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BackgroundObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionPrevious studies suggest that cervical spine position sense declines with age, while the relationship between aging and cervical spine movement control remains unknown.To investigate the relationship between age and cervical spine movement control in asymptomatic adults.One hundred five asymptomatic adults (21–79 years old) were included. The Butterfly test (performed with an inertial measurement unit) was used to assess movement control of the cervical spine, in which participants tracked an unpredictable moving target with active head and neck movements at three different movement path difficulty levels (3 repetitions each). The determined parameters were amplitude accuracy (AA), time on target (ToT), undershoot (U) and overshoot (O). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and simple linear regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between age and each parameter.A significant relationship was demonstrated between advancing age and the AA, ToT and U parameters for all three movement path difficulty levels (p ≤ .001), but not for the O parameter (p > .05). Advancing age explained 19.8–30.4%, 24.5–30.8% and 33.7–37.2% of the variance in the AA, ToT, and U parameters, respectively.The results suggest that cervical spine movement control declines with aging in an asymptomatic population. Clinicians may need to monitor potential deficits in cervicocephalic kinesthesia in older asymptomatic adults, as these impairments may have a considerable impact on their functional abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper-and-pencil Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) copy task has been extensively used to assess visuo-constructional skills in children and adults. The scoring systems utilized in clinical practice provide an integrated evaluation of the drawing process, without differentiating between its visuo-constructional, organizational, and motor components. Here, a tablet-based ROCF copy task capable of providing a quantitative assessment of the drawing process, differentiating between visuo-constructional, organizational, and motor skills, is trialed in 94 healthy children, between 7 and 11 years of age. Through previously validated algorithms, 12 indices of performance in the ROCF copy task were obtained for each child. Principal component analysis of the 12 indices identified spatial, procedural, and kinematic components as distinct dimensions of the drawing process. A composite score for each dimension was determined, and correlation analysis between composite scores and conventional paper-and-pencil measures of visuo-constructional, procedural, and motor skills performed. The results obtained confirmed that the constructional, organizational, and motor dimensions underlie complex figure drawing in children; and that each dimension can be measured by a unique composite score. In addition, the composite scores here obtained from children were compared with previsions results from adults, offering a novel insight into how the interplay between the three dimensions of drawing evolves with age.

Movement sonification has emerged as a promising approach for rehabilitation and motion control. Despite significant advancements in sensor technologies, challenges remain in developing cost-effective, user-friendly, and reliable systems for gait detection and sonification. This study introduces a novel wearable personalised sonification and biofeedback device to enhance movement awareness for individuals with irregular gait and posture. Through the integration of inertial measurement units (IMUs), MATLAB, and sophisticated audio feedback mechanisms, the device offers real-time, intuitive cues to facilitate gait correction and improve functional mobility. Utilising a single wearable sensor attached to the L4 vertebrae, the system captures kinematic parameters to generate auditory feedback through discrete and continuous tones corresponding to heel strike events and sagittal plane rotations. A preliminary test that involved 20 participants under various audio feedback conditions was conducted to assess the system's accuracy, reliability, and user synchronisation. The results indicate a promising improvement in movement awareness facilitated by auditory cues. This suggests a potential for enhancing gait and balance, particularly beneficial for individuals with compromised gait or those undergoing a rehabilitation process. This paper details the development process, experimental setup, and initial findings, discussing the integration challenges and future research directions. It also presents a novel approach to providing real-time feedback to participants about their balance, potentially enabling them to make immediate adjustments to their posture and movement. Future research should evaluate this method in varied real-world settings and populations, including the elderly and individuals with Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper-and-pencil Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) copy task has been extensively used to assess visuo-constructional skills in children and adults. The scoring systems utilized in clinical practice provide an integrated evaluation of the drawing process, without differentiating between its visuo-constructional, organizational, and motor components. Here, a tablet-based ROCF copy task capable of providing a quantitative assessment of the drawing process, differentiating between visuo-constructional, organizational, and motor skills, is trialed in 94 healthy children, between 7 and 11 years of age. Through previously validated algorithms, 12 indices of performance in the ROCF copy task were obtained for each child. Principal component analysis of the 12 indices identified spatial, procedural, and kinematic components as distinct dimensions of the drawing process. A composite score for each dimension was determined, and correlation analysis between composite scores and conventional paper-and-pencil measures of visuo-constructional, procedural, and motor skills performed. The results obtained confirmed that the constructional, organizational, and motor dimensions underlie complex figure drawing in children; and that each dimension can be measured by a unique composite score. In addition, the composite scores here obtained from children were compared with previsions results from adults, offering a novel insight into how the interplay between the three dimensions of drawing evolves with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Cervical kinesthesia is an important part of movement control and of great importance for daily function. Previous research on kinesthesia in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) has focused on grades I-II. More research is needed on WAD grade III. The aim of this study was to investigate cervical kinesthesia in individuals with WAD grades II-III before and after a neck-specific exercise intervention and compare them to healthy controls. Methods A prospective, case-control study with a treatment arm (n = 30) and a healthy control arm (n = 30) was conducted in Sweden. The WAD group received a neck-specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The primary outcome to evaluate kinesthesia was neck movement control (the Fly test). Secondary outcomes were neck disability, dizziness and neck pain intensity before and after the Fly test. Outcomes were measured at baseline and post-treatment. The control arm underwent measurements at baseline except for the dizziness questionnaire. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate difference between groups (WAD and control) and over time, with difficulty level in the Fly test and gender as factors. Results Between-group analysis showed statistically significant differences in three out of five kinesthetic metrics (p = 0.002 to 0.008), but not for the WAD-group follow-up versus healthy control baseline measurements. Results showed significant improvements for the WAD-group over time for three out of five kinaesthesia metrics (p

Introduction: Cervical kinesthesia is an important part of movement control and of great importance for daily function. Previous research on kinesthesia in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) has focused on grades I-II. More research is needed on WAD grade III. The aim of this study was to investigate cervical kinesthesia in individuals with WAD grades II-III before and after a neck-specific exercise intervention and compare them to healthy controls. Methods: A prospective, case-control study with a treatment arm (n = 30) and a healthy control arm (n = 30) was conducted in Sweden. The WAD group received a neck-specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The primary outcome to evaluate kinesthesia was neck movement control (the Fly test). Secondary outcomes were neck disability, dizziness and neck pain intensity before and after the Fly test. Outcomes were measured at baseline and post-treatment. The control arm underwent measurements at baseline except for the dizziness questionnaire. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate difference between groups (WAD and control) and over time, with difficulty level in the Fly test and gender as factors. Results: Between-group analysis showed statistically significant differences in three out of five kinesthetic metrics (p = 0.002 to 0.008), but not for the WAD-group follow-up versus healthy control baseline measurements. Results showed significant improvements for the WAD-group over time for three out of five kinaesthesia metrics (p < 0.001 to 0.008) and for neck disability (p < 0.001) and pain (p = 0.005), but not for dizziness (p = 0.70). Conclusions: The exercise program shows promising results in improving kinesthesia and reducing neck pain and disability in the chronic WAD phase. Future research might benefit from focusing on adding kinesthetic exercises to the exercise protocol and evaluating its beneficial effects on dizziness or further improvement in kinesthesia. Impact statement: Kinesthesia can be improved in chronic WAD patients without the use of specific kinesthetic exercises. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03664934), first registration approved 11/09/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an essential lower-back movement pattern, lumbo-pelvic rhythm (LPR) during forward trunk flexion and backward return has been investigated on a large scale. It has been suggested that abnormalities in lumbo-pelvic coordination are related to the risk of developing low back disorders. However, considerable differences in the approaches used to monitor LPR make it challenging to integrate findings from those investigations for future research. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the use of wearable technology for kinematic measurement with sensory biofeedback for LPR monitoring by assessing these technologies' specific capabilities and biofeedback capacities and exploring their practical viability based on sensor outcomes. The review was developed following the PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was analyzed using the PREDro and STROBE scales. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEEXPLORE databases were searched for relevant studies, initially returning a total of 528 articles. Finally, we included eight articles featuring wearable devices with audio or vibration biofeedback. Differences in protocols and limitations were also observed. This novel study presents a review of wearable tracking devices for LPR motion-mediated biofeedback for the purpose of correcting lower back posture. More research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of these devices, as well as their most appropriate corresponding methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working on a moving platform can significantly impede human performance. Previous studies on moving vehicles have often focused on the overall impact on general task performance, whereas our study's emphasis is on precise hand movements, exploring the interaction between body motion and the escalation of task difficulty. We recruited 28 participants to engage in reciprocal aiming tasks, following Paul Fitts's setting, under both in-motion and stationary conditions. The task index of difficulty (ID) was manipulated by varying the width of the targets and the distance between the targets. We measured participants' movement time (MT), performance errors, and monitored their eye movements using an eye-tracking device, heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR) during the tasks. The measured parameters were compared across two experimental conditions and three ID levels. Compared to the stationary conditions, the in-motion conditions degraded human aiming performance, resulting in significantly prolonged MT, increased errors, and longer durations of eye fixations and saccades. Furthermore, HR and RR increased under the in-motion conditions. Linear relationships between MT and ID exhibited steeper slopes under the in-motion conditions compared to the stationary conditions. This study builds a foundation for us to explore the control mechanisms of individuals working in dynamic and demanding environments, such as pilots in airplanes and paramedics in ambulances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionTo investigate the feasibility, discriminative and convergent validity, and reliability of a lower limb sensor-based proprioception measure in children with upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions.MethodWe assessed three proprioception modalities (joint movement, joint position, and dynamic position sense) of the lower limbs in 49 children with UMN lesions and 50 typically developing (TD) peers (5–19 years). Forty-three children with UMN lesion had a congenital and six an acquired brain lesion and 82% were able to walk without a walking aid. We evaluated the feasibility, compared the test results between children with UMN lesions and TD peers, and calculated Spearman correlations (rs) between the modalities. We quantified relative reliability with Intra-Class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and absolute reliability with Smallest Detectable Changes (SDC).ResultsMost children with UMN lesions (>88%) found the tests easy to perform. The children with UMN lesions had significantly (p

Reaction time (RT) and movement times (MTs) to the first target are typically longer for two-target sequential movements compared to one-target movements. While this one-target advantage has been shown to be dependent on the availability of advance information about the numbers of targets, there has been no systematic investigation of how foreperiod duration (i.e., interval between presentation of the target(s) and stimulus) influences the planning and execution of sequential movements. Two experiments were performed to examine how the one-target advantage is influenced by the availability and timing of advance target information. In Experiment 1, participants performed one- and two-target movements in two separate blocks. In Experiment 2, target conditions were randomised from trial to trial. The interval between target(s) appearing and stimulus tone (i.e., foreperiod) was varied randomly (0, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 ms). The results of Experiment 1 revealed that while the one-target advantage in RT was not influenced by foreperiod duration, the one-target advantage in MT increased as foreperiod duration increased. The variability of endpoints at the first target was greater in the two- compared to one-target condition. In Experiment 2, the one-target advantage in both RT and MT increased as the length of the foreperiod increased. However, there was no difference in limb trajectory variability between target conditions. The implication of these findings for theories of motor planning and execution of multiple segment movements is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Movement is one of the essential characteristics of living beings. Despite the diversity of animal species and the apparent differences, standard features exist between their movement systems that follow a particular pattern. The movements can mainly be divided into discrete and rhythmic categories controlled by the central nervous system. Scientists usually consider these two types of motion separately in the control system and use different methods and resources to produce and model them. Proposing a unified and comprehensive model for generating and controlling rhythmic and discrete movement with the same control system is more valuable, albeit challenging. This is essential because such a model would address a fundamental problem in the field of motor control, offering a holistic solution to understanding how living beings generate and control movement. A unified model could revolutionize various fields, including robotics, rehabilitation, and neuroscience, by providing a versatile framework applicable to various applications. In this study, we employed the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) equations in our computational model; their suitability lies in their ability to capture the intricate dynamics of neural oscillations and the behavior of neural networks, making them an ideal choice for our investigation. Our comprehensive analysis of the model, factors influencing motion, and oscillation revealed crucial insights. We found that supraspinal input and motor neuron feedback, as the key motor control parameters, play pivotal roles in generating and controlling rhythmic and discrete movements. These findings contribute to our understanding of how the nervous system orchestrates both types of motion within a single framework. Developing a neuromechanical model capable of creating rhythmic and discrete movements holds promising implications. This research can potentially advance fields such as robotics, biomechanics, and rehabilitation by providing a unified framework for motor control. Moreover, understanding the switching mechanism between rhythmic and discrete states could lead to innovative strategies for designing more versatile and adaptive robotic systems and improving rehabilitation protocols for individuals with motor impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To measure lumbopelvic movement control in powerlifters with and without low back pain (LBP). Quantitative Cross-sectional. Twelve powerlifters with LBP and 28 powerlifters without LBP. Powerlifters were recruited in nine different cities and filmed while performing a movement control test battery. Lumbopelvic movement control test battery consisting of seven tests, with a possible score between 0 and 13. The tests were rated by a physical therapist blinded to the group allocation and comparisons of the frequency of current/incorrect tests between groups were calculated. There was no statistically significant difference in the movement control test battery between the powerlifters with LBP (Median = 7.0, (2–11)) and powerlifters without LBP (Median = 6.0, (1–10)) (P = 0.59). There were no statistically significant differences between groups when the individual movement control tests were analyzed separately. The lack of significant differences between groups indicates that performance in lumbopelvic movement control test might not be associated with LBP in powerlifters. More studies on associations between LBP and movement control and other body functions are needed to guide assessment and treatment of powerlifters with LBP and for investigation of possible risk factors for LBP in powerlifters. • Lumbopelvic movement control is not associated with low back pain in powerlifters. • Sport specific tests of lumbopelvic movement control is needed in powerlifting. • Clinical movement control tests may be unnecessary in assessment of powerlifters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we proposed a novel approach where movements are decomposed into sub-segments, termed movement elements. This approach, to date, provides a robust construct of how the brain may generate simple as well as complex movements. Here, we address the issue of motor variability during voluntary movements by applying an unsupervised clustering algorithm to group movement elements according to their morphological characteristics. We observed that most movement elements closely match the theoretical bell-shaped velocity profile expected from goal-directed movements. However, for those movement elements that deviate from this theoretical shape, a small number of defined patterns in their shape can be identified. Furthermore, we observed that the axis of the body from which the movement elements are extracted (i.e., medio-lateral, antero-posterior, and vertical) affect the proportion of the movement elements matching the theoretical model. These results provide novel insight into how the nervous system controls voluntary movements and may use variability in movement element properties to explore the environment.

The basal ganglia are a subcortical collection of interacting clusters of cell bodies, and are involved in reward, emotional, and motor circuits. Within all the brain processing necessary to carry out voluntary movement, the basal nuclei are fundamental, as they modulate the activity of the motor regions of the cortex. Despite being much studied, the motor circuit of the basal ganglia is still difficult to understand for many people at all, especially undergraduate and graduate students. This review article seeks to bring the functioning of this circuit with a simple and objective approach, exploring the functional anatomy, neurochemistry, neuronal pathways, related diseases, and interactions with other brain regions to coordinate voluntary movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) often becomes a persistent problem and is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. It is a costly condition for individuals, for insurance companies, and for society. Guidelines for the management of WAD have not been updated since 2014, and the use of computer-based sensorimotor exercise programs in treatment for this patient group has not been well documented. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to explore the degree of association between self-reported and clinical outcome measures in WAD. Methods Individuals (n  = 180) with subacute WAD grades I and II will be randomized into 3 groups using block randomization. The 2 primary intervention groups (A and B) will receive physical therapy involving manual therapy and either a remote, novel, computer-based cervical kinesthetic exercise (CKE) program starting at visit 2 (Group A) or neck exercises provided by the corresponding physical therapist (Group B). These groups will be compared to a "treatment as usual" Group C. Movement control, proprioception, and cervical range of motion will be measured. Neck disability and pain intensity, general health, self-perceived handicap, and physical, emotional, and functional difficulties due to dizziness will be measured using questionnaires. The short-term effects will be measured 10 to 12 weeks after the baseline measurements, and the long-term effects will be measured 6 to 12 months after the baseline measurements. Impact The successful completion of this trial will help guide clinicians in the selection of outcome measures for patients with subacute WAD in the assessment of the short- and long-term effectiveness of treatment combining manual therapy with computer-based CKE compared with manual therapy and non–computer-based exercises. This trial will also demonstrate the potential of using a computer-based intervention to increase the exercise dose for this patient group and how this influences outcomes such as levels of pain and disability in the short and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A task involving an instructed finger movement causes involuntary movements in the noninstructed fingers of the hand, also known as finger interdependence. It is associated with both mechanical and neural mechanisms. The current experiment investigated the effect of finger interdependence due to systematic changes of the wrist posture, close to neutral. Eight right- handed healthy human participants performed submaximal cyclic flexion and extension at the metacarpophalangeal joint at 0° neutral, 30° extension, and 30° flexion wrist postures, respectively. The experiment comprised of an instruction to move one of the 4 fingers--index, middle, ring, and little. Movements of the instructed and noninstructed fingers were recorded. Finger interdependence was quantified using enslavement matrix, individuation index, and stationarity index, and it was compared across wrist postures. The authors found that the finger interdependence does not change with changes in wrist posture. Further analysis showed that individuation and stationarity indices were mostly equivalent across wrist postures, and their effects were much smaller than the average differences present among the fingers. The authors conclude that at wrist postures close to neutral, the finger interdependence is not affected by wrist posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic had forced economies to implement movement restrictions that resulted in income shock to households. This study aims to gauge the impact of income shock due to movement control order (MCO). This study examined the factors that affect Malaysian household financial self-efficacy due to movement restrictions. A survey was conducted online from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 to gather responses from households. Data collected were analyzed using the KMO sampling adequacy test, Bartlett's test, reliability, and factor analysis. More than 46% of the respondents’ income was significantly decreased or somewhat decreased due to MCO. Financial tools, lifestyle adaptation, contingency plans, and realization of the impact of MCO had significantly affected household financial efficacy.

The COVID-19 cases have taken its strike since December 2019 in Wuhan, China and then has spread to other countries. Malaysia was not excluded from this pandemic, in which the first case of COVID-19 was discovered on 25th January 2020. The disease has caused a pandemic outbreak ever since, driving many countries to close international gateways and implement lockdowns and many studies have been trying to model and forecast the rising number of Covid-19 cases worldwide. This study aimed to prove the effectiveness of Movement Control Order (MCO) phases implemented in Malaysia. From 8 MCO phases implemented in Malaysia, 5 of the MCO phases were taken into consideration for this study. Line plots were used to observed the pattern, increasing (+) or decreasing (-) number of cases for each MCO implementation. The before and after trends for each phase were recorded and tabulated. Using the Wilcoxon Signed-rank test with Binomial probability calculation showed the p-value=0.001< α=0.05 obtained. Hence, supported the hypothesis that MCO implementation reduces the number of positive cases in Malaysia. In conclusion, the implementation of lockdown would ‘flatten the curve’ of the daily COVID-19 cases, resulting in better control over the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Malaysia.

The basal ganglia are a subcortical collection of interacting clusters of cell bodies, and are involved in reward, emotional, and motor circuits. Within all the brain processing necessary to carry out voluntary movement, the basal nuclei are fundamental, as they modulate the activity of the motor regions of the cortex. Despite being much studied, the motor circuit of the basal ganglia is still difficult to understand for many people at all, especially undergraduate and graduate students. This review article seeks to bring the functioning of this circuit with a simple and objective approach, exploring the functional anatomy, neurochemistry, neuronal pathways, related diseases, and interactions with other brain regions to coordinate voluntary movement.

Simple Summary: Glioma surgery relies on the ability to perform a large extent of resection while preserving the patient's quality of life, especially regarding complex movement. Our aim is to show how the concept of motor function has evolved based upon an increased knowledge of its neural foundation in neurosciences and how this understanding has shed light on possible disturbances of conation. Postoperative troubles can be avoided thanks to the implementation of adapted intraoperative tasks during awake surgery, from the basic muscle contraction to prevent hemiplegia (first level), to active movement to avoid fine motor disturbances (second level) and even to multitasking to preserve an intact movement volition. Improving the onco-functional balance has always been a challenge in glioma surgery, especially regarding motor function. Given the importance of conation (i.e., the willingness which leads to action) in patient's quality of life, we propose here to review the evolution of its intraoperative assessment through a reminder of the increasing knowledge of its neural foundations—based upon a meta-networking organization at three levels. Historical preservation of the primary motor cortex and pyramidal pathway (first level), which was mostly dedicated to avoid hemiplegia, has nonetheless shown its limits to prevent the occurrence of long-term deficits regarding complex movement. Then, preservation of the movement control network (second level) has permitted to prevent such more subtle (but possibly disabling) deficits thanks to intraoperative mapping with direct electrostimulations in awake conditions. Finally, integrating movement control in a multitasking evaluation during awake surgery (third level) enabled to preserve movement volition in its highest and finest level according to patients' specific demands (e.g., to play instrument or to perform sports). Understanding these three levels of conation and its underlying cortico-subcortical neural basis is therefore critical to propose an individualized surgical strategy centered on patient's choice: this implies an increasingly use of awake mapping and cognitive monitoring regardless of the involved hemisphere. Moreover, this also pleads for a finer and systematic assessment of conation before, during and after glioma surgery as well as for a stronger integration of fundamental neurosciences into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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For the Amphibious bot movement control, this study provides an Internal Model Control (IMC) tuned PID controller using fuzzy logic optimization method. IMC approach is used to tune the PID controller parameter as per the robot movements for robust control. Fuzzy logic is used to optimize the input error for controlling output. The proposed control approach, which is based on an accurate robot model, resulted, design of the stable and robust control system. The proposed method produces better outcomes than the present methods. It is measured against performance indices. Comparative results show a significant improvement in the system's overshoot, rising time, and settling time. It is also performing better and better robustness against disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study designs and implements a wheeled bipedal robot (WBR) that combines the mobility of wheeled robots and the dexterity of legged robots. The designed WBR has extra knee joints to maintain body balance when encountering uneven terrain. Because of the robot's highly nonlinear, dynamic, unstable, and under-actuated nature, an intelligent motion and balance controller (IMBC) based on a fuzzy logic approach is proposed to maintain the balance of the WBR while it is standing and moving on the ground. It should be emphasized that the proposed IMBC system does not require prior knowledge of system dynamics and the controller parameters are tuned using the qualitative aspects of human knowledge. Furthermore, a 32-bit microcontroller that has memory, programmable I/O peripherals, and a processor core is used to implement the IMBC method. Finally, moving and rotating, height-changing, posture-keeping, and "one leg on slope" movement scenarios are tested to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed IMBC system. The experimental results show that, by using the proposed IMBC system, the WBR can not only balance and move well both on flat ground and in complex terrain but also extend each leg independently to maintain body balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) after middle age is a complex multifactorial condition, and subgrouping is recommended to determine effective treatment strategies. Multidimensional data help create new groupings to increase the effectiveness of interventions in middle-aged and older adults with CLBP. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the factors associated with CLBP after middle age and to create and characterize a new subgroup based on these factors., Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted and included 46 women aged ≥40 years with CLBP who participated in health events. Trunk muscle mass, lumbar movement control ability, autonomic balance, lumbar tenderness threshold, lumbar proprioception, and severity of central sensitization were assessed., Results: Partial correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between lumbar movement control ability and autonomic balance. A significant positive correlation was observed between trunk muscle mass and the lumbar tenderness threshold. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified three subgroups. The cluster 1 participants had low trunk muscle mass, low tenderness threshold, and low severity of central sensitization. The cluster 2 participants had low trunk muscle mass and tenderness threshold and high severity of central sensitization. The cluster 3 participants had high trunk muscle mass and tenderness threshold and were sympathetically predominant. Trunk muscle mass, pressure pain threshold, severity of central sensitization, and autonomic balance were significantly different between the clusters., Conclusions: Three characteristic subgroups were identified. The results contribute to treatment and prevention strategies for middle-aged and older adults with CLBP based on the characteristics of the subgroups rather than a uniform approach.

Navigation in ever-changing environments requires effective motor behaviors. Many insects have developed adaptive movement patterns which increase their success in achieving navigational goals. A conserved brain area in the insect brain, the Lateral Accessory Lobe, is involved in generating small scale search movements which increase the efficacy of sensory sampling. When the reliability of an essential navigational stimulus is low, searchingmovements are initiated whereas if the stimulus reliability is high, a targeted steering response is elicited. Thus, the network mediates an adaptive switching between motor patterns. We developed Spiking Neural Network models to explore how an insect inspired architecture could generate adaptive movements in relation to changing sensory inputs. The models are able to generate a variety of adaptive movement patterns, the majority of which are of the zig-zagging kind, as seen in a variety of insects. Furthermore, these networks are robust to noise. Because a large spread of network parameters lead to the correct movement dynamics, we conclude that the investigated network architecture is inherently well-suited to generating adaptive movement patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does our brain manage to process vast quantities of sensory information that define movement performance? By extracting the required movement parameters for which brain dynamics are, inter alia, assumed to be functionally related to, we used electroencephalography to investigate motor-related brain oscillations. Visually guided movement (i.e., motor) tasks at explosive, medium and slow rates of force development (RFD) revealed increased broad-band activity at explosive RFD, whereas decreasing activity could be observed during both intermediate and slow RFD. Moreover, a continuously decreasing activity pattern from faster to slower RFD and a return to baseline activity after full muscle relaxation was found. We suggest oscillatory activity to desynchronize in sensorimotor demanding tasks, whereas task-specific synchronization mirrors movement acceleration. The pre/post-stimulus activity steady state may indicate an inhibitory baseline that provides attentional focus and timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Navigation in ever-changing environments requires effective motor behaviors. Many insects have developed adaptive movement patterns which increase their success in achieving navigational goals. A conserved brain area in the insect brain, the Lateral Accessory Lobe, is involved in generating small scale search movements which increase the efficacy of sensory sampling. When the reliability of an essential navigational stimulus is low, searching movements are initiated whereas if the stimulus reliability is high, a targeted steering response is elicited. Thus, the network mediates an adaptive switching between motor patterns. We developed Spiking Neural Network models to explore how an insect inspired architecture could generate adaptive movements in relation to changing sensory inputs. The models are able to generate a variety of adaptive movement patterns, the majority of which are of the zig-zagging kind, as seen in a variety of insects. Furthermore, these networks are robust to noise. Because a large spread of network parameters lead to the correct movement dynamics, we conclude that the investigated network architecture is inherently well-suited to generating adaptive movement patterns.

IntroductionChronic low back pain is a common condition that imposes an enormous burden on individuals and society. Physical exercise with education is the most effective treatment, but generally results in small, albeit significant improvements. However, which type of exercise is most effective remains unknown. Core stability training is often used to improve muscle strength and spinal stability in these patients. The majority of the core stability exercises mentioned in intervention studies involve no spinal movements (static motor control exercises). It is questionable if these exercises would improve controlled movements of the spine. Sensor-based exergames controlled with spinal movements could help improve movement control of the spine. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of such sensor-based exergames to static motor control exercises on spinal movement control.Methods and analysisIn this quasi-randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with chronic low back pain who are already enrolled in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme will be recruited. Patients will be randomly allocated into one of two groups: the Sensor-Based Movement Control group (n = 30) or the Static Motor Control group (n = 30). Both groups will receive 8 weeks of two supervised therapy sessions and four home exercises per week in addition to the rehabilitation programme. At baseline (week 1) and after the intervention (week 10), movement control of the spine will be assessed using a tracking task and clinical movement control test battery. Questionnaires on pain, disability, fear avoidance and quality of life will be taken at baseline, after intervention and at 6- and 12 months follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVAs will be used to evaluate if a significant Group x Time interaction effect exists for the movement control evaluations.DiscussionSensor-based spinal controlled exergames are a novel way to train spinal movement control using meaningful and engaging feedback. The results of this study will inform clinicians and researchers on the efficacy of movement control training for patients with low back pain.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study protocol was obtained from the METC Brabant (protocol number NL76811.028.21).Trial registrationOpen Science Framework Registries (https://osf.io/v3mw9/), registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/V3MW9, registered on 1 September 2021.

The present study analyzed (a) whether a recently reported phenomenon of repeated bout rate enhancement in finger tapping (i.e., a cumulating increase in freely chosen finger tapping frequency following submaximal muscle activation in the form of externally unloaded voluntary tapping) could be replicated and (b) the hypotheses that the faster tapping was accompanied by changed vertical displacement of the fingertip and changed peak force during tapping. Right-handed, healthy, and recreationally active individuals (n = 24) performed two 3-min index finger tapping bouts at freely chosen tapping frequency, separated by 10-min rest. The recently reported phenomenon of repeated bout rate enhancement was replicated. The faster tapping (8.8 ± 18.7 taps/min, corresponding to 6.0 ± 11.0%, p = .033) was accompanied by reduced vertical displacement (1.6 ± 2.9 mm, corresponding to 6.3 ± 14.9%, p = .012) of the fingertip. Concurrently, peak force was unchanged. The present study points at separate control mechanisms governing kinematics and kinetics during finger tapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Utilizing Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and rehabilitation robots for motion control is an open research problem. In this paper, a new control algorithm has been proposed which was de-signed based on a combination of FES and an active mechanical actuator to control the knee joint movement. Methods: An adaptive controller and a Proportional-Derivative (PD) controller have adjusted the mo-tor torque and stimulation intensity, respectively. The FES controller was activated whenever a dis-turbance observer detected the presence of the external disturbance. In this manner, the occurrence of the muscle fatigue arises from the FES can be postponed. Results: The simulation studies were carried out on a model of muscle-joint system along with a model of a servo-motor. The computed RMS of the tracking errors compared to the range of knee motion show that the tracking performance is acceptable. In this research, the trajectories envisioned as the knee joint reference trajectory were designed using the recorded human data. Conclusion: The achieved results prove the ability of the proposed control strategy to not only reject the external disturbance but also compensate the muscle fatigue.

Objective: Commenting on the return to sport after some injury is in doubt. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between test scores of movement control and a history of knee and ankle injury in active females. Methods: Statistical population of this study was 57 active females (22 healthy subjects, 19 subjects with a history of previous knee injury and 16 subjects with a history of previous ankle injury) with age ranging from 18 to 25 years old. In order to evaluate subjects, were used to the movement control test set consists of nine separate questions. Total maximum points in the subtests were 40 points, which less point was a better result in these tests. For statistical analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Levene test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test were used (Significant at 95% and the alpha less than or equal 0.05, and using of the SPSS software v. 22). Results: The results of this study showed test scores of movement control earned by females with a history of ankle and knee injuries was significantly different with the healthy females (P=0.001).Compare scores of subjects with contact and non-contact injuries with healthy women showed that contact injury had higher scores than those who are non-contact injuries. The differences between the groups with any of these injuries are significant with no injury group (P=0.001).Cut-off point for this test was about 15.5. Conclusion: The scores of functional movement screening give a detailed model of the injury prevention to coaches in order to predict the risk of lower extremity injuries in athletes. So its need to coaches in order to the prevention of sports injuries, use the functional movement screening tests. To measure the performance level of the athletes before the start of the season, in order to identified athletes that are at risk of injury, in order to improve their capabilities.

The outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic had forced economies to implement movement restrictions that resulted in income shock to households. This study aims to gauge the impact of income shock due to movement control order (MCO). This study examined the factors that affect Malaysian household financial self-efficacy due to movement restrictions. A survey was conducted online from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 to gather responses from households. Data collected were analysed using the KMO sampling adequacy test, Bartlett's test, reliability, and factor analysis. More than 46% of the respondents' income was significantly decreased or somewhat decreased due to MCO. Financial tools, lifestyle adaptation, contingency plan and realisation of the impact of MCO had significantly affected household financial efficacy. Merebaknya pandemi covid-19 telah memaksa perekonomian menerapkan pembatasan pergerakan yang mengakibatkan guncangan pendapatan bagi sektor rumah tangga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur dampak guncangan pendapatan akibat Movement Control Order (MCO). Penelitian ini mengkaji faktorfaktor yang mempengaruhi efikasi diri keuangan sektor rumah tangga di Malaysia akibat pembatasan gerak. Survei dilakukan secara online dari 1 April 2020 hingga 30 Juni 2020 untuk mengumpulkan tanggapan dari sektor rumah tangga. Data yang terkumpul dianalisis menggunakan uji kecukupan sampel KMO, uji Bartlett, reliabilitas, dan analisis faktor. Lebih dari 46% pendapatan responden menurun secara signifikan atau agak menurun karena MCO. Alat keuangan, adaptasi gaya hidup, rencana kontinjensi dan realisasi dampak MCO secara signifikan mempengaruhi keberhasilan keuangan sektor rumah tangga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex tasks like hunting moving prey in an unpredictable environment require high levels of motor and sensory integration. An animal needs to detect and track suitable prey objects, measure their distance and orientation relative to its own position, and finally produce the correct motor output to approach and capture the prey. In the insect brain, the central complex (CX) is one target area where integration is likely to take place. In this study, we performed extracellular multi-unit recordings on the CX of freely hunting praying mantises (Tenodera sinensis). Initially, we recorded the neural activity of freely moving mantises as they hunted live prey. The recordings showed activity in cells that either reflected the mantis's own movements or the actions of a prey individual, which the mantises focused on. In the latter case, the activity increased as the prey moved and decreased when it stopped. Interestingly, cells ignored the movement of the other prey than the one to which the mantis attended. To obtain quantitative data, we generated simulated prey targets presented on an LCD screen positioned below the clear floor of the arena. The simulated target oscillated back and forth at various angles and distances. We identified populations of cells whose activity patterns were strongly linked to the appearance, movement, and relative position of the virtual prey. We refer to these as sensory responses. We also found cells whose activity preceded orientation movement toward the prey. We call these motor responses. Some cells showed both sensory and motor properties. Stimulation through tetrodes in some of the preparations could also generate similar movements. These results suggest the crucial importance of the CX to prey-capture behavior in predatory insects like the praying mantis and, hence, further emphasize its role in behaviorally and ecologically relevant contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to actively control movements of the lumbar spine (LMC) is believed to play an important role in non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). However, because NSCLBP is a multifactorial problem and LMC a complex ability, different aspects of LMC are still debated including the influence of pain, the question whether LMC is a cause or consequence of NSCLBP or whether differences in LMC are due to population variance. The complexity of LMC is reflected in the large number of described tests, hence it is not possible to evaluate LMC by a single test. LMC ability should be understood as a latent construct. The structure of LMC and how to summarize results of different single LMC tests is unknown. The dataset provided in this article was used to analyse the structural validity of LMC in NSCLBP. 277 participants (age 42.4 years (± 15.8), 61% female) performed 15 different test movements. 21 experienced physiotherapists rated the performance of each test movement on a nominal scale (correct/incorrect including the direction of test movement). A test was rated as “incorrect” if movement in the lumbar spine occurred prematurely and/or excessively based on the visual observation of a trained physiotherapist. In addition to the judgement whether the test performance was correct/incorrect the direction of test movement and the presence of pain was noted. For statistical analysis, raw data was converted to a binary scale (correct/incorrect). Item response theory (IRT) is recommended to analyse the data because the underlying statistical model is reflective, the single LMC tests are binary scaled (correct/incorrect) and the underlying ability (LMC) measured on a continuous scale. First dimensionality and local independence were analysed, followed by selection of the best fitting IRT model. Finally, IRT modelling was used to describe the psychometric properties of each item and each battery of tests. The datasets provided in this article are useful for calibration and for group comparisons. Besides they support a better understanding of LMC. ***Link to publication of original article in “musculoskeletal science and practice”***

Complex tasks like hunting moving prey in an unpredictable environment require high levels of motor and sensory integration. An animal needs to detect and track suitable prey objects, measure their distance and orientation relative to its own position, and finally produce the correct motor output to approach and capture the prey. In the insect brain, the central complex (CX) is one target area where integration is likely to take place. In this study, we performed extracellular multi-unit recordings on the CX of freely hunting praying mantises (Tenodera sinensis). Initially, we recorded the neural activity of freely moving mantises as they hunted live prey. The recordings showed activity in cells that either reflected the mantis's own movements or the actions of a prey individual, which the mantises focused on. In the latter case, the activity increased as the prey moved and decreased when it stopped. Interestingly, cells ignored the movement of the other prey than the one to which the mantis attended. To obtain quantitative data, we generated simulated prey targets presented on an LCD screen positioned below the clear floor of the arena. The simulated target oscillated back and forth at various angles and distances. We identified populations of cells whose activity patterns were strongly linked to the appearance, movement, and relative position of the virtual prey. We refer to these as sensory responses. We also found cells whose activity preceded orientation movement toward the prey. We call these motor responses. Some cells showed both sensory and motor properties. Stimulation through tetrodes in some of the preparations could also generate similar movements. These results suggest the crucial importance of the CX to prey-capture behavior in predatory insects like the praying mantis and, hence, further emphasize its role in behaviorally and ecologically relevant contexts.

An unpublished dedication to Mars, discovered in Zoui (Vazaiui), gives the first mention of ala Pannoniorum on the site. Combined with other clues, the numerous attestations of auxiliary units that were found suggest that this statio was a checkpoint at the beginning of a road opened in A.D. 100 towards Lambaesis. In this sector of Numidia, the imperial interventions and the mention of soldiers of different ranks do not indicate the existence of a threat that justified the presence of a defensive force. Rather, the military presence appears to have involved control of travel and roads, maintaining order, or intervening in imperial estates.

Goal-directed reaches are modified based on previous errors experienced (i.e., offline control) and current errors experienced during movement execution (i.e., online control). It is well documented that the control processes (i.e., offline and online control) underlying well learned movements change based on the time available to complete an action, such that offline control processes are engaged to a greater extent when movements are completed in a faster movement time (MT). Here, we asked if the underlying movement control processes governing newly acquired movements also change under varying MT constraints. Sixteen participants adapted their movements to a visuomotor distortion. Following reach training trials, participants reached under Long (800–1000 ms) and Short (400–500 ms) MT constraints. Results indicate that movement errors when reaching with the rotated cursor were reduced online under the Long MT constraint compared to the Short MT constraint. Thus, the contributions of offline and online movement control processes engaged in newly acquired movements can be adjusted with changes in temporal demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was investigated whether the phenomenon of repeated bout rate enhancement occurs during submaximal ergometer cycling. Repeated bout rate enhancement is defined as an increase of the freely, or spontaneously, chosen cadence during repeated bouts of pedalling and has previously been reported for finger tapping. This is relevant to study since cadence can affect biomechanical and physiological responses. Recreationally active individuals (n=27) performed five consecutive 5-min bouts of cycling at 100 W using freely chosen cadence. All bouts were separated by 10-min rest. Cadence, pedal force profile characteristics, heart rate, tympanic temperature, and rate of perceived exertion were determined during cycling. The primary result was that cadence at the end of 5. bout was statistically significantly higher than at the end of all other bouts. Overall, the cadence at the end of 5. bout was 15.6%±20.4% higher than at the end of 1. bout. The altered rhythmic motor behaviour was accompanied by a statistically significant effect of bout on the pedal force profile. Also, there was a statistically significant effect of bout on heart rate, which amounted to 125±17 and 131±26 beats/min at the end of 1. and 5. bout, respectively. Perhaps the observed increase of cadence occurred as a nonconscious rhythmogenesis process in form of a net excitation of relevant parts of the nervous system. In conclusion, repeated bout rate enhancement during submaximal ergometer cycling occurred. The freely chosen cadence showed an increase of on average about 15%, or 10 rpm, as accumulated values across five bouts of cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our brain can be recognized as a network of largely hierarchically organized neural circuits that operate to control specific functions, but when acting in parallel, enable the performance of complex and simultaneous behaviors. Indeed, many of our daily actions require concurrent information processing in sensorimotor, associative, and limbic circuits that are dynamically and hierarchically modulated by sensory information and previous learning. This organization of information processing in biological organisms has served as a major inspiration for artificial intelligence and has helped to create in silico systems capable of matching or even outperforming humans in several specific tasks, including visual recognition and strategy-based games. However, the development of human-like robots that are able to move as quickly as humans and respond flexibly in various situations remains a major challenge and indicates an area where further use of parallel and hierarchical architectures may hold promise. In this article we review several important neural and behavioral mechanisms organizing hierarchical and predictive processing for the acquisition and realization of flexible behavioral control. Then, inspired by the organizational features of brain circuits, we introduce a multi-timescale parallel and hierarchical learning framework for the realization of versatile and agile movement in humanoid robots. • Parallel processing loops allow for concurrent sensorimotor, associative, and limbic functions. • Hierarchical organization of sensorimotor processing facilitates flexible behavioral control. • Neuroscience-inspired learning frameworks can improve body movements in humanoid robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: Many exercise approaches have been suggested for the treatment of nonspecific chronic low back pain. However, the best exercise approach is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of three exercise approaches based on the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) on the pain management and motor control of men with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Methods: The study was designed with matched subjects. Thirty-three participants were randomly assigned to three training groups: NASM (n = 11), PRI (n = 11), and NASM-PRI integration (n = 11). Interventions: The participants in each group performed the exercise for eight weeks, three sessions per week and about one hour each session. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) scale and functional disability using the Roland-Morris questionnaire. Also, the movement control impairment was measured by the movement control impairment test set. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant interaction effect between pain perception, functional disability, and movement control impairment of the groups (P >.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that different types of exercise rehabilitation were not significantly different on pain reduction, functional disability, and movement control impairment. It is suggested that the participant's preference for an approach should also be considered for encouraging them to adhere to exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]