Search

This paper provides a 4th manifestation of a new tradition by which the editors of Comments on Inorganic Chemistry wish to lead by example, whereby we start publishing original research content that, nonetheless, preserves the Journal's identity as a niche for critical discussion of contemporary literature in inorganic chemistry. (For the 1st, 2nd and 3rd manifestations, see: a) Otten, B. M.; Melancon, K. M.; Omary, M. A. "All That Glitters is Not Gold: A Computational Study of Covalent vs Metallophilic Bonding in Bimetallic Complexes of d10 Metal Centers – A Tribute to Al Cotton on the 10th Anniversary of His Passing," Comments Inorg. Chem. 2018, 38, 1–35; b) Yaseen, W. K.; Sanders, S. F.; Almotawa, R. M.; Otten, B. M.; Bhat, S.; Alamo, D. C.; Marpu, S. B.; Golden, T. D.; Omary, M. A. "Are Metal Complexes "Organic", "Inorganic", "Organometallic", or "Metal-Organic" Materials? A Case Study for the Use of Trinuclear Coinage Metal Complexes as "Metal-Organic Coatings" for Corrosion Suppression on Aluminum Substrates", Comments Inorg. Chem. 2019, 39, 1–26; and c) Smith, J. B.; Otten, B. M.; Derry, P. J.; Browning, C.; Bodenstedt, K. W.; Sandridge, J. H.; Satumtira, N. T.; Zilaie, M.; Payne, J.; Nuti, R.; Omary, M. A.; Smucker, B. W. "Luminescent, Redox-Active (Dithiolato)Bis(Imine)Platinum(II) Divergent Complexes with Exchangeable Imine Ligands: An Experimental/Computational Study versus Their (Diimine)(Dithiolato)Platinum(II) Convergent Congeners", Comments Inorg. Chem. 2019, 39, 188–215.) Herein, the dinuclear complexes {Cu[3,5-(CF3)2Pz](µ-dppm)}2 and {Cu[3,5-(CF3)2Pz](µ-dppm)}2•3THF were studied structurally, spectroscopically and via density functional theory (DFT). They were synthesized by reacting bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) with the cyclic trinuclear complex {μ-[3,5-(CF3)2Pz]Cu}3 to effect nuclearity reduction. Two forms of crystalline solids, {Cu[3,5-(CF3)2Pz](µ-dppm)}2 and {Cu[3,5-(CF3)2Pz](µ-dppm)}2•3THF have been obtained using different recrystallization conditions. The {Cu[3,5-(CF3)2Pz](µ-dppm)}2 complex was found through DFT computations to undergo a distortion from a Y-shaped coordination sphere in the S0 ground state toward a T-shape in the T1 photoexcited, lowest-lying, phosphorescent state. The distortion also causes the copper-copper bond length to contract and form an excimer bond (dCu-Cu = 2.577 Å). Experimentally, the presence of THF in the crystal was found to cause a blue shift, effecting a change in emission color from teal to blue to the naked eye, with a near-unity quantum yields (93%), rendering the latter solid suitable for inorganic LED applications but not OLEDs, as thin films exhibit a reduced quantum yield. Crystallographic evidence suggests that THF leads to a more compact lattice that makes the complexes more rigid and thus hinder the excited state distortions vs unsolvated crystals. Greater distortion leads to a lower energy radiative emission and thus a red shift in the emission color. Films were also studied and found to undergo further red shifting as a result of less rigidity in the media and more surface molecules susceptible to distortion, hence manifesting the luminescence rigidochromism optical phenomenon in the solid state as opposed to the traditional manifestation in frozen vs fluid solution. Photobleaching was studied in both the film and powder to assess photostability, which was superior in neat vs doped solids, which is also favorable for LED applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a third manifestation of a new tradition by which the editors of Comments on Inorganic Chemistry wish to lead by example, whereby we start publishing original research content that, nonetheless, preserves the journal's identity as a niche for "critical discussion" of contemporary literature in inorganic chemistry. (For the first and second manifestations, see: (1) Otten, B. M.; Melancon, K. M.; Omary, M. A. "All that Glitters is Not Gold: A Computational Study of Covalent vs Metallophilic Bonding in Bimetallic Complexes of d10 Metal Centers: A Tribute to Al Cotton on the 10th Anniversary of His Passing," Comments Inorg. Chem. 2018, 38, 1–35; (2) Yaseen, W. K.; Sanders, S. F.; Almotawa, R. M.; Otten, B. M.; Bhat, S.; Alamo, D. C.; Marpu, S. B.; Golden, T. D.; Omary, M. A. "Are Metal Complexes 'Organic', 'Inorganic', 'Organometallic', or 'Metal-Organic' Materials? A Case Study for the Use of Trinuclear Coinage Metal Complexes as 'Metal-Organic Coatings' for Corrosion Suppression on Aluminum Substrates," Comments Inorg. Chem. 2019, 39, 1–26.) Herein, we contrast the electronic structure of two categories of Pt(II) complexes with mixed imine/thiolato ligands: a new class of [Pt(N^N)2(S^S)] bis(κ1-diimine)dithiolatoplatinum(II) divergent complexes—whereby only one N atom from the "back-to-back" diimine ligand actually coordinates to a Pt(II) center in a non-bridging monodentate manner—vis-à-vis the hitherto well-studied [Pt(N^N)(S^S)] (κ2-diimine)dithiolatoplatinum(II) convergent congeners—whereby both the diimine and dithiolate coordinate as κ2-chelating bidentate. Thus, in pursuit of using luminescent building blocks to generate light-harvesting supramolecular coordination compounds, we report the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of Pt(pyz)2(mnt), 1, in high yield (pyz = pyrazine, mnt = maleonitriledithiolate). The complex exhibits solvent-dependent exchange of the pyrazine ligands, which can be utilized in the formation of larger complexes containing platinum dithiolate moieties. As proof of concept, 1 has been converted into the more inert Pt(4,4ʹ-bpy)2(mnt), 2, and Pt(4-ap)2(mnt), 3, (4-ap = 4-aminopyridine) complexes. These complexes exhibit redox properties, are strong absorbers of ultraviolet and visible light, and exhibit bright-luminescence at 77 K. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for 1 and 3 confirms the monotopic coordination of the ligands with intramolecular Pt-S and Pt-N bond lengths being comparable to other complexes of type (κ2-diimine)(dithiolate)Pt(II), whereas significant torsion is exhibited by the two heterocyclic rings due to the lack of tethering to one another. Solvent-dependent stability is uncovered for 1 crystals, whereas the crystal structure of 3 reveals an interesting supramolecular quadrangle resulting from hydrogen bonding between the amine groups of two complexes and two interstitial water molecules. A commentary is presented to contrast the electronic structure of the divergent complexes herein with that of a diimine-dithiolate analogue. Experimentally, the luminescence is believed to be sensitized in the new class of divergent complexes, given that their lack of conjugation of two aromatic rings renders them less-efficient π-acceptors compared to analogous diimines such as 2,2ʹ-bipyridine (2,2ʹ-bpy), hence blue-shifting the absorption toward the blue/near-UV and assisting in keeping the emission well within the visible region, whereby energy gap law considerations would suppress quenching effects in the red/near-infrared regions, especially under experimental conditions conducive for phosphorescence and aggregation effects in the solid state and higher-concentration fluid and/or frozen solutions. Computational studies for monomeric models of the three divergent complexes plus the diimine-dithiolate congener, Pt(2,2ʹ-bpy)(mnt), attain reasonable agreement with experimental structural, spectroscopic, and redox properties and provide excellent insights for the comparison between the two categories of complexes upon which we focus the commentary section. The computed photophysical properties reveal phosphorescence due to higher-lying triplet states, as the T1 is found to luminesce in the near-IR region and entail a ligand-field (dd) transition origin, whereas higher-lying states are shown to be in the visible region, close to experimental phosphorescence energies, and are consistent with the expected charge transfer transition to imine/diimine lowest-unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) from admixed dithiolate/platinum highest-occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs). The T1 state is likely the culprit for the vanishing emission intensity at ambient temperature for both classes of complexes. We also find that both the T1 and D1 states for the neutral exciton and radical polaron (anion or cation) species, respectively, are severely distorted in 1–3 vs Pt(2,2ʹ-bpy)(mnt) models. Near-perfect orthogonality of the two heterocyclic rings can be attained for such excited and redox models of Pt(κ1-imine)2(dithiolate), whereas this distortion is hindered in Pt(κ2-diimine)(dithiolate) models due to the steric constraint in their CCNNPt metallacycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a manifestation of a new tradition by which Comments on Inorganic Chemistry starts publishing original research content that, nonetheless, preserves the Journal's identity as a niche for a critical discussion of contemporary literature in inorganic chemistry; for previous manifestations, see Comments Inorg. Chem. 2020, 40, 277-303 and references cited in the abstract thereof as Yaseen W. K.; Sanders S. F.; Almotawa R. M.; Otten B. M.; Bhat S.; Alamo D. C.; Marpu S. B.; Golden T. D.; Omary M. A. "Are Metal Complexes" Organic, Inorganic, Organometallic, or Metal-Organic Materials? A case Study for the Use of Trinuclear Coinage Metal Complexes as "Metal-Organic Coatings" for Corrosion Suppression on Aluminum Substrates Comments Inorg. Chem. 2019, 39, 1-26 and also, Mohapatra R. K.; Das P. K.; Pradhan M. K.; El-Ajaily M. M.; Das D.; Salem H. F.; Mahanta U.; Badhei G.; Parhi P. K.; Maihub A. A.; Kudrat -E-Zahan Md. "Recent Advances in Urea- and Thiourea-Based Metal Complexes: Biological, Sensor, Optical, and Corrosion Inhibition Studies" Comments Inorg. Chem. 2019, 39, 127-147). In this work, the Schiff base 1-(6-(1-((4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl)imino)ethyl)-pyridin-2-yl)ethan-1-one (L) and eight transition metal complexes were synthesized. The reaction of 4,4-oxy-dianiline with 2,6-diacetylpyridine in 1:1 molar ratio affords to the ligand which was employed in the synthesis of the corresponding metal complexes by reacting with the Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) chlorides in 1:1 molar ratio. All the compounds were characterized by using different analytical methods. Structures of complexes were found to be octahedral as deduced from the spectroscopic and magnetic moment measurements. The ligand behaves as a neutral tridentate ligand where it coordinated to metal ions through N-azomethine, N-pyridine, and O-carbonyl group. Besides, experimental investigations for their antibacterial activity against different bacteria species were studied, molecular docking studies were reported with receptors 4ME7, 4K3V, 3T88 and 4WJ3. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for ligand were reported. Finally, the evaluation of corrosion inhibition efficiency was measured by using different techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) were measured to affirm the presence of barrier film on the carbon steel surface by inspecting the surface morphologies and elemental composition of corrosion products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a second manifestation of a new tradition by which the editors of Comments on Inorganic Chemistry wish to lead by example, whereby we start publishing original research content that, nonetheless, preserves the Journal's identity as a niche for "critical discussion of the current literature" of inorganic chemistry. (For the first manifestation, see: Otten, B. M.; Melancon, K. M.; Omary, M. A. "All That Glitters is Not Gold: A Computational Study of Covalent vs Metallophilic Bonding in Bimetallic Complexes of d10 Metal Centers—A Tribute to Al Cotton on the 10th Anniversary of His Passing," Comments Inorg. Chem. 2018, 38, 1-35.) Thus, herein we show that a trinuclear copper (I) complex {[3,5-(CF3)2Pz]Cu}3 (henceforth referred to as the "Cu trimer") can act as a "metal-organic coating" for corrosion protection of aluminum, whereas its silver analogue, {[3,5-(CF3)2Pz]Ag}3 (i.e., the "Ag trimer"), could not. The manuscript was initially submitted to journals that usually publish on "organic coatings" but was rejected on the premise that a metal complex cannot be considered "organic" unless it is incorporated into a polymer. This issue is commented upon herein in the broader context of whether to consider metal complexes "organic," "inorganic," "organometallic," or "metal-organic" materials with manifestations of the use of each classification in the literature. We have found that, upon coating the Cu trimer onto an aluminum (AA 3003) surface, potentiodynamic polarization results in 3.5% NaCl show an increase in corrosion potential (Ecorr) by ~ 0.6 V concomitant with a three-order-of-magnitude decrease in corrosion current density (icorr) from 0.025 µA/cm2 for uncoated aluminum to ~ 9.6 × 10-5 µA/cm2 for the Cu trimer-coated surface. With a double coating, the Cu trimer formed a completely insulating surface with no current flow, even at very high potential magnitude and range. Open circuit potential was used to study the stability of the Cu trimer films on the Al surface in the electrolyte solution. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize the structure of both the Cu trimer powder and Cu trimer film on the aluminum surface before and after the corrosion tests. The hydrophobicity of the Cu trimer coating was determined by using water drop contact angle measurements, which demonstrated an increase from 65° to 137° for the uncoated and coated aluminum, respectively. The thermal stability of the Cu trimer was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis, giving rise to weight loss resistance up to ~190 °C. The results clearly demonstrate that the Cu trimer layers exhibit superior stability and potential for corrosion protection of aluminum surfaces in corrosive environments. The Ag trimer analogue, meanwhile, failed the "tape test" that the Cu trimer passed to assess the mechanical stability of such "metal-organic" coatings. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations provide insights on this difference upon modeling the interaction of each cyclotrimer molecule (and other analogous ones) with an Al atom on the one hand and contrasting the resulting binding energies with the corresponding dissociation energies of the metallophically-bound crystalline solid form of each trimer. Thus, it was found that Ag trimer models are bound to the Al atom at least as strongly as Cu trimer models are; yet, that bonding is not sufficiently high so as to overcome the argentophilic attraction, whereas it can overcome the cuprophilic attraction. Other explanations are also given to account for trimer interactions with aluminum oxide as well as partial oxidation of only the Cu trimer, which strengthens the interaction with the Al atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the impact of an intensive rehabilitation program based on exergames in balance and lower limb function in a teenager with cerebral palsy. The rehabilitation program comprised different customised exergames and was delivered in 5 weekly sessions of 30 min for 4 weeks. Pre-, post-, and 1-month Follow-up assessments included the following metrics: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Posturography, and Gait analysis. We observed increased scores after the intervention of 9/72 points in GMF – Module E (Walk, Run and Jump) and of 9/56 points in BBS, sustained at Follow-up. Changes in function, specifically in the quality and independence of the performance of specific movements such as turning 360°, increased distance reaching forward, walk behind, step over obstacles, and step stairs up and down were also observed. Gait kinematics and Spatio-temporal parameters tended to get closer to the 50th percentile. We observed positive changes in motor function of a teenager with cerebral palsy, with sustained increased scores at a 1-month Follow-up. Findings are suggestive that intensive rehabilitation programs using exergames with high customisation features are a potentially valuable rehabilitation tool for training balance in teenagers with Cerebral Palsy. Exergames may be a useful for providing balance training for teenagers who have a mixed form of cerebral palsy. Exergames that require body displacement may be suitable for modulating gait kinematics and spatio-temporal parameters. The customisation of virtual rehabilitation tools seems to impact the motivation and effort of the user positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this case series was to explore using a child's power mobility learner group (exploratory, operational, or functional) to tailor power mobility interventions. Materials and methods: Five cases representing 2 exploratory power mobility learners, 2 operational power mobility learners, and 1 functional power mobility learner are presented. In each case, the participant's power mobility learner group was used to tailor his/her power mobility intervention program including establishing desired outcomes/goals of power mobility use, selecting outcome measures, determining the power mobility device to be used, and identifying the specific intervention strategies to be used. All participants demonstrated improvements in power mobility device use following provision of the tailored intervention. Cases involving use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure demonstrated clinically significant improvements in post-intervention scores. These cases illustrate a means to tailor power mobility interventions that may potentially optimise learning by providing an environment and conditions that meet each child's specific needs. The short-term and long-term gains made by the children in these cases warrants a controlled study exploring the use of a child's power mobility learner group to tailor power mobility interventions. Using a child's power mobility learner group to tailor power mobility intervention may potentially optimise learning by providing an environment and conditions that meet each child's specific needs. Children across the learning continuum represented by the 3 power mobility learner groups (exploratory, operational, and functional) may benefit from power mobility interventions. Using a child's power mobility learner group to tailor power mobility interventions may support translation research knowledge into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit an agenda that was outlined in a previous paper in this journal focusing on the importance of skill acquisition research in enhancing practice and instruction in sport. In this current narrative review, we reflect on progress made since our original attempt to highlight several potential myths that appeared to exist in coaching, implying the existence of a theory-practice divide. Most notably, we present five action points that would impact positively on coaches and practitioners working to improve skill learning across sports, as well as suggesting directions for research. We discuss the importance of practice quality in enhancing learning and relate this concept to notions of optimising challenge. We discuss how best to assess learning, the right balance between repetition and practice that is specific to competition, the relationship between practice conditions, instructions, and individual differences, and why a more "hands-off" approach to instruction may have advantages over more "hands-on" methods. These action points are considered as a broad framework for advancing skill acquisition for excellence (SAFE) in applied practice. We conclude by arguing the need for increased collaboration between researchers, coaches, and other sport practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between quadriceps strength and knee kinematics during a drop vertical jump (DVJ) at 6, 9 and 12 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in 9 male and 22 female athletes (16.6 ± 2.1 years old). Isokinetic quadriceps strength was measured by a dynamometer (Biodex System 3). Knee flexion excursion was assessed using two-dimensional analysis. Knee flexion excursion at 6 months was significantly smaller in the involved limb than in the uninvolved limb independent of quadriceps strength (56.7° ± 9.3°, 63.4° ± 11.4°, P < 0.001). At 9 months, only the low quadriceps strength group demonstrated a similar interlimb difference (57.2°± 12.3°, 63.3° ± 10.5°, P < 0.001). At 12 months, there was no significant interlimb difference in knee flexion excursion regardless of quadriceps strength. These findings indicate that restoration in symmetrical knee flexion excursion during a DVJ requires rehabilitation as well as quadriceps strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of this review was to collate information on the effectiveness of trunk targeted intervention on children with cerebral palsy (CP) on three functional outcomes that are gross motor function, trunk control and balance. A comprehensive search was conducted on online databases from inception to August 2021, using relevant keywords. A total of 15 randomized controlled trials which enrolled children with cerebral palsy under 18 years met the inclusion criteria. A significant improvement was seen in the trunk targeted training groups on applying trunk targeted interventions. Trunk targeted interventions improve gross motor function, trunk control as well as balance, hence should be incorporated in the conventional physical therapy program delivered to children with CP and would help in greater functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discussed the size of 3 D-printed personalized titanium plates that can gain maximum stability of mandibular fracture and minimize stress shielding through finite element analysis. A 3 D virtual model of mandible with mandibular angle fracture was created from the CT data of patient. 3 D-printed personalized titanium plates varying in length and thickness were designed, and finite element analysis was performed under different loading conditions and fracture healing periods. After that, the stress distribution and deformation of the mandible with gonial fracture could be observed, and the stress shielding rate could be obtained. Finally, SPSS21.0 was used for statistical analysis. The results of finite element analysis indicated that as the thickness of titanium plates and the healing time decreased, the maximum displacement increased, under a certain condition in which the pore size, the width, the hole distance and the bridge spacing were 2.0 mm, 4.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 12.0 mm, respectively. What's more, in this condition, the thicker the titanium plate and the shorter the healing time were, the higher the stress shielding was at central occlusion. When the thickness of the personalized 3 D-printed titanium plate was 1.0 mm, the maximum displacement tended to be stable and the stress shielding was minimized. It can not only improve the bone stability after tension band fixation, but also minimize the stress shielding, which is expected to expand the indications of tension band fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe Landing (SL), a 6-week technique-modification (TM) programme, on cutting and jump-landing movement quality in football players. In a non-randomized design, 32 male semi-professional football players from two Spanish clubs participated in the study: one served as the control group (CG, n = 11), while the other performed the SL (n = 15). Performance and movement quality of drop vertical jump and 70º change of direction (COD70) were evaluated through 2D video footage pre- and post-intervention. In such tasks, the Landing Error Scoring System for first (LESS1) and second (LESS2) landings, and the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) were used for assessing movement quality. Pre-to-post changes and baseline-adjusted ANCOVA were used. Medium-to-large differences between groups at post-test were shown in CMAS, LESS1 and LESS2 (p < 0.082, ղ2 = 0.137–0.272), with small-to-large improvements in SL (p < 0.046, ES=0.546–1.307), and CG remaining unchanged (p > 0.05) pre-to-post. In COD70 performance, large differences were found between groups (p < 0.047, ղ2 = 0.160–0.253), with SL maintaining performance (p > 0.05, ES=0.039–0.420), while CG moderately decreasing performance (p = 0.024, ES=0.753) pre-to-post. The SL is a feasible and effective TM program to improve movement quality and thus potential injury risk in cutting and landing, while not negatively affecting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to present metal health, psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with a difference in sex development (DSD) from their first visit in the newly established multidisciplinary team in 2002–2004 in Norway. A secondary aim was to explore mental health, psychosocial functioning and QoL in the same cohort patient's as for today and finally explore any childhood predictors for these outcomes in adulthood. Methods: The first part of the study took place in 2002–2004 in a mixed cohort of children and adolescents born with a DSD in 1982–2002, compared to a healthy comparison group. This part involved semi-structured interviews and self-reported and proxy-reported questionnaires. The second part of the study is a longitudinal study of the same participants 15–20 years later (2018–2020). Results: The participants at baseline of the study consisted of 33 patients; 24 assigned females (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis and ovotesticular DSD) and nine assigned males; all with a hypospadias diagnosis. Significant differences were found for behavioral and emotional problems between groups, 46, XX females with significant higher total scores on YSR (49.43 + 24.17, p =.047); 46, XY females (21.00 + 12.04, p =.032); and higher internalizing problems scores (YSR) in 46, XX females (16.57 + 9.74), compared with the 46, XY females (5.60 + 5.32, p =.047). A positive association between QoL of the participants in adulthood and PedsQL' social function (r =.657, p =.020) and psychosocial function in childhood (r =.596, p =.041) was found. Conclusions: In summary, this study demonstrated that adolescents assigned females with DSD might have more psychiatric problems and a poorer degree of psychosocial functioning compared to a healthy comparison group. As we do find an association with these problems in adolescence and later adult QoL, it is of great importance to respond to these behaviors in early life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effects of three different foci of attention (external focus, global internal and specific internal focus) on vertical jump performance. Thirty-two recreationally active males participated in this study and performed the jumps at three different foci of attention conditions. The specific internal focus was based on the knee extension and the global internal focus was on whole-body extension. The external focus was conducted using an implement (plastic ball) attached to the laboratory ceiling. The analysis of variance for repeated measures with Bonferroni post hoc test was used to compare the performance variables among the conditions with the significance level set at p < 0.05. The main results demonstrated that the jump height was higher in the external focus condition compared to the control (p = 0.003) and the specific internal focus (p < 0.001); jump height was also higher in the global internal focus compared to specific internal focus (p = 0.012). The peak power and velocity were higher in the external compared to specific internal focus (p = 0.040 and 0.006, respectively). We concluded that external focus showed better performance for the peak power and velocity, while global internal focus showed higher performance for jump height compared to specific internal focus and a similar performance to the external focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine how instructions promoting different attentional foci influence joint coordination patterns and trial-to-trial coordination variability during landing. Sixteen females performed drop landings with their typical technique (baseline) and after receiving instructions promoting an internal focus and an external focus. The coordination patterns, and trial-to-trial coordination variability, of the sagittal plane hip-knee, hip-ankle, and knee-ankle angle pairings were compared across conditions. While there was no difference in the joint coordination patterns among the conditions, subjects exhibited greater hip-ankle and knee-ankle trial-to-trial coordination variability for the external focus condition, vs. the baseline and internal focus conditions, which may help to explain the improved motor learning outcomes for athletes who train with an external focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few Spanish epidemiological studies of basketball injuries, even though it is the second most played sport and the leading sport played by females in Spain. We studied 117 male and female basketball players from ten amateur or professional teams from four leagues in the 2014–2015 season. There were 11.6 injuries per 1,000 hours of sporting activity, 9.6 injuries per 1,000 hours of training and 47.3 injuries per 1,000 hours of competition. The rate of injuries requiring downtime was 2.99 per 1,000 hours of training, 41.7 per 1,000 hours of competition and 4.1 per 1,000 hours of sporting activity overall. No significant differences were found in the incidence of injuries between leagues, but a higher incidence by season was found in teams participating in international competitions, due to the increased competition time. The ankle was the main site of injuries causing ≥ 8 days of downtime and knee injuries the site of those causing ≥ 29 days of downtime. The most frequent injuries were sprains, bruises, and muscle overloads and 63.8% of players had ≥ 1 potentially-recurring injury. The most prevalent injuries were ankle sprains (50%), thigh muscle injuries (12.2%) and knee tendinitis (7.4%). The only significant predisposing factor for injury was recurrent injury (adjusted OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.029–3.62). Age, sex, height, weight, position, body mass index, and professional/amateur competition were not significantly associated with the number of injuries or ≥ 7 days downtime in the multivariate analysis. Preventive measures should be applied to the team as a whole at an early age, since recurrent injuries only explained a small percentage of the total injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore lived experiences, and identify common themes as well as vocabulary associated with fall-related events in lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users. Five focus groups of LLP users from across the United States were conducted remotely via video or tele-conferencing. Focus group transcripts were coded and analyzed using methods adapted from a grounded theory approach to identify themes. Focus group participants (n = 25) described experiences associated with fall-related events that resulted in the identification of six themes: (1) memories of fall-related events are shaped by time and context, (2) location and ground conditions influence whether falls occur, (3) some activities come with more risk, (4) fall-related situations are multi-faceted, and often involve the prosthesis, (5) how LLP users land, but not the way they go down, tends to vary, and (6) not all falls affect LLP users, but some near-falls do. Consideration for where LLP users fall, what they are doing when they fall, how they fall, what occurs as a result of a fall, and how well memory of a fall persists may enhance recording and reporting of falls, contribute to development of improved fall risk assessment tools, and inspire the design and function of prosthetic componentry for patient safety. Falls are a common problem in lower limb prosthesis (LLP) users that can lead to adverse health outcomes. Concerns over near falls, not just falls, may merit greater attention from rehabilitation professionals. Elements of the lived experience that appear unique to LLP users include the role of prosthetic fit, function, and comfort in losing and/or recovering balance; as well as the tendency of LLP users to modify rather than stop or avoid activities associated with falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial exoskeletons are globally developed, explored, and increasingly implemented in industrial workplaces. Multiple technical, physical, and psychological aspects should be assessed prior to their daily application in various occupational environments. The methodology for evaluating these aspects is not standardised and differs in terms of focussed research objectives, used types of analyses, applied testing procedures, and use cases. The aim of this paper is to provide a matrix comparing the prevalence of different types of analyses combined with their respective research objective(s). A systematic review in the database 'Web of Science' identified 74 studies, mainly in laboratory settings, with a focus on short-term effects as well as with male-dominated samples being low representative for industrial workforces. The conducted evaluation methodologies are further discussed and compared in terms of testing procedure, sample, and research objectives. Finally, relevant aspects for prospectively evaluating industrial exoskeletons in a more harmonised and comprehensive way are suggested. Practitioner summary: Industrial exoskeletons are still inconsistently and insufficiently evaluated in scientific studies, which might hamper the comparability of systems, threaten the human health, and block an iterative system optimisation. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation methodology is needed with harmonised and multicriteria types of analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle and balance training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength (RMS), functional capacity, and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty children with hemiplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System I–II) included in this study. The control group (n = 15) underwent conventional physiotherapy rehabilitation program (CPRP) that included balance exercises, and the training group's (n = 15) program included inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in addition to CPRP for 8 weeks. The outcome measures were pulmonary function test, RMS measurement, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and balance tests. There were no significant differences in the score changes of pulmonary function, balance, and 6MWT distance between groups (p >.05), whereas maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure further increased in the training group (p >.05). RMS assessment and the identification of children who need it, and adding IMT to CPRP will contribute greatly to the rehabilitative approach of children with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to clarify whether the vividness of motor imagery is related to lower limb function and walking ability in patients with hemiplegic stroke. The study was a cross-sectional preliminary study. The subjects were 15 patients with hemiplegic stroke. The vividness of motor imagery was assessed using the kinesthetic and visual imagery questionnaire. The kinesthetic imagery (KI) involves the sensation of one's own movement, whereas the visual imagery (VI) involves the imagination of a third-person performing the self-movement. Their physical functions were assessed using the Brunnstrom recovery stage, stroke impairment assessment set, 10-m maximum walking speed test, and functional independence measure. KI and VI were compared using the t test. Correlation analysis was performed between KI or VI and various variables as well as between the motor imagery gap (difference between KI and VI) and various variables. KI was significantly lower than VI (p <.01). KI was correlated not only with lower limb function (r = 0.68) but also with walking speed (r = −0.64). The motor imagery gap was correlated with hip joint function (r = −0.53). KI and motor imagery gap were associated with lower limb function and walking ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is speculation that an immature vestibular system may be associated with breech presentation at delivery. Our aim was to determine whether syndromes with congenital inner ear malformations were accompanied by a higher frequency of breech presentation/malpresentations than in the general population (2%−3%). Methods: A review was conducted for published literature using PubMed/MEDLINE (1936–2016), to determine frequency of breech presentation and transverse lie in cases with congenital deafness (Michel aplasia, Wildervanck syndrome, Mondini-Alexander dysplasia, Waardenburg syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, Large vestibular aqueductal syndrome, Pendred syndrome, Oculo-aurico-vertebral spectrum, Jervel and Lange-Nielsen syndrome, Usher syndrome, and Scheibe dysplasia) and vestibular nerve aplasia. Results: Identified were total of 122 cases. The frequency of breech presentation was 1.64%, and of transverse lie 1.64%, giving a total of 3.28% malpresentations. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that congenital malformations of the vestibular apparatus are not associated with the increased risk of breech presentation at delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor motor skills are an increasing issue for adolescents in our local communities. In regional Victoria, almost 20% of children starting school in 2018 were considered at risk or developmentally vulnerable in the domain of physical health and wellbeing. Purpose: The aim of the current study was to examine factors (how adolescents perceive their fine and gross motor skills, activities of daily living, comparison to peers) of motor competence that may be important to adolescents in regional Victoria, Australia, using the Adolescent Motor Competence Questionnaire (AMCQ). Methods: A sample of 183 Australian adolescents ([138 females (Mage = 15.59 years, SD = 1.56); 45 males, (Mage = 15.82 years, SD = 1.95); 12-18 years old] completed the AMCQ. Results: The mean AMCQ score was 87.86 (SD = 7.55), with no significant difference between males (M = 89.67 SD = 7.29) and females [M = 87.28 SD = 7.56; t (181 = 1.86 p =.065)]. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA), extracted five factors (Eiqenvalue of 1.389) explaining 43.46% of variance, representing, Ball Skills and Kinesthesis; Activities of Daily Living; Fine Motor and Gross Motor; Proprioception and Exteroception; Public Performance. Conclusion: The results highlight key factors important in describing an adolescent's motor competence within regional Victoria. With physical health a priority in local communities, understanding these factors is an important first, that which may inform development of physical activity interventions for adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a rare genetic disorder (estimated incidence 1/30,000 to 100,000 live births). So far, only a few studies have focused on the cognitive profile of individuals with SRS, and these were conducted some time ago, concentrated on pediatric cohorts, and included patients who had been diagnosed using a variety of clinical diagnostic systems. There has yet to be any research on the intellectual functioning of adults with SRS. This study sought to establish the intelligence, strengths and weaknesses within intellectual profile of adults with SRS, compared with normative data. Ten individuals with 11p15 epimutation aged 18-39 years completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition. Measures of interest included participants' intelligence (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient [FSIQ]) and four domains of cognitive functioning: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. Discrepancy scores were calculated, and descriptive statistical and linear correlations were used to investigate factors associated with IQ outcome. Clinical and medical information such as rehabilitation, and perceived difficulties in daily life were collected by interviews and questionnaires. Results showed that the mean FSIQ score was in the average range (M = 95.40, SD = 18.55) and they performed best on verbal comprehension. Frequent daily difficulties were reported by patients and/or their families: learning disabilities and low self-esteem were perceived by 60% of adults. Early intervention and multidisciplinary care from childhood to adulthood are important in SRS for care potential medical, cognitive and psychosocial problems. This is the first study to document the intellectual functioning of adults with SRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balance issues and poor gross motor function affect the daily needs of children with cerebral palsy. The study objective was to examine the effects of virtual reality gaming and physiotherapy on balance, gross motor performance and daily functioning among children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Thirty-eight children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy aged 6–12 years with GMFCS- level II-III, Manual Ability Classification System level I-III participated in this randomized controlled trial. The experimental group performed virtual reality games and physiotherapy, while the control group underwent physiotherapy alone. The exercise intensity was 60 minutes session a day, 4-days a week for 6-weeks. Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Kids-Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test (Kids-Mini-BESTest), Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), and Wee-Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) were the outcome measures collected at baseline, 6-week post-training and 2-months follow-up. The time by group interaction of repeated measures ANOVA revealed no statistical significance for all the outcome measures except Kids-Mini-BESTest (p < 0.05). The PBS and, Kids-Mini-BESTest improved by a mean (standard deviation) score of 5.1(1.7) and 8.7(2.8) points, respectively in the experimental group as compared to control group [3.4(1.6) and 5.8(2.5) points]. These gains remained at follow-up (p < 0.001). Combined virtual reality gaming and physiotherapy is not superior over physiotherapy alone in improving the gross motor performance and daily functioning among children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Virtual gaming, along with physiotherapy, appears to be beneficial in their balance capacity, warranting further trials to investigate the same in children with GMFCS level-III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess sitting skills and trunk control in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) and investigate the effect of these skills on upper extremity function. A total of 106 children with OBPP aged 10–18 months were included in this study. Injury severity was determined with Narakas Classification. The Gross Motor Function Measurement Sitting Sub-scale was used to assess sitting skills, while the Sitting Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the trunk control. The upper extremity functions were assessed with using the Active Movement Scale and the Modified Mallet Score. As the severity of injury increased, sitting skills and trunk control values decreased (p =.0001). In addition, upper extremity function decreased with the decreasing sitting skills and trunk control (p =.0001). Rehabilitation approaches should involve approaches that aim to increase trunk control in addition to programs targeting the extremity function in children with OBPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate how two types of body representation (body schema and body image) were affected in people with and without apraxia following a supratentorial stroke. Design: Observational cross-sectional study Setting: Level 1 Specialist Neurological Rehabilitation Unit Participants: 30 participants post-stroke diagnosed with (n = 10) and without apraxia (n = 20) according to a modified version of the short Ideomotor Apraxia Test. Interventions: Not applicable Main Outcome Measures: Body schema assessed using the hand laterality recognition test and body part knowledge test; Implicit body image assessed using the sidedness test. Results: Left-sided lesions were more common in the apraxic group. Compared to people without apraxia post-stroke, those with apraxia showed significantly reduced accuracy and longer reaction times on the hand laterality test and fewer correct responses on the body part knowledge test. There was no between-groups difference in the sidedness test. Conclusions: People with apraxia showed deficits in online body representations (body schema) that are used to plan and execute actions. Future research studies could target body schema deficits as an adjunct in the rehabilitation of apraxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile Multimodal Interaction aims at exploiting complementary aspects of human communication capacities and new mobile sensors. Recently, most mobile applications are limited to a basic interaction modality, namely touchscreen, which is subject to restricted interaction under certain situations. In this paper, we present On-the-Fly Interaction Editor (OFIE), an application that allows mobile end-users to define and integrate sensor-based unimodal and multimodal input interactions in their already installed applications according to their contexts. OFIE is based on the Event-Condition-Action rules and Programming By Demonstration approach that allows end-users to demonstrate their expected action simply by performing it on the application's interface. We evaluated OFIE through a controlled user study. Our evaluation involves 15 participants distributed on 4 groups based on their programming experience. Each participant was invited to integrate six input interactions (three multimodal inputs). The initial results show that end-users are able to successfully integrate sensor-based input interactions using OFIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this systematic review were: to investigate the use of surface electromyography in the assessment of reaching in infants; to assess the usefulness of this tool to the assessment of reaching, and its parameters and limitations; to assess the methodological quality of the studies available in the literature. The search in the databases MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, Embase, PEDro, Cochrane, and EBSCO resulted in 5 selected studies. The studies aimed to elucidate how muscle behavior occurs in the development of reaching. The lack of standardized recommendations for the use of EMG in infants limit the reproducibility and comparison between studies. There are challenges and limitations regarding the use of electromyography in infants, which are caused by peculiarities inherent to the development of the neuromotor and musculoskeletal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To provide a review of current articles that have used observation interventions to enhance motor skill acquisition or performance of applied tasks, and to situate the research within the Applied Model for the Use of Observation (AMUO) with the goal of forming a basis for evidence-based guidelines for practitioners. Method: Key words (e.g., observation/modeling) were searched in varied data bases (e.g., Google Scholar/PubMed), along with a citation search of the relevant AMUO article, to generate a pool of articles for possible review. Selection criteria included publication between 2011 and 2018, and that the research focus was on the effects of an observation intervention on the acquisition or performance of an applied motor task. Results: Forty-eight articles were reviewed, with 21 of these targeting the basic question of whether observation is effective, and the remaining pertaining to the What, When, Who, and How features of the AMUO. The effectiveness of observation interventions was not only affirmed, but also extended to a wider scope of populations and settings. Greater insight into the necessary information with respect to the demonstration (what) and whether it should be before, after, or during physical practice (when) was obtained. As well, advantages of combining model types (who) and providing control to the learner (how) were reported. Conclusions: While more clarity was brought to certain features of the AMUO that could be used to provide evidence-based guidelines, more research is needed to fully inform practitioners for the effective use of observation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors' aim was to verify the correlation between segmental trunk control and gross motor performance in healthy preterm (PT) and full-term (FT) infants aged 6 and 7 months and to verify if there are differences between groups. All infants were assessed at 6 and 7 months by means of Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) to identify the exact level of segmental trunk control and Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) to measure gross motor performance. A significant correlation between segmental trunk control and gross motor performance was found in healthy PT infants at 7 months and FT infants at 6 months. PT infants showed a delay on segmental trunk control at 6 and 7 months and in supported standing posture at 6 months compared with FT infants. Segmental trunk control and gross motor performance showed an important relationship in healthy PT and FT infants, mainly in sitting posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to quantify the effects of mid-flight whole-body and trunk rotation on knee mechanics in a double-leg landing. Eighteen male and 20 female participants completed a jump-landing-jump task in five conditions: no rotation, testing leg ipsilateral or contralateral (WBRC) to the whole-body rotation direction, and testing leg ipsilateral (TRI) or contralateral to the trunk rotation direction. The WBRC and TRI conditions demonstrated decreased knee flexion and increased knee abduction angles at initial contact (2.6 > Cohen's dz > 0.3) and increased peak vertical ground reaction forces and knee adduction moments during the 100 ms after landing (1.7 > Cohen's dz > 0.3). The TRI condition also showed the greatest knee internal rotation angles at initial contact and peak knee abduction and internal rotation angles and peak knee extension moments during the 100 ms after landing (2.0 > Cohen's dz > 0.5). Whole-body rotation increased contralateral knee loading because of its primary role in decelerating medial-lateral velocities. Trunk rotation resulted in the greatest knee loading for the ipsilateral knee due to weight shifting and mechanical coupling between the trunk and lower extremities. These findings may help understand altered trunk motion in anterior cruciate ligament injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Children with moderate-severe cerebral palsy (CP) show postural control deficits that affect their daily activities, like reaching. The Seated Postural and Reaching Control test (SP&R-co) was developed to address the need for clinical measures that objectively identify dimensions of postural imbalance and corresponding reaching limitations in children with CP. Methods: SP&R-co documentation was designed for test validity and rater training. Rater and internal consistency were examined using Cronbach's α. Reference SP&R-co score sheets of children and rater's scores were used for absolute item-by-item, average inter-rater, and intra-rater reliability. Motor classification systems and performance tests were used for construct and concurrent validity. Results: The SP&R-co scoring showed acceptable-good consistency (α = 0.76–0.84). Interrelatedness of SP&R-co items was good-excellent (α = 0.82–0.97). The raters demonstrated fair, good, and excellent item-by-item reliability (ICC = 0.41–0.92). Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of SP&R-co dimensions were good-excellent (ICC = 0.68–0.86 and ICC = 0.64–0.95, respectively). Construct and concurrent validity showed moderate-excellent correlations (r = 0.49–0.88). Conclusions: Results provide evidence that the SP&R-co is a reliable and valid test for therapists to objectively examine and quantify seated postural and reaching control in children with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of the study were to (a) investigate both explicit and implicit motor imagery ability (MIA) impairment after stroke, (b) examine predictive effects of clinical characteristics for MIA after stroke. Materials and Methods: Forty one patients with stroke (PwS) (mean age 59.41 ± 10.19 years; %41 female) and 36 healthy participants (mean age 62.47 ± 9.29 years; %47 female) completed Chaotic Motor Imagery Assessment-Hand Rotation for implicit MIA and Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3 (MIQ-3) and Box and Block Test (BBT) for explicit MIA. The severity of motor and sensory impairments were determined by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMAUE) scores. The Turkish version of Motor Activity Log-28 was used to assess amount of use (AUS) and quality of movement in daily life. Results: Our results indicated that both implicit and explicit MIA (except kinaesthetic imagery of MIQ-3) in PwS were statistically impaired compared to controls (p < 0.05). The sensorimotor impairment level, amount of use and movement quality of the affected upper limb were found to be correlated with MIA in various degrees. Total motor scores in FMAUE and AUS were significant predictors of explicit MIA (p < 0.01). Additionally, explicit MIA scores of stroke subgroups were statistically different between severely and mildly impaired patients, in favour of mildly impaired group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, both motor impairment level and amount of daily use of upper extremity were found to be predictive factors for explicit MIA. Further investigation with brain imaging techniques is needed to explore the validity of these findings in establishing MIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first review to provide both a systematic and meta-analytic approach to characterizing motor planning deficits in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Task complexity appears to be a key factor affecting motor planning in children with DCD. However, the different task-related factors and how they affect motor planning ability has not been examined. By systematically reviewing ten studies examining motor planning in children aged 4- to 14 years with and without DCD using grip selection tasks, task complexity was determined according to grip choices, level of precision, number of action steps and degree of rotation. A meta-analysis (N = 607; DCD = 255) revealed that, overall, those with DCD were 6.8% less likely to plan motor actions comfortably than typically developing children. This ability was moderated by task complexity (I2 = 66.7%), with performance differences ranging from 2.33% for low (g = 0.21) to 13.77% (g = 0.79) for high complexity. The results confirmed that children with DCD are able to plan for comfortable end states for tasks with simple and medium complexity level. When task complexity increased, compared to typically developing children, the motor planning ability of those with DCD was affected to a significantly greater extent. These findings provide important implications for both behavioral and neurological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the process of Englishization in Taiwan's higher education in the global context. Using semi-structured interviews, it explores perceptions regarding the implementation and implications of Englishization at the tertiary level. The results indicate that while the process of Englishization in Taiwanese higher education is policy-driven and market-oriented, the degree and effect of Englishization is diversified and restricted due to institutional stratification, disciplinary divergence, and linguistic constraints. The effect of Englishization on Taiwan's higher education can be identified in the following aspects: the dominance of English in academic practices, specialization of English-medium services in the administration, specialization of English-medium courses and programs for international students, the emphasis of English-medium performance in academic and administrative recruitment. The implementation of Englishization in Taiwanese higher education institutions (HEIs) can be regarded as pragmatic and strategic responses to the globalization of higher education, the dominance of English in global academia, and the resources and constraints in the local context. The interviewees' responses not only indicate the perceived value of English as well as the scarcity of English in Taiwan, but also the constraints on language choice and the divergence of institutional and disciplinary approaches to Englishization at the tertiary level in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the effects of verbal instructions on the technique and performance of sports-related tasks. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the acute effects of knee alignment instructions on knee kinematics and the performance of a single-leg jump in female adolescent soccer players. Methods: Twenty-eight adolescent female soccer players completed three blocks of 15 single-leg jumps. The participants were randomised to an experimental group receiving verbal instructions focussing on proper knee alignment (the avoidance of knee valgus) or to a control group only receiving instructions on task execution. Outcomes were knee kinematics (flexion and valgus angles) and jump performance (number of incorrect trials and contact time). Results: The experimental group demonstrated 36% less knee valgus and 11–13% greater knee flexion compared to the control group. While jump performance remained unchanged in the experimental group over the course of the experiment, the control group demonstrated a 20% decrease in the number of incorrect trials and a 25% reduction in contact time over the course of the experiment. Conclusions: The present results indicate that verbal instructions accentuating proper knee alignment benefit knee kinematics but not jump performance in adolescent female soccer athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning motor skills is an essential part of most rehabilitation processes. Facilitating and supporting motor learning is particularly challenging in neurological rehabilitation: patients who suffer from neurological diseases experience both physical limitations and difficulties of cognition and communication that affect and/or complicate the motor learning process. Therapists (e.g. physiotherapists and occupational therapists) who work in neurorehabilitation are therefore continuously searching for the best way to facilitate patients during these intensive learning processes. To support therapists in the application of motor learning, a framework was developed, integrating knowledge from the literature and the opinions and experiences of international experts. This article presents the framework, illustrated by cases from daily practice. The framework may assist therapists working in neurorehabilitation in making choices, implementing motor learning in routine practice, and supporting communication of knowledge and experiences about motor learning with colleagues and students. The article discusses the framework and offers suggestions and conditions given for its use in daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine whether group-based or individual-based treatment programs are more effective for quality of life (QOL) outcomes in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Quality of the papers was assessed using the Modified Downs and Black Checklist. Peer-reviewed clinical experimental studies of children diagnosed with DCD with any QOL related outcome measure were included, of all years, languages, and approaches of intervention. Results: Sixteen studies were identified for inclusion, of mixed methodological qualities (predominantly low). Improvement of QOL with both group-based and individual-based interventions were shown, though large degrees of heterogeneity were observed in study designs, participants, modes of interventions, durations, and outcome measures utilized. Conclusions: The effectiveness of group-based versus individual-based interventions on QOL of children with DCD is unclear. There is a pressing need for a high quality, powered trials, utilizing the randomized control trial paradigm, comparing both intervention approaches with standardized treatment approaches and outcome measures to determine and compare the effect on QOL of children with DCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trinuclear coinage metal metallacycles are obtained when two-coordinate metals are bonded to C, N or N, N anionic ligands of the proper symmetry to form cycles where metals alternate with bridging ligands. Cyclotrimers often exhibit semiplanar structures and mostly columnar or finite stacking in the solid state by means of metallophilic interactions. They show some peculiar properties with an impact on many different fields such as supramolecular architectures, luminescence, molecular recognition, host-guest chemistry, and acid-base chemistry. The comprehensive evaluation of the data shows that, depending on the nature of the central metal and bridging ligand, there is a fine balance of the energy involved in the inter-trimer bond cleavages and the energy gained from the formation of new intermolecular electrostatic interactions, proceeding occasionally to the chemical extreme of redox processes. In this review, a number of important developments are highlighted and systematically analyzed along with structural and computational data and chemical properties to rationalize and build a unifying leitmotif for this chemistry; the focus is made on the authors' contributions in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses how young Muslim women negotiate their multiple identities within the context of a predominantly Muslim, secular nation. It focuses on female members of the Association des Élèves et Étudiants Musulmans au Burkina Faso (AEEMB), a nationwide Muslim youth organization, and especially those commonly referred to as "Adja," in reference to their sartorial choice. Although there might not seem to be any malice associated with this common nickname, Adja, given to women who adopt this pious fashion, the experiences of some of these women provide a much more nuanced understanding of media, Muslimhood, womanhood, and dress. Drawing data from an ethnographic study on Muslim youth civic, economic, and social engagement in Burkina Faso, the article discusses how the identity expectations and identity performances of Adjas are constructed, deconstructed, and reconstructed along their sartorial choice. It further places the "Adja construct" within the broader discourse on Islam, post-coloniality, modernity, and gender in Burkina Faso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the training effect of attentional focus (external focus, internal focus, or no focus instructions) on a dynamic balance task. Participants completed baseline balance testing, seven consecutive days of dynamic balance board training, and retention testing 24 hours after the last session. The novel finding of this study was the presence of a training effect on balance control when adopting an external focus relative to an internal focus or no focus instructions. Further, we report the unique observation that more patterned behavior was adopted regardless of the focus instructions. These findings provide insight into how instructions can be altered to enhance human balance control and complement the constrained-action hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training to reduce landing forces is a common component of anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programmes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of training incorporating instructions promoting an internal versus external attentional focus on landing forces in adolescent rugby athletes. Twenty-two rugby athletes were randomly allocated to groups that received instructions promoting an internal versus an external focus during a two week training programme. Landing forces were recorded before and after completion of the programme. During follow-up testing, landings were performed with and without a secondary cognitive task. Both groups exhibited a similar reduction in landing forces following training for trials performed without the secondary cognitive task. However, the groups responded differently when the secondary cognitive task was imposed. Athletes who were trained with an internal focus demonstrated a prominent increase in landing forces for trials that included the secondary cognitive task (vs. trials performed without the secondary cognitive task), whereas the secondary cognitive task had minimal influence for athletes who were trained with an external focus. It appears that training with an external focus may promote adaptations in landing mechanics that can be implemented more automatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased lateral trunk bending to the injured side has been observed when ACL injuries occur. The purpose was to quantify the effect of mid-flight lateral trunk bending on center of mass (COM) positions and subsequent landing mechanics during a jump-landing task. Forty-one recreational athletes performed a jump-landing task with or without mid-flight lateral trunk bending. When the left and right trunk bending conditions were compared with the no trunk bending condition, participants moved the COM of the upper body to the bending direction, while the COM of the pelvis, ipsilateral leg, and contralateral leg moved away from the bending direction relative to the whole body COM. Participants demonstrated increased peak vertical ground reaction forces (VGRF) and knee valgus and internal rotation angles at peak VGRF for the ipsilateral leg, but decreased peak VGRF and knee internal rotation angles at peak VGRF and increased knee varus angles at peak VGRF for the contralateral leg. Mid-flight lateral trunk resulted in an asymmetric landing pattern associated with increased ACL loading for the ipsilateral leg. The findings may help to understand altered trunk motion during ACL injury events and the discrepancy in ACL injuries related to limb dominance in badminton and volleyball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionally, thus, the neck in a bird is analogous of a human arm. However, snake-like robots can only operate in 2D while the bird's neck needs to act in 3D. The bird neck can operate in 3D with high dexterity and accuracy, covers a large workspace, and, contrary to elephant trunk, it can apply quite high forces and torques as compared to the animal mass. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose was to determine the effect of lowering minimum eye height through an externally focused object on knee and hip flexion and impact forces during jump-landing. Kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected when 20 male and 19 female participants performed jump-landing trials with their natural minimum eye height, and trials focusing on lowering their minimum eye height to an external object, which was set at 5% or 10% of standing height lower. Participants demonstrated decreased minimum eye height and increased peak knee and hip flexion during early-landing and stance phase when focusing on lowering eye height to the external object (p < 0.01). Peak vertical ground reaction forces during early-landing also decreased for the greater force group (p < 0.001). Jump-landing training through manipulating eye height provides a strategy that involves an external focus and intrinsic feedback, which may have advantages in promoting learning and practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries commonly occur during jump-landing tasks when individuals’ attention is simultaneously allocated to other objects and tasks. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of allocation of attention imposed by a secondary cognitive task on landing mechanics and jump performance. Thirty-eight recreational athletes performed a jump-landing task in three conditions: no counting, counting backward by 1 s from a randomly given number, and counting backward by 7 s from a randomly given number. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected and analysed. Participants demonstrated decreased knee flexion angles at initial contact (p = 0.001) for the counting by 1 s condition compared with the no counting condition. Participants also showed increased peak posterior and vertical ground reaction forces during the first 100 ms of landing (p ≤ 0.023) and decreased jump height (p < 0.001) for the counting by 1 s and counting by 7 s conditions compared with the no counting condition. Imposition of a simultaneous cognitive challenge resulted in landing mechanics associated with increased ACL loading and decreased jump performance. ACL injury risk screening protocols and injury prevention programmes may incorporate cognitive tasks into jump-landing tasks to better simulate sports environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents of boys with sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) were examined. Parents (22 mothers; 16 fathers) of 25 boys aged 2-18 years (M = 11.7, SD = 4.5) with SCA self-reported the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Personal Wellbeing Index. Parents reported more SHC and poorer daytime functioning than norms. Mothers reported more SHC, poorer sleep and daytime functioning, and lower health satisfaction than fathers. Parent-reported socio-emotional problems for sons (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) significantly overlapped with parental sleep disturbance. Parental health should be considered in medical consultations involving families of boys with SCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated postural and arm control in seated reaches while providing trunk support at midribs and pelvic levels in adults. Kinematics and electromyography of the arm and ipsiliateral and contralateral paraspinal muscles were examined before and during reaching. Kinematics remained constant across conditions, but changes were observed in neuromuscular control. With midribs support, the ipsilateral cervical muscle showed either increased anticipatory activity or earlier compensatory muscle responses, suggesting its major role in head stabilization. The baseline activity of bilateral lumbar muscles was enhanced with midribs support, whereas with pelvic support, the activation frequency of paraspinal muscles increased during reaching. The results suggest that segmental trunk support in healthy adults modulates ipsilateral or contralateral paraspinal activity while overall kinematic outputs remain invariant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the tenth year that follows the premature passing of the inorganic chemistry legend F. Albert (Al) Cotton comes to a close, we provide some soul food that we believe Al would have enjoyed as he looks down upon two generations of disciples, a grandchild and two great grandchildren, in his scientific family tree. This article also represents a new tradition by which the editors of Comments on Inorganic Chemistry wish to lead by example, whereby we start publishing original research content that nonetheless preserves the journal’s identity as a niche for “critical discussion of the current literature” of inorganic chemistry. Thus, we show novel demonstrations of a posteriori validation and a priori prediction of possible counterintuitive covalent M-M’ bonds—after and before synthesis, respectively—contrasted with non-covalent M···M interactions of the metallophilic type in bridge-dimeric systems of d10 metal centers. Mixing of (n + 1)s0/p0 orbitals with (n)d10 orbitals in the former heterobimetallics case—and lack thereof in the latter homobimetallics case—is hypothesized to be responsible for the presence or absence of covalency, respectively. However, we also demonstrate that the consequent d-s’ and/or d-p’ orbital mixing/hybridization can occur even in homobimetallic complexes that contain asymmetric bridging ligands (e.g., with -S^C- donor atoms that lead to orbital interactions between M-S and M-C fragments). Hence, the “control” metallophilic case for the hypothesized d10-d10 polar-covalent bonding herein is best manifest by M2(P^P)2 homobimetallics vis-à-vis M2(S^C)2 embodiments. Finally, we also offer a point/counterpoint commentary to the readers to contrast factors that argue for covalency vs metallophilicity and forewarn against exaggerating the extent of covalent bonding in such d10-d10 species. Thus, scrutinizing the various theoretical parameters has pointed to M-M’ and M-M partially bonded S^C-bridge dinuclear d10 complexes vis-à-vis the classic Cotton-type multiple metal-metal bond description in d0 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]