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Background: Spatiotemporal characteristics from human locomotion can provide effective clinical metrics to assess motor control and brain function. This case report aims to assess the temporal structure of variability in stride-to-stride time and calculated the intrinsic fractal frame that is hidden below the repetitive structure of physiological gait through the "Phyphox" app. This is an innovative study from the perspective of analyzing gait variables through a mobile app. Case presentation: Five older adults Caucasian (3 women; age = 73 ± 10,5 years; body mass = 62,2 ± 15,1 kg; height = 1,56 ± 0,1 m; 2 men; age = 75,5 ± 7,8 years; body mass = 86,3 ± 18,0 kg; height = 1,77 ± 0,1 m) participated in this study. Five participants were asked to walk with a natural cadence, two of the participants presented a value greater than 80 step's/minute (81.14 ± 0.01; 86.67 ± 0.02); and the others had values between 55 and 65 step's/minute (55.20 ± 0.02; 55.78 ± 0.05; 61.02 ± 0.05). Regarding the coefficient of variation, only one participant presented 10.08%. For the total number of steps, three of the participants had values greater than 1000 steps. The variability of these stride-to-stride time has been quantified through detrended fluctuation analysis; one participant presented a value above 1. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that a smartphone might provide a valid measure to assess the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to determine the associations between lower body muscle strength qualities and change of direction (CoD) performance. Three databases were used to perform a systematic literature search up to September 30, 2022. Based on the studies that met the inclusion criteria, we calculated Pearson's r correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between muscle strength qualities and CoD performance. The quality of the studies included was evaluated by the modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index Tool. Heterogeneity was determined via the Q statistic and I2 , and Egger's test was used to assess small study bias. The results revealed that lower body maximal strength (pooled: r =− 0.54, dynamic: r =− 0.60, static: r =− 0.41), joint strength (pooled: r =− 0.59, EXT-ecc: r =− 0.63, FLEX-ecc: r =− 0.59), reactive strength (r =− 0.42) and power (pooled: r =− 0.45, jump height: r =− 0.41, jump distance: r =− 0.60, peak power: r =− 0.41) were negatively and moderately related to CoD performance. To conclude, the results highlight that a number of muscle strength qualities are associated with CoD performance and are pertinent to specific phases of a directional change. It should be noted that the conclusions of this study do not establish causality, and further research is needed to better understand their training effects and underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The combination of locomotive syndrome (LS) and poor sleep quality (PQ) has not yet been shown to result in falls or to affect bone conditions in old age and middle age. [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been updated for clarity.] Methods: This cross‐sectional study enrolled 2233 community‐dwelling middle‐aged to older Japanese women. LS and PSQ were assessed by the stand‐up test, two‐step test, the 25‐question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants with both LS 1–3 (any) and a PSQI score ≥6 were classified as belonging to the LS(+)/PSQ(+) group. The incidence of falls in the previous month was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Bone conditions were evaluated using an ultrasonic bone densitometer. Results: The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group independently had a higher risk of falls after adjusting for confounding factors than the LS(−)/PSQ(−) group using multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.01–3.65, P < 0.05). No relationships between LS(−)/PSQ(+) and LS(+)/PSQ(−) groups and the incidences of fall were observed (P > 0.05). [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The two preceding sentences have been corrected to provide greater clarity.] The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group had lower trabecular bone density and cortical bone thickness than the LS(−)/PSQ(−) group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of LS and PSQ is an independent risk factor of falls, indicating that assessing both LS and PSQ could be useful in detecting middle‐aged and older women with low bone density and thickness who fall easily at an early stage. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 912–918. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal modeling uses metabolic models to estimate energy expenditure of human locomotion. However, accurate estimation of energy expenditure is challenging, which may be due to uncertainty about the true energy cost of eccentric and concentric muscle contractions. The purpose of this study was to validate three commonly used metabolic models, using isolated isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee extensions/flexions. Five resistance-trained adult males (25.6 ± 2.4 year, 90.6 ± 7.5 kg, 1.81 ± 0.09 m) performed 150 repetitions at four different torques in a dynamometer. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure energy expenditure during these muscle contractions. All three models underestimated the energy expenditure (compared with indirect calorimetry) for up to 55.8% and 78.5% for concentric and eccentric contractions, respectively. Further, the coefficient of determination was in general low for eccentric contractions (R² < 0.46) indicating increases in the absolute error with increases in load. These results show that the metabolic models perform better when predicting energy expenditure of concentric contractions compared with eccentric contractions. Thus, more knowledge about the relationship between energy expenditure and eccentric work is needed to optimize the metabolic models for musculoskeletal modeling of human locomotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eccentrically lengthening, energy-absorbing, brake-driven model of hamstring function during the late-swing phase of sprinting has been widely touted within the existing literature. In contrast, an isometrically contracting, spring-driven model of hamstring function has recently been proposed. This theory has gained substantial traction within the applied sporting world, influencing understandings of hamstring function while sprinting, as well as the development and adoption of certain types of hamstring-specific exercises. Across the animal kingdom, both spring- and motor-driven muscle–tendon unit (MTU) functioning are frequently observed, with both models of locomotive functioning commonly utilising some degree of active muscle lengthening to draw upon force enhancement mechanisms. However, a method to accurately assess hamstring muscle–tendon functioning when sprinting does not exist. Accordingly, the aims of this review article are three-fold: (1) to comprehensively explore current terminology, theories and models surrounding muscle–tendon functioning during locomotion, (2) to relate these models to potential hamstring function when sprinting by examining a variety of hamstring-specific research and (3) to highlight the importance of developing and utilising evidence-based frameworks to guide hamstring training in athletes required to sprint. Due to the intensity of movement, large musculotendinous stretches and high mechanical loads experienced in the hamstrings when sprinting, it is anticipated that the hamstring MTUs adopt a model of functioning that has some reliance upon active muscle lengthening and muscle actuators during this particular task. However, each individual hamstring MTU is expected to adopt various combinations of spring-, brake- and motor-driven functioning when sprinting, in accordance with their architectural arrangement and activation patterns. Muscle function is intricate and dependent upon complex interactions between musculoskeletal kinematics and kinetics, muscle activation patterns and the neuromechanical regulation of tensions and stiffness, and loads applied by the environment, among other important variables. Accordingly, hamstring function when sprinting is anticipated to be unique to this particular activity. It is therefore proposed that the adoption of hamstring-specific exercises should not be founded on unvalidated claims of replicating hamstring function when sprinting, as has been suggested in the literature. Adaptive benefits may potentially be derived from a range of hamstring-specific exercises that vary in the stimuli they provide. Therefore, a more rigorous approach is to select hamstring-specific exercises based on thoroughly constructed evidence-based frameworks surrounding the specific stimulus provided by the exercise, the accompanying adaptations elicited by the exercise, and the effects of these adaptations on hamstring functioning and injury risk mitigation when sprinting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Clove volatile oil (CVO) and its major compound, eugenol (EUG), have anxiolytic effects, but their clinical use has been impaired due to their low bioavailability. Thus, their encapsulation in nanosystems can be an alternative to overcome these limitations. Objectives This work aims to prepare, characterize and study the anxiolytic potential of CVO loaded-nanoemulsions (CVONE) against anxious-like behavior in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Methods The CVO-NE was prepared using Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharides as stabilizing agent. The drug-excipient interactions were performed, as well as colloidal characterization of CVO-NE and empty nanoemulsion (B-NE). The acute toxicity and potential anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE against adult zebrafish models were determined. Results CVO, EUG, CVO-NE and B-NE presented low acute toxicity, reduced the locomotor activity and anxious-like behavior of the zebrafish at 4 -- 20 mg kg--1. CVO-NE reduced the anxious-like behavior of adult zebrafish without affecting their locomotor activity. In addition, it was demonstrated that anxiolytic activity of CVO, EUG and CVO-NE is linked to the involvement of GABAergic pathway. Conclusion Therefore, this study demonstrates the anxiolytic effect of CVO, in addition to providing a new nanoformulation for its administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal parenting style and locomotion fundamental skills (LFS) of male children with emphasis on body mass index (BMI). The statistical population of this study was 8- to 10-year-old boys of Kermanshah city in Iran. A random sample of 197 children (mean = 8.74 ± 0.53) and their parents participated in this study and using the Bamrind parenting style questionnaire, maternal parenting style was measured. Also, BMI of parents and children was calculated and using Ulrich test, LFS of children were measured. Data were analyzed using Kendall's tau and Kruskal–Wallis test at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that there was a significant positive relationship between permissive parenting style and BMI (r = + 0.391, p < 0.05), but the relationship between authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles and BMI did not reach a significant level (r = + 0.197, p = 0.170 and r = 0.185, p = 0.068). Permissive and authoritarian parenting methods also had a significant negative relationship with LFS (r = − 0.516, p < 0.001 and r = − 0.339, p < 0.05, respectively) and authoritative parenting style had a significant positive relationship with LFS (r = + 0.229, p < 0.05). Maternal and paternal BMI was significantly positively correlated with boys' BMI (r = + 0.167, p < 0.05 and r = + 0.152, p < 0.05, respectively), but the relationship between maternal and paternal BMI and LFS did not reach a significant level (r = − 0.070, p = 0.329 and r = − 0.113, p = 0.115, respectively). According to these findings, maternal parenting styles can affect the boys' LFS and based on that, children's health and preparation strategies should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human locomotion is an important activity of daily life. Every individual human walk with a specific gait pattern, and there underlay a neural command mechanism that works in synergy with that particular walking pattern. The presented study explored the neural command mechanism for walking at different speeds using muscle synergies and proposed a walking speed prediction algorithm. The difference in the neural control mechanism has been examined by comparing muscle synergies extracted for different walking speeds. The linear factorization technique was implemented to extract synergies from four lower limb muscle's electromyogram signals, recorded at different walking speeds (3–11 km/hr). A 2- synergy model was found most suitable for all walking conditions; each synergy served a particular purpose during a complete gait cycle. The activation pattern of muscle synergy has shown a significant difference in terms of duration, timing, and magnitude (p-value < 0.05). Further, the same synergy model has been utilized for walking speed prediction, and an average accuracy of 97.28 ± 0.43% has been achieved. The performance of the developed prediction module has also been estimated over the lower range of walking speed (0.5–2.5 km/hr). The time complexity of the proposed algorithm has been found within the boundaries of its real-time implementation. The outcomes of the research work will be helpful for lower limb assistive/rehabilitative device control and the development of an effective human-machine interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are no psychometrically validated instruments available to measure motor skills of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). In this study, the construct validity and reliability (Rho) of the Motor Development List for children with PIMD (MDL-PIMD), a proxy-reported measure, was investigated. Methods: The MDL-PIMD was filled in by parents of 52 children with PIMD every six months over a period of two years. The items of the original MDL were categorised into subscales. A Mokken scale analysis for polytomous items was conducted for five subscales (Posture, Locomotion, Reaching, Grabbing and Facial Actions). Results: Several items were deleted to improve scalability. All scales showed good scalability (range scale H.66-.78) and reliability (range Rho.92-.98). Conclusions: The MDL-PIMD seems to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the motor skills of children with PIMD, although more research is needed to confirm the factorial structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this narrative review we evaluate foundational biomechanical theories of human foot function in light of new data acquired with technology that was not available to early researchers. The formulation and perpetuation of early theories about foot function largely involved scientists who were medically trained with an interest in palaeoanthropology, driven by a desire to understand human foot pathologies. Early observations of people with flat feet and foot pain were analogized to those of our primate ancestors, with the concept of flat feet being a primitive trait, which was a driving influence in early foot biomechanics research. We describe the early emergence of the mobile adaptor–rigid lever theory, which was central to most biomechanical theories of human foot function. Many of these theories attempt to explain how a presumed stiffening behaviour of the foot enables forward propulsion. Interestingly, none of the subsequent theories have been able to explain how the foot stiffens for propulsion. Within this review we highlight the key omission that the mobile adaptor–rigid lever paradigm was never experimentally tested. We show based on current evidence that foot (quasi‐)stiffness does not actually increase prior to, nor during propulsion. Based on current evidence, it is clear that the mechanical function of the foot is highly versatile. This function is adaptively controlled by the central nervous system to allow the foot to meet the wide variety of demands necessary for human locomotion. Importantly, it seems that substantial joint mobility is essential for this function. We suggest refraining from using simple, mechanical analogies to explain holistic foot function. We urge the scientific community to abandon the long‐held mobile adaptor–rigid lever paradigm, and instead to acknowledge the versatile and non‐linear mechanical behaviour of a foot that is adapted to meet constantly varying locomotory demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic strain energy that is stored and released from long, distal tendons such as the Achilles during locomotion allows for muscle power amplification as well as for reduction of the locomotor energy cost: as distal tendons perform mechanical work during recoil, plantar flexor muscle fibres can work over smaller length ranges, at slower shortening speeds, and at lower activation levels. Scant evidence exists that long distal tendons evolved in humans (or were retained from our more distant Hominoidea ancestors) primarily to allow high muscle–tendon power outputs, and indeed we remain relatively powerless compared to many other species. Instead, the majority of evidence suggests that such tendons evolved to reduce total locomotor energy cost. However, numerous additional, often unrecognised, advantages of long tendons may speculatively be of greater evolutionary advantage, including the reduced limb inertia afforded by shorter and lighter muscles (reducing proximal muscle force requirement), reduced energy dissipation during the foot–ground collisions, capacity to store and reuse the muscle work done to dampen the vibrations triggered by foot–ground collisions, reduced muscle heat production (and thus core temperature), and attenuation of work‐induced muscle damage. Cumulatively, these effects should reduce both neuromotor fatigue and sense of locomotor effort, allowing humans to choose to move at faster speeds for longer. As these benefits are greater at faster locomotor speeds, they are consistent with the hypothesis that running gaits used by our ancestors may have exerted substantial evolutionary pressure on Achilles tendon length. The long Achilles tendon may therefore be a singular adaptation that provided numerous physiological, biomechanical, and psychological benefits and thus influenced behaviour across multiple tasks, both including and additional to locomotion. While energy cost may be a variable of interest in locomotor studies, future research should consider the broader range of factors influencing our movement capacity, including our decision to move over given distances at specific speeds, in order to understand more fully the effects of Achilles tendon function as well as changes in this function in response to physical activity, inactivity, disuse and disease, on movement performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advancements in prosthetic technology, lower-limb amputees often remain limited to passive prostheses, which leads to an asymmetric gait and increased energy expenditure. Developing active prostheses with effective control systems is important to improve mobility for these individuals. This study presents a machine-learning-based approach to classify five distinct locomotion tasks: ground-level walking (GWL), ramp ascent (RPA), ramp descent (RPD), stairs ascent (SSA), and stairs descent (SSD). The dataset comprises fused electromyographic (EMG) and inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals from twenty non-amputated and five transtibial amputated participants. EMG sensors were strategically positioned on the thigh muscles, while IMU sensors were placed on various leg segments. The performance of two classification algorithms, support vector machine (SVM) and long short-term memory (LSTM), were evaluated on segmented data. The results indicate that SVM models outperform LSTM models in accuracy, precision, and F1 score in the individual evaluation of amputee and non-amputee datasets for 80–20 and 50–50 data distributions. In the 80–20 distribution, an accuracy of 95.46% and 95.35% was obtained with SVM for non-amputees and amputees, respectively. An accuracy of 93.33% and 93.30% was obtained for non-amputees and amputees by using LSTM, respectively. LSTM models show more robustness and inter-population generalizability than SVM models when applying domain-adaptation techniques. Furthermore, the average classification latency for SVM and LSTM models was 19.84 ms and 37.07 ms, respectively, within acceptable limits for real-time applications. This study contributes to the field by comprehensively comparing SVM and LSTM classifiers for locomotion tasks, laying the foundation for the future development of real-time control systems for active transtibial prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple Internet of Healthcare Things (IoHT)-based devices have been utilized as sensing methodologies for human locomotion decoding to aid in applications related to e-healthcare. Different measurement conditions affect the daily routine monitoring, including the sensor type, wearing style, data retrieval method, and processing model. Currently, several models are present in this domain that include a variety of techniques for pre-processing, descriptor extraction, and reduction, along with the classification of data captured from multiple sensors. However, such models consisting of multiple subject-based data using different techniques may degrade the accuracy rate of locomotion decoding. Therefore, this study proposes a deep neural network model that not only applies the state-of-the-art Quaternion-based filtration technique for motion and ambient data along with background subtraction and skeleton modeling for video-based data, but also learns important descriptors from novel graph-based representations and Gaussian Markov random-field mechanisms. Due to the non-linear nature of data, these descriptors are further utilized to extract the codebook via the Gaussian mixture regression model. Furthermore, the codebook is provided to the recurrent neural network to classify the activities for the locomotion-decoding system. We show the validity of the proposed model across two publicly available data sampling strategies, namely, the HWU-USP and LARa datasets. The proposed model is significantly improved over previous systems, as it achieved 82.22% and 82.50% for the HWU-USP and LARa datasets, respectively. The proposed IoHT-based locomotion-decoding model is useful for unobtrusive human activity recognition over extended periods in e-healthcare facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and is often comorbid with mental and physical diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the hypnotic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of the cymba concha to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN). Methods: Mice were intraperitoneally injected with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 300 mg/kg·d) for 2 days to induce insomnia and subsequently received EA or manual acupuncture (MA) of the cymba concha for 30 min once daily for 5 consecutive days, or no treatment. The phenobarbital-induced sleep test was used to analyze the hypnotic effects and the open field test was used to analyze the locomotor activities and anxiolytic effects of EA/MA of the cymba concha. In addition, the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) in the hypothalamus and peripheral blood were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: PCPA injection significantly decreased sleep duration, increased sleep latency and induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice. In PCPA-insulted mice, EA of the cymba concha improved the sleep disturbance by significantly prolonging sleep duration, while no change in sleep latency was observed. Moreover, EA of the cymba concha improved PCPA-induced anxiety-like behaviors without decreasing locomotor activities in the open field test. EA of the cymba concha increased the level of GABA in the hypothalamus and peripheral blood, while Glu concentrations remained unchanged. Conclusion: These findings indicate that EA of the region innervated by the ABVN upregulates GABA levels in the hypothalamus and ameliorates the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety, suggesting that EA of the cymba concha might have potential value as an intervention for insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is a complex process associated with tissue degeneration and an increased risk of age-related diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Terasen®, a nutraceutical containing standardized extracts of Euterpe oleracea, Myrciaria dubia, and purified oil of Bixa orellana and Astrocaryum aculeatum on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. The findings demonstrated that Terasen® exhibited significant radical scavenging in vitro, decreased the feeding behavior of C. elegans without affecting the animals' final size, increased the eggs laid in a concentration-dependent fashion, although the total progeny was reduced compared to the control, and increased the median and maximum lifespan. These findings suggest that Terasen® may improve the lifespan in C. elegans, warranting further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gait variability (GV) is a crucial measure of inconsistency of muscular activities or body segmental movements during repeated tasks. Hence, GV might serve as a relevant and sensitive measure to quantify adjustments of walking control. However, it has not been clarified whether GV is associated with walking speed, a clarification needed to exploit effective better bilateral coordination level. For this aim, fourteen male students (age 22.4 ± 2.7 years, body mass 74.9 ± 6.8 kg, and body height 1.78 ± 0.05 m) took part in this study. After three days of walking 1 km each day at a self-selected speed (SS) on asphalt with an Apple Watch S. 7 (AppleTM, Cupertino, CA, USA), the participants were randomly evaluated on a treadmill at three different walking speed intensities for 10 min at each one, SS − 20%/SS + 20%/ SS, with 5 min of passive recovery in-between. Heart rate (HR) was monitored and normalized as %HRmax, while the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (CR-10 scale) was asked after each trial. Kinematic analysis was performed, assessing the Contact Time (CT), Swing Time (ST), Stride Length (SL), Stride Cycle (SC), and Gait Variability as Phase Coordination Index (PCI). RPE and HR increased as the walking speed increased (p = 0.005 and p = 0.035, respectively). CT and SC decreased as the speed increased (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.013, respectively), while ST remained unchanged (p = 0.277). SL increased with higher walking speed (p = 0.0001). Conversely, PCI was 3.81 ± 0.88% (high variability) at 3.96 ± 0.47 km·h−1, 2.64 ± 0.75% (low variability) at SS (4.94 ± 0.58 km·h−1), and 3.36 ± 1.09% (high variability) at 5.94 ± 0.70 km·h−1 (p = 0.001). These results indicate that while the metabolic demand and kinematics variables change linearly with increasing speed, the most effective GV was observed at SS. Therefore, SS could be a new methodological approach to choose the individual walking speed, normalize the speed intensity, and avoid a gait pattern alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle contributes significantly to human health, which is closely relevant to human locomotion, energy metabolism, immune regulation, and aging. Skeletal muscle holds the potential to recover its healthy condition via self‐repairing after minor damage. However, the capacity of sarcous self‐repair becomes incompetent following massive trauma or some myopathy, which raises a huge demand for skeletal muscle regeneration. Skeletal muscle engineering aims to rebuild muscle tissues in vitro to repair muscle injuries, develop pathological models, advance myopathy‐related research, and explore myopathy‐related medications. This review summarizes the advances in skeletal muscle engineering, including the cell resources that can be used in muscle regeneration, the recent progress of rebuilding methods for skeletal muscle engineering, as well as the biomedical applications of engineered skeletal muscle for tissue repair, drug testing, disease modeling, and soft robots. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed on improving skeletal muscle engineering by integrating multidisciplinary approaches, thus accelerating the technological innovation and translational application of this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Speed-Gene study aims to identify genetic variants influencing athletic performance and human locomotion using motion capture technology. Currently, 60 female participants have completed the testing protocol, and the overall aim is to recruit 283 moderately trained, healthy Southeast Asian individuals (18–45 y, BMI < 30). Participants will undergo biomechanical analysis and genetic testing. Several analyses will be performed, including (but not limited to) linear and angular kinematic analysis using motion capture technology, force plate dynamometry and genetic analyses to define novel power/torque related outcomes that would be more sensitive to allele-specific differences in athletic performance. Pretesting beverages will be provided, and activity history and current activity levels will be assessed by a questionnaire. The kinematic data will be obtained using a Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) system, and DNA will be extracted from white blood cells. The participants serve as their own controls. Although the Speed-Gene study is tightly controlled, our preliminary findings still indicate considerable individual variability. More participants and further genetic analysis are required to allow the investigation of potential underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for this individual variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel sensor technology enables new insights in the neuromechanics of human locomotion that were previously not possible. Here, we provide a dataset of high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) and high-resolution inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals, along with motion capture and force data for the lower limb of 10 healthy adults during multiple locomotion modes. The participants performed level-ground and slope walking, as well as stairs ascent/descent, side stepping gait, and stand-to-walk and sit-to-stand-to-walk, at multiple walking speeds. These data can be used for the development and validation of locomotion mode recognition and control algorithms for prosthetics, exoskeletons, and bipedal robots, and for motor control investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the arms participate in many forms of human locomotion, we know very little about when arm movements emerge during locomotor development. Here we investigated whether newborns would make tactile arm stepping movements when we supported them almost horizontally so their hands touched a surface and blocked their leg movements. Building off prior work showing that newborns make more crawling and air stepping leg movements when exposed to optic flows specifying forward and backward self‐translation, we also examined whether newborns would make more tactile arm steps when exposed to forward and backward optic flows compared to a random optic flow that did not specify translation. We found that newborns can perform arm stepping and produce a significantly higher number of tactile arm steps in the optic flow condition specifying backward translation than in the random optic flow condition. Both translating optic flow conditions had significantly higher numbers of alternating arm steps than the random optic flow condition. These findings show that tactile arm stepping exists at birth and that optic flows can facilitate their production, similar to leg stepping. We argue that these results further support the idea that a quadrupedal organization underlies early upright stepping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although measures of exercise performance and physical activity are known to be related to 6-minute walk test (6mWT), the role of the strength of each muscle group of the lower limb in the locomotor capacity during the development period is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the role of the isometric strength of lower limb muscles and cardiovascular parameters on the locomotor capacity in children and adolescents, controlling for participants sex, age, and height. METHODS: Participants (7 to 15 years old; female, n = 113; male, n = 128) were assessed for isometric strength (seven lower limb muscles), cardiovascular parameters (diastolic pressure, oxygen saturation, resting heart rate, respiratory rate), and 6mWT. Participants were split into nine age groups and separated by 1-year intervals. RESULTS: Hip flexors-controlled for sex, age, and height-explained a meaningful percentage of the variance (R = 2 0.45; p < 0.001) for 6mWT distance, and the resting heart rate explained a change in R 2 of only 2% (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Isometric strength of hip flexors explained ∼ 50% of the 6mWT distance, suggesting the importance of strength from an early age. Other factors, such as cardiovascular parameters, while relevant, may exert a secondary role on youth's capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvis contributes to both human locomotion and obstetrics, and normal vaginal delivery is associated with a spacious inlet, a large interspinosus diameter. This paper aimed to measure crucial diameters of pelvic ring, and to determine both the prevalence of pelvic types, and labor types including normal vaginal delivery or caesarean section in Turkish healthy females. Additionally, it was aimed to evaluate presence of relationship between pelvic types and pelvic diameters. Labor shape of subjects was obtained from hospital records. This retrospective study was carried out on 165 healthy subjects aged between 18 and 45 years. Anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic inlet (APDI), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet, sacrum length (SL), sacrum depth, conjugata vera, obstetrical conjugate, the diagonal conjugate, diameter transversa, diameter bispinous, intertuberous diameter were measured. From these measurements, brim index was calculated and decided to gynecoid, anthropoid and platypelloid type. Also, the andoid type was calculated to the ratio of posterior sagittal diameter of the inlet to conjugata obstetrica. 50.91 % of participants has gynecoid type pelvis, followed by 24.85 % anthropoid type, 14.55 % platypelloid, and 9.70 % android type pelvis. There was a significant difference in APDI, SL, SD, Conjugata vera, Conjugata obstetrica, Conjugata diagonalis, Conjugata transversa, diameter bispinous, diameter intertubercularis and Brim index measurements according to pelvic types. the first degree of narrowing (conjugata vera from 11 to 9) was found in 18 pelvises and 12 pelvises with the pathological degree of narrowing bellonged to the platypelloid type followed by android type pelvis with 6 pelvices. The android type pelvis is not appropriate for natural labor and a good assessment of birth canal can reduce the labor risks. Also, only 7 females who delivered with cesarean have gynecoid type pelvic type. The APDI and SL were significantly lower in subjects having pathological narrowing according to conjugata obstetrica values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The analysis of human gait is the subject of a numerous research studies with the aim of application in various fields of science - most often in sports and in medical practice. Of particular interest is research and analysis the information in the rehabilitation of a neurological conditions; post-traumatic conditions; systemic diseases; degenerative diseases, etc., which affect a large percentage of the population. The purpose of this scientific communication is to determine the need to provide an innovative technical device for registering gait parameters in patients with impaired locomotion. Material and methods: A survey was conducted among 41 specialists in the field of medical rehabilitation and occupational therapy, including: research on the needs of medico-social and rehabilitation activities to improve the social functioning of the person; determination of the need to provide a technical device recording gait parameters in patients with impaired locomotion. Results and analysis: As a result of the analysis the outcome from the conducted survey determines the need to carry out a precise measurement of gait parameters in patients with limited or difficult locomotion. This requires providing an appropriate innovative technical device for registering the spatio-temporal parameters of the gait. Modern scientific and practical developments reflect the latest achievements of science, technique, technology and practice, which requires their inclusion in clinical research, analysis of the data obtained from them and their application in daily clinical practice. Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be summarized that the use of innovative modern technical means to register gait parameters in patients with impaired locomotor activity leads to the precise measurement of multiple spatiotemporal characteristics and assessment of the patient's functional capacity, depending on age, gender and impairment. This requires a search for an opportunity to procure the necessary financial means, in order to provide an innovative technical device with an appropriate software program, through funding under a Scientific Research Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of a 12-week split-belt treadmill walking (Sb-TW) practice using an error augmentation strategy on temporospatial gait asymmetries, dynamic balance, and locomotor capacity in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP). Fifty-two adolescents with ULCP (age: 10–16 years) were randomized into either the Sb-TW group (n = 26; underwent repeated Sb-TW practice, with exaggeration of the initial step-length asymmetry, three times/week, for 12 sequential weeks) or control group (n = 26; received equivalent dosages of traditional single-belt treadmill training). Step-length and swing-time asymmetries, directional (LoSdirectional) and overall (LoSoverall) limits of stability, and locomotor capacity [6-minute walk test (6-MWT), Timed Up and Down Stair test (TUDS), and 10-m Shuttle Run Test (10mSRT)] were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The Sb-TW group demonstrated more favorable changes in step-length asymmetry (p <.001, η2partial = 0.27), LoSdirectional [affected side direction (p =.033, η2partial = 0.09), forward direction (p =.004, η2partial = 0.16), and backward direction (p =.01, η2partial = 0.12)], and LoSoverall (p <.001, η2partial = 0.31) than the control group. Also, the Sb-TW group showed significantly higher locomotor capacity [6-MWT (p <.001, η2partial = 0.38), TUDS (p =.032, η2partial = 0.09), 10mSRT (p =.021, η2partial = 0.10)] as compared to the control group. The Sb-TW-induced adaptations can be capitalized on for remediating spatial gait asymmetry, dynamic balance deficits, and impaired locomotor performance in adolescents with ULCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite the recognized impact of intrinsic capacity (IC) impairment on healthy aging, international comparisons in different sociocultural contexts are scarce. This study aimed to compare IC impairment among community-dwelling older adults in Japan and Taiwan to explore the context of healthy aging in different countries. Design: Comparative observational study. Setting: National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging (NILS-LSA) in Japan and Longitudinal Aging Study of Taipei (LAST) in Taiwan. Participants: 794 individuals (age range, 60.0–86.5 years) from NILS-LSA and 1,358 (60.0–96.7 years) from LAST. Measurements: IC impairment was evaluated across the domains of locomotion, cognition, vitality, sensory capacity, and psychological well-being. Participants were categorized as having impaired IC or healthy. We investigated associations between IC impairment, falls, and all-cause mortality. Results: IC impairment was present in 54.9% and 37.3% of participants in the NILS-LSA and LAST cohorts, respectively. Male NILS-LSA participants with impaired IC (odds ratio [OR]:1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.03–2.20), with hearing loss (OR:1.98, 95% CI:1.00–3.90) were more likely to fall. In LAST, impaired locomotion (OR:2.14, 95% CI:1.46–3.14) increased the risk of falls. Men with impaired IC (hazard ratio [HR]; 2.14, 95% CI.10–4.15) and visual impairment (HR:2.21, 95% CI:1.15–4.25) and women with impaired psychological well-being (HR:4.94, 95% CI:1.28–18.97) in the NILS-LSA cohort had greater risk for all-cause mortality; however, this was not shown for LAST participants. Conclusion: The prevalence and distribution of IC impairment and associated biomarkers differed significantly between participants in Japan and Taiwan. However, the associations with adverse outcomes remained similar, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions for healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last two decades have witnessed the emergence of micro‐ and nanoswimmers (MNSs). Researchers have invested significant efforts in engineering motile micro‐ and nanodevices to address current limitations in minimally invasive medicine. MNSs can move through complex fluid media by using chemical fuels or external energy sources such as magnetic fields, ultrasound, or light. Despite significant advancements in their locomotion and functionalities, the gradual deterioration of MNSs in human physiological media is often overlooked. Corrosion and biodegradation caused by chemical reactions with surrounding medium and the activity of biological agents can significantly affect their chemical stability and functional properties during their lifetime performance. It is therefore essential to understand the degradation mechanisms and factors that influence them to design ideal biomedical MNSs that are affordable, highly efficient, and sufficiently resistant to degradation (at least during their service time). This review summarizes recent studies that delve into the physicochemical characteristics and complex environmental factors affecting the corrosion and biodegradation of MNSs, with a focus on metal‐based devices. Additionally, different strategies are discussed to enhance and/or optimize their stability. Conversely, controlled degradation of non‐toxic MNSs can be highly advantageous for numerous biomedical applications, allowing for less invasive, safer, and more efficient treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the role of the exercise pressor reflex (EPR) in regulating the haemodynamic response to locomotor exercise. Eight healthy participants (23 ± 3 years, V̇O2max${\dot V_{{{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}}{\mathrm{max}}}}$: 49 ± 6 ml/kg/min) performed constant‐load cycling exercise (∼36/43/52/98% V̇O2max${\dot V_{{{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}}{\mathrm{max}}}}$; 4 min each) without (CTRL) and with (FENT) lumbar intrathecal fentanyl attenuating group III/IV locomotor muscle afferent feedback and, thus, the EPR. To avoid different respiratory muscle metaboreflex and arterial chemoreflex activation during FENT, subjects mimicked the ventilatory response recorded during CTRL. Arterial and leg perfusion pressure (femoral arterial and venous catheters), femoral blood flow (Doppler‐ultrasound), microvascular quadriceps blood flow index (indocyanine green), cardiac output (inert gas breathing), and systemic and leg vascular conductance were quantified during exercise. There were no cardiovascular and ventilatory differences between conditions at rest. Pulmonary ventilation, arterial blood gases and oxyhaemoglobin saturation were not different during exercise. Furthermore, cardiac output (−2% to −12%), arterial pressure (−7% to −15%) and leg perfusion pressure (−8% to −22%) were lower, and systemic (up to 16%) and leg (up to 27%) vascular conductance were higher during FENT compared to CTRL. Leg blood flow, microvascular quadriceps blood flow index, and leg O2‐transport and utilization were not different between conditions (P > 0.5). These findings reflect a critical role of the EPR in the autonomic control of the heart, vasculature and, ultimately, arterial pressure during locomotor exercise. However, the lack of a net effect of the EPR on leg blood flow challenges the idea of this cardiovascular reflex as a key determinant of leg O2‐transport during locomotor exercise in healthy, young individuals. Key points: The role of the exercise pressor reflex (EPR) in regulating leg O2‐transport during human locomotion remains uncertain.We investigated the influence of the EPR on the cardiovascular response to cycling exercise.Lumbar intrathecal fentanyl was used to block group III/IV leg muscle afferents and debilitate the EPR at intensities ranging from 30% to 100% V̇O2max${\dot V_{{{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{2}}}{\mathrm{max}}}}$.To avoid different respiratory muscle metaboreflex and arterial chemoreflex activation during exercise with blocked leg muscle afferents, subjects mimicked the ventilatory response recorded during control exercise.Afferent blockade increased leg and systemic vascular conductance, but reduced cardiac output and arterial‐pressure, with no net effect on leg blood flow.The EPR influenced the cardiovascular response to cycling exercise by contributing to the autonomic control of the heart and vasculature, but did not affect leg blood flow.These findings challenge the idea of the EPR as a key determinant of leg O2‐transport during locomotor exercise in healthy, young individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by movement and cognitive dysfunction. HD is caused by a CAG expansion in exon 1 of the HTT gene that leads to a polyglutamine (PQ) repeat in the huntingtin protein, which aggregates in the brain and periphery. Previously, we used Drosophila models to determine that Htt-PQ aggregation in the heart causes shortened lifespan and cardiac dysfunction that is ameliorated by promoting chaperonin function or reducing oxidative stress. Here, we further study the role of neuronal mutant huntingtin and how it affects peripheral function. We overexpressed normal (Htt-PQ25) or expanded mutant (Htt-PQ72) exon 1 of huntingtin in Drosophila neurons and found that mutant huntingtin caused age-dependent Htt-PQ aggregation in the brain and could cause a loss of synapsin. To determine if this neuronal dysfunction led to peripheral dysfunction, we performed a negative geotaxis assay to measure locomotor performance and found that neuronal mutant huntingtin caused an age-dependent decrease in locomotor performance. Next, we found that rapamycin reduced Htt-PQ aggregation in the brain. These results demonstrate the role of neuronal Htt-PQ in dysfunction in models of HD, suggest that brain-periphery crosstalk could be important to the pathogenesis of HD, and show that rapamycin reduces mutant huntingtin aggregation in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drosophila melanogaster is excellent animal model for understanding the molecular basis of human neurological and motor disorders. The experimental conditions and chamber design varied between studies. Moreover, most previously established paradigms focus on fly trace detection algorithm development. A comprehensive understanding on how fly behaves in the chamber is still lacking. Results: In this report, we established 74 unique behavior metrics quantifying spatiotemporal characteristics of adult fly locomotion and social behaviors, of which 49 were newly proposed. By the aiding of the developed analysis pipeline, Drosophila video tracking (DVT), we identified siginificantly different patterns of fly behavior confronted with different chamber height, fly density, illumination and experimental time. Meanwhile, three fly strains which are widely used as control lines, Canton-S(CS), w1118 and Oregon-R (OR), were found to exhibit distinct motion explosiveness and exercise endurance. Conclusions: We believe the proposed behavior metrics set and pipeline should help identify subtle spatial and temporal differences of drosophila behavior confronted with different environmental factors or gene variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the relationship between oral and physical frailty in older adults has been investigated, few studies have focused on the working-age population. This study examined the relationships of the number of remaining teeth and masticatory ability, i.e., signs of oral frailty, with locomotive syndrome (LS) in the working-age population. Methods: The number of remaining teeth, masticatory ability, and presence of LS in 501 participants from four companies were examined. The relationships between the number of remaining teeth groups (≥ 20 teeth or ≤ 19 teeth) and LS and between the masticatory ability groups (high or low) and LS were examined. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted using LS from the stand-up test as the objective variable and the two subgroups based on the number of remaining teeth and potential crossover factors as covariates. Results: The analysis included 495 participants (354 males and 141 females; median age, 43 years). The median number of remaining teeth among the participants was 28, and 10 participants (2.0%) had ≤ 19 teeth. The mean masticatory ability values were 39.9 for males and 37.7 for females, and 31 participants (6.3%) had low masticatory ability. In the stand-up test, those with ≤ 19 teeth had a higher LS rate than those with ≥ 20 teeth. The odds ratio for LS in the group with ≤ 19 remaining teeth was 5.99, and the confidence interval was 1.44–24.95. Conclusions: The results confirmed signs of oral frailty in the working-age population. Further, the number of remaining teeth possibly affects standing movement. Thus, oral frailty is associated with LS in the working-age population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the associations of motor proficiency with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep quality in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and children with typical development (TD). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 88medical-naive children with ADHD age 6-12 yr (mean (SD) age, 8.43 (1.38) yr; 81.8% boys) and 40 age-matched children with TD (mean (SD) age, 8.46 (1.44) yr; 60% boys). MVPA was recorded by a wGT3X-BT accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development--Third Edition. Sleep quality was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Results: ChildrenwithADHDspent significantly less time inMVPAdaily, displayed less proficiency in locomotor and ball skills, and reported poorer sleep quality (e.g., longer sleep latency, less sleep duration, and lower sleep efficiency) than children with TD. MVPA guideline attainment and sleep duration significantly predicted locomotor skills development; in turn, locomotor skills predictedMVPA guideline attainment.MVPA and ball skills increased by age in children with ADHD. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of promoting MVPA, motor proficiency, and sleep duration in children with ADHD and TD since childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An energy-based approach to quantifying the mechanical demands of overground, constant velocity and/or intermittent running patterns is presented. Total mechanical work done (Wtotal) is determined from the sum of the four sub components: work done to accelerate the centre of mass horizontally (Whor), vertically (Wvert), to overcome air resistance (Wair) and to swing the limbs (Wlimbs). These components are determined from established relationships between running velocity and running kinematics; and the application of work-energy theorem. The model was applied to constant velocity running (2–9 m/s), a hard acceleration event and a hard deceleration event. The estimated Wtotal and each sub component were presented as mechanical demand (work per unit distance) and power (work per unit time), for each running pattern. The analyses demonstrate the model is able to produce estimates that: 1) are principally determined by the absolute running velocity and/or acceleration; and 2) can be attributed to different mechanical demands given the nature of the running bout. Notably, the proposed model is responsive to varied running patterns, producing data that are consistent with established human locomotion theory; demonstrating sound construct validity. Notwithstanding several assumptions, the model may be applied to quantify overground running demands on flat surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Improving experimental conditions in preclinical animal studies is essential. Automated digital ventilated cages offer the advantage of continuous monitoring of animal locomotor activity in their home cage over a long period, improving animal welfare through the reduction in animal handling. The potential utility of this technology remains understudied and deserves investigation in the field of oncology. Here, we determined the utility of continuous assessment of locomotor activity using the DVC® technology on the SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mouse model treated with reference oncology compounds. Our results showed that the use of the DVC® locomotion index is able to identify significant deleterious effects on animal activity, while suggesting perturbations of animal behaviors that would not have been detected by staff clinical assessment over a limited daytime observation. The use of this technology also helped to detect the anticipated effects of the drugs tested, highlighting the potential of this digital biomarker to differentiate treatment adverse effects in preclinical oncology studies. Background: Improving experimental conditions in preclinical animal research is a major challenge, both scientifically and ethically. Automated digital ventilated cages (DVC®) offer the advantage of continuous monitoring of animal activity in their home-cage. The potential utility of this technology remains understudied and deserves investigation in the field of oncology. Methods: Using the DVC® platform, we sought to determine if the continuous assessment of locomotor activity of mice in their home cages can serve as useful digital readout in the monitoring of animals treated with the reference oncology compounds cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. SCID mice of 14 weeks of age were housed in DVC® cages in groups of four and followed with standard and digital examination before and after treatment over a 17-day total period. Results: DVC® detected statistically significant effects of cisplatin on the activity of mice in the short and long term, as well as trends for cyclophosphamide. The activity differences between the vehicle- and chemotherapy-treated groups were especially marked during the nighttime, a period when animals are most active and staff are generally not available for regular checks. Standard clinical parameters, such as body weight change and clinical assessment during the day, provided additional and complementary information. Conclusion: The DVC® technology enabled the home cage monitoring of mice and non-invasive detection of animal activity disturbances. It can easily be integrated into a multimodal monitoring approach to better capture the different effects of oncology drugs on anti-tumor efficacy, toxicity, and safety and improve translation to clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The typical process for assessing inter-rater reliability is facilitated by training raters within a research team. Lacking is an understanding if inter-rater reliability scores between research teams demonstrate adequate reliability. This study examined inter-rater reliability between 16 researchers who assessed fundamental motor skills using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3rd edition. Total score agreement (ICC = 0.363) and locomotor subscale agreement (ICC = 0.383) were "very poor," while ball skills subscale agreement (ICC = 0.478) was "poor." Consistencies of total (ICC = 0.757), locomotor (ICC = 0.730), and ball skills (ICC = 0.746) scores were "fair." Component percentage agreement ranged from 40.5% to 96.2%. These data suggest that there are significant differences in how different research groups evaluate fundamental motor skills based on the subjective nature of scoring. Consistency and agreement among users need to be addressed in motor development research to allow for direct comparisons across studies that use process-oriented measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a novel analysis of the locomotor movements of athletes in the National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) competition by presenting the data of opposing teams expressed as a relative (%) difference and explore the association with match outcome. 117 rugby league athletes from the four NRLW clubs participated in this study. Mean speed (m·min−1), mean high-speed running (>12 km·h−1; m·min−1), and mean acceleration (m·s−2) were measured in 12 matches (370 individual match files) using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Individual GNSS-derived data from each match-half were summed across each team and the association with total points and the points differential in each match-half was determined using linear mixed models. Greater high-speed running and lower mean acceleration were associated with more points being scored. A greater relative difference in mean high-speed running between competing teams was associated with a higher points differential. That is, if a team completed 10% more high-speed running than their opposition, they were likely to score an average of 3.2 points more during a given match-half. This unique analysis of GNSS-derived data may assist coaches and performance support staff to interpret the locomotor movements of female rugby league players with the appropriate considerations for the opposition team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Locomotor capacity (LC) is an important domain of intrinsic capacity and key determinant of functional ability and well-being in older age. The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) calls for strengthening data and research on healthy ageing, including the measurement of older persons' LC. To advance the measurement and monitoring of LC, there is pressing need to identify valid and reliable measures. Objective To identify all the available tools that were validated for measurement of LC or of its specific attributes in older people and to assess the methodological quality of the studies and measurement properties of the tools. Design Systematic review. Setting Anywhere (Community-dwelling; long-term care facility; etc.) Subjects Older people. Methods We used highly sensitive search strategies to search the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The study was conducted following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology for systematic review of outcome measurement instruments. Results A total of 125 studies were included, which assessed tools for balance (n = 84), muscle power (n = 12), muscle strength (n = 32, including four studies about tools for balance and muscle power) and endurance (n = 1). No studies on tools for muscle function, joint function, or locomotor capacity overall, were retrieved. We identified 69 clinician-report or objective assessment tools for balance, 30 for muscle strength, 12 for muscle power and 1 endurance assessment tool. The GRADE assessment of quality of evidence showed that only a few tools have high quality evidence for both sufficient validity and reliability: The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Conclusions A few tools with high quality evidence for sufficient validity and reliability are currently available for balance assessment in older people that may be recommended for use in clinical and research settings. Further validation studies are required for muscle strength, muscle power and endurance assessment tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility is often referred to as a 'sixth vital sign' because of its ability to predict critical health outcomes in later adulthood. In the World Health Organization (WHO) World Report on Aging and Health, mobility is described as movement in all its forms whether powered by the body or a vehicle. As such, mobility encompasses basic physical actions such as getting up from a chair and walking, as well as activities such as exercising, driving and using public transportation. A plethora of measurement tools have been developed to assess various aspects of mobility; however, there is wide variability in the mobility constructs being measured which limits standardisation and meaningful comparison across studies. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive framework for measuring mobility that considers three distinct facets of mobility: perceived mobility ability ('what can you do'), actual mobility ability ('what you actually do') and locomotor capacity for mobility ('what could you do'). These three facets of mobility are rooted in the three components of healthy aging endorsed by the WHO: functional ability, intrinsic capacity and environments. By proposing a unified framework for measuring mobility based on theory and empirical evidence, we can advance the science of monitoring and managing mobility to ensure functional ability in older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gait cycle plays a major role in human locomotion. Patients with neuromuscular problems are unable to walk normally. Foot drop causes difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot and affects the dorsiflexion (DF) and plantar flexion (PF) motion of the foot. Patient with foot drop must use ankle braces to achieve a normal gait. The existing ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) has its own limitations, as it does not produce adequate PF motion. To overcome this scenario, a study was conducted to analyse the two-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) motion of a robotic ankle foot orthosis (RAFO) with a spring-based series elastic actuator (SEA) and scissor actuator. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the two DOF of RAFO with two different actuators using simscape multibody. The RAFO with actuators were designed using Solidworks, and simulation was carried out using simscape multibody, to analyse the 2-DOF motion. The dynamic motion analysis was carried out using block libraries, bodies, joints, constraints, revolute joints, sensors and a proportional integral (PI) controller. From the simulation results, the total range of motion (ROM) 40° (PF angle of -25° and DF angle of 15°) is achieved by the proposed RAFO with different actuators. Further, based on the results, the input power consumption of spring-based SEA was found to be less than the scissor actuator. Similarly, torque and output power generation of the scissor actuator was found to be greater than spring-based SEA to achieve the normal human ROM. Hence, the designer can choose a hybrid actuator for foot-drop-disorder applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Running is a basic form of human locomotion and one of the most popular sports worldwide. While the leg biomechanics of running have been studied extensively, few studies have focused on upper-body movement. However, an effective arm swing and longitudinal rotation of the shoulders play an important role in running efficiency as they must compensate for the longitudinal torques generated by the legs. The aim of this study is to assess the upper-body rotation using wearable inertial sensors and to elucidate its relation to energy expenditure. Eighty-six junior elite middle- and long-distance runners (37 female, 49 male) performed an incremental treadmill test with sensors attached on both shoulders, tibiae and the sacrum. The mean and total horizontal shoulder and pelvis rotations per stride were derived while energy costs were determined using respiratory gas analysis and blood sampling. Results show that shoulder and pelvis rotations increase with running speed. While shoulder rotation is more pronounced in female than in male runners, there is no sex difference for pelvis rotation. The energy cost of running and upper trunk rotation prove to be slightly negatively correlated. In conclusion, upper body rotation appears to be an individual characteristic influenced by a sex-specific body mass distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BACKGROUND: Light stimulation at a specific wavelength triggers various responses in insects and can be used for pest control. To develop efficient and ecofriendly photophysical pest control methods, the effects of green light on locomotion, growth (molting and eclosion) and reproduction in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (BPH), a major rice pest, were studied. Transcriptomics and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the mechanisms involved. RESULTS: BPH adults showed disrupted daily locomotion patterns following green light treatment at night and exhibited abnormal locomotion peaks. Total 6‐day locomotion of brachypterous adults was significantly greater than in the control group. The durations of growth stages 1–4 were all shorter under green light treatment than in the control, whereas the time from fourth molting to eclosion (stage 5) was significantly longer. When BPH adults under green light treatment began laying eggs, the egg hatching ratio (36.69%) was significantly lower than in the control (47.49%). Moreover, in contrast to the control, BPH molting and eclosion events tended to happen more at night. Transcriptome analysis proved that green light significantly affected the expression of genes involved in cuticular proteins, chitin deacetylase and chitinase, which are related to cuticular development. TEM observations confirmed abnormal cuticular development in nymph and adult BPHs (endocuticle, exocuticle and pore canals) under green light treatment. CONCLUSION: Green light treatment at night notably affected locomotion, growth and reproduction in BPH, thus providing a novel idea for controlling this pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine published research literature pertaining to dance programs for school-age individuals with disabilities by describing study characteristics and major findings. Electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant articles published between January 2008 and August 2018. Sixteen articles met all inclusion criteria, and extracted data from the articles included major findings, study design characteristics (e.g., sample size), and dance program characteristics (e.g., location of program). The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Major findings expand on previous reviews on dance by including school-age individuals with disabilities. The critical appraisal of the articles demonstrates a gap in study design rigor between studies. Future research should aim to specify sampling strategies, use theories to frame the impact of dance programs, and provide a thorough description of ethical processes and dance classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial published in Frontiers in Neurology titled "Balance-controlling mechanism and fall-prevention strategy." The editorial discusses the importance of balance and gait disorders in falls among older adults and the need for evidence-based training regimens and interventional studies to improve clinical practices. It also highlights various studies that have advanced our understanding of balance-control mechanisms and fall-prevention strategies, including the use of clinical tests, advanced analysis methods, and the exploration of central nervous system and neuromuscular system roles in balance control. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the potential impact of these studies on current clinical practices and the need for further research in balance-control mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

Determining the degrees of freedom (DOF) of the linked rigid-body model, representing a multi-body motion of the human lower extremity, is one of the most important procedures in locomotion analysis. However, a trade-off exists between the quality of data fitting and the generalizability of the model. This study aimed to determine the optimal DOF of the model for the lower extremities that balance the goodness-of-fit and generalizability of the model during walking and running using Akaike's information criterion (AIC). Empirically obtained kinematic data for the lower extremities during walking and running were fitted by models with 9, 18, or 22 DOF. The relative quality of these models was assessed using their bias-corrected AIC (cAIC) value. A significant simple main effect of the model was found on the cAIC value for both walking and running conditions. Pairwise comparisons revealed that the cAIC value of the 18-DOF model was significantly smaller than that of the 9-DOF (walking: p < 0.001, running: p = 0.010) and 22-DOF (walking: p < 0.001, running: p < 0.001) models. These findings suggest that the 18-DOF model is optimal for representing the lower extremities during walking and running, in terms of goodness-of-fit and generalizability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence suggests that perceptual and cognitive functions are codetermined by rhythmic bodily states. Prior investigations have focused on the cardiac and respiratory rhythms, both of which are also known to synchronise with locomotion—arguably our most common and natural of voluntary behaviours. Compared to the cardiorespiratory rhythms, walking is easier to voluntarily control, enabling a test of how natural and voluntary rhythmic action may affect sensory function. Here we show that the speed and phase of human locomotion constrains sensorimotor performance. We used a continuous visuo-motor tracking task in a wireless, body-tracking virtual environment, and found that the accuracy and reaction time of continuous reaching movements were decreased at slower walking speeds, and rhythmically modulated according to the phases of the step-cycle. Decreased accuracy when walking at slow speeds suggests an advantage for interlimb coordination at normal walking speeds, in contrast to previous research on dual-task walking and reach-to-grasp movements. Phasic modulations of reach precision within the step-cycle also suggest that the upper limbs are affected by the ballistic demands of motor-preparation during natural locomotion. Together these results show that the natural phases of human locomotion impose constraints on sensorimotor function and demonstrate the value of examining dynamic and natural behaviour in contrast to the traditional and static methods of psychological science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Falls are a significant problem among older adults. While balance and functional exercises have been shown to be effective, it remains unclear whether regular walking has specific effects on reducing the risk of falls. Rationale: Older people who fall frequently have impaired gait patterns. Recent studies have suggested using interpersonal synchronization: while walking arm-in-arm, an older person synchronizes steps with a younger person to reinstate a better gait pattern. This method of gait training may reduce the risk of falls. Objective: The aim is to assess the efficacy of an arm-in-arm gait-training program in older people. Design: The arm-in-arm gait training trial (AAGaTT) is a single-site, open label, two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Participants: We will enroll 66 dyads of older people and their younger "gait instructors". The older participants must be > 70 years old with adequate walking ability. They must have experienced a fall in the year prior to study entry. Intervention: Dyads will walk an indoor course for 30 min either side-by-side without contact (control group) or arm-in-arm while synchronizing their gait (intervention group). The gait training will be repeated three times a week for four weeks. Outcomes: The main outcome will be the walking speed measured in five-minute walking trials performed at baseline and at the end of each intervention week (week 1 – week 4), and at week 7. Gait quality will be assessed using accelerometers. We will also assess perceived physical activity and health using questionnaires. Finally, we will monitor fall incidence over 18 months. We will evaluate whether outcomes are more improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. In addition, interviews will be conducted to assess the perception of the gait training. Expected results: Recent advances in the neurophysiology of motor control have shown that synchronizing gait to external cues or to a human partner can increase the efficiency of gait training. The expected benefits of arm-in-arm gait training are: reduced risk of falls, safe treatment with no adverse effects, and high adherence. This gait training program could be a low-cost intervention with positive effects on the health and well-being of seniors. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05627453. Date of registration: 11.25.2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Valproate (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV) are frequently prescribed for the management of idiopathic generalized seizures; however, their welldocumented teratogenic effects raise concerns when administered to pregnant epileptic patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of VPA and LEV exposure during pregnancy on Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS). Methods: Female GAERS rats were categorized into three groups: saline-treated (n=6), VPA-treated (200 mg/kg, n=4), and LEV-treated (50 mg/kg, n=6). Intraperitoneal injections were initiated from mating start and continued until partition. Locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated using openfield and hole-board tests for the VPA-treated and VPA- and LEV-treated groups; respectively. These tests were conducted both before and during pregnancy. Results: Across all groups, open-field testing demonstrated a tendency toward reduced locomotor activity parameters compared with pre-pregnancy, with VPA treatment showing significance (p<0.05). The hole-board test indicated a trend toward decreased rearing and hole exploration, coupled with increased freezing behavior in the saline- and VPA-treated groups. The LEV-treated group showed an elevation in freezing behavior and a decline in hole exploration. Conclusion: Although minimal effects on anxiety-like behaviors were noted in anti-seizure drug-treated rats, subtle tendencies were evident in the holeboard test. VPA and LEV administration resulted in depressive parameters in the locomotor activity test. These findings emphasize the need for caution when prescribing and using VPA and the LEV during pregnancy in terms of maternal behavior and mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]