Prenatal Valproic Acid Induces Autistic-Like Behaviors in Rats via Dopaminergic Modulation in Nigrostriatal and Mesocorticolimbic Pathways.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder characterized by several behavioral impairments, especially in socialization, communication, and the occurrence of stereotyped behaviors. In rats, prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) induces autistic-like behaviors. Previous studies by our group have suggested that the autistic-like phenotype is possibly related to dopaminergic system modulation because tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression was affected.

Relationships among lateral medicine ball throw test performance, HIP and trunk muscle strength, and lower limb kinematics: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The lateral medicine ball throw (LMBT) test is used to evaluate the throwing action, involving the entire kinetic chain and the principle of force transfer, with association between the strength of the lower limb and trunk muscles and the lower limb kinematics. The LMBT to investigate the association between lower limb kinematics and hip and trunk muscle strength.

Experimental: This was a cross-sectional study with 84 healthy and physically active young people.

Do Autistic and Depressed Rats Express the Same Type of Maternal Care?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is more frequently diagnosed in men. Nevertheless, through current diagnostic tools, women have also been found to be affected by this disorder, but in different ways. Few studies have been conducted regarding unique periods of life, such as motherhood.

Posturography measures in specific ballet stance position discriminate ballet dancers with different occurrences of musculoskeletal injuries.

Background: This study aimed to identify the postural sway variables that can distinguish between ballet dancers with high and low occurrences of musculoskeletal injuries.

Methods: Fourteen professional ballet dancers were assigned to a high-occurrence group (N = 5, reports >2 injuries in the previous 6-months) or a low-occurrence group (N = 9, reports ≤1 injury). Center-of-pressure (COP) data were acquired using a force platform during the following tasks: single-leg stance with eyes open, single-leg stance with eyes closed, and demi-pointe stance with eyes open.

Adding neuromuscular training to a strengthening program did not produce additional improvement in clinical or kinematic outcomes in women with patellofemoral pain: A blinded randomised controlled trial.

Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a knee pain condition with multifactorial aetiology, twice common in women. The recommended conservative treatment is based on strengthening of the core, hip, and knee musculatures. Addition of neuromuscular training to a strengthening protocol might provide further benefits on pain, function, and kinematics in PFP individuals.