Motor Training-Induced Neuroplasticity

GeroPsych ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 189-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ladina Bezzola ◽  
Susan Mérillat ◽  
Lutz Jäncke
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Motor Training ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Applied Study ◽  
Wide Range

The present lab-review presents and discusses our previous and current research into motor training-induced neuroplasticity by classifying our work on the basis of two broad aspects: (1) the applied study design (i.e., cross-sectional vs. longitudinal) and (2) the complexity of the motor task subjected to training (i.e., elementary finger movements vs. highly complex physical activity). Together with others we demonstrate that training-induced anatomic and functional changes are evident for a wide range of motor tasks and for several age cohorts. Finally, we discuss our findings from a lifespan perspective and embed them in the context of research investigating the beneficial effect of motor training-induced neuroplasticity on brain aging.

Gluteal Central Activation in Females With Patellofemoral Pain: A Preliminary Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Neal R. Glaviano ◽  
Grant E. Norte
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Patellofemoral Pain ◽  
Fear Avoidance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Central Activation ◽  
Fear Avoidance Beliefs ◽  
Hip Muscle ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Muscle Inhibition

Context: Lesser hip muscle strength is commonly observed in females with patellofemoral pain (PFP) compared with females without PFP and is associated with poor subjective function and single-leg squat (SLS) biomechanics. Hip muscle weakness is theorized to be related to PFP, suggesting centrally mediated muscle inhibition may influence the observed weakness. The central activation ratio (CAR) is a common metric used to quantify muscle inhibition via burst superimposition. However, gluteal inhibition has yet to be evaluated using this approach in females with PFP. The study objectives are to (1) describe gluteal activation in the context of subjective function, hip strength, and squatting biomechanics and (2) examine the relationship of gluteal activation with subjective function and squatting biomechanics in females with PFP. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Seven females with PFP (age = 22.8 [3.6] y; mass = 69.4 [18.0] kg; height = 1.67 [0.05] m, duration of pain = 6–96 mo) completed this study. Subjective function was assessed with the Anterior Knee Pain Scale, while fear-avoidance beliefs were assessed with the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire physical activity and work subscales. Biomechanical function was assessed with peak hip and knee angles and moments in the sagittal and frontal planes during SLS. Gluteus medius (GMed) and gluteus maximus (GMax) activation were assessed with the CAR. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and relationships between variables were assessed with Spearman rho correlations. Results: The CAR of GMed and GMax was 90.5% (8.1%) and 84.0% (6.3%), respectively. Lesser GMed CAR was strongly associated with greater hip adduction during SLS (ρ = −.775, P = .02) and greater fear-avoidance beliefs—physical activity subscale (ρ = −.764, P = .018). Conclusion: We found a wide range in GMed and GMax activation across females with PFP. Lesser GMed activation was associated with greater hip adduction during SLS and fear of physical activity, suggesting that gluteal inhibition should be assessed in patients with PFP.

Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Cognition

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Etnier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Wide Range

There is substantial interest in identifying the behavioral means by which to improve cognitive performance. Recent research and commercial ventures have focused on cognitive training interventions, but evidence suggests that the effects of these programs are small and task-specific. Researchers have also shown interest in exploring the potential benefits of physical activity for cognitive performance. Because the effects of physical activity have been found to be small to moderate and to be more global in nature, interest in physical activity has been growing over the past several decades. Evidence regarding the efficacy of physical activity is provided through cross-sectional studies, longitudinal prospective studies, and randomized controlled trials. When reviewed meta-analytically, small-to-moderate beneficial effects are reported for children, adults, older adults, and cognitively impaired older adults, and these effects are evident for a wide range of cognitive domains, including executive function, memory, and information processing. Researchers are currently focused on identifying the mechanisms of these effects. Most of this research has been conducted using animal models, but there is a growing body of literature with humans. From this evidence, there is support for the role of changes in cerebral structure, hippocampal perfusion, and growth factors in explaining the observed benefits. Thus far, however, the literature is quite sparse, and future research is needed to clarify our understanding of the mechanisms that provide the causal link between physical activity and cognitive performance. Research is also focused on understanding how to increase the benefits by potentially combining cognitive training with physical activity and by identifying the genetic moderators of the effects. These lines of work are designed to elucidate ways of increasing the magnitude of the benefits that can be obtained. At this point in time, the evidence with respect to the potential of physical activity for benefiting cognitive performance is quite promising, but it is critical that funding agencies commit their support to the continued exploration necessary to allow us to ultimately be able to prescribe physical activity to specific individuals with the express purpose of improving cognition.

scholarly journals Rehabilitation of Upper Limb in Children with Acquired Brain Injury: A Preliminary Comparative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Beretta ◽  
Ambra Cesareo ◽  
Emilia Biffi ◽  
Carolyn Schafer ◽  
Sara Galbiati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Limb ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
The Body ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
Rehabilitation Treatment ◽  
Constraint Induced Movement Therapy ◽  
Wide Range

Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) can lead to a wide range of impairments, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the body known as hemiplegia. In hemiplegic patients, the rehabilitation of the upper limb skills is crucial, because the recovery has an immediate impact on patient quality of life. For this reason, several treatments were developed to flank physical therapy (PT) and improve functional recovery of the upper limbs. Among them, Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and robot-aided therapy have shown interesting potentialities in the rehabilitation of the hemiplegic upper limb. Nevertheless, there is a lack of quantitative evaluations of effectiveness in a standard clinical setting, especially in children, as well as a lack of direct comparative studies between these therapeutic techniques. In this study, a group of 18 children and adolescents with hemiplegia was enrolled and underwent intensive rehabilitation treatment including PT and CIMT or Armeo®Spring therapy. The effects of the treatments were assessed using clinical functional scales and upper limb kinematic analysis during horizontal and vertical motor tasks. Results showed CIMT to be the most effective in terms of improved functional scales, while PT seemed to be the most significant in terms of kinematic variations. Specifically, PT resulted to have positive influence on distal movements while CIMT conveyed more changes in the proximal kinematics. Armeo treatment delivered improvements mainly in the vertical motor task, showing trends of progresses of the movement efficiency and reduction of compensatory movements of the shoulder with respect to other treatments. Therefore, every treatment gave advantages in a specific and different upper limb district. Therefore, results of this preliminary study may be of help to define the best rehabilitation treatment for each patient, depending on the goal, and may thus support clinical decision.

scholarly journals Combined Effect of Daily Physical Activity and Social Relationships on Sleep Disorder Among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Data From The Kasama Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaehoon Seol ◽  
Jaehee Lee ◽  
Koki Nagata ◽  
Yuya Fujii ◽  
Kaya Joho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Disorder ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Narrow Range ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background: This cross-sectional study investigated whether the daily physical activity of older adults, combined with social relationships, is associated with the risk of sleep disorder. Further, it determined whether a high level of one variable with a low level of the other leads to a significantly lower risk of sleep disorder than low levels of both. Methods: The sample comprised 988 community-dwelling older Japanese adults (mean age: 73.1 ± 5.5 years). The level of daily physical activity and range of social relationships were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Lubben Social Network Scale, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep disorder. To test linear trends and the combined effect of the two variables, both variable values were divided into tertiles. To test the combined effects, medians were calculated for the respective scores, based on which the participants were categorized into the following groups: (1) inactive with a narrow range of social relationships (n = 307), (2) inactive with a wide range of social relationships (n = 183), (3) active with a narrow range of social relationships (n = 205), and (4) active with a wide range of social relationships (n = 293). After adjusting for potential confounders, a logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: Participants who were more physically active (odds ratio [OR]: 0.694, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.484–0.997) and those with a wide range of social relationships (OR: 0.690, 95% CI: 0.481–0.988) showed a lower prevalence of sleep disorder than those in the first tertile; these effects were independent of each other. The combined effect analysis revealed that the active group with a wide range of social relationships showed a significantly lower prevalence of sleep disorder (OR: 0.585, 95% CI: 0.404–0.847) than the inactive group with a narrow range of social relationships.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that being physically active with a wide range of social relationships is favorably associated with sleep quality. However, a high level of one variable with a low level of the other is inefficient in improving sleep quality among older adults.

Tie Effects of Performance Feedback on Female Self-Confidence

1988 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Petruzzello ◽  
Charles B. Corbin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
College Age ◽  
Female Self ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Gender Neutral ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Vulnerability Hypothesis

Research has suggested that females lack self-confidence in their abilities to perform in certain physical activity situations. This "situational vulnerability," however, is not characteristic of all age levels. The present research was designed to determine if situational vulnerability was characteristic of college-age females and to determine if postperformance feedback would enhance self-confidence. Further, the research was designed to determine if feedback-enhanced self-confidence would generalize to a different task. In Study 1, males and females (N=381) rated the gender appropriateness of several motor tasks and made confidence ratings. In Study 2, high and low confidence college-age women (N=69) were tested to determine if feedback increased confidence on a gender-neutral task.. Subjects were then tested for confidence after performing a different task to determine if feedback-produced confidence differences were enduring. The results indicated that both tasks were rated as gender-neutral, but college-age females lacked confidence when compared to males. Feedback did improve confidence for low confidence females, but this feedback-enhanced self-confidence did not generalize to a different motor task. It is suggested that a fourth factor, namely lack of experience, be added to Lenney's (1977) situational vulnerability hypothesis as a factor likely to affect female self-confidence.

scholarly journals Assessment of physical activity using accelerometry, an activity diary, the heart rate method and the Indian Migration Study questionnaire in South Indian adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankalmadagu V Bharathi ◽  
Rebecca Kuriyan ◽  
Anura V Kurpad ◽  
Tinku Thomas ◽  
Shah Ebrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reference Methods ◽  
South Indian ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Activity Diary

AbstractObjectiveTo validate questionnaire-based physical activity level (PAL) against accelerometry and a 24 h physical activity diary (24 h AD) as reference methods (Protocol 2), after validating these reference methods against the heart rate–oxygen consumption (HRVO2) method (Protocol 1).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTwo villages in Andhra Pradesh state and Bangalore city, South India.SubjectsNinety-four participants (fifty males, forty-four females) for Protocol 2; thirteen males for Protocol 1.ResultsIn Protocol 2, mean PAL derived from the questionnaire (1·72 (sd 0·20)) was comparable to that from the 24 h AD (1·78 (sd 0·20)) but significantly higher than the mean PAL derived from accelerometry (1·36 (sd 0·20); P < 0·001). Mean bias of PAL from the questionnaire was larger against the accelerometer (0·36) than against the 24 h AD (−0·06), but with large limits of agreement against both. Correlations of PAL from the questionnaire with that of the accelerometer (r = 0·28; P = 0·01) and the 24 h AD (r = 0·30; P = 0·006) were modest. In Protocol 1, mean PAL from the 24 h AD (1·65 (sd 0·18)) was comparable, while that from the accelerometer (1·51 (sd 0·23)) was significantly lower (P < 0·001), than mean PAL obtained from the HRVO2 method (1·69 (sd 0·21)).ConclusionsThe questionnaire showed acceptable validity with the reference methods in a group with a wide range of physical activity levels. The accelerometer underestimated PAL in comparison with the HRVO2 method.

scholarly journals How effective is fine motor training in children with ADHD? A scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Lelong ◽  
Annina Zysset ◽  
Mirjam Nievergelt ◽  
Reto Luder ◽  
Ulrich Götz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Motor Training ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background Motor deficiencies are observed in a large number of children with ADHD. Especially fine motor impairments can lead to academic underachievement, low self-esteem and frustration in affected children. Despite these far-reaching consequences, fine motor deficiencies have remained widely undertreated in the ADHD population. The aim of this review was to systematically map the evidence on existing training programs for remediating fine motor impairments in children with ADHD and to assess their effectiveness. Methods The scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. In March 2020, PsycINFO, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for evidence. The eligibility criteria and the data charting process followed the PICO framework, complemented by study design. The investigated population included children with a formal ADHD diagnosis (either subtype) or elevated ADHD symptoms aged between 4 and 12 years, both on and off medication. All training interventions aiming at improving fine motor skills, having a fine motor component or fine motor improvements as a secondary outcome were assessed for eligibility; no comparators were specified. Results Twelve articles were included in the final report, comprising observational and experimental studies as well as a review. Both offline and online or virtual training interventions were reported, often accompanied by physical activity and supplemented by training sessions at home. The training programs varied in length and intensity, but generally comprised several weeks and single or multiple training sessions per week. All interventions including more than one session were effective in the treatment of fine motor deficiencies in children with ADHD and had a wide range of additional positive outcomes. The effects could be maintained at follow-up. Conclusions Fine motor training in children with ADHD can be very effective and multiple approaches including specific fine motor and cognitive training components, some kind of physical activity, feedback mechanisms, or multimodal treatments can be successful. Training programs need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of the ADHD population. A mHealth approach using serious games could be promising in this context due to its strong motivational components.

scholarly journals Morphofunctional Features of the Thyroid Mast Cell Histotopography under Motor Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-27
Author(s):  
A. V. Bezdenezhnykh ◽  
M. S. Aryasov
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Gland ◽  
Optical Density ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Average Optical Density ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Right ◽  
Adaptation Processes

Dysfunction and pathology of the thyroid gland (TG) are inextricably related to structural and functional changes in the organ. It is known that the stroma of the thyroid gland contains mast cells (MCs) participating in adaptation processes.The aim of research was to study morphofunctional changes in MCs in various topographic zones of the canine thyroid gland in normal conditions and under muscular loads that cause structural transformations of the organ.Material and methods. The study involved digitized cross-sections of the central part of the right thyroid lobe of male dogs, aged 1.5 to 2 years. The animals were divided into the control (n = 16) and experimental groups (n = 67); they received single and multiple starting, training, extreme dynamic muscular loads with the heart rate control. MCs were detected using azure-eosin staining. Based on the results of the qualitative analysis, the histoscore coefficient was calculated. In the ImageJ program, the area of MCs and their average optical density were measured relative to the geometric center of the section in the central, intermediate and peripheral zones.Results. Muscle loads during single and multiple trainings resulted in a stereotyped MC response: a decrease (p <0.008) in their number, cross-sectional area, average optical density, and histoscore coefficient. The duration and frequency of exposure formed a wide range of responses, up to atypical. Involvement of the central zone was detected in 100% of cases, intermediate in 2/3 of cases and peripheral in 50%.Conclusion. MCs provide integration in the central, intermediate and peripheral zones of the thyroid gland, and the magnitude and frequency of impacts determine the severity and specificity of their morphofunctional changes.

Human Cerebral Potentials During Motor Training Under Different Forms of Sensory Feedback

1999 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-244
Author(s):  
Uwe Niederberger ◽  
Wolf-Dieter Gerber
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Sensory Feedback ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Tactile Feedback ◽  
Proprioceptive Feedback ◽  
Motor Training ◽  
Feedback Group ◽  
Emg Feedback ◽  
The Right ◽  
Training Success

Abstract In two experiments with four and two groups of healthy subjects, a novel motor task, the voluntary abduction of the right big toe, was trained. This task cannot usually be performed without training and is therefore ideal for the study of elementary motor learning. A systematic variation of proprioceptive, tactile, visual, and EMG feedback was used. In addition to peripheral measurements such as the voluntary range of motion and EMG output during training, a three-channel EEG was recorded over Cz, C3, and C4. The movement-related brain potential during distinct periods of the training was analyzed as a central nervous parameter of the ongoing learning process. In experiment I, we randomized four groups of 12 subjects each (group P: proprioceptive feedback; group PT: proprioceptive and tactile feedback; group PTV: proprioceptive, tactile, and visual feedback; group PTEMG: proprioceptive, tactile, and EMG feedback). Best training results were reported from the PTEMG and PTV groups. The movement-preceding cortical activity, in the form of the amplitude of the readiness potential at the time of EMG onset, was greatest in these two groups. Results of experiment II revealed a similar effect, with a greater training success and a higher electrocortical activation under additional EMG feedback compared to proprioceptive feedback alone. Sensory EMG feedback as evaluated by peripheral and central nervous measurements appears to be useful in motor training and neuromuscular re-education.

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