The effect of motor imagery on quality of movement when performing reaching tasks in healthy subjects: A proof of concept

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbora Kolářová ◽  
Jim Richards ◽  
Hana Ondráčková ◽  
Klára Lippertová ◽  
Louise Connell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Reaching Tasks ◽  
Quality Of Movement

scholarly journals SWE and SMI ultrasound techniques for monitoring needling treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: study protocol for a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengyu Wang ◽  
Wen Fu ◽  
Lingcui Meng ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
Lihua Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Acupuncture Group ◽  
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound ◽  
Sham Control ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a high-incidence disease in young men that interferes with patients’ physical and mental wellbeing and overall quality of life (QoL). It is often accompanied by arthralgia, stiffness, and limited lumbar flexibility. Acupuncture is safe and effective for reducing the symptoms of AS, but the underlying mechanisms by which it does so are not fully understood. Therefore, to objectively assess acupuncture efficacy, which is critical for patients making informed decisions about appropriate treatments, we will use shear-wave elastography (SWE) and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) ultrasound techniques to evaluate elasticity of lumbar paraspinal muscles and blood flow to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in AS. Methods We will recruit a total of 60 participants diagnosed with AS and 30 healthy subjects. Participants will be randomly allocated 1:1 to either an acupuncture group or a sham control acupuncture group. Primary-outcome measures will be musculoskeletal ultrasound, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Scale (ASQoL), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcome measures will be the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Function Index (BASFI), and Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14). We will monitor the effect of acupuncture or sham acupuncture on blood flow and SIJ inflammation using SMI, lumbar-muscle stiffness using SWE and the lumbar paraspinal-muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) using a two-dimensional (2D) grayscale imaging. QoL, physical function, and fatigue will be assessed using an evaluation scale or questionnaire developed for this study, with outcomes measured by the ASQoL, BASMI, BASDAI, BASFI, and FS-14. Healthy subjects will not receive acupuncture but undergo only musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline. Acupuncture and sham control acupuncture interventions will be conducted for 30 min, 2–3 times/week for 12 weeks. Musculoskeletal ultrasound will be conducted at baseline and post-intervention, while other outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and post-intervention. The statistician, outcome assessor, and participants will be blinded to treatment allocation. Discussion The results of this single-blinded, randomized trial with sham controls could help demonstrate the efficacy of acupuncture and clarify whether musculoskeletal ultrasound could be used to evaluate AS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2000031476. Registered 3 April 2020.

scholarly journals Critical appraisal and meta-analysis of biological variation studies on glycosylated albumin, glucose and HbA1c

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Ricós ◽  
Pilar Fernández-Calle ◽  
Elisabet Gonzalez-Lao ◽  
Margarida Simón ◽  
Jorge Díaz-Garzón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Biological Variation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Literature Searches ◽  
Variation Data ◽  
Global Estimates ◽  
Systematic Literature Searches

AbstractObjectivesNumerous biological variation (BV) studies have been performed over the years, but the quality of these studies vary. The objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review and critical appraisal of BV studies on glycosylated albumin and to deliver updated BV estimates for glucose and HbA1c, including recently published high-quality studies such as the European Biological Variation study (EuBIVAS).MethodsSystematic literature searches were performed to identify BV studies. Nine publications not included in a previous review were identified; four for glycosylated albumin, three for glucose, and three for HbA1c. Relevant studies were appraised by the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC). Global BV estimates were derived by meta-analysis of BIVAC-compliant studies in healthy subjects with similar study design.ResultsOne study received BIVAC grade A, 2B, and 6C. In most cases, the C-grade was associated with deficiencies in statistical analysis. BV estimates for glycosylated albumin were: CVI=1.4% (1.2–2.1) and CVG=5.7% (4.7–10.6), whereas estimates for HbA1c, CVI=1.2% (0.3–2.5), CVG=5.4% (3.3–7.3), and glucose, CVI=5.0% (4.1–12.0), CVG=8.1% (2.7–10.8) did not differ from previously published global estimates.ConclusionsThe critical appraisal and rating of BV studies according to their methodological quality, followed by a meta-analysis, generate robust, and reliable BV estimates. This study delivers updated and evidence-based BV estimates for glycosylated albumin, glucose and HbA1c.

scholarly journals Gut microbiota profiles and characterization of cultivable fungal isolates in IBS patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Sciavilla ◽  
Francesco Strati ◽  
Monica Di Paola ◽  
Monica Modesto ◽  
Francesco Vitali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Abstract Studies so far conducted on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been focused mainly on the role of gut bacterial dysbiosis in modulating the intestinal permeability, inflammation, and motility, with consequences on the quality of life. Limited evidences showed a potential involvement of gut fungal communities. Here, the gut bacterial and fungal microbiota of a cohort of IBS patients have been characterized and compared with that of healthy subjects (HS). The IBS microbial community structure differed significantly compared to HS. In particular, we observed an enrichment of bacterial taxa involved in gut inflammation, such as Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, Fusobacteria, Gemella, and Rothia, as well as depletion of health-promoting bacterial genera, such as Roseburia and Faecalibacterium. Gut microbial profiles in IBS patients differed also in accordance with constipation. Sequence analysis of the gut mycobiota showed enrichment of Saccharomycetes in IBS. Culturomics analysis of fungal isolates from feces showed enrichment of Candida spp. displaying from IBS a clonal expansion and a distinct genotypic profiles and different phenotypical features when compared to HS of Candida albicans isolates. Alongside the well-characterized gut bacterial dysbiosis in IBS, this study shed light on a yet poorly explored fungal component of the intestinal ecosystem, the gut mycobiota. Our results showed a differential fungal community in IBS compared to HS, suggesting potential for new insights on the involvement of the gut mycobiota in IBS. Key points • Comparison of gut microbiota and mycobiota between IBS and healthy subjects • Investigation of cultivable fungi in IBS and healthy subjects • Candida albicans isolates result more virulent in IBS subjects compared to healthy subjects

scholarly journals Isokinetic Trunk Strength in Acute Low Back Pain Patients Compared to Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2576
Author(s):  
Waleska Reyes-Ferrada ◽  
Luis Chirosa-Rios ◽  
Angela Rodriguez-Perea ◽  
Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽  
Ignacio Chirosa-Rios
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Isokinetic Strength ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Acute Low Back Pain ◽  
Trunk Strength

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to: (I) determine the quality of evidence from studies assessing trunk isokinetic strength in subjects with acute low back pain (ALBP) compared to healthy subjects and (II) establish reference values of isokinetic trunk strength in subjects with ALBP. Methodology: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements were followed using keywords associated with trunk, strength and low back pain. Four databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS). Results: A total of 1604 articles were retrieved, four included in this review. All were evaluated as high risk of bias (Rob). Due to the high Rob and the diversity of protocols, instruments and variables used, it was not possible to determine reference values for subjects with ALBP, we can only establish a range of flexion peak torque (PT) between 175.1 and 89.7 Nm at 60°/s and between 185 and 81.5 Nm at 120°/s, and for extension PT between 240.0 and 91.5 Nm at 60°/s and between 217.5 and 69.2 Nm at 120°/s in subjects with ALBP. Conclusions: Due to the low quality of the evidence and the diversity of protocols used when measuring trunk isokinetic strength, it is necessary to carry out new high-quality research to establish reference values of trunk strength in subjects with ALBP.

A Pilot Study: Application of Hemoglobin and Cortisol Levels, and A Memory Test to Evaluate the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wings TY Loo ◽  
Michael CW Yip ◽  
Louis WC Chow ◽  
Qing Liu ◽  
Elizabeth LY Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Background Short-term memory (STM) decline in breast cancer patients resulting from chemotherapy was evaluated by means of blood biomarkers, a questionnaire, and a computerized STM test. Methods This study was conducted from January 2013 to June 2013, recruiting 90 subjects: 30 breast cancer patients beginning the 3rd of 4th cycles of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, 30 recovered patients (who completed 4 cycles of docetaxel for a minimum of 6 months), and 30 healthy subjects (disease-free females). The levels of hemoglobin, red and white blood cells, and cortisol in serum, and a computerized STM test were analyzed to estimate the effects of chemotherapy on STM. A questionnaire was given to all subjects to assess quality of life. Results Statistically significant differences were observed for the blood parameters (hemoglobin, red and white blood cells, and cortisol levels) between healthy and on-treatment subjects (respectively 13.47±0.96 g/dL vs 5.37±0.38 g/dL, 4.58±0.41 1012/L vs 2.07±0.13 1012/L, and 6.15±1.03 109/L vs 0.86±0.41 109/L). Scores of the STM test were significantly lower for patients compared to healthy subjects. As indicated by the results of the questionnaire, breast cancer patients had a higher tendency to forget than healthy controls (X2=3.15; p<0.0001) and recovered subjects (X2=3.15; p<0.0001). Conclusion We found depleted levels of hemoglobin, red and white blood cells as a result of chemotherapy, and elevated levels of stress correlated with poor performances in the computerized STM test. A higher cortisol level might be an important precursor of STM deterioration. Monitoring cortisol would be beneficial for evaluating the quality of life of breast cancer patients on chemotherapy.

scholarly journals A prescribed walking regimen plus arginine supplementation improves function and quality of life for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 204589321774396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Beth Brown ◽  
Attie Kempf ◽  
Catherine M. Collins ◽  
Gary M. Long ◽  
Matthew Owens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Pulmonary Arterial ◽  
Arginine Supplementation

Current evidence suggests that exercise training is beneficial in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Unfortunately, the standard supervised, hospital-based programs limit patient accessibility to this important intervention. Our proof-of-concept study aimed to provide insight into the usefulness of a prescribed walking regimen along with arginine supplementation to improve outcomes for patients with PAH. Twelve PAH patients (all women) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (FC) II (n = 7) or III (n = 5) and in stable condition for ≥ 3 months were enrolled. Patients performed home- and fitness-center- based walking at 65–75% heart rate (HR) reserve for 45 min, six sessions/week for 12 weeks. Concomitant L-arginine supplementation (6000 mg/day) was provided to maximize beneficial endothelial training adaptations. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, 6-min walk testing (6MWT), echocardiography, laboratory studies, and quality of life (QoL) survey (SF-36) were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. Eleven patients completed the study (72 session adherence rate = 96 ± 3%). Objective improvement was demonstrated by the 6MWT distance (increased by 40 ± 13 m, P = 0.01), VO2max (increased by 2 ± 0.7 mL/kg/min, P = 0.02), time-to-VO2max (increased by 2.5 ± 0.6 min, P = 0.001), VO2 at anaerobic threshold (increased by 1.3 ± 0.5 mL/kg/min, P = 0.04), HR recovery (reduced by 68 ± 23% in slope, P = 0.01), and SF-36 subscales of Physical Functioning and Energy/Fatigue (increased by 70 ± 34% and 74 ± 34%, respectively, P < 0.05). No adverse events occurred, and right ventricular function and brain natriuretic peptide levels remained stable, suggesting safety of the intervention. This proof-of-concept study indicates that a simple walking regimen with arginine supplementation is a safe and efficacious intervention for clinically stable PAH patients, with gains in objective function and QoL measures. Further investigation in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

scholarly journals Lower Extremity Neuromuscular Control Immediately After Fatiguing Hip-Abduction Exercise

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 607-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly L. McMullen ◽  
Nicole L. Cosby ◽  
Jay Hertel ◽  
Christopher D. Ingersoll ◽  
Joseph M. Hart
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Lower Extremity Injury ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Hip Abduction ◽  
Quality Of Movement

Context: Fatigue of the gluteus medius (GMed) muscle might be associated with decreases in postural control due to insufficient pelvic stabilization. Men and women might have different muscular recruitment patterns in response to GMed fatigue. Objective: To compare postural control and quality of movement between men and women after a fatiguing hip-abduction exercise. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: Controlled laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Eighteen men (age = 22 ± 3.64 years, height = 183.37 ± 8.30 cm, mass = 87.02 ±12.53 kg) and 18 women (age = 22 ± 3.14, height = 167.65 ± 5.80 cm, mass = 66.64 ± 10.49 kg) with no history of low back or lower extremity injury participated in our study. Intervention(s): Participants followed a fatiguing protocol that involved a side-lying hip-abduction exercise performed until a 15% shift in electromyographic median frequency of the GMed was reached. Main Outcome Measure(s): Baseline and postfatigue measurements of single-leg static balance, dynamic balance, and quality of movement assessed with center-of-pressure measurements, the Star Excursion Balance Test, and lateral step-down test, respectively, were recorded for the dominant lower extremity (as identified by the participant). Results: We observed no differences in balance deficits between sexes (P &gt; .05); however, we found main effects for time with all of our postfatigue outcome measures (P ≤ .05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that postural control and quality of movement were affected negatively after a GMed-fatiguing exercise. At similar levels of local muscle fatigue, men and women had similar measurements of postural control.

scholarly journals Enhancement of Region of Interest CT Reconstructions through Multimodal Data

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 331-335
Author(s):  
David Schote ◽  
Tim Pfeiffer ◽  
Georg Rose
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Multimodal Data ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Full Field ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Ct Data ◽  
Flight Measurements

AbstractComputed tomography (CT) scans are frequently used intraoperatively, for example to control the positioning of implants during intervention. Often, to provide the required information, a full field of view is unnecessary. I nstead, the region-of-interest (ROI) imaging can be performed, allowing for substantial reduction in the applied X-ray dose. However, ROI imaging leads to data inconsistencies, caused by the truncation of the projections. This lack of information severely impairs the quality of the reconstructed images. This study presents a proof-of-concept for a new approach that combines the incomplete CT data with ultrasound data and time of flight measurements in order to restore some of the lacking information. The routine is evaluated in a simulation study using the original Shepp-Logan phantom in ROI cases with different degrees of truncation. Image quality is assessed by means of normalized root mean square error. The proposed method significantly reduces truncation artifacts in the reconstructions and achieves considerable radiation exposure reductions.

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