Background: Validation of biomarkers of upper motor neuron (UMN) impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) requires a reliable clinical assessment of UMN findings. The Penn Upper Motor Neuron Score© (PUMNS) is a standardized measure of UMN signs in ALS. Our aims were to evaluate its intra- and inter-rater reliability, and to examine inter-item reliability as a proxy for item relatedness and scale efficiency.
Methods: Study procedures were performed during routine clinic visits. We calculated intra and inter-rater reliability using Pearson's correlation coefficient and inter-item reliability using Cronbach's alpha.
Results: PUMNS had high intra and inter-rater reliability. Total and sub-score correlation coefficients were all ≥0.96. The inter-item reliability indicated appropriate item relatedness with reasonable efficiency and sub-score correlation coefficients between 0.68 and 0.85.
Conclusions: PUMNS is a reliable measure of UMN signs in ALS and would be a useful tool in validating imaging and laboratory biomarkers of UMN injury in ALS.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mus.26764 | DOI Listing |
Exp Physiol
January 2025
Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
Blood flow restriction (BFR) combined with low work rate exercise can enhance muscular and cardiovascular fitness. However, whether neural mechanisms mediate these enhancements remains unknown. This study examined changes in corticospinal excitability and motor cortical inhibition following arm cycle ergometry with and without BFR.
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January 2025
Trisco Foods, Carole Park, Queensland, Australia.
Introduction: Fluid thickeners used in the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia exhibit non-Newtonian shear-thinning rheology, impacting their viscosity during deglutition. This study investigated how the rheological properties of thickened fluids affect pharyngeal swallowing parameters in patients with oropharyngeal motor disorders diagnosed by pharyngeal high-resolution manometry impedance (P-HRM-I).
Methods: Seventy-two patients (18-89 years) referred for P-HRM-I were diagnostically assessed with a 10 mL thin bolus.
Curr Drug Saf
January 2025
Anesthesiology, Surgical Intensive Care and Pain Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kafr-El Sheikh University, Kafr-El Sheikh, Egypt.
Background: For surgical procedures of the upper limbs, ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCBPB) represents a safe substitute for general anesthesia. The present study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of incorporating 1μg/kg dexmedetomidine (DEX) into 20 ml bupivacaine, as opposed to using 20 ml and 30 ml bupivacaine without additives, in SCBPB.
Methods: This randomized, controlled, double-blind study included 75 patients assigned to elective upper-limb surgery under the mid-humerus level.
Curr Pharm Des
January 2025
Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor symptoms, and cognitive impairment. The complexity in treating ALS arises from genetic and environmental factors, contributing to the gradual decline of lower and upper motor neurons. The anticipated pharmaceutical market valuation for ALS is projected to reach $1,038.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Neurol
January 2025
Department of Oral Medical Science and Biotechnology, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, BIND, CARES, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders of movement development that may cause activity limitations. In this context, robot-assisted therapy might play a key role in clinical management. This comprehensive systematic review aimed to investigate the efficacy of robotic systems in improving upper limb (UL) functions in children with CP.
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