Kinematic Analysis of Reaching Tasks at Different Execution Speeds in Children with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy.

The aim of this study was to compare the kinematics of reaching tasks at different speeds between children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) and unaffected controls. This cross-sectional study included thirteen children with NBPP (10 ± 2 years old, of which six had upper Erb's palsy and seven had extended Erb's palsy) matched for age and sex with thirteen unaffected controls. Kinematic data were acquired using a Motion Monitor unit with a 3D motion tracking electromagnetic system (Liberty, Polhemus).

Effect of a Perturbation-Based Balance Training Session on Adaptive Locomotor Response in Older Adults With a History of Falls.

Aim: To assess the adaptive response of older adults with a history of falls in a single Perturbation-Based Balance Training (PBT) session by examining the margin of stability (MoS) and the number of falls.

Methods: Thirty-two older adults with a history of falls underwent a treadmill walking session lasting 20-25 min. During the PBT protocol, participants experienced 24 unexpected perturbations delivered in two ways: acceleration or deceleration of the treadmill belt, with 12 perturbations in each direction.

Analysis of the accuracy and reliability of vertical jump evaluation using a low-cost acquisition system.

Background: The vertical jump can be analyzed based on the flight time achieved by the individual. This measurement can be obtained using a force platform or a three-dimensional infrared camera system, but such equipment is expensive and requires training for data collection and processing. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of using a smartphone and the Kinovea software compared with a force platform as a method of vertical jump analysis.

Migraine and balance impairment: Influence of subdiagnosis, otoneurological function, falls, and psychosocial factors.

Objective: To assess the balance sensory organization among patients with migraine, considering the influence of migraine subdiagnosis, otoneurological function, falls, and psychosocial factors.

Background: Migraine has been associated with vestibular symptoms and balance dysfunction; however, neither comprehensive balance assessment nor associated factors for greater impairment have been addressed thus far.

Methods: Patients from a tertiary headache clinic with a diagnosis of episodic migraine with aura (MWA), without aura (MWoA), and chronic migraine (CM) were included for this cross-sectional study (30 patients per group).

Migraine With Aura Is Related to Delayed Motor Control Reaction and Imbalance Following External Perturbations.

It is evidenced that migraineurs present balance deficits. However, the balance recovery following unexpected ground perturbations, which reflect conditions of everyday activities, has not been investigated in this population. We aimed to assess the reactive postural responses among patients with migraine with and without aura, chronic migraine, and controls.

Comparison of Foot Kinematics and Foot Plantar Area and Pressure Among Five Different Closed Kinematic Tasks.

Background: Different closed kinematic tasks may present different magnitudes of knee abduction, foot pronation, and foot plantar pressure and area. Although there are plenty of studies comparing knee abduction between different tasks, the literature lacks information regarding differences in foot pronation and foot plantar pressure and area. We compared foot angular displacement in the frontal plane and foot plantar pressure and area among five closed kinematic tasks.

Manipulation of Human Verticality Using High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.

Using conventional tDCS over the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) we previously reported that it is possible to manipulate subjective visual vertical (SVV) and postural control. We also demonstrated that high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) can achieve substantially greater cortical stimulation focality than conventional tDCS. However, it is critical to establish dose-response effects using well-defined protocols with relevance to clinically meaningful applications.

Characterizing postural oscillation in children and adolescents with hereditary sensorimotor neuropathy.

Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) has negative functional impact on postural control of children; however, it has not been widely studied. Stabilometry can provide insights about postural control and guide preventive interventions in immature perceptual and musculoskeletal systems as those seen in children with CMT. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and interpret stabilometric variables that reflect the postural control of children with CMT.

Immediate effect of scapula-focused exercises performed with kinematic biofeedback on scapular kinematics in individuals with subacromial pain syndrome.

Background: Given the changes in the patterns of muscular activation and scapular movement in individuals with subacromial pain syndrome, the use of neuromuscular training has been considered in rehabilitation protocols. There is currently no evidence of the effects of the use of three-dimensional (3D) kinematic biofeedback on individuals with subacromial pain syndrome. This study aimed to determine the immediate effect of scapular motor control exercises using 3D kinematic biofeedback on the scapular kinematics, inter-segment coordination and pain of individuals with subacromial pain syndrome.

Patients with chronic, but not episodic, migraine display altered activity of their neck extensor muscles.

The current study aimed to investigate differences in activity of neck flexor and extensor muscles in women with migraine considering the chronicity of their condition. Thirty-one subjects with episodic migraine, 21 with chronic migraine and 31 healthy controls participated. Surface electromyography signals were recorded bilaterally from the sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalene, splenius capitis and upper trapezius muscles as subjects performed 5 stages of cranio-cervical flexion (CCF), representing a progressive increase in range of CCF motion.