THERAPISTS' AND TEACHERS' VIEWS ON THE EFFECTS OF HIPPOTHERAPY

Lifelong learning and training of persons with severe intellectual disabilities (ID) involve a suitable rehabilitation programme. They include different neurotherapeutic methods and procedures. Hippotherapy has recently been recognized as one such method of medical treatment that might be useful for this purpose. In this study, we were interested in the views of various professional workers (special education and rehabilitation teachers, work therapists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists) on hippotherapy. These professionals were all engaged in education and training of persons with special needs, mainly persons with ID and motor impairment. Results showed the general difference between professional workers in evaluating the effects of hippotherapy (improvement of perception, sensory integration, attention, concentration, speech and language, as well as broader social communication, motor skills, relaxation, self-concept, emotional expression). Statistically significant difference was determined in teachers' evaluation of the effects of hippotherapy. We can conclude that the positive effects of hippotherapy are better recognised by the teachers who are in direct day-to-day contact with the observed students.

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The Non-Fitness-Related Benefits of Exergames for Young Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

10.31236/osf.io/czexa ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Phoebe Morris ◽

Ed Hope ◽

John Paul Mills

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Social Communication ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Future Research ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Social Communication Skills ◽

Health Related

Background. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterised by social-communication deficits and is often accompanied by an array of symptoms, including cognitive and motor differences. Research has begun to investigate the utility of exergames (virtual exercise games) for combating some of the functionally impairing facets of ASD. However, no review to date has investigated the positive effects of exergaming for young individuals diagnosed with ASD, exclusive of their effects on fitness-related/health-related outcomes. Methods. We systematically reviewed the literature for articles published between 1990 – 2020, which aimed to examine the effectiveness of exergames for targeting some of the symptoms observed in children diagnosed with ASD, exclusive of physical fitness-related outcomes. Results. Out of 193 relevant articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria. All studies showed beneficial effects of exergaming for executive function and motor skills, however more work is needed to examine the beneficial effects of exergaming for social development in young autistic individuals. Conclusion. The present review supports the use of exergaming to improve some functions in ASD and suggests future research is needed to expand on this for the enhancement of social-communication skills.

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INFLUENCE OF FOOT INSOLE ON THE GAIT PERFORMANCE IN SUBJECTS WITH FLAT FOOT DISORDER

Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology ◽

10.1142/s0219519419500507 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (06) ◽

pp. 1950050

Author(s):

M. T. KARIMI ◽

R. B. TAHMASEBI ◽

B. SATVATI ◽

F. FATOYE

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Force Plate ◽

Flat Foot ◽

Gait Performance ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Foot Disorder

Flat foot is the most common foot disorder that influences the alignment of the lower limb structure. It is controversial whether the use of foot insole influences kinetic and kinematic of the leg or not. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of foot insole on the gait performance in subjects with flat foot disorder. A group of flat foot subject was recruited into this study (the number of subjects was 15). The motion of the leg joints was determined using the Qualysis motion analysis system. Moreover, the force applied on the lower limb was recorded by a Kistler force plate. The range of motion of the lower limb joints, the moments applied on the lower limb joints and force transmitted through the leg were the parameters used in this study. The difference between these parameters during walking with and without insole was evaluated using the paired [Formula: see text]-test. Significant value was set at [Formula: see text]. There was no significant difference between the range of motion of ankle joint while walking with and without insole. However, the medial directed force applied on the leg decreased significantly [Formula: see text]. The use of foot insole did not influence the moments transmitted through the hip and knee joints. The walking speed of the subjects improved while walking with foot insole. Use of foot insole influenced the magnitude of the force applied on the leg and the adductor moment of ankle joint due to its influence on foot alignment. As the walking speed of the improved subjects follows the use of insole, it can be concluded that it may have a positive effects on the performance of flat foot subjects.

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Ayurveda Body–Mind Constitutional Types and Role of Yoga Intervention Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Population of Chandigarh and Panchkula Regions

Annals of Neurosciences ◽

10.1177/09727531211000040 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 097275312110000

Author(s):

Madhava Sai Sivapuram ◽

Vinod Srivastava ◽

Navneet Kaur ◽

Akshay Anand ◽

Raghuram Nagarathna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Lipid Profiles ◽

Control Groups ◽

Yoga Intervention ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Background: Type 2 diabetes needs a better understanding of etiological factors and management strategies based on lifestyle and constitutional factors, given its high association rate with many cardiovascular, neurological disorders, and COVID-19 infection. Purpose: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Diabetes-specific integrated Yoga lifestyle Protocol (DYP) on glycemic control and lipid profiles of diabetic adults. Along with the DYP intervention, the individuals residing in Chandigarh and Panchkula union territories in the northern part of India were assessed for Ayurveda-based body–mind constitutional type. Ayurveda describes body–mind constitution as “ prakriti,” which has been discussed from two angles, namely physiological and psychological as body and mind are correlated. Methods: Cluster sampling of waitlist control study subjects was used as the sampling method for the study. A total of 1,215 registered subjects (81 diabetic) responded in randomly selected clusters in Chandigarh and Panchkula. Ayurveda physicians did Ayurveda body–mind constitutional assessment called prakriti assessment (physiological body–mind constitution assessment) in 35 participants (23 diabetic, 12 prediabetic) as a part of the study. Results: A group of 50 subjects was randomly selected for yoga intervention out of 81 diabetes mellitus adults, and 31 subjects were enrolled as waitlist controls. A significant decrease in the glycosylated hemoglobin levels from 8.49 ± 1.94% to 7.97 ± 2.20% in the intervention group was noticed. The lipid profiles of the DYP intervention and control groups were monitored. Three-month follow-up results of lipid profile diagnostic tests in intervention and control groups showed a significant difference between the two groups ( P < 0.05). Most diabetic and prediabetic individuals were found to have pitta dosha ( pitta controls all heat, metabolism, and transformation in the mind and body) as dominant constitution type. Conclusion: The study results demonstrated significant positive effects of yoga in diabetic individuals. This study has indicated the evidence for the safety and efficacy of the validated DYP for community-level interventions to prevent maladies like brain damage and stroke.

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Sensory-Based Priming for Upper Extremity Hemiparesis After Stroke: A Scoping Review

OTJR Occupation Participation and Health ◽

10.1177/15394492211032606 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 153944922110326

Author(s):

Mary E. Stoykov ◽

Courtney Heidle ◽

Shamshir Kang ◽

Lisa Lodesky ◽

Lindsay E. Maccary ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Motor Impairment ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Prisma Statement ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Cochrane Collaboration

Sensory priming is a technique to facilitate neuroplasticity and improve motor skills after injury. Common sensory priming modalities include peripheral nerve stimulation/somatosensory electrical stimulation (PNS/SES), transient functional deafferentation (TFD), and vibration. The aim of this study was to determine whether sensory priming with a motor intervention results in improved upper limb motor impairment or function after stroke. PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, and EMBASE were the databases used to search the literature in July 2020. This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and recommendations for the Cochrane collaboration. In total, 30 studies were included in the analysis: three studies examined TFD, 16 examined PNS/SES, 10 studied vibration, and one combined the three stimulation techniques. Most studies reported significant improvements for participants receiving sensory priming. Given the low risk, it may be advantageous to use sensory-based priming prior to or concurrent with upper limb training after stroke.

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Comparison of motor outcomes between preschool children with univentricular and biventricular critical heart disease not diagnosed with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury

Cardiology in the Young ◽

10.1017/s1047951121000895 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

M. Florencia Ricci ◽

Alastair Fung ◽

Diane Moddemann ◽

Victoria Micek ◽

Gwen Y. Bond ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Standard Deviation ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Motor Impairment ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Manual Dexterity

Abstract This comparison study of two groups within an inception cohort aimed to compare the frequency of motor impairment between preschool children with univentricular and biventricular critical congenital heart disease (CHD) not diagnosed with cerebral palsy/acquired brain injury, describe and compare their motor profiles and explore predictors of motor impairment in each group. Children with an intellectual quotient <70 or cerebral palsy/acquired brain injury were excluded. Motor skills were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Total scores <5th percentile indicated motor impairment. Statistical analysis included χ2 test and multiple logistic regression analysis. At a mean age of 55.4 (standard deviation 3.77) months, motor impairment was present in 11.8% of those with biventricular critical CHD, and 32.4% (p < 0.001) of those with univentricular critical CHD. The greatest difference between children with biventricular and univentricular CHD was seen in total test scores 8.73(2.9) versus 6.44(2.8) (p < 0.01) and in balance skills, 8.84 (2.8) versus 6.97 (2.5) (p = 0.001). Manual dexterity mean scores of children with univentricular CHD were significantly below the general population mean (>than one standard deviation). Independent odds ratio for motor impairment in children with biventricular critical CHD was presence of chromosomal abnormality, odds ratio 10.9 (CI 2.13–55.8) (p = 0.004); and in children with univentricular critical CHD odds ratio were: postoperative day 1–5 highest lactate (mmol/L), OR: 1.65 (C1.04–2.62) (p = 0.034), and dialysis requirement any time before the 4.5-year-old assessment, OR: 7.8 (CI 1.08–56.5) (p = 0.042). Early assessment of motor skills, particularly balance and manual dexterity, allows for intervention and supports that can address challenges during the school years.

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Differences in warming impacts on wheat productivity among varieties released in different eras in North China

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859615000118 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 153 (8) ◽

pp. 1353-1364 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

C. Y. ZHENG ◽

J. CHEN ◽

Z. W. SONG ◽

A. X. DENG ◽

L. N. JIANG ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Winter Wheat ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Biomass Production ◽

Air Temperature ◽

North China ◽

Growth Period ◽

Wheat Breeding ◽

Wheat Growth ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Significant Difference

SUMMARYTen leading varieties of winter wheat released during 1950–2009 in North China were tested in a free-air temperature increase (FATI) facility. The FATI facility mimicked the local air temperature pattern well, with an increase of 1·1 °C in the daily mean temperature. For all the tested varieties, warming caused a significant reduction in the total length of wheat growth period by 5 days and especially in the pre-anthesis period, where it was reduced by 9 days. However, warming increased wheat biomass production and grain yield by 8·4 and 11·4%, respectively, on an average of all the tested varieties. There was no significant difference in the warming-led reduction in the entire growth period among the tested varieties. Interestingly, the warming-led increments in biomass production and grain yield increased along with the variety release year. Significantly higher warming-led increases in post-anthesis biomass production and 1000-grain weight were found in the new varieties compared to the old ones. Meanwhile, a significant improvement in plant productivity was noted due to wheat breeding during the past six decades, while no significant difference in the length of entire growth period was found among the varieties released in different eras. The results demonstrate that historical wheat breeding might have enhanced winter wheat productivity and adaptability through exploiting the positive effects rather than mitigating the negative impacts of warming on wheat growth in North China.

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Efficacy of fine motor and balance exercises on fine motor skills in children with sensorineural hearing loss

Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience ◽

10.3233/rnn-211156 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Elsayed S. Mehrem ◽

Lamyaa A. Fergany ◽

Said A. Mohamed ◽

Hany M. Fares ◽

Roshdy M. Kamel

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Motor Performance ◽

Fine Motor ◽

Control Group ◽

Fine Motor Skills ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Balance Exercises ◽

Fine Motor Performance

Background: Childhood hearing impairment is a major disability associated with delayed motor development. The affected Fine motor performance in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) could be due to dynamic balance deficits and visual-motor incoordination. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of fine motor exercises with or without balancing exercises on fine motor skills in children with SNHL. Methods: One hundred and eighty (180) children their age ranged from 8 to 18 years old diagnosed with SNHL were selected. They were divided into three groups, 60 children (control group) practiced only their ordinary activities of daily living, 60 children (fine motor exercises group) practiced fine motor exercises, and 60 children (fine motor and balance exercise) group practiced fine motor and balance exercises. The outcomes were assessed by the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of the motor proficiency second edition scale (BOT-2). Results: Generally, there was a statistically significant difference between control group and fine motor exercises group where (p < 0.05), besides, there was a statistically significant difference between control group and fine motor and balance exercises group where (p < 0.05). But, there was no statistically significant difference between fine motor exercises group and fine motor and balance exercises group where (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The Fine Motor performance of children with SNHL has been improved by Fine motor with or without balancing exercises according to (BOT-2).

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Functional communication ability in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer's disease

Dementia & Neuropsychologia ◽

10.1590/s1980-57642009dn20100007 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 31-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Isabel Albuquerque M. de Carvalho ◽

Valéria Santoro Bahia ◽

Leticia Lessa Mansur

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Social Communication ◽

Functional Communication ◽

Communicative Behavior ◽

Communication Assessment ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Communication Ability ◽

Close Relatives ◽

The Impact

Abstract Functional communication is crucial for independent and efficient communicative behavior in response to every day activities. In the course of dementia progression, cognitive losses may impair these abilities. For this reason, functional communication assessment should be part of a formal assessment to quantify and qualify the impact of deficiency on patients' lives. Objective: To compare functional communication abilities in fronto-temporal lobar degeneration (FLTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Six AD patients (mean age: 82.50±2.66 years; mean education: 5.67±3.61 years), and eight FTLD patients (mean age: 57.13±9.63 years; mean education: 10.86±6.91 years) had their close relatives answer the Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (Asha-facs) . Statistical analyses correlated the performance on each of the Asha-facs domains (social communication, communication of basic needs; reading, writing, number concept and daily planning) between both groups. Results: Analyses showed that functional communication was similar for AD and FTLD patients. Only two items had statistical difference, namely 'Comprehension of inference' (AD 6.7±1.33; FTLD 2.43±2.30, p=0.017) and 'capacity to make basic money transactions' (AD 2.17±2.04; FTLD 4.00±0.90, p=0.044). Comparison among the four domains' mean scores revealed no significant difference. Conclusion: The Asha-facs is a useful instrument to characterize functional communication abilities in both FTLD and AD. Nevertheless, the analysis presented for this sample showed that the Asha-facs could not discriminate which aspects of the FTLD and AD differed.

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Effects of Corrective Taping on Balance and Gait in Patients With Hallux Valgus

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100716683347 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 38 (5) ◽

pp. 532-540 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gozde Gur ◽

Ozden Ozkal ◽

Burcu Dilek ◽

Songul Aksoy ◽

Nilgun Bek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hallux Valgus ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Acute Effect ◽

Clinical Test ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Computerized Posturography ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Middle Aged Adults

Background: Taping is an effective temporary therapy for improving hallux valgus (HV) in adults. Although HV has been demonstrated to impair postural balance, there is a lack of information about how corrective taping affects balance and gait patterns in adults with HV deformity. Methods: Eighteen middle-aged female patients (average age, 53.5 years) with HV were included. Corrective tape was applied to correct HV angulation. A series of balance and gait stability tests were performed before applying tape and 1 hour after the tape was applied with a Balance Master computerized posturography device. The study involved the following tests: modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance (mCTSIB), unilateral stance (US), limit of stability (LoS), step up/over (SUO), and walk across (WA) tests. Results: No significant difference was found between the no-tape and taped condition in the static balance mCTSIB and US tests ( P > .05). The taping intervention resulted in significant improvement in the dynamic balance measures for the LoS test’s backward reaction time and left maximum excursion ( P < .05), a significantly higher impact index bilaterally in the SUO assessment ( P < .05), and an increase in step width mean and variability in the WA test ( P < .05). Conclusions: Taping for correcting HV angulation had negative acute effects on dynamic balance in the SUO and WA tests and positive effects in the LoS test. Clinical Relevance: Corrective taping, although a form of conservative treatment for hallux valgus, has been insufficiently studied in terms of effects on balance. Our results show that taping, as an acute effect, may impair balance in middle-aged adults when walking or ascending and descending stairs.

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Evaluation of production conditions of tomato grafted with different tobacco rootstocks and determining nicotine content and quality of fruit

Acta agriculturae Slovenica ◽

10.14720/aas.2020.115.2.1244 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 115 (2) ◽

pp. 297

Author(s):

Seda TUNÇAY ÇAĞATAY ◽

Gülşah ÇALIK KOÇ ◽

Fereshteh REZAEİ ◽

Özlem DARCANSOY İŞERI ◽

Feride İffet ŞAHIN ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruit Size ◽

Titratable Acidity ◽

Solid Content ◽

Soluble Solid Content ◽

Quality Factors ◽

Nicotine Content ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Tomato Yield ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Soluble Solid

<p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of grafting tomato on different tobacco rootstocks on quality factors and nicotine content. The commercial variety (Solanum lycopersicum ‘H2274’) (BIOTECH) of the tomato was used as the scion plant, and six different tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) rootstocks were used: Taşova, Tekel, Muş, Samsun, Dişbudak, Hasankeyf cultivars. Cleft grafting method was used in all plants. Yield of non-grafted and grafted plants grown in open-field conditions was calculated, and there was a significant increase in yield in grafted tomatoes compared to non-grafted tomatoes. There was significantly increased lycopene and β-carotene levels (mg kg-1), especially in ‘Tekel’, ‘Taşova’, ‘Samsun’, and ‘Hasankeyf’ tobacco grafts. There was a statistically significant difference between grafted and non-grafted plants according to 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical retention capacities and total phenol (TP) values. Evaluation of quality determinants including pH values, titratable acidity values (citric acid %), soluble solid content (SSC)(oBrix) , fruit size ratios, showed that tomatoes grafted with ‘Muş’ tobacco rootstock were of higher quality. There was no significant difference between grafted and non-grafted plants according to nicotine analysis of the tobacco-grafted tomatoes, and due to acceptable ranges of nicotin level on tobacco grafted tomato plants were considered to be suitable for consumption. It could be concluded that grafting practices have significantly positive effects on tomato yield and quality.<br /><br /></p>

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