. A literature search revealed data on the basic density of the wood of three quarters of the species under study. According to this data, the wood considered in the present study is 21% more dense than wood from the same species growing in other regions. This study provides new information on wood of tree species about which very little was previously known. The analyzed Brazilian tree species in the order Sapindales were found to be important because of the high basic density of their wood. These trees thus contribute efficiently to biomass accumulation and to the corresponding carbon fixation. Palabras clave: bosque tropical densidad básica fijación de carbono inventario forestal tecnología de la madera Keywords: tropical forest basic density carbon fixation forest inventory wood technology, Introducción La cubierta forestal de Brasil es de 463 millones de hectáreas y 98% de esta cobertura son bosques naturales, localizados principalmente en el norte del país. Esta vasta extensión [...]

Background. Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most disabling symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). Different land-based rehabilitation approaches based on motor and cognitive strategies can be effective in treating FOG. Although there are data about the efficacy of aquatic therapy in ameliorating this phenomenon, no study has explored the combined effect of land-based therapies plus aquatic therapy in patients with PD who have FOG. Objective. The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, intensive, motor-cognitive rehabilitation treatment (MIRT) in improving FOG and whether implementation with aquatic therapy (MIRT-AT) adds further benefits. Design. The design consisted of a single-blind, parallel-group, 1:1 allocation ratio, randomized trial. Setting. The Department of Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorders and Brain Injury Rehabilitation at 'Moriggia-Pelascini' Hospital (Gravedona ed Unid, Como, Italy) was used as the setting. Participants. Sixty hospitalized patients with PD who had FOG in Hoehn and Yahr stage 2 or 5-3 were included. Intervention. Sixty patients with PD + FOG were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 30 underwent a 4-week MIRT and 30 underwent a 4-week MIRT-AT. Measurements. The primary outcome measure was the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire; secondary- outcome measures were total Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), UPDRS II, UPDRS III, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and 6-Minute Walk Test. These measures were assessed both at admission and discharge. Results. Participants in the 2 groups had similar age, sex distribution, Hoehn and Yahr stage, and most-affected side. At baseline, no difference in outcome measures was observed between the 2 groups. After treatment, a significant time effect was observed for all variables in both groups. No significant time x group interaction was observed. A betweengroup analysis showed nonsignificant differences between values at Tl and values at TO for all variables. Limitations. The limitations were the lack of a control group and follow-up. Conclusions. We showed that a multidisciplinary, intensive, and goal-based rehabilitation treatment, such as MIRT, improves FOG in patients with PD. Although aquatic therapy could be considered a useful approach for treating FOG, it does not add further benefits to this kind of motor-cognitive rehabilitation., I. Clerici, PT, Department of Parkinson's Disease, Movement Disorders and Brain Injury Rehabilitation, 'Moriggia-Pelascini' Hospital, Gravedona ed Uniti, Italy. R. Maestri, BME, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri [...]

Abstract. Decision analysis has been with us for at least half a century. Over that time, it has developed from a theoretical paradigm for individual rational choice to a practical [...]

Interview Benjamin Locoge Photos Hélène Pambrun Deux heures avant d’entrer en scène, il arrive au théâtre des Nouveautés à la cool. Jean, baskets, casquette, Gérard Darmon s’installe dans sa loge, [...]

Background. Reactive balance control is often impaired poststroke. Studies addressing responses to laterally directed perturbations in this population are currently lacking. Given that stroke-related motor impairments are unilateral, a better understanding of reactive balance responses to these types of perturbations is critical. Objective. This study aimed to quantify differences in reactive balance control in response to laterally directed perturbations in people with chronic stroke, based on perturbation direction and ability to step with either limb. Design. This study used a cross-sectional design. Methods. Participants with chronic stroke (N = 19) were divided into groups representing their ability to step with either limb, based on performance on a reactive balance task in a baseline assessment. The preferred stepping limb was also identified during this assessment. Each participant then underwent a series of laterally directed perturbations on a motion platform. Behavioral measures were compared between platform direction and group. Results. Trials with extra steps, step initiation with the preferred limb, and crossover steps were more common with platform motion toward the preferred limb compared to the nonpreferred limb; the latter effect was only observed for participants with an impaired ability to step with either limb. Side-step sequences were more common in those able to step with either limb when the platform moved toward the preferred limb. Limitations. The participant sample was likely higher functioning than the general population of stroke survivors clue to equipment constraints. Additionally, participants may have developed strategies to use the platform's motion characteristics to aid with balance recovery. Conclusions. These findings provide an indication of responses to laterally directed perturbations in people with chronic stroke and may help inform strategies for improving reactive balance control during stroke rehabilitation., Falls are one of the most common medical complications post-stroke. (1-3) The ability to execute stepping reactions following a postural perturbation is crucial to preventing falls. (4-6) Reactive stepping may [...]

Background. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) has several constraints--ceiling effect, low responsiveness, and uncertain predictability of falls--in neurological populations. The Mini-BESTest, which has not yet been validated in spinal cord [...]

Background. There is growing evidence for the positive effects of exercise training programs on balance control in Parkinson disease (PD). To be effective, balance training needs to be specific, progressive, and highly challenging. Little evidence exists, however, for how people with PD-related balance impairments perceive highly challenging and progressive balance training programs with dual-task components. Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe perceptions of a highly challenging balance training program among people with mild to moderate PD. Design. This study was qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 individuals with mild to moderate PD who had participated in a highly challenging balance training program. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, with an inductive approach. Results. The analysis revealed 3 subthemes concerning participants' perceptions of highly challenging and progressive balance training: (1) movement to counter the disease, (2) dual-task training in contrast to everyday strategies, and (3) the struggle to maintain positive effects. The first subtheme reflects how physical activity was used as a short-term and long-term strategy for counteracting PD symptoms and their progression. The second subtheme incorporates the described experiences of being maximally challenged in a secure and supportive group environment, circumstances that stood in contrast to participants' everyday lives. The third subtheme describes participants' long-term struggle to maintain program effects on cognitive and physical function in the face of disease progression. Interpretation of the underlying patterns of these subthemes resulted in one overarching theme: training at the limits of balance capacity causes a rethinking motor and cognitive resources. Limitations. The findings of this study cannot be considered to reflect the beliefs of those with weaker or negative beliefs concerning physical activity or be transferred to those at more severe stages of the disease. Conclusions. Findings from this study suggest that being pushed to the limits of balance capacity provoked people with mild to moderate PD to rethink their individual motor and cognitive resources, a process that was further enabled by the PD-specific group setting., Parkinson disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disease characterized by bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and progressive postural instability. (1) When compared with other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer disease, a [...]

Background. Complex movement and balance impairments in people with Parkinson disease (PD) contribute to high fall risk. Comprehensive balance assessment is warranted to identify intrinsic fall risk factors and direct interventions. Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of 3 balance measures of a force platform (FP) system in people with PD. Methods. Forty-two community-dwelling individuals with idiopathic PD completed the testing protocol. Test-retest reliability was assessed for the Limits of Stability Test (LOS), Motor Control Test (MCT), and Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [2,1]) were calculated to determine test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change. Validity was assessed by comparing the FP measures with criterion gait and balance measures using Pearson product moment correlations. Multiple regression analyses examined the contribution of PD characteristics to FP measures. Results. All primary FP variables demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=.78-.92). The SOT and LOS demonstrated fair to good correlations with criterion measures, whereas the MCT had fair correlations to balance measures only. Both SOT composite equilibrium and MCT average latency were moderately associated with disease severity. Limitations. This study's sample had a relatively small number of participants with a positive fall history, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Conclusions. This study's findings provide support that FP measures are reliable and valid tests of balance impairment in people with PD. Disease severity was significantly associated with SOT and MCT measures, perhaps reflecting that these tests are meaningful indicators of decline in postural control with disease progression. Force platform measures may provide valuable quantitative information about underlying balance impairments in people with PD to guide therapeutic interventions for fall risk reduction., Parkinson disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 1 million people in the United States. (1) Individuals with PD experience injury-related falls, which decreases their quality of life [...]

Background. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), Mini-BESTest, and Brief-BESTest are useful in the assessment of balance. Their psychometric properties, however, have not been tested in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective. This study aimed to compare the validity, reliability, and ability to identify fall status of the BBS, BESTest, Mini-BESTest, and the Brief-BESTest in patients with COPD. Design. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods. Forty-six patients (24 men, 22 women; mean age = 75.9 years, SD = 7.1) were included. Participants were asked to report their falls during the previous 12 months and to fill in the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. The BBS and the BESTest were administered. Mini-BESTest and Brief-BESTest scores were computed based on the participants' BESTest performance. Validity was assessed by correlating balance tests with each other and with the ABC Scale. Interrater reliability (2 raters), intrarater reliability (48-72 hours), and minimal detectable changes (MDCs) were established. Receiver operating characteristics assessed the ability of each balance test to differentiate between participants with and without a history of falls. Results. Balance test scores were significantly correlated with each other (Spearman correlation rho =.73-.90) and with the ABC Scale (rho =.53-.75). Balance tests presented high interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] =.85-.97) and intrarater reliability (ICC =.52-.88) and acceptable MDCs (MDC = 3.3-6.3 points). Although all balance tests were able to identify fall status (area under the curve = 0.74-0.84), the BBS (sensitivity=73%, specificity = 77%) and the Brief-BESTest (sensitivity = 81%, specificity=73%) had the higher ability to identify fall status. Limitations. Findings are generalizable mainly to older patients with moderate COPD. Conclusions. The 4 balance tests are valid, reliable, and valuable in identifying fall status in patients with COPD. The Brief-BESTest presented slightly higher interrater reliability and ability to differentiate participants' fall status., Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among adults aged 60 years and older. (1) This respiratory disease is characterized by a progressive deterioration [...]

We read with attention the article by Benka Wallen et al. (1) The aim of their study was to examine the dimensionality of the Mini-BESTest, as well as the properties [...]

Background. The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a clinical balance test comprising 14 items assumed to reflect the unidimensional construct 'dynamic balance.' Objective. The study objective was to examine the dimensionality of the test and the properties of each item and their interrelationships in elderly people with mild to moderate Parkinson disease (PD). Design. This was a cross-sectional study in a laboratory setting. Methods. A total of 112 participants (mean age=73 years) with idiopathic PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) were assessed by physical therapists. Local independence among items was examined with Rasch modeling. Unidimensionality was tested by running a principal component analysis on the residuals. An exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the structure of the test, and a confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the fit of the derived model. Results. The first residual component of the principal component analysis, with an eigenvalue of greater than 2, superseded the assumption of unidimensionality. After the omission of item 7 because of convergence problems, the exploratory factor analysis suggested that a 3-factor solution best fit the data. A confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable fit of the final model, although item 14 loaded poorly on its factor. Limitations. The sample size was on the lower end of what is generally recommended. Conclusions. This study could not confirm that the Mini-BESTest is unidimensional. Gait items were dispersed over all factors, indicating that they may reflect different constructs. Nonetheless, as there arguably is no clinical balance test superior to the Mini-BESTest today, we recommend using the total score for assessing gross balance in this population and individual items to identify specific weaknesses. Moreover, dual tasks should be assessed separately because they are an important aspect of balance control in people with PD, reflected in only one item of the test., Loss of balance control is a common and disabling complication in Parkinson disease (PD). (1) Several instruments for the assessment of balance are available, although none specifically target people with [...]

Background. Body-worn, inertial sensors can provide many objective measures of balance and gait. However, the objective measures that best reflect patient perception of mobility disability and clinician assessment of Parkinson disease (PD) are unknown. Objective. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine which objective measures of balance and gait are most related to patient perception of mobility disability and disease severity in people with PD and (2) to examine the effect of levodopa therapy on these correlates. Design. This was an experimental correlation study. Methods. One hundred four people with idiopathic PD performed 3 trials of the Instrumented Stand and Walk Test (ISAW) in the 'on' and 'off' medication states. The ISAW consists of quiet standing (30 seconds), gait initiation, straight walking (7 m), and turning (180°), yielding 34 objective measures of mobility from body-worn inertial sensors. Patient perception of mobility disability was assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale and the mobility subscale of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Disease severity was assessed with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, part III (motor UPDRS). Spearman correlations were used to relate objective measures of mobility to patient perception and disease severity. Results. Turning speed, gait speed, and stride length were most highly correlated to severity of disease and patient perception of mobility disability. The objective measures of mobility in the off-medication state were more indicative of patient perception of mobility disability and balance confidence compared with on-medication state measures. Limitations. Causation is an inherent problem of correlation studies. Conclusion. Physical therapists should evaluate mobility in people with PD in the off-medication state because the off-medication state is more related to disease severity and patient perception of mobility disability than the on-medication state mobility. Assessment and treatment of mobility in people with PD should target specific measures (ie, turning, gait speed, and stride length) because these measures best reflect patients' quality of life and balance confidence., Gait and balance impairments are common manifestations of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD). These motor symptoms are debilitating, leading to decline in balance confidence (1) and self-perceived motor function. (2) Reduced [...]

Background. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a balance measure commonly used for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Mini-BESTest is an alternative based on balance systems. Objective. The study objective was to compare the BBS and the Mini-BESTest for sensitivity to change, likelihood ratios for walking aid use and falls, and associations with clinical variables in people who have MS and are ambulatory. Design. This was a cohort study with measurements before and after exposure to 8 weeks of routine physical therapy intervention. Methods. For 52 participants who had a primary diagnosis of MS and who were independently mobile, with or without an aid, demographic details and a history of falls and near falls were collected. Participants completed the Mini-BESTest, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12, BBS, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and Six-Minute Walk Test. Results. No participant started with a baseline Mini-BESTest maximum score of 28, whereas 38.5% (n=20) started with a baseline BBS maximum score of 56. Statistically significant changes in the Mini-BESTest score ([bar.X]=5.31, SD=3.5) and the BBS score ([bar.X]= 1.4, SD=1.9) were demonstrated. Effect sizes for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 0.70 and 0.37, respectively; standard response means for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 1.52 and 0.74, respectively. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the Mini-BESTest and the BBS were 0.88 and 0.77, respectively, for detecting mobility device use and 0.88 and 0.75, respectively, for detecting self-reported near falls. The Mini-BESTest had a higher correlation for each secondary measure than did the BBS. Limitations. This study involved a sample of convenience; 61% of the participants did not use a walking aid. The order of testing was not randomized, and fall status was obtained through retrospective recall. Conclusions. The Mini-BESTest had a lower ceiling effect and higher values on responsiveness tests. These findings suggest that the Mini-BESTest may be better at detecting changes in balance in people who have MS, are ambulatory, and have relatively little walking disability., Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disorder of the central nervous system that commonly affects young adults. (1,2) Many people with MS report balance problems. (3,4) Such balance impairments [...]