Effect of subconcussive impacts on functional outcomes over a single collegiate football season

Context In collision sports, particularly American football, athletes can accumulate thousands of subconcussive impacts, or head acceleration events (HAEs), across a single season; however, the short-term consequences of these impacts are not well understood. Objective To investigate the effects of the accumulation of impacts during practices on cognitive functions over a single football season. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Athletic training room and University laboratory. Participants Twenty-three NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players. Main outcome measures Helmet accelerometers during practices and virtual reality testing (VR; balance, reaction time, spatial memory) before and after the season. Results Preseason had the majority of ≥80 G impacts while during the season had the majority of ≥25 G to <80 G impacts and positional differences showed that linemen had the majority of both types. Virtual reality analysis revealed that scores significantly decreased after the season for spatial navigation ( p < 0.05) but not for balance or reaction time. Significant correlations ( p < 0.05) were found between cognitive measures and player demographic variables. Conclusions Even in the absence of clinical symptoms and concussion diagnosis, repetitive impacts may cause cognitive alterations. Documenting the distribution of impact quantity and intensity as a function of time and position may be considered by coaches and clinicians to reduce the accumulation of impacts in athletes exposed in contact sports.

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Beyond Feeling Sick: The Visual and Cognitive Aftereffects of Virtual Reality

10.31234/osf.io/xerwz ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ancret Szpak ◽

Stefan Carlo Michalski ◽

Dimitrios Saredakis ◽

Celia Chen ◽

Tobias Loetscher

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Reaction Time ◽

Visual Processing ◽

Reaction Time Task ◽

Control Group ◽

The Novel ◽

Table Tennis ◽

Head Mounted Displays ◽

Before And After ◽

Rapid Visual Processing

Developing an understanding of how virtual reality (VR) aftereffects may influence later activities could help to minimise the risk of using head-mounted displays (HMDs) for various applications. This study investigated the visual and cognitive aftereffects of using HMDs and their relationship to the reporting of VR sickness symptoms. Visual (accommodation and vergence) and cognitive (reaction time and rapid visual processing) assessments were employed before and after participants engage in a 30-minute VR table tennis game (VR group, n = 27) or went about their daily activities (control group, n = 28). VR sickness symptoms were captured using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). The data showed changes in accommodation but no concurrent changes in vergence, which likely stems from decoupling accommodation and vergence in VR. Furthermore, larger changes in accommodation were linked to a greater reporting of sickness symptoms suggesting that decoupling accommodation and vergence could be more adverse than previously thought. Participants in the VR group also showed slower decision (cognitive) times, but VR did not seem to affect their movement times in a five-choice reaction time task. The novel visual and cognitive findings from this study may be valuable to obtain a better understanding of the user issues and safety around VR usage.

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Therapeutic Use of Cerebellar Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) in a Sardinian Family Affected by Spinocerebellar Ataxia 38 (SCA 38)

The Cerebellum ◽

10.1007/s12311-021-01313-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Angela Sanna ◽

Paolo Follesa ◽

Paolo Tacconi ◽

Mariangela Serra ◽

Maria Giuseppina Pisu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinocerebellar Ataxia ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Therapeutic Use ◽

Theta Burst Stimulation ◽

Burst Stimulation ◽

Motor Cortex Excitability ◽

Before And After ◽

Theta Burst ◽

Serum Bdnf

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia 38 (SCA 38) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by conventional mutations in the ELOVL5 gene which encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of very long fatty acids, with a specific expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Three Italian families carrying the mutation, one of which is of Sardinian descent, have been identified and characterized. One session of cerebellar intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) was applied to 6 affected members of the Sardinian family to probe motor cortex excitability measured by motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). Afterwards, patients were exposed to ten sessions of cerebellar real and sham iTBS in a cross-over study and clinical symptoms were evaluated before and after treatment by Modified International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (MICARS). Moreover, serum BDNF levels were evaluated before and after real and sham cerebellar iTBS and the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in influencing iTBS effect was explored. Present data show that one session of cerebellar iTBS was able to increase MEPs in all tested patients, suggesting an enhancement of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway in SCA 38. MICARS scores were reduced after ten sessions of real cerebellar iTBS showing an improvement in clinical symptoms. Finally, although serum BDNF levels were not affected by cerebellar iTBS when considering all samples, segregating for genotype a difference was found between Val66Val and Val66Met carriers. These preliminary data suggest a potential therapeutic use of cerebellar iTBS in improving motor symptoms of SCA38.

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Endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy for the treatment of intradural extramedullary tumors: an operative technique and short-term outcomes of 20 consecutive cases

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal ◽

10.1186/s41016-020-00222-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiaorong Yan ◽

Huiqing Wang ◽

Cai Li ◽

Yuanxiang Lin ◽

Lin Lin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Technique ◽

Spinal Deformity ◽

Tumor Recurrence ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Short Term ◽

Before And After ◽

Intradural Extramedullary ◽

Controlled Surgery

Abstract Background To present a surgical technique for the treatment of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors by using endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy technique. Methods In this study, 20 patients with 22 IDEM tumors were enrolled. An endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy was employed to remove the tumors. Data related to clinical symptoms and medical images before and after surgery were collected for perioperative evaluation and follow-up analysis. Results All the tumors in 20 patients were well removed. The clinical symptoms were significantly reduced in all the patients as well. The short-term follow-up data showed that there was no tumor recurrence or spinal deformity. Conclusion The endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy technique provided favorable exposure and satisfactory resection to the IDEM tumors. It may be an effective surgical method for treating IDEM tumors. Larger samples and longer follow-up data are needed to verify its long-term effectiveness.

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Gamification and Hazard Communication in Virtual Reality: A Qualitative Study

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21144663 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (14) ◽

pp. 4663

Author(s):

Janaina Cavalcanti ◽

Victor Valls ◽

Manuel Contero ◽

David Fonseca

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

New Technologies ◽

Training Environment ◽

Hazard Communication ◽

Head Mounted Display ◽

Compliance Behavior ◽

Before And After ◽

Recorded Data ◽

The Impact ◽

Different Levels

An effective warning attracts attention, elicits knowledge, and enables compliance behavior. Game mechanics, which are directly linked to human desires, stand out as training, evaluation, and improvement tools. Immersive virtual reality (VR) facilitates training without risk to participants, evaluates the impact of an incorrect action/decision, and creates a smart training environment. The present study analyzes the user experience in a gamified virtual environment of risks using the HTC Vive head-mounted display. The game was developed in the Unreal game engine and consisted of a walk-through maze composed of evident dangers and different signaling variables while user action data were recorded. To demonstrate which aspects provide better interaction, experience, perception and memory, three different warning configurations (dynamic, static and smart) and two different levels of danger (low and high) were presented. To properly assess the impact of the experience, we conducted a survey about personality and knowledge before and after using the game. We proceeded with the qualitative approach by using questions in a bipolar laddering assessment that was compared with the recorded data during the game. The findings indicate that when users are engaged in VR, they tend to test the consequences of their actions rather than maintaining safety. The results also reveal that textual signal variables are not accessed when users are faced with the stress factor of time. Progress is needed in implementing new technologies for warnings and advance notifications to improve the evaluation of human behavior in virtual environments of high-risk surroundings.

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SURG-03. IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATIONS IN NEUROSURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.800 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii461-iii461

Author(s):

Andrea Carai ◽

Angela Mastronuzzi ◽

Giovanna Stefania Colafati ◽

Paul Voicu ◽

Nicola Onorini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Real Time ◽

New Technologies ◽

Young Patients ◽

Spatial Relationship ◽

3D Models ◽

Immersive Virtual Reality ◽

Global Improvement ◽

3D Rendering ◽

Before And After

Abstract Tridimensional (3D) rendering of volumetric neuroimaging is increasingly been used to assist surgical management of brain tumors. New technologies allowing immersive virtual reality (VR) visualization of obtained models offer the opportunity to appreciate neuroanatomical details and spatial relationship between the tumor and normal neuroanatomical structures to a level never seen before. We present our preliminary experience with the Surgical Theatre, a commercially available 3D VR system, in 60 consecutive neurosurgical oncology cases. 3D models were developed from volumetric CT scans and MR standard and advanced sequences. The system allows the loading of 6 different layers at the same time, with the possibility to modulate opacity and threshold in real time. Use of the 3D VR was used during preoperative planning allowing a better definition of surgical strategy. A tailored craniotomy and brain dissection can be simulated in advanced and precisely performed in the OR, connecting the system to intraoperative neuronavigation. Smaller blood vessels are generally not included in the 3D rendering, however, real-time intraoperative threshold modulation of the 3D model assisted in their identification improving surgical confidence and safety during the procedure. VR was also used offline, both before and after surgery, in the setting of case discussion within the neurosurgical team and during MDT discussion. Finally, 3D VR was used during informed consent, improving communication with families and young patients. 3D VR allows to tailor surgical strategies to the single patient, contributing to procedural safety and efficacy and to the global improvement of neurosurgical oncology care.

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Perturbations in Eosinophil Homeostasis following Treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis

Infection and Immunity ◽

10.1128/iai.68.1.93-99.2000 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 93-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Ramya Gopinath ◽

L. E. Hanna ◽

V. Kumaraswami ◽

V. Perumal ◽

V. Kavitha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Wuchereria Bancrofti ◽

Activation Markers ◽

Interleukin 5 ◽

Hla Dr ◽

Before And After ◽

Early Peak ◽

Eosinophil Activation ◽

Later Phase ◽

Second Peak

ABSTRACT Treatment of patients with patent Wuchereria bancroftiinfection results in an acute clinical reaction and peripheral eosinophilia. To investigate the dynamics of the eosinophil response, changes in eosinophil activation and degranulation and plasma levels of eosinophil-active chemokines and cytokines were studied in 15 microfilaremic individuals in south India by sequential blood sampling before and after administration of 300 mg of diethylcarbamazine (DEC). Clinical symptoms occurred within 24 h. Plasma interleukin-5 (IL-5) and RANTES levels peaked 1 to 2 days posttreatment, preceding a peak peripheral eosinophil count at day 4. Major basic protein secretion from eosinophils paralleled IL-5 secretion, while levels of eosinophil-derived neurotoxin peaked at day 13 after treatment. Expression of the activation markers HLA-DR and CD25 on eosinophils rose markedly immediately after treatment, while expression of VLA-4 and α4β7 showed an early peak within 24 h and a second peak at day 13. Thus, the posttreatment reactions seen in filarial infections can be divided into an early phase with killing of microfilariae, clinical symptomatology, increases in plasma IL-5 and RANTES levels, and eosinophil activation and degranulation and a later phase with expression of surface integrins on eosinophils, recruitment of eosinophils from the bone marrow to tissues, and clearance of parasite antigen.

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Evaluation of the Effect of Time Change in Cognitive Function in Volunteers in Tehran

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v9n2p119 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 119 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Marjan Erfani ◽

Hedayat Sahraei ◽

Zahra Bahari ◽

Gholam Hossein Meftahi ◽

Boshra Hatef ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Reaction Time ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Reduction Reaction ◽

Plasma Cortisol Level ◽

Mental Fatigue ◽

Time Change ◽

General Mental Health ◽

Before And After ◽

Time Changes

BACKGROUND: Time change (which can lead to sleep duration decrements) can lead to brain dysfunction if repeated. In the present study, cognitive functions of the volunteers were evaluated before and after the time changes in Tehran.METHODS: Eleven, voluntary healthy persons (21±2 year old) were evaluated for their cognitive functions including sustain attention, reaction time, and mental fatigue twenty-one days before the time changes and thirty-eight days after time change using PASAT software. In addition, plasma cortisol level was measured before and after the time changes.RESULTS: After the time changes salivary cortisol concentration increase, but general mental health was decreased. Sustain attention was shortened after time change which was significantly different compared with before the time changes. Reaction time was increased after the time changes in comparison with the before the time changes, but was not statistically significant. In addition, mental fatigue was increased after the time changes.CONCLUSION: It seems that time change may reduce brain cognitive functions which are manifested by general mental health, sustain attention reduction, reaction time as well as mental fatigue.

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Kinetic Analysis of Mouse Brain Proteome Alterations Following Chikungunya Virus Infection before and after Appearance of Clinical Symptoms

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0091397 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e91397 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Christophe Fraisier ◽

Penelope Koraka ◽

Maya Belghazi ◽

Mahfoud Bakli ◽

Samuel Granjeaud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Virus Infection ◽

Kinetic Analysis ◽

Mouse Brain ◽

Chikungunya Virus ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Before And After ◽

Brain Proteome

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The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21: A New Assessment Tool for the Quality of Life of Patients with Auricular Keloids

Facial Plastic Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1722913 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Häussler ◽

Stefanie Hüttemann ◽

Christel Weiß ◽

Nicole Karoline Rotter ◽

Haneen Sadick

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Social Impact ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Medical Intervention ◽

Medical Interventions ◽

Before And After

Abstract Purpose The assessment of the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic diseases before and after medical interventions has gained increasing importance in recent decades. Particularly for patients with visible keloid scars in the head and neck region, standardized measurement tools are either absent or have been shown to be insufficient. The aim of the present study was to create a new standardized questionnaire that is specific to auricular keloid patients and reflects their clinical symptoms and QoL. Methods The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21 (KIBI-21) questionnaire was developed in two stages. First, a group of experts identified a pool of 26 questions and modified and supplemented the items through a comparison with existing QoL assessments so that they related to keloid-specific clinical symptoms and the QoL of patients with auricular keloids before and after a medical intervention. This questionnaire was distributed to 27 outpatients who had undergone medical interventions for visible auricular keloids. Second, a sequential statistical analysis was conducted. This included a single-item assessment and reduction, analysis for internal consistency, construct validity, and divergence validity as well as a factor analysis. The analyses were performed for the entire questionnaire and for the items in the subcategories General Health, Physical Symptoms, Self-Esteem, and Social Impact. Results The final version of this newly validated and standardized KIBI questionnaire consisted of 21 items, of which each item was assigned to only one subscale. The questionnaire showed a Cronbach's α of 0.84 with a good internal consistency. In the item correlation validity, strong associations were found in all subscales, except for the Social Impact Subscale. Conclusion The keloid-specific QoL questionnaire KIBI-21 proved to be a reliable and reproducible instrument to assess the QoL and clinical symptoms in patients suffering from auricular keloids before and after a medical treatment.

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EFFECT OF REACTION TRAINING ON DURATION AND REACTION TIMES

JOURNAL OF INSTITUTE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL RESEARCHES ◽

10.31623/iksad072708 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (27) ◽

pp. 86-92

Author(s):

Tülin ATAN

Keyword(s):

Reaction Time ◽

Normal Distribution ◽

Training Program ◽

Reaction Times ◽

Rank Test ◽

Tennis Players ◽

Before And After ◽

Speed Performance ◽

And Performance ◽

Training Exercises

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of reaction training on reaction time and speed in tennis players. For this purpose a total of 18 tennis players; 9 male (age; 13.33 ± 1.80 years) and 7 female (13.85 ± 2.19 years) were voluntarily participated the study. In this study, the reaction training program, which was applied for 2 days a week for 12 weeks, was prepared in addition to tennis training. In the reaction training, exercises suitable for visual and auditory reaction were used. Before and after the 12-week reaction training, a 30 m speed running test and reaction time tests were performed. Whether the data showed normal distribution was analyzed with the Shapiro Wilk test and it was determined that the data did not show normal distribution. Mann Whitney U test was used in comparisons between the two groups. Wilcoxan Signd Rank test was used in the comparisons made before and after the training. As a result of the statistical analysis, it was seen that both the physical characteristics and performance parameters of males and females in our study group were not statistically different (p>0.05). For this reason, all subjects were taken into consideration regardless of gender in comparisons before and after tennis training. After the reaction training program applied to the subjects, it was determined that the 30 m speed performance values were shortened in duration compared to the pre-training period, that is, the speed improved (p <0.01). When the reaction time values were compared before and after the training program applied, it was seen that the reaction time values improved significantly after the training (p <0.01). As a result, reaction training performed in tennis players’ increases speed and reaction time performance. Reaction training is recommended in sports branches where this type of motor is important.

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