De-stabilizing and training effects of foot orthoses in multiple sclerosis

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
G M Ramdharry ◽  
J F Marsden ◽  
B L Day ◽  
A J Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Body Sway ◽  
Foot Orthoses ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Initial Session ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Posterior Shift ◽  
And Training ◽  
Foot Alignment

This study evaluates the effects of dynamic foot orthoses (DFO) on walking and balance performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sixteen ambulant subjects with MS and ten age-matched healthy control subjects were studied on initial receipt of foot orthoses and after four weeks of daily wear. Walking speed, MS Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) and standing balance were assessed with and without orthoses at both these times. During standing, stance width and vision were varied, and performance was quantified using the velocity of the centre of pressure (COP), body sway velocity and the mean COP position relative to the shoe. People with MS walked slower (p<0.001) and showed increased sway when standing (p<0.001). At the first assessment, the foot orthoses caused an increase in sway and a medial and posterior shift of the COP position. At repeat measurement, the DFOs continued to increase sway compared to a shoe only condition. However, MS subjects reported an improvement in the MSWS-12 (p<0.05) and, compared to the initial session, showed decreased sway when eyes were closed both with and without DFOs. Dynamic foot orthoses may increase sway and change COP position by altering foot alignment and/or plantar afferent stimulation. Improvement in body sway over time may be an overall training effect of the DFOs, as MS subjects adapt to the initial de-stabilization.

scholarly journals The Role of Clinical and Instrumented Outcome Measures in Balance Control of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Kanekar ◽  
Alexander S. Aruin
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Performance Deficits ◽  
Clinical Scales ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
High Fatigue ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Stability Limits

Purpose. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in balance control between individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy control subjects using clinical scales and instrumented measures of balance and determine relationships between balance measures, fatigue, and disability levels in individuals with MS with and without a history of falls.Method. Twelve individuals with MS and twelve healthy controls were evaluated using the Berg Balance and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scales, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, and Limits of Stability Tests as well as Fatigue Severity Scale and Barthel Index.Results. Mildly affected individuals with MS had significant balance performance deficits and poor balance confidence levels (P<0.05). MS group had higher sway velocities and diminished stability limits (P<0.05), significant sensory impairments, high fatigue and disability levels (P<0.05). Sway velocity was a significant predictor of balance performance and the ability to move towards stability limits for the MS group. For the MS-fallers group, those with lower disability levels had faster movement velocities and better balance performance.Conclusion. Implementation of both clinical and instrumented tests of balance is important for the planning and evaluation of treatment outcomes in balance rehabilitation of people with MS.

scholarly journals Pacing in Time-Limited Ultramarathons from 6 to 24 Hours—The Aspects of Age, Sex and Performance Level

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2705
Author(s):  
Hagen Deusch ◽  
Pantelis T. Nikolaidis ◽  
José Ramón Alvero-Cruz ◽  
Thomas Rosemann ◽  
Beat Knechtle
Keyword(s):  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Performance Level ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
And Training ◽  
Age And Sex

(1) Background: Compared with marathon races, pacing in time-limited ultramarathons has only been poorly discussed in the literature. The aim of the present study was to analyze the interaction of performance level, age and sex with pacing during 6 h, 12 h or 24 h time-limited ultramarathons. (2) Methods: Participants (n = 937, age 48.62 ± 11.80 years) were the finishers in 6 h (n = 40, 17 women and 23 men), 12 h (n = 232, 77 women and 155 men) and 24 h (n = 665, 166 women and 409 men) ultramarathons. The coefficient of variation (CV), calculated as SD/mean, was used to described pacing. Low scores of CV denoted a more even pacing, and vice versa. A two-way analysis of variance examined the main effects and interactions of sex and race duration on age, race speed and pacing. (3) Results: More men participated in the longer race distances than in the shorter ones and men were older and faster than women. Comparing the 6 h, 12 h and 24 h races, the finishers in the 6 h were the fastest, the finishers in the 12 h were the oldest and the finishers in the 24 h showed the most variable pacing. Furthermore, the faster running speed in the 12 h (women, r = −0.64; men, r = −0.49, p < 0.001) and the 24 h (r = −0.47 in women and men, p < 0.001) was related to less variable pacing. (4) Conclusions: These data might help runners and coaches to choose the the proper duration of a race and training programs for their athletes.

scholarly journals Cervical cord myelin abnormality is associated with clinical disability in multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 135245852110017
Author(s):  
Lisa Eunyoung Lee ◽  
Irene M Vavasour ◽  
Adam Dvorak ◽  
Hanwen Liu ◽  
Shawna Abel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Dorsal Column ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
In Vivo Measurement ◽  
Subclinical Disease ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Myelin water imaging (MWI) was recently optimized to provide quantitative in vivo measurement of spinal cord myelin, which is critically involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) disability. Objective: To assess cervical cord myelin measurements in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and progressive multiple sclerosis (ProgMS) participants and evaluate the correlation between myelin measures and clinical disability. Methods: We used MWI data from 35 RRMS, 30 ProgMS, and 28 healthy control (HC) participants collected at cord level C2/C3 on a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Myelin heterogeneity index (MHI), a measurement of myelin variability, was calculated for whole cervical cord, global white matter, dorsal column, lateral and ventral funiculi. Correlations were assessed between MHI and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), timed 25-foot walk, and disease duration. Results: In various regions of the cervical cord, ProgMS MHI was higher compared to HC (between 9.5% and 31%, p ⩽ 0.04) and RRMS (between 13% and 26%, p ⩽ 0.02), and ProgMS MHI was associated with EDSS ( r = 0.42–0.52) and 9HPT ( r = 0.45–0.52). Conclusion: Myelin abnormalities within clinically eloquent areas are related to clinical disability. MWI metrics have a potential role for monitoring subclinical disease progression and adjudicating treatment efficacy for new therapies targeting ProgMS.

scholarly journals Cultivating the Ethical Repertoires of Behavior Analysts: Prevention of Common Violations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa N. Britton ◽  
Amy A. Crye ◽  
Linda K. Haymes
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Analyst ◽  
Ethical Culture ◽  
Behavior Analyst Certification Board ◽  
Ethical Violations ◽  
Supervision Process ◽  
Organizational Perspective ◽  
Behavior Analysts ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Supervision And Training ◽  
And Training

AbstractViolations of the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts occur despite coursework, supervision, and training. In this discussion, we highlight the most common violation categories identified: (a) improper or inadequate supervision/delegation, (b) failure to report/respond to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) as required, and (c) professionalism/integrity. The specific areas addressed under supervision/delegation involve behavior analysts’ standards and performance as supervisors, as well as compliance with coursework. For failure to report, the focus is on responding, reporting, and providing updated information to the BACB in a timely manner. Finally, the section on professionalism and integrity addresses multiple code elements, including integrity, professionalism, and scientific relationships, as well as methods for promoting an ethical culture and decisions involving ethical violations by others. Importantly, we provide guidance on the structure and organization of supervision, methods and guidelines regarding reporting, and rubrics to shape and evaluate professionalism and integrity. We provide recommendations for the supervision process and for practitioners from the organizational perspective so that the organization supports and promotes an ethical culture.

Association between circulating leptin levels and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (1111) ◽  
pp. 278-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue-Feng Xie ◽  
Xiao-Hui Huang ◽  
Ai-Zong Shen ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Ye-Huan Sun
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sample Type ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Effect Model ◽  
Healthy Control

AimLeptin, synthesised by adipocytes, has been identified as a hormone that can influence inflammatory activity. Several studies have investigated leptin levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the results are not consistent. This study aims to derive a more precise evaluation on the relationship between circulating leptin levels and MS.DesignA comprehensive literature searched up to July 2017 was conducted to evaluate the association of circulating leptin levels and MS. The random-effect model was applied to calculate pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and its 95% CI.Main outcome measuresCirculating leptin levels of patients with MS and healthy controls.ResultsOf 2155 studies identified, 33 met eligibility criteria and 9 studies with 645 patients with MS and 586 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the healthy control group, the MS group had significantly higher plasma/serum leptin levels, with the SMD of 0.70% and 95% CI (0.24 to 1.15). Subgroup analyses suggested that the leptin levels of patients with MS were associated with region, age, study sample size, measurement type, gender and blood sample type.ConclusionOverall, our study suggests that patients with MS have a significantly higher leptin level than in healthy controls. Further mechanism studies and longitudinal large cohort studies are still needed to further reveal the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of MS.

scholarly journals Applicability of Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Mechanical and Permeability Properties of Volcanic Scoria-Based Concrete

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aref M. al-Swaidani ◽  
Waed T. Khwies
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Artificial Neural Networks ◽  
Network Architecture ◽  
Supplementary Cementitious Material ◽  
Natural Pozzolans ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Ann Models ◽  
Artificial Neural ◽  
And Performance ◽  
And Training

Numerous volcanic scoria (VS) cones are found in many places worldwide. Many of them have not yet been investigated, although few of which have been used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for a long time. The use of natural pozzolans as cement replacement could be considered as a common practice in the construction industry due to the related economic, ecologic, and performance benefits. In the current paper, the effect of VS on the properties of concrete was investigated. Twenty-one concrete mixes with three w/b ratios (0.5, 0.6, and 0.7) and seven replacement levels of VS (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%) were produced. The investigated concrete properties were the compressive strength, the water permeability, and the concrete porosity. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used for prediction of the investigated properties. Feed-forward backpropagation neural networks have been used. The ANN models have been established by incorporation of the laboratory experimental data and by properly choosing the network architecture and training processes. This study shows that the use of ANN models provided a more accurate tool to capture the effects of five parameters (cement content, volcanic scoria content, water content, superplasticizer content, and curing time) on the investigated properties. This prediction makes it possible to design VS-based concretes for a desired strength, water impermeability, and porosity at any given age and replacement level. Some correlations between the investigated properties were derived from the analysed data. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis showed that all studied parameters have a strong effect on the investigated properties. The modification of the microstructure of VS-based cement paste has been observed, as well.

Effect of training on plasma myeloperoxidase concentrations measured before and following intense exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.G. Fonseca ◽  
D.A. Kenny ◽  
B.A. McGivney ◽  
B.A. Murphy ◽  
E.W. Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
White Blood Count ◽  
Training Intensity ◽  
High Intensity Training ◽  
Thoroughbred Racehorses ◽  
Sampling Points ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Response To Exercise ◽  
And Training

Exercise in horses induces neutrophil degranulation and subsequent increases in plasma myeloperoxidase concentrations (MPO). It is not known whether this response is affected by training or the sampling time in relation to exercise. Our objective was to evaluate plasma MPO concentration at different time points in response to exercise in Thoroughbreds before and following high-intensity training and to evaluate relationships between plasma MPO concentration, physiological measurements and performance. Throughbred racehorses in active training and racing (n=26) performed an exercise test on a high-speed treadmill at least once at the beginning (first three months), middle (second three months) or end (last three months) of a nine month training period with training intensity (number of fast work sessions) collated for each period. Heart rate, speed and distance were recorded and venous blood collected before (T0), during and up to maximal speed (TVmax), 5 min (T5min) and 4 h (T4h) following exercise for measurement of plasma lactate, serum creatine kinase concentration, plasma MPO concentration, white blood count (WBC), neutrophil count (Neut), lymphocyte count and neutrophil percentage (%Neut). WBC increased above T0 values at all sampling points with no training effect. Neut and %Neut increased above T0 values at T4h, while values at TVmax, T5min and T4h increased as training duration increased. Plasma MPO concentration increased above T0 values at all sampling points in response to exercise with all values increasing as training duration increased. Training intensity did not affect any of the measurements, correlations were not identified between any of the biological markers including MPO and physiological and training measurements and no differences were identified between elite versus non-elite horses. It was concluded that plasma MPO concentration is affected by exercise and training duration, and that further investigation of plasma MPO as an assessor of fitness and readiness for competition is warranted.

Investigation of outer cortical magnetisation transfer ratio abnormalities in multiple sclerosis clinical subgroups

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1322-1330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca S Samson ◽  
Manuel J Cardoso ◽  
Nils Muhlert ◽  
Varun Sethi ◽  
Claudia AM Wheeler-Kingshott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Neuronal Loss ◽  
Magnetisation Transfer ◽  
Magnetisation Transfer Ratio ◽  
Outer Cortex ◽  
Transfer Ratio ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Healthy Control

Background: Pathological abnormalities including demyelination and neuronal loss are reported in the outer cortex in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: We investigated for in vivo evidence of outer cortical abnormalities by measuring the magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) in MS patients of different subgroups. Methods: Forty-four relapsing–remitting (RR) (mean age 41.9 years, median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 2.0), 25 secondary progressive (SP) (54.1 years, EDSS 6.5) and 19 primary progressive (PP) (53.1 years, EDSS 6.0) MS patients and 35 healthy control subjects (mean age 39.2 years) were studied. Three-dimensional (3D) 1×1×1mm3 T1-weighted images and MTR data were acquired. The cortex was segmented, then subdivided into outer and inner bands, and MTR values were calculated for each band. Results: In a pairwise analysis, mean outer cortical MTR was lower than mean inner cortical MTR in all MS groups and controls ( p<0.001). Compared with controls, outer cortical MTR was decreased in SPMS ( p<0.001) and RRMS ( p<0.01), but not PPMS. Outer cortical MTR was lower in SPMS than PPMS ( p<0.01) and RRMS ( p<0.01). Conclusions: Lower outer than inner cortical MTR in healthy controls may reflect differences in myelin content. The lowest outer cortical MTR was seen in SPMS and is consistent with more extensive outer cortical (including subpial) pathology, such as demyelination and neuronal loss, as observed in post-mortem studies of SPMS patients.

Fronto-striatal network activation leads to less fatigue in multiple sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1174-1182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Dobryakova ◽  
Hanneke E Hulst ◽  
Angela Spirou ◽  
Nancy D Chiaravalloti ◽  
Helen M Genova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Network Activation ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Neuroimaging Study ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Monetary Gain ◽  
Healthy Participants ◽  
Stimulation Of

Background: The fronto-striatal network has been implicated in both fatigue, a common multiple sclerosis (MS) symptom, and goal attainment, which has been shown to reduce fatigue in healthy individuals. Objectives: To investigate whether stimulation of the fronto-striatal network through goal attainment (potential monetary gain) leads to fatigue reduction in MS and healthy control (HC) participants. Methods: In all, 14 healthy and 19 MS participants performed a gambling task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were presented with an opportunity to receive monetary reward during the outcome condition of the task but not during the no outcome condition. Self-reported fatigue measures were obtained after each condition and outside of the scanner. Structural alterations were also examined. Results: A significant decrease in fatigue was observed after the outcome condition compared to the no outcome condition in both groups. Significantly greater activation was observed in the ventral striatum in association with the outcome condition compared to the no outcome condition in both groups. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex showed significantly greater activation during the no outcome condition compared to the outcome condition with greater difference between conditions in the HC group. Conclusion: This is the first functional neuroimaging study showing that stimulation of the fronto-striatal network through goal attainment leads to decreased on-task fatigue in MS and healthy participants.

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