The Effects of Cognition and Vision While Walking in Younger and Older Adults.

This study investigated how various cognitive tasks and visual challenges affect dual-task walking costs (DTWC) in younger and older adults. Twenty younger adults (Mean = 22.25, SD = 3.

Accuracy and Reliability of Onset Detection Algorithms in Gait Initiation for Healthy Controls and Participants With Parkinson's Disease.

Accurate and reliable detection of the onset of gait initiation is essential for the correct assessment of gait. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of 3 different center of pressure-based gait onset detection algorithms: A displacement baseline-based algorithm (method 1), a velocity baseline-based algorithm (method 2), and a velocity extrema-based algorithm (method 3). The center of pressure signal was obtained during 10 gait initiation trials from 16 healthy participants and 3 participants with Parkinson's disease.

Wavelet-Based Analysis of Physical Activity and Sleep Movement Data from Wearable Sensors among Obese Adults.

Decreased physical activity in obese individuals is associated with a prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Physicians usually recommend that obese individuals change their lifestyle, specifically changes in diet, exercise, and other physical activities for obesity management. Therefore, understanding physical activity and sleep behavior is an essential aspect of obesity management.

Green synthesized selenium nanoparticles using Spermacoce hispida as carrier of s-allyl glutathione: to accomplish hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity against acetaminophen toxicity.

s-allyl glutathione (SAG) an analogue of glutathione is explored for its antioxidative and liver protection property in recent years. Selenium nanoparticles (Sh-SeNPs) were synthesized using medicinal plant Spermacoce hispida and conjugated with SAG (SAG-Sh-SeNPs). SAG-Sh-SeNPs and Sh-SeNPs were characterized using by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and zeta potential analysis.

The effects of a multicomponent intervention program on clinical outcomes associated with falls in healthy older adults.

Background: Multicomponent intervention programs have been shown to be effective in reducing risk factors associated with falls, but the primary target population of these interventions is often low-functioning older adults.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention program focusing on balance and muscle strength for independently functioning community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: Fifty-three independently functioning older adults, aged 80.

Rapid biosynthesis of Bauhinia variegata flower extract-mediated silver nanoparticles: an effective antioxidant scavenger and α-amylase inhibitor.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using Bauhinia variegata flower extract (BVFE). The BVF-AgNPs was found to be spherical shaped with the size of 5-15 nm. The phytoconstituents analysis and FTIR spectrum indicated that bioactive compounds like, phenols, flavonoids, benzophenones, nitro compounds, aromatics and aliphatic amines from BVFE might absorb on the surface of BVF-AgNPs.

Role of impaired vision during dual-task walking in young and older adults.

While cognitive-motor interference in dual-task activities is well established, it is still unknown how such interference is influenced by concurrent visual challenges. Nineteen community-dwelling healthy, cognitively intact, older adults (Mean±SD=71.45±1.

Real-time biofeedback device for gait rehabilitation of post-stroke patients.

In this work, we develop a device, called 'Walk-Even', that can provide real-time feedback to correct gait asymmetry commonly exhibited in post-stroke survivors and persons with certain neurological disorders. The device computes gait parameters, including gait time, swing time, and stance time of each leg, to detect gait asymmetry and provide corresponding real-time biofeedback by means of auditory and electrotactile stimulation to actively correct the user's gait. The system consists of customized force-sensor-embedded insoles adjustable to fit any shoe size, electrotactile and auditory feedback circuits, microcontroller, and wireless XBee transceivers.

Plant extract as environmental-friendly green catalyst for the reduction of hexavalent chromium in tannery effluent.

The aqueous extract of various plants like Coriandrum sativum (AECS), Alternanthera tenella colla (AEAT), Spermacoce hispida (AESH) and Mollugo verticillata (AEMV) was studied for its hexavalent chromium (Cr) reduction property. Even though antioxidant activity was present, AEAT, AESH and AEMV did not reduce Cr. AECS showed rapid and dose-dependent Cr reduction.

Robotic-assisted locomotor training enhances ankle performance in adults with incomplete spinal cord injury.

Objective: Ankle joint control plays an important role in independent walking. This study investigated the effects of robotic-assisted locomotor training on impaired ankle joint control in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury.

Methods: Sixteen individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury underwent 12 one-h sessions of robotic-assisted locomotor training for 4 weeks, while 16 individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury served as inactive controls.

Phyto-synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Alternanthera tenella leaf extract: an effective inhibitor for the migration of human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells.

In this study, phyto-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using an aqueous leaf extract of Alternanthera tenella. The phytochemical screening results revealed that flavonoids are responsible for the AgNPs formation. The AgNPs were characterised using UV-visible spectrophotometer, field emission scanning microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction.

The effects of age on stabilization of the mediolateral trajectory of the swing foot.

To ensure stability during gait, mediolateral placement of the swinging foot must be actively regulated. Logically this occurs through end-point control of the swing limb trajectory, the precision of which is quantified as step-width variability (SWV). Increased SWV with age may reflect reduced precision of this control, but cannot describe if, and how, age-related changes in lower limb kinematic synergies account for reduced precision.

Feedforward postural control in individuals with multiple sclerosis during load release.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the organization of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) during self-initiated perturbation in the sagittal plane. Eleven individuals with MS and eleven age-and-gender matched healthy controls were asked to hold a 2.27 kg load in the extended arms and release it using fast arm abduction movements.

Postural control in response to an external perturbation: effect of altered proprioceptive information.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of altered proprioception on anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory (CPAs) postural adjustments and their interaction. Nine healthy adults were exposed to external perturbations induced at the shoulder level while standing with intact or altered proprioception induced by bilateral Achilles tendon vibration. Visual information was altered (eyes open or closed) in both the conditions.

Anticipatory postural adjustments in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently exhibit difficulties in balance maintenance. It is known that anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) play an important role in postural control. However, no information exists on how people living with MS utilize APAs for control of posture.

Early and late components of feed-forward postural adjustments to predictable perturbations.

Objectives: The purpose was to investigate two types of feed-forward postural adjustments associated with preparation to predictable external perturbations.

Methods: Nine subjects stood on a wedge, toes-up or toes-down while a pendulum impacted their shoulders. EMGs of leg and trunk muscles were analyzed within the framework of the uncontrolled manifold hypothesis.

The effect of decreased visual acuity on control of posture.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of visual acuity on the anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory (CPAs) components of postural control.

Methods: Ten individuals participated in the experiments involving perturbations induced by a pendulum while their visual acuity was altered. The different visual acuity conditions were no glasses, blurred vision induced by wearing glasses with positive or negative lenses, and no vision.

Postural control in response to a perturbation: role of vision and additional support.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the availability of vision and additional support on anticipatory (APA) and compensatory (CPA) postural adjustments and their interaction. Eight healthy adults were exposed to external perturbations induced at the shoulder level while standing with and without holding onto a walker in full vision and while blindfolded. Electrical activity of the trunk and leg muscles and center of pressure (COPAP) displacement were recorded and quantified within the time intervals typical of APA and CPA.

Two stages and three components of the postural preparation to action.

Previous studies of postural preparation to action/perturbation have primarily focused on anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), the changes in muscle activation levels resulting in the production of net forces and moments of force. We hypothesized that postural preparation to action consists of two stages: (1) Early postural adjustments (EPAs), seen a few hundred ms prior to an expected external perturbation and (2) APAs seen about 100 ms prior to the perturbation. We also hypothesized that each stage consists of three components, anticipatory synergy adjustments seen as changes in covariation of the magnitudes of commands to muscle groups (M-modes), changes in averaged across trials levels of muscle activation, and mechanical effects such as shifts of the center of pressure.

Effects of task complexity on coordination of inter-limb and within-limb forces in static bimanual manipulation.

Coordination of the hand grip (G; acting normally to the grasping surface) and load forces (L; acting in parallel) in bimanual static tasks was studied. L symmetry (either the magnitude or direction) and frequency were manipulated in healthy participants (N = 14). More complex tasks (i.

Hand function in multiple sclerosis: force coordination in manipulation tasks.

Objective: To evaluate the methodology for exploring the specific aspects of functional impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) through the pattern of forces exerted in various manipulation tasks.

Methods: Twelve mildly involved MS patients (EDSS 2.5-5.

Force coordination in static manipulation: discerning the contribution of muscle synergies and cutaneous afferents.

Both an elaborate coordination of the hand grip force (G; normal component of force acting at the digits-object contact area) and load force (L; tangential component), and the role of cutaneous afferents in G-L coordination have been well documented in a variety of manipulation tasks. However, our recent studies revealed that G-L coordination deteriorates when L consecutively changes direction (bidirectional tasks; e.g.

Impaired object manipulation in mildly involved individuals with multiple sclerosis.

We investigated hand function in mildly involved multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (N = 16; Expanded Disability Status Scale 1-5, 9-hole peg test 14-32 s) during static and dynamic manipulation tasks using an instrumented device. When compared with healthy controls (N = 16), the patients revealed impaired task performance regarding their ability to exert prescribed patterns of load force (L; force acting tangentially at the digits-object surface). Regarding the coordination of grip force (G; normal component) and L, the data only revealed an elevated G/L ratio, although both the G and L coupling (maximum correlation coefficients and the time lags between them) and the G modulation (gain and offset of G with respect to L) remained comparable in the two groups.

Force coordination in static manipulation tasks: effects of the change in direction and handedness.

A number of studies have demonstrated high coordination of the hand grip force (GF; normal component of force acting at the digits-object contact area) and load force (LF; tangential component) in a variety of manipulation tasks. The aim of the study was to explore the mainly neglected effect of the change in LF direction and the effect of handedness on GF and LF coordination in bimanual manipulation task. Subjects (N = 14) exerted a bimanual sinusoidal LF pattern against externally fixed handles in trials that gradually changed from unidirectional (LF exerted only in one direction) to fully bidirectional (equal LF peaks in two opposite directions).

Elaborate force coordination of precision grip could be generalized to bimanual grasping techniques.

Exceptional coordination of grip (G; the normal force that prevents slippage of the grasped object) and load force (L; the tangential force originating from the object's weight and inertia) has been interpreted as a part of evidence that both the anatomy and neural control of human hands have been predominantly designed for manipulation tasks. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the precision grasp (uses only the tips of fingers and the thumb of one hand) provides better indices of G and L coordination in static manipulation tasks than two bimanual grasps (palm-palm and fingers-thumb; both using opposing segments of two hands). However, in addition to a subtle difference in relative timing of G and L between the precision and two bimanual grasps, we only found that the fingers-thumb grasp is characterized with higher G/L ratio and somewhat higher modulation of G than not only the precision, but also the bimanual palm-palm grasp.