scholarly journals An Instrumented Assessment of a Rhythmic Finger Task among Children with Motor Coordination Difficulties

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 4554
Author(s):  
Artal Keinan ◽  
Tami Bar-Shalita ◽  
Sigal Portnoy
Keyword(s):  
Motor Performance ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Movement Pattern ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Motor Difficulties

Background: Coordination is crucial for motor function, yet objective clinical evaluations are limited. We therefore developed and tested the reliability and validity of a low-cost sensorized evaluation of a rhythmic finger task. Methods: Children with coordination difficulties (n = 24) and typically developing children (n = 24) aged from 5 to 7 years performed the Sensorized Finger Sequencing Test (SFST), a finger sequencing test that records the correct sequence, total time, and the standard deviation (SD) of touch time. Additionally, motor performance tests and parents’ reports were applied in order to test the reliability and validity of the SFST. Results: The study group had significantly greater thumb-finger test scores—total time in the dominant hand (p = 0.035) and the SD of the touch time in both dominant (p = 0.036) and non-dominant (p = 0.032) hands. Motor performance tests were not correlated with the SFST. Test–retest reliability in 10 healthy children was found for the SD of touch time in the dominant hand (r = 0.87, p = 0.003). Conclusions: The SFST was successful in assessing the movement pattern variability reported in children with motor difficulties. This exploratory study indicates that the low-cost SFST could be utilized as an objective measure for the assessment of proprioception components, which currently are overlooked by standardized motor performance assessments.

scholarly journals Identifying Developmental Motor Difficulties: A Review of Tests to Assess Motor Coordination in Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Cancer ◽  
Rebecca Minoliti ◽  
Maura Crepaldi ◽  
Alessandro Antonietti
Keyword(s):  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Developmental Coordination Disorder ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Motor Tests ◽  
Motor Difficulties ◽  
Developmental Norms

The latest guidelines recommend early identification of children with motor impairments using a standardized norm-referenced test. Motor coordination difficulties in developmental age have been studied extensively over recent years, with experimental literature on developmental coordination disorder (DCD) suggesting that motor proficiency assessments depend on the nature of the task at hand. In this article we reviewed 14 assessment tools to measure movement performance in childhood and adolescence, which are often referred to in an international context. This updated review aims to compare motor tests depending on a) the nature of the tasks included in the battery (i.e., questionnaire and clinical examination), b) psychometric properties, and c) cultural adaptation to relevant developmental norms. Finally, implications for diagnosis and clinical practice are discussed. Considering there are several tests used for DCD, it is important to better define their reliability and validity in different cultures in order to better compare the validation studies and select the most appropriate test to use in the assessment procedure.

scholarly journals The Relation Between Complexity and Resilient Motor Performance and the Effects of Differential Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruud J. R. Den Hartigh ◽  
Sem Otten ◽  
Zuzanna M. Gruszczynska ◽  
Yannick Hill
Keyword(s):  
Motor Performance ◽  
Temporal Structure ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Movement Pattern ◽  
Fluctuation Analysis ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Learning Condition ◽  
Learning Group ◽  
Differential Learning ◽  
First Session

Complex systems typically demonstrate a mixture of regularity and flexibility in their behavior, which would make them adaptive. At the same time, adapting to perturbations is a core characteristic of resilience. The first aim of the current research was therefore to test the possible relation between complexity and resilient motor performance (i.e., performance while being perturbed). The second aim was to test whether complexity and resilient performance improve through differential learning. To address our aims, we designed two parallel experiments involving a motor task, in which participants moved a stick with their non-dominant hand along a slider. Participants could score points by moving a cursor as fast and accurately as possible between two boxes, positioned on the right- and left side of the screen in front of them. In a first session, we determined the complexity by analyzing the temporal structure of variation in the box-to-box movement intervals with a Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. Then, we introduced perturbations to the task: We altered the tracking speed of the cursor relative to the stick-movements briefly (i.e., 4 s) at intervals of 1 min (Experiment 1), or we induced a prolonged change of the tracking speed each minute (Experiment 2). Subsequently, participants had three sessions of either classical learning or differential learning. Participants in the classical learning condition were trained to perform the ideal movement pattern, whereas those in the differential learning condition had to perform additional and irrelevant movements. Finally, we conducted a posttest that was the same as the first session. In both experiments, results showed moderate positive correlations between complexity and points scored (i.e., box touches) in the perturbation-period of the first session. Across the two experiments, only differential learning led to a higher complexity index (i.e., more prominent patterns of pink noise) from baseline to post-test. Unexpectedly, the classical learning group improved more in their resilient performance than the differential learning group. Together, this research provides empirical support for the relation between complexity and resilience, and between complexity and differential learning in human motor performance, which should be examined further.

Development of the corticospinal system and hand motor function: central conduction times and motor performance tests

2000 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 220-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
U M Fietzek ◽  
F Heinen ◽  
S Berweck ◽  
S Maute ◽  
A Hufschmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Function ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Corticospinal System

Deficits of hand coordination and laterality of carotid endarterectomy

2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric J. Heyer ◽  
Kaitlin A. Mallon ◽  
Joanna L. Mergeche ◽  
Yaakov Stern ◽  
E. Sander Connolly
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Neurocognitive Performance ◽  
Rate Analysis ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group Rate ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Hand Coordination ◽  
Grooved Pegboard Test

OBJECT Neurocognitive performance is used to assess multiple cognitive domains, including motor coordination, before and after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Although gross motor strength is impaired with ischemia of large cortical areas or of the internal capsule, the authors hypothesize that patients undergoing CEA demonstrate significant motor deficits of hand coordination contralateral to the operative side, which is more clearly manifest in the nondominant hand than in the dominant hand with ischemia of smaller cortical areas. METHODS The neurocognitive performance of 374 patients was evaluated with a battery of neuropsychometric tests. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients undergoing CEA were included. The authors evaluated the patients' dominant and nondominant hand performance on the Grooved Pegboard test, a test of hand coordination, to demonstrate their functional laterality. Neurocognitive dysfunction was evaluated as the difference in performance before and after CEA according to group-rate and event-rate analyses. The z scores were generated for all tests using a reference group of patients who were having simple spine surgery. Dominant and nondominant motor coordination functions were evaluated as raw scores and as calculated z scores. RESULTS According to event-rate analysis, significantly more patients undergoing CEA of the opposite carotid artery demonstrated nondominant than dominant hand deficits of coordination (41.2% vs 26.4%, respectively, p = 0.02). Similarly, according to group-rate analysis, in patients undergoing CEA of the opposite carotid artery, raw difference scores from the Grooved Pegboard test reflected greater nondominant than dominant hand deficits of coordination (21.0 ± 54.4 vs 9.7 ± 37.0, respectively, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing CEA of the opposite carotid artery are more likely to demonstrate nondominant than dominant hand deficits of coordination because of greater dexterity in the dominant hand before surgery.

INFLUENCE OF LOW-COST BUILDING MATERIALS ON HOUSING PROJECT IN REDUCTION OF HOUSING DEFICIT IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-37
Author(s):  
Kamau Maina ◽  
Dr. Samson Nyang’au Paul
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Real Estate ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Value Theory ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Primary Data

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of low cost building materials on reduction of housing deficit in Nairobi County, Kenya.Methodology: The study adopted four theories: open innovations theory, the value theory, transformational leadership theory, and institutional theory. Methodologically, the study adopted a descriptive research design, while the population of this study was all the real estate firms registered by Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA). Census technique was employed to collect data from all 69 real estate firms using questionnaires. Questionnaires were applied to collect primary data, where the researcher trained research assistants to aid the data collection procedure. A pilot-test was conducted as an approach to establishing both the reliability and validity assessments of the questionnaire. Statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) was used to undertake both descriptive and inferential statistical computations.Results: The findings of the study established that the use of technology enhances the capability and capacity of construction firms to use an array of building materials. The study found that use of modern technology defined skilled labour because most organizations are leveraging technology as a basis of realizing competitive advantage. It also established that real estate firms utilize competent based human resource management firms to hire qualified personnel. In addition, it was evident that personality traits influenced adoption of new technology in the construction of low cost housing, whereas knowledge and attitudes, and skills were significantly attributed to adoption of new technology.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: In light of the research findings, the study recommends that organizations should leverage modern technology as a basis of realizing efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of projects. The study likewise recommends that organizations should build capacities to enhance labour productivity. In addition, the study recommends that organizations should adopt transformational leadership approaches as a basis of enhancing performance. The study recommends the need to revise the legal framework with a view to ensure that it reflects the changing needs of the project requirements.

scholarly journals Testing the visual-motor coordination and reaction speed in children aged between 10–14 years old

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-121
Author(s):  
Dan Alexandru SZABO ◽  
◽  
Andreea Roxana UJICĂ ◽  
Ovidiu URSU ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Point Of Interest ◽  
Hand Eye Coordination ◽  
Group Information ◽  
Visual Motor ◽  
Reaction Speed

The present study aimed to debate a topic less addressed by most people, which involved research on a group of 20 students from rural areas, aged 10–14 years, which consists of performing two tests, namely the Ruler drop test and the Hand-eye coordination test, which aims at the reaction speed of the dominant and non-dominant hand and also the hand-eye coordination capacity of the subjects. The paper aimed to identify whether somatic factors and age influence the results of the group. In order to perform the two tests, it was necessary, for the beginning, information related to the study group, information on weight, age, height, dominant hand, respectively dominant eye. These represented the point of interest of the research, being reported individually to the test results, thus constituting the study basis of statistics. After obtaining the results, we concluded that a significant significance is encountered when comparing the dominant hand with the non-dominant one, obtaining a positive value for the dominant hand. At the same time, we interpreted after the research that females tend to have a much faster reaction speed, more significant than the males when it comes to using the non-dominant hand. The hypothesis was confirmed, with differences in somatic factors’ influence, but the others do not show significant values except those stated above. In addition to the practical part, the research involves an interesting theoretical foundation being reached aspects related to proprioception, coordination, speed, ways of using tests, and the opinion of other researchers who have conducted similar studies.

scholarly journals Enhanced Visual Feedback Using Immersive VR Affects Decision Making Regarding Hand Use With a Simulated Impaired Limb

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoko Sakabe ◽  
Samirah Altukhaim ◽  
Yoshikatsu Hayashi ◽  
Takeshi Sakurada ◽  
Shiro Yano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Visual Feedback ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Feedback Enhancement

The long-term effects of impairment have a negative impact on the quality of life of stroke patients in terms of not using the affected limb even after some recovery (i.e., learned non-use). Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has been introduced as a new approach for the treatment of stroke rehabilitation. We propose an IVR-based therapeutic approach to incorporate positive reinforcement components in motor coordination as opposed to constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of IVR-reinforced physical therapy that incorporates positive reinforcement components in motor coordination. To simulate affected upper limb function loss in patients, a wrist weight was attached to the dominant hand of participant. Participants were asked to choose their right or left hand to reach toward a randomly allocated target. The movement of the virtual image of the upper limb was reinforced by visual feedback to participants, that is, the participants perceived their motor coordination as if their upper limb was moving to a greater degree than what was occurring in everyday life. We found that the use of the simulated affected limb was increased after the visual feedback enhancement intervention, and importantly, the effect was maintained even after gradual withdrawal of the visual amplification. The results suggest that positive reinforcement within the IVR could induce an effect on decision making in hand usage.

scholarly journals Control of motor coordination by astrocytic tonic GABA release through modulation of excitation/inhibition balance in cerebellum

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (19) ◽  
pp. 5004-5009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junsung Woo ◽  
Joo Ok Min ◽  
Dae-Si Kang ◽  
Yoo Sung Kim ◽  
Guk Hwa Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Granule Cells ◽  
Cerebellar Granule Cells ◽  
Gaba Release ◽  
In Vivo Microdialysis ◽  
Tonic Inhibition

Tonic inhibition in the brain is mediated through an activation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors by the tonically released GABA, resulting in a persistent GABAergic inhibitory action. It is one of the key regulators for neuronal excitability, exerting a powerful action on excitation/inhibition balance. We have previously reported that astrocytic GABA, synthesized by monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), mediates tonic inhibition via GABA-permeable bestrophin 1 (Best1) channel in the cerebellum. However, the role of astrocytic GABA in regulating neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and cerebellar brain function has remained elusive. Here, we report that a reduction of tonic GABA release by genetic removal or pharmacological inhibition of Best1 or MAOB caused an enhanced neuronal excitability in cerebellar granule cells (GCs), synaptic transmission at the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell (PF-PC) synapses, and motor performance on the rotarod test, whereas an augmentation of tonic GABA release by astrocyte-specific overexpression of MAOB resulted in a reduced neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and motor performance. The bidirectional modulation of astrocytic GABA by genetic alteration of Best1 or MAOB was confirmed by immunostaining and in vivo microdialysis. These findings indicate that astrocytes are the key player in motor coordination through tonic GABA release by modulating neuronal excitability and could be a good therapeutic target for various movement and psychiatric disorders, which show a disturbed excitation/inhibition balance.

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