The DizzyQuest Combined with Accelerometry: Daily Physical Activities and Limitations among Patients with Bilateral Vestibulopathy Due to DFNA9.

Background: DFNA9 is a genetic disease of the inner ear, causing progressive bilateral sensorineural deafness and bilateral vestibulopathy (BV). In this study, DizzyQuest, a mobile vestibular diary, and the MOX accelerometer were combined to assess the daily life functional limitations and physical activity of patients with DFNA9 suffering from BV. These parameters might be appropriate as potential candidacy criteria and outcome measures for new therapeutic interventions for BV.

The ESA Parastronaut Feasibility Project: Investigating the Need and Contents of Physical Performance Tests for an Inclusive European Astronaut Corps.

Introduction: In 2022, the European Space Agency (ESA) held the first astronaut selection since the beginning of space flight that allowed physically impaired astronaut candidates to be selected in an inclusive European astronaut corp. The main objective of the 'parastronaut feasibility project' is to investigate if physical performance tests (PPTs) should be part of future astronaut recruitments for an inclusive ESA astronaut corps to test their flight readiness. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess if future (para-)astronaut recruitment campaigns should include PPTs to ensure flight readiness, safety, and mission success; (2) if so, which areas of physical performance should be tested to mimic nominal and off-nominal crew activities during all phases of a space mission; and (3) to assess whether PPTs are compatible with the ethical principles of equal opportunity for an inclusive pool of astronaut candidates.

Proportion of falls reported in persons with Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis.

Objective: Falls can be highly debilitating and have an important negative impact on the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an up-to-date overview of the prevalence of ≥1 fall and ≥2 falls in idiopathic PD.

Data Sources: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase and Cinahl databases were systematically searched until 04 July 2022 for prospective studies reporting fall prevalence in persons with idiopathic PD.

Movement in low gravity environments (MoLo) programme-The MoLo-L.O.O.P. study protocol.

Background: Exposure to prolonged periods in microgravity is associated with deconditioning of the musculoskeletal system due to chronic changes in mechanical stimulation. Given astronauts will operate on the Lunar surface for extended periods of time, it is critical to quantify both external (e.g.

Introducing the Concept of Exercise Holidays for Human Spaceflight - What Can We Learn From the Recovery of Bed Rest Passive Control Groups.

In an attempt to counteract microgravity-induced deconditioning during spaceflight, exercise has been performed in various forms on the International Space Station (ISS). Despite significant consumption of time and resources by daily exercise, including around one third of astronauts' energy expenditure, deconditioning-to variable extents-are observed. However, in future Artemis/Lunar Gateway missions, greater constraints will mean that the current high volume and diversity of ISS in-flight exercise will be impractical.

Falls Among People With Bilateral Vestibulopathy: A Review of Causes, Incidence, Injuries, and Methods.

Importance: People with bilateral vestibulopathy experience severe balance and mobility issues. Fear and anxiety are associated with reduced activity, which can further affect balance and fall risk. Understanding and intervening on falls in this population is essential.

Effect of age on treatment outcomes in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A systematic review.

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can lead to an increased fall risk in older adults. Therefore, we examined the influence of age on the effectiveness of canalith-repositioning procedures (CRPs) for the treatment of BPPV.

Methods: Pubmed, Web of Science, and the bibliographies of selected articles were searched for studies conducted before September 2020 that examined the effectiveness of treatments for BPPV in various age groups.

The Relationship Between the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and Balance Performance, Self-perceived Handicap, and Fall Status in Patients With Peripheral Dizziness or Imbalance.

Objective: Describe the relationship between the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) with balance performance, as well as fall status in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders.

Study Design: Retrospective.

Setting: Outpatient balance clinic, tertiary referral center.

An exploratory investigation on spatiotemporal parameters, margins of stability, and their interaction in bilateral vestibulopathy.

Integration of accurate vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive information is crucial in managing the centre of mass in relation to the base of support during gait. Therefore, bilateral loss of peripheral vestibular function can be highly debilitating when performing activities of daily life. To further investigate the influence of an impaired peripheral vestibular system on gait stability, spatiotemporal parameters, step-to-step variability, and mechanical stability parameters were examined in 20 patients with bilateral vestibulopathy and 20 matched healthy controls during preferred overground walking.

Paving the Way Toward Distinguishing Fallers From Non-fallers in Bilateral Vestibulopathy: A Wide Pilot Observation.

Patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) present with unsteadiness during standing and walking, limiting their activities of daily life and, more importantly, resulting in an increased risk of falling. In BVP patients, falls are considered as one of the major complications, with patients having a 31-fold increased risk of falling compared to healthy subjects. Thus, highlighting objective measures that can easily and accurately assess the risk of falling in BVP patients is an important step in reducing the incidence of falls and the accompanying burdens.

SWEAT2 study: effectiveness of trunk training on muscle activity after stroke. A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Trunk training after stroke is an effective method for improving trunk control, standing balance and mobility. The SWEAT study attempts to discover the underlying mechanisms leading to the observed mobility carry-over effects after trunk training.

Aim: A secondary analysis investigating the effect of trunk training on muscle activation patterns, muscle synergies and motor unit recruitment of trunk and lower limbs muscles, aimed to provide new insights in gait recovery after stroke.

Aging and the Relationship between Balance Performance, Vestibular Function and Somatosensory Thresholds.

Objectives: The objective of this study was two-fold: (1) To evaluate the impact of the physiological aging process on somatosensory, vestibular, and balance functions, and (2) To examine the extent to which age and somatosensory and vestibular functions can predict balance performance.

Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 141 asymptomatic subjects were assessed for touch pressure thresholds (TPT) with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWF), vibration thresholds (VT) with a neurothesiometer (NT) and a Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork 128Hz (RSTF). Horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflexes (HVOR gain and asymmetry) were assessed using the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT).

SWEAT2 Study: Effectiveness of Trunk Training on Gait and Trunk Kinematics After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Trunk training after stroke is an effective method for improving mobility, yet underlying associations leading to the observed mobility carryover effects are unknown. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of trunk training for gait and trunk kinematics and to find explanatory variables for the mobility carryover effects.

Methods: This study was an assessor-masked, randomized controlled trial.

An investigation of the spatio-temporal parameters of gait and margins of stability throughout adulthood.

Age-related changes in the way of walking may induce changes in dynamic stability. Therefore, the relationship between age, spatio-temporal characteristics and margins of stability was examined. One hundred and five healthy adults aged between 20 and 89 years old were analysed on spatio-temporal characteristics and margins of stability using three-dimensional motion analysis.

A Systematic Review on Balance Performance in Patients With Bilateral Vestibulopathy.

Objective: Patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) have severe balance deficits, but it is unclear which balance measures are best suited to quantify their deficits and approximate the diversity of their self-reports. The purpose of this study was to explore measures of balance control for quantifying the performance of patients with BVP related to different balance domains, allowing targeted assessment of response to intervention.

Methods: MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched on October 9, 2019.

Trunk biomechanics during walking after sub-acute stroke and its relation to lower limb impairments.

Background: Trunk function and lower limb strength seem to be the primary predictors for functional independence in acute stroke patients. Gaining a better understanding of their relationship during walking aids in the identification of intrinsic trunk control deficits and underlying lower limb deficits resulting in compensatory trunk movements.

Methods: Fifty-seven subjects with stroke and 57 age- and gender-matched subjects without disability were included.

Prospective cohort study on the predictors of fall risk in 119 patients with bilateral vestibulopathy.

Objectives: To identify predictive factors for falls in patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV). Specific variables contributing to the general work-up of a vestibular patient were compared between BV patients experiencing falls and those who did not.

Design: Prospective multi-centric cohort study.

Stimulating balance: recent advances in vestibular stimulation for balance and gait.

Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) can boost vestibular sensory thresholds via stochastic resonance and research on nGVS as an intervention for vestibulopathy has accelerated recently. Recent research has investigated the effects and associated mechanisms of nGVS on balance and gait. nGVS has potential as an intervention for balance and gait-related deficits in vestibulopathy, but further research into the mechanisms underlying these effects and consensus on stimulation protocols are required.

Sensory information and the perception of verticality in post-stroke patients. Another point of view in sensory reweighting strategies.

Introduction: Perception of verticality is highly related to balance control in human. Head-on-body tilt <60° results in the E-effect, meaning that a tilt of the perceived vertical is observed contralateral to the head tilt in the frontal plane. Furthermore, somatosensory loss also impacts the accuracy of verticality perception.

Do spatiotemporal parameters and gait variability differ across the lifespan of healthy adults? A systematic review.

Background: Aging is often associated with changes in the musculoskeletal system, peripheral and central nervous system. These age-related changes often result in mobility problems influencing gait performance. Compensatory strategies are used as a way to adapt to these physiological changes.