Interference between postural control and spatial vs. non-spatial auditory reaction time tasks in older adults.

This study investigated whether spatial aspects of an information processing task influence dual-task interference. Two groups (Older/Young) of healthy adults participated in dual-task experiments. Two auditory information processing tasks included a frequency discrimination choice reaction time task (non-spatial task) and a lateralization choice reaction time task (spatial task).

Erratum to: postural adjustment errors during lateral step initiation in older and younger adults.

The purpose was to examine age differences and varying levels of step response inhibition on the performance of a voluntary lateral step initiation task. Seventy older adults (70 – 94 y) and twenty younger adults (21 – 58 y) performed visually-cued step initiation conditions based on direction and spatial location of arrows, ranging from a simple choice reaction time task to a perceptual inhibition task that included incongruous cues about which direction to step (e.g.

Postural adjustment errors during lateral step initiation in older and younger adults.

The purpose was to examine age differences and varying levels of step response inhibition on the performance of a voluntary lateral step initiation task. Seventy older adults (70-94 years) and twenty younger adults (21-58 years) performed visually cued step initiation conditions based on direction and spatial location of arrows, ranging from a simple choice reaction time task to a perceptual inhibition task that included incongruous cues about which direction to step (e.g.

Functional brain imaging of multi-sensory vestibular processing during computerized dynamic posturography using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive brain imaging method that uses light to record regional changes in cerebral blood flow in the cortex during activation. fNIRS uses portable wearable sensors to allow measurements of brain activation during tasking. In this study, fNIRS was used to investigate how the brain processes information from multiple sensory modalities during dynamic posturography.

Visual-vestibular stimulation influences spatial and non-spatial cognitive processing.

This study investigated the impact of visual-vestibular stimulation on performance of an auditory information processing task in young and older adults. Performance on a spatial choice reaction time task was compared to performance on a non-spatial choice reaction time task. The tasks were performed during simultaneous rotational and moving visual stimulation.

Postural adjustment errors reveal deficits in inhibition during lateral step initiation in older adults.

Postural dual-task studies have demonstrated effects of various executive function components on gait and postural control in older adults. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of inhibition during lateral step initiation. Forty older adults participated (range 70-94 yr).

Guidelines for the use of wheelchair postural support devices during travel in motor vehicles.

Questions are often raised about whether the use of postural support devices while seated in a wheelchair during travel in a motor vehicle can have potential benefits or result in harm. The benefits or harm are generally unknown as current crash-test dummies are not designed to evaluate postural supports, and there are little to no injury data for these devices in the motor-vehicle environment. Despite these limitations, guidelines and best practices can be developed for use of postural support devices during travel in a motor vehicle using basic principles of occupant protection and knowledge about injury biomechanics.

Characterization of pediatric wheelchair kinematics and wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint system loading during rear impact.

This study characterizes pediatric wheelchair kinematic responses and wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint system (WTORS) loading during rear impact. It also examines the kinematic and loading effects of wheelchair headrest inclusion in rear impact. In two separate rear-impact test scenarios, identical WC19-compliant manual pediatric wheelchairs were tested using a seated Hybrid III 6-year-old anthropomorphic test device (ATD) to evaluate wheelchair kinematics and WTORS loading.

Effect of wheelchair headrest use on pediatric head and neck injury risk outcomes during rear impact.

Comparative risks or benefits to wheelchair-seated pediatric occupants in motor vehicles associated with wheelchair headrest use during rear impact were evaluated using pediatric head and neck injury outcome measures. A Hybrid III 6-year-old anthropomorphic test device (ATD), seated in identical WC19-compliant pediatric manual wheelchairs, was used to measure head and neck response during a 25 km/h (16 mph), 11 g rear impact. ATD responses were evaluated across two test scenarios: three sled tests conducted without headrests, and three with slightly modified commercial headrests.