Potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults with lower-limb loss.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of, and explore factors related to, prescription of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) among older adults with lower-limb loss (LLL).

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional dataset collected through an interdisciplinary limb loss clinic between September 2013 and November 2022. Self-report medication lists were reviewed during in-clinic face-to-face interviews and compared to the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria corresponding to the patient's evaluation year.

Validating the measurement of upper limb sensorimotor behavior utilizing a tablet in neurologically intact controls and individuals with chronic stroke.

Background: Intact sensorimotor function of the upper extremity is essential for successfully performing activities of daily living. After a stroke, upper limb function is often compromised and requires rehabilitation. To develop appropriate rehabilitation interventions, sensitive and objective assessments are required.

Test-retest reliability for performance-based outcome measures among individuals with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Background: Most individuals with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a rare condition characterized by joint contractures in ≥ 2 body regions, have foot and ankle involvement leading to compromised gait and balance. The purpose of this study was to establish between-days, test-retest reliability for performance-based outcome measures evaluating gait and balance, i.e.

Short-term time-restricted feeding is safe and feasible in non-obese healthy midlife and older adults.

Chronic calorie restriction (CR) improves cardiovascular function and several other physiological markers of healthspan. However, CR is impractical in non-obese older humans due to potential loss of lean mass and bone density, poor adherence, and risk of malnutrition. Time-restricted feeding (TRF), which limits the daily feeding period without requiring a reduction in calorie intake, may be a promising alternative healthspan-extending strategy for midlife and older adults; however, there is limited evidence for its feasibility and efficacy in humans.

The plasma metabolome as a predictor of biological aging in humans.

Chronological age is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality; however, it is unable to account for heterogeneity in the decline of physiological function and health with advancing age. Several attempts have been made to instead define a "biological age" using multiple physiological parameters in order to account for variation in the trajectory of human aging; however, these methods require technical expertise and are likely too time-intensive and costly to be implemented into clinical practice. Accordingly, we sought to develop a metabolomic signature of biological aging that could predict changes in physiological function with the convenience of a blood sample.

A single high-intensity exercise bout during early consolidation does not influence retention or relearning of sensorimotor locomotor long-term memories.

A single exercise bout has been found to improve the retention of a skill-based upper extremity motor task up to a week post-practice. This effect is the greatest when exercise intensity is high and exercise is administered immediately after motor practice (i.e.

Achilles tendon cross-sectional area at 12 weeks post-rupture relates to 1-year heel-rise height.

Purpose: Achilles tendon rupture leads to long-term plantar flexor deficits, but some patients recover functional performance better than others. Early indicators of tendon healing could be helpful in establishing patient prognosis and making individualized decisions regarding rehabilitation progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between early tendon morphology and mechanical properties to long-term heel-rise and jumping function in individuals after Achilles tendon rupture.

Changes in gait mechanics and muscle activity with wedge height in an orthopaedic boot.

Background: Orthopaedic boots with wedging are commonly used in the treatment of individuals with Achilles tendon rupture to immobilize the foot in plantar flexion and approximate tendon ends.

Research Question: To describe changes in muscle activity of the triceps surae and gait mechanics with the use of wedges in an orthopaedic boot immediately and after an accommodation period.

Methods: Muscle activity of the triceps surae and gait parameters (vertical ground reaction force, knee extension power, gait speed) were collected using surface electromyography and motion capture in 12 healthy individuals.

Determining a transitional scoring link between PROMIS® pediatric and adult physical health measures.

Purpose: Having independent versions of the PROMIS® scales (for Pediatric and Adults) is problematic as scores cannot be evaluated longitudinally as individuals move from childhood into adulthood. The primary aim of this research project is to use item response theory (IRT) to develop a transitional scoring link (or "crosswalk") between the PROMIS adult and pediatric physical health measures.

Setting: Sample 1 was collected at 6 rehabilitation hospitals in the U.

Tendon morphology and mechanical properties assessed by ultrasound show change early in recovery and potential prognostic ability for 6-month outcomes.

Purpose: Optimizing tendon structural recovery during the first 12 weeks after Achilles tendon rupture is a prime target to improve patient outcomes, but a comprehensive understanding of biomarkers is needed to track early healing. The purpose of this study was to observe healing of tendon structure over time using ultrasound-based, tendon-specific measures and to identify relationships between tendon structural characteristics and clinical measures of gait and strength.

Methods: Twenty-seven participants (21 males, mean (SD) age 39 (11) years) were assessed at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after injury or surgery using ultrasound imaging techniques.

Influences of knee osteoarthritis and walking difficulty on knee kinematics and kinetics.

Background: Self-reported walking difficulty is a problem among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), however, these patients have never been studied as a subgroup population.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine known knee OA gait mechanics among those with knee OA, with (Diff) and without (NoDiff) self-reported walking difficulty, as compared to age- and sex-matched controls without knee OA.

Methods: A total of 39 subjects in three groups of 13 individuals walked at a controlled gait speed during instrumented gait analysis.

Gaps in appropriate use of treatment strategies in osteoarthritis.

Optimal management of osteoarthritis (OA) requires a combination of therapies, with behavioral (e.g., exercise and weight management) and rehabilitative components at the core, accompanied by pharmacological treatments and, in later stages, consideration of joint replacement surgery.

Infants Born Preterm Demonstrate Impaired Exploration of Their Bodies and Surfaces Throughout the First 2 Years of Life.

Background: Non-object-oriented exploratory behaviors infants perform with their bodies and surfaces have been proposed to be key precursors of infants' object exploration, early learning, and future cognitive development. Little is known about the developmental trajectories of these behaviors, especially for infants born preterm.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to longitudinally compare non-object-oriented exploratory behaviors performed by full-term and preterm infants.

Playskin Lift: Development and Initial Testing of an Exoskeletal Garment to Assist Upper Extremity Mobility and Function.

Background: A person's ability to move his or her arms against gravity is important for independent performance of critical activities of daily living and for exploration that facilitates early cognitive, language, social, and perceptual-motor development. Children with a variety of diagnoses have difficulty moving their arms against gravity.

Objective: The purpose of this technical report is to detail the design process and initial testing of a novel exoskeletal garment, the Playskin Lift, that assists and encourages children to lift their arms against gravity.

Characterization and intervention for upper extremity exploration & reaching behaviors in infancy.

This article aims to: 1) highlight general exploration, reaching, and object exploration behaviors as key activities of daily living in infancy, 2) describe how knowledge of early warning signs for these behaviors may improve early assessment, and 3) discuss interventions that may advance performance of these behaviors. Early intervention should focus on improving performance of these behaviors because: a) these early, interrelated upper extremity behaviors serve an integral role in global learning and development in infancy, b) among at-risk populations, differences have been observed in the quantity and quality of performance of these behaviors and, in many cases, these differences are associated with related perceptual-motor and cognitive delays. This article highlights how early assessment and intervention can target these key early behaviors in populations at risk for upper extremity disabilities, such as those born preterm, with Down syndrome, brachial plexus palsy, or arthrogryposis multiplex congentia.

Infants born preterm demonstrate impaired object exploration behaviors throughout infancy and toddlerhood.

Background: Object exploration behaviors form the foundation for future global development, but little is known about how these behaviors are exhibited by infants born preterm.

Objective: The study objective was to longitudinally compare a comprehensive set of object exploration behaviors in infants born preterm and infants born full-term from infancy into toddlerhood.

Design: Twenty-two infants born full-term and 28 infants born preterm were monitored as they interacted with objects throughout their first 2 years.