Comparison of the electromyographic activity of different zones of the abductor digiti minimi manus muscle in search of a functional compartmentalisation / Comparación de la actividad electromiográfica de diferentes zonas del músculo abductor digiti minimi manus en busca de una compartimentación funcional

SUMMARY: There is evidence demonstrating the presence of functional compartmentalisation (FC) in some skeletal muscles. This means that the motor units (MU), grouped in certain areas of the muscle, show different levels of activation in comparison to those located in other zones. This has only been described in large muscles whose morphology proves the existence of a FC. However, there is no background information about small muscles, such as the Abductor digiti minimi manus (ADM). The objective of this study was to compare the activation of the MU in different zones of the ADM to support the hypothesis of the existence of a FC in the ADM. By using a cross- sectional, analytical, observational study, the activity of the MUs in the ADM was assessed in 12 volunteers (age 21 ± 1.6 years old; weight 75.3 ± 8 kg; height 176.2 ± 7.3 cm; average ± standard deviation). The activity of MUs was evaluated using high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) with an array of 64 electrodes arranged two-dimensionally. This allowed us to record the activity of the MUs in three zones of the ADM (Z1: dorsal zone; Z2: dorsal-palmar zone and Z3: palmar zone). Electromyographic recordings were obtained during voluntary isometric contractions of the ADM at 20, 40, 60 and 80 % of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The comparison of the activation levels of MUs between the three zones was carried out using a mixed model analysis of covariance. The results showed a significant difference between the dorsal and palmar zones at 40 % of the MVC (p= 0.03), and between the dorsal and dorsal- palmar zone at 80 % of the MVC (p= 0.03). The results obtained in the evaluated sample support the hypothesis of the existence of FC in the ADM. However, further research is needed to determine with greater certainty the presence of this compartmentalisation in the ADM.

RESUMEN: Existe evidencia que demuestra la presencia de una compartimentalización funcional (CF) en algunos músculos esqueléticos. Aquello se traduce en que las unidades motoras (UM) agrupadas en ciertas zonas del músculo, presentan diferentes niveles de activación a las ubicadas en otras regiones. Esto solo ha sido descrito en músculos grandes, cuya morfología justifica la existencia de una CF. Sin embargo, no existen antecedentes de aquello en músculos pequeños, tales como el abductor digiti minimi manus (ADM). El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la activación de las UM en distintas zonas del ADM, con la finalidad sostener la hipótesis de la existencia de una CF en el ADM. Mediante un estudio observacional analítico transversal se evaluó la actividad de las UM del ADM en 12 voluntarios (edad 21±1,6 años; peso 75,3±8 kg; altura 176,2 ± 7,3 cm; promedio ± desviación estándar). La actividad de las UM, se evaluó mediante electromiografía de superficie alta densidad usando una matriz de 64 electrodos dispuestos bidimensionalmente. Esta permitió registrar la actividad de las UM en tres zonas del ADM (Z1: zona dorsal; Z2: zona dorso-palmar y Z3: zona palmar). Los registros electromiográficos fueron obtenidos durante contracciones isométricas voluntarias del ADM al 20, 40, 60 y 80 % de la contracción voluntaria máxima (CVM). La comparación de los niveles de activación de las UM entre las tres zonas fue realizada mediante un análisis de modelos mixtos de covarianza. Los resultados indicaron que existió diferencia significativa entre la zona dorsal y palmar al 40 % de la CVM (p=0,03), y entre la zona dorsal y dorso-palmar al 80 % de la CVM (p=0,03). Los resultados obtenidos en la muestra evaluada sostienen la hipótesis de la existencia de una CF en el ADM. Sin embargo, son necesarias más investigaciones para establecer con mayor certeza la presencia de esta compartimentalización en el ADM.

Funcionalidad de prótesis de mano impresa en 3D en adolescentes con amputación congénita parcial de mano: una serie de casos / 3D-printed hand prostheses function in adolescents with congenital hand amputation: a case series

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el efecto de la prótesis impresa en 3D Cyborg Beast en la funcionalidad de miembros superiores (MMSS) en adolescentes con amputación congénita parcial de mano. Casos Clínicos: Se seleccionaron 5 pacientes entre 12 y 17 años con amputación congénita parcial de mano en el Instituto Teletón Santiago. Los pacientes fueron entrenados en el uso de la prótesis por 4 sesiones. Se evaluó la función basal (sin prótesis), al mes y los 4 meses de uso de la prótesis con la pauta Bilan 400 points modificada y la percepción de funcionalidad de MMSS sin y con prótesis con la "Upper Extremity Function Index (UEFI)". Al mes y 4 meses de uso, el porcentaje de cambio para funcionalidad de mano fue de -11% y -4% para la extremidad no afectada y de -9% y -2% para la afectada. El porcentaje de cambio para la percepción de funcionalidad de MMSS fue de -62%. Conclusiones: El uso de la prótesis de mano Cyborg Beast no fue una solución funcional para los 5 pacientes incluidos en este estudio. Futuras investigaciones son necesarias para poder mejorar la funcionalidad de estos diseños de prótesis impresa en tecnología 3D.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the effect of the 3D-printed Cyborg Beast prosthesis on upper limbs function in adolescents with congenital hand amputation. Clinical Cases: Five patients aged between 12 and 17 years, with congenital hand amputation were selected. All patients were from the Teletón Institute in Santiago, Chile. The patients were trained for prosthesis use in four sessions. Hand function was evaluated without prosthesis, at 1 and 4 months of use with the modified Bilan 400 points scale, and upper limb function perception was evaluated with the 'Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI)'. At 1 month and 4 months of use, the percentage change for hand functionality for the unaffected limbs was between -11% and -4%; and -9% and -2% for the affected limb. The percentage change for the upper limbs perceived function was -62%. Conclusions: The use of the 3D-printed Cyborg Beast prosthesis was not a functional solution for the 5 patients included in this study. Future research is needed to improve the functionality of these types of 3D-printed hand prostheses.

Reconocimiento de tres patrones básicos de movimiento de la mano utilizando electromiografía de superficie y algoritmos inteligentes / Identification of three basic hand movement patterns by surface electromyography and smart algorithms

Introducción: este artículo presenta la predicción de tres tipos de movimientos básicos de la mano mediante un algoritmo inteligente para extraer características imprescindibles para el reconocimiento de patrones de movimiento a partir del análisis de señales electromiográficas superficiales adquiridas con el dispositivo Myo. Objetivo: reconocer y predecir patrones básicos de movimiento de la articulación del brazo utilizando electromiografía de superficie para aplicarlo sobre un prototipo de prótesis. Métodos: se tomaron datos de 13 estudiantes de 22 y 23 años de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, cada uno de los cuales ejecutó tres tipos de agarre: cilíndrico, pinza y pinza planar. Se trabajó con una frecuencia de 10 Hz y se tomaron 5 muestras por tipo de agarre durante 60 segundos. Para el análisis estadístico de los datos se utilizó la herramienta Anova, estableciendo un valor de significancia mayor a 0,65. Resultados: En ciertos voluntarios hay una mayor reacción en el electrodo 1 debido a que su antebrazo es mayor. El tiempo de respuesta para el reconocimiento varía dependiendo del número de variables que se tenga que comparar. Cuando se analiza un solo movimiento es de 2,6 segundos, en cambio, cuando se analizan los 3 movimientos el tiempo de respuesta incrementa a 7,8 segundos por la cantidad de electrodos que se quieran analizar. Conclusiones: la respuesta del sistema propuesto empieza a ser más lenta a medida que se analizan más movimientos a la vez y por tanto, es menos efectiva. El tiempo de ejecución y respuesta de nuestro sistema, en comparación al estado del arte, es más alto, debido a que se utilizan menos métodos de caracterización de la señal. Adicionalemtne, una limitante del proyecto es la frecuencia de muestreo del dispositivo Myo (200Hz)(AU)

Introduction: the paper presents the prediction of three basic hand movement types by means of a smart algorithm to draw characteristics indispensable for identification of movement patterns based on the analysis of surface electromyographic signals obtained with the Myo device. Objective: recognize and predict basic movement patterns of the arm joint using surface electromyography with a view to applying them over a prosthesis prototype. Methods: data were taken from 13 students aged 22 and 23 years from the Salesian Polytechnic University, each of whom performed three types of grasp: cylindrical, pincer and palmar pincer. A 10 Hz frequency was used and 5 samples were taken of each grasp type during 60 seconds. Statistical analysis was performed with the tool ANOVA, establishing a significance value > 0.65. Results: in certain volunteers a greater reaction was observed in electrode 1, due to their larger forearms. Response time for identification varies with the number of variables to be compared. When only one movement is analyzed, response time is 2.6 seconds, but when the three movements are examined it rises to 7.8 seconds by the number of electrodes intended to be studied. Conclusions: the response of the system proposed starts to slow down as more movements are analyzed simultaneously, which makes it less effective. The performance and response time of our system is higher than in state-of-the-art systems, since fewer signal characterization methods are used. On the other hand, a limitation of the project is the sampling frequency of the Myo device (200 Hz)(AU)

Good sensory recovery of the hand in brachial plexus surgery using the intercostobrachial nerve as the donor / Boa recuperação da sensibilidade da mão usando o nervo intercostobraquial como doador em cirurgia do plexo braquial

ABSTRACT Objective: Restoration of the sensitivity to sensory stimuli in complete brachial plexus injury is very important. The objective of our study was to evaluate sensory recovery in brachial plexus surgery using the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) as the donor. Methods: Eleven patients underwent sensory reconstruction using the ICBN as a donor to the lateral cord contribution to the median nerve, with a mean follow-up period of 41 months. A protocol evaluation was performed. Results: Four patients perceived the 1-green filament. The 2-blue, 3-purple and 4-red filaments were perceptible in one, two and three patients, respectively. According to Highet's scale, sensation recovered to S3 in two patients, to S2+ in two patients, to S2 in six patients, and S0 in one patient. Conclusion: The procedure using the ICBN as a sensory donor restores good intensity of sensation and shows good results in location of perception in patients with complete brachial plexus avulsion.

RESUMO Objetivo: A restauração da sensibilidade em pacientes com lesão completa do plexo braquial é muito importante. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a recuperação sensitiva em cirurgia do plexo braquial utilizando o nervo intercostobraquial (NICB) como doador. Métodos: Onze pacientes foram submetidos a reconstrução sensitiva usando o NICB como doador para a contribuição lateral do nervo mediano, com tempo de acompanhamento pós-operatório médio de 41 meses. Um protocolo de avaliação foi realizado. Resultados: Quatro pacientes perceberam o filamento 1-verde. Os filamentos 2-azul, 3-roxo e 4-vermelho foram percebidos por um, dois e três pacientes, respectivamente. Um paciente não apresentou recuperação sensitiva. Dois pacientes obtiveram recuperação S3, dois S2+, seis S2 e um S0, pela escala de Highet. Conclusão: O procedimento usando o NICB como doador promove boa intensidade de recuperação sensitiva e bons resultados são obtidos quanto ao local de percepção em pacientes com avulsão completa do plexo braquial.

Acute static muscle stretching improves manual dexterity in young men / Efeito agudo do alongamento estático sobre a destreza manual de jovens destreinados

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of acute muscle stretching on manual function. METHODS: The sample consisted of 10 untrained men in a randomized, four test session cross-over experimental design. Each session was composed of only one of two protocols: a) control, or b) single series of passive static stretching; followed by either Minnesota Hand dexterity test or hand grip strength test with eletromyographical recording of reaction time. For data comparison, the Student T-test with significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was used. RESULTS: Manual dexterity increased after stretching for both placing and turning tests, with no changes in hand grip strength or reaction time. CONCLUSION: The results show that a 30 second static stretch of the hand decreases time to complete the Minnesota Hand Dexterity test without affecting handgrip strength or hand reaction time; thus it improves manual dexterity of young untrained men.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo objetivou avaliar a influência do alongamento sobre a função manual. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 10 homens destreinados em um delineamento experimental cross-over randomizado, com quatro sessões de testes. Cada sessão foi constituída apenas por um dos protocolos: a) controle ou b) série única de alongamento estático passivo seguidos pelo minnesota Hand Dexterity Test ou pelo Teste de Preensão Manual com analise eletromiográfica do Tempo de Reação Manual. Para as comparações dos dados, o teste T de Student foi usado, com o índice de significância adotado de p ≤ 0,05. RESULTADOS: O alongamento aumentou a destreza manual em ambos Placing e Turning Tests, sem alterar a força de preensão manual ou o tempo de reação. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicam que o alongamento melhorou a destreza manual de jovens destreinados.

Comparison between manual aiming control and sex in different task constraints

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the comparison between sex and manual aiming control in different cognitive and motor constraints of the task. METHODS: Eighty-four right-handed participants (42 women) performed 110 trials of a manual aiming task with a non-inking pen on a digitizing tablet. The aiming task required four different conditions of execution. The control condition appeared on the computer screen in 70% of the trials, and the other three conditions, (a) distractor, (b) inhibition of response and (c) higher index of difficulty, each appeared in 10% of the trials. RESULTS: Compared with women, men produced shorter movement and response times, as well as higher peak velocity in the control and distractor conditions. When the index of difficulty of the task increased, men produced only higher peak velocity. Women produced more corrective movements to achieve the target only in the control condition. CONCLUSION: Our results corroborate those of previous studies that indicate sex-specific response strategies when the sensory motor system is challenged by different task constraints.(AU)

A elaboração de um instrumento para investigar o domínio da percepção dos contrastes mínimos na língua brasileira de sinais / Elaboration of an instrument to investigate the acquisition of minimal contrast perception in the Brazilian sign language

RESUMO Objetivo Elaborar um instrumento para verificar a percepção dos contrastes mínimos, mediante a utilização de pares de sinais, os quais apresentam oposições em relação a um dos parâmetros: configuração de mão, locação de mão, movimento de mão e orientação de mão. Método Realizou-se um levantamento dos pares mínimos e foram confeccionadas figuras por um profissional das artes visuais, essas foram dispostas em três colunas, podendo ser iguais ou diferentes. Realizou-se a gravação de um vídeo contendo uma intérprete que realizava dois sinais por vez, para que o sujeito que fosse avaliado pudesse visualizá-los e apontar, nas figuras, quais sinais foram solicitados. Os julgadores analisaram os pares, referindo se estavam adequados, podendo realizar modificações ou solicitar que o par mínimo fosse retirado. Os julgadores verificaram ainda se as figuras estavam claras e se eram do vocabulário de crianças. Resultados A análise de concordância realizada entre os avaliadores mostrou resultado significativo para o critério julgado como 'não é par mínimo'. Foram retirados do instrumento 13 itens, pois variavam em mais de um parâmetro, configurando, dessa forma, pares análogos e não pares mínimos. Foram modificados 16 pares e acrescentados sete que variavam quanto ao parâmetro orientação, configurando um total de 35 pares mínimos na versão final do instrumento. Conclusão O objetivo de elaborar um instrumento de percepção de contrastes mínimos foi alcançado, sendo realizados alguns ajustes necessários durante a avaliação de seu conteúdo pelos juízes. O instrumento final foi composto por 35 pares, os quais diferem em somente um parâmetro.

ABSTRACT Purpose To design an instrument to check the perception of minimal contrasts by through pairs of signs, which differ in one the following parameters: handshape, hand location, hand movement and hand orientation. Methods An inventory of minimal pairs was made and some pictures were drawn by a visual artist. These pictures were organized into three columns, which could be equal or different from each other in the pair. A video file with an interpreter making two signs at a time was played to the individual taking the test and this was expected to watch the signs and point to the pictures that corresponded to them. Raters analyzed the pairs and decided whether or not they were accurate. They could modify the pairs or ask for particular pairs to be removed; they also checked if the pictures were clear and if they were part of the children's vocabulary. Results The analysis of agreement among raters had a significant result for the criterion rated as 'not a minimal pair'. Thus, 13 items were removed from the instrument because they differed as to more than one parameter, and were considered either analogous or not minimal pairs. Additionally, 16 pairs were modified, and seven pairs which differed in orientation, were added. As a consequence, there was a total of 35 minimal pairs in the final version of the instrument. Conclusion The purpose of designing an instrument for evaluation of the perception of minimal contrasts was achieved. Some adjustments were made during the assessment of the content of the instrument as suggested by raters. The final instrument was composed of 35 pairs which differ from each other in only one parameter.

Standardization of the face-hand test in a Brazilian multicultural population: prevalence of sensory extinction and implications for neurological diagnosis

OBJECTIVE: The face-hand test is a simple, practical, and rapid test to detect neurological syndromes. However, it has not previously been assessed in a Brazilian sample; therefore, the objective of the present study was to standardize the face-hand test for use in the multi-cultural population of Brazil and identify the sociodemographic factors affecting the results. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study of 150 individuals. The sociodemographic variables that were collected included age, gender, race, body mass index and years of education. Standardization of the face-hand test occurred in 2 rounds of 10 sensory stimuli, with the participant seated to support the trunk and their vision obstructed in a sound-controlled environment. The face-hand test was conducted by applying 2 rounds of 10 sensory stimuli that were applied to the face and hand simultaneously. The associations between the face-hand test and sociodemographic variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman correlations. Binomial models were adjusted for the number of face-hand test variations, and ROC curves evaluated sensitivity and specificity of sensory extinction. RESULTS: There was no significant relationship between the sociodemographic variables and the number of stimuli perceived for the face-hand test. There was a high relative frequency of detection, 8 out of 10 stimuli, in this population. Sensory extinction was 25.3%, which increased with increasing age (OR=1.4[1:01–1:07]; p=0.006) and decreased significantly with increasing education (OR=0.82[0.71-0.94]; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: In the Brazilian population, a normal face-hand test score ranges between 8–10 stimuli, and the results indicate that sensory extinction is associated with increased age and lower levels of education.

Early sensory re-education of the hand after peripheral nerve repair based on mirror therapy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Mirror therapy has been used as an alternative stimulus to feed the somatosensory cortex in an attempt to preserve hand cortical representation with better functional results. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the short-term functional outcome of an early re-education program using mirror therapy compared to a late classic sensory program for hand nerve repair. METHOD: This is a randomized controlled trial. We assessed 20 patients with median and ulnar nerve and flexor tendon repair using the Rosen Score combined with the DASH questionnaire. The early phase group using mirror therapy began on the first postoperative week and lasted 5 months. The control group received classic sensory re-education when the protective sensation threshold was restored. All participants received a patient education booklet and were submitted to the modified Duran protocol for flexor tendon repair. The assessments were performed by the same investigator blinded to the allocated treatment. Mann-Whitney Test and Effect Size using Cohen's d score were used for inter-group comparisons at 3 and 6 months after intervention. RESULTS: The primary outcome (Rosen score) values for the Mirror Therapy group and classic therapy control group after 3 and 6 months were 1.68 (SD=0.5); 1.96 (SD=0.56) and 1.65 (SD=0.52); 1.51 (SD=0.62), respectively. No between-group differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Although some clinical improvement was observed, mirror therapy was not shown to be more effective than late sensory re-education in an intermediate phase of nerve repair in the hand. Replication is needed to confirm these findings.

Development of a new haptic perception instrument: a pilot study / Desenvolvimento de um novo instrumento de avaliação da percepção háptica: um estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Objective Hand sensory tests do not consider distinct physiological receptors, nor detect normal range variations concerning developmental or pathological changes. We developed an instrument with a set of tests with timing and scoring for assessing haptic perception, which is the interaction between sensory and motor systems, in surfaces exploration, by moving hands. Method Firstly, group meetings were set for test/manual conception and materials testing. The test/manual were submitted to 30 reviewers in 3 stages (10 reviewers on each stage). Results The Hand Haptic Perception Instrument (HHPI) evaluates hand sensorimotor performance on six domains: depression, elevation, texture, compressibility, weight (barognosis) and form perception. Each domain requires specific materials. Score ranges from 0 to 57, being 0 the worst rating. Conclusion This methodological process allowed the development of six domains and instructions to assess haptic perception. This version of HHPI is a pilot model. Further studies will determine reliability and normality ranges.

RESUMO Objetivo Testes de sensibilidade manual não consideram receptores fisiológicos distintos, tampouco variações do desenvolvimento normal ou patológico. Desenvolvemos um instrumento, com pontuação e tempo de desempenho, para avaliar percepção háptica, que é a interação sensório-motora na exploração de superfícies, pelo movimento das mãos. Método Reuniões de grupo foram estabelecidas para desenvolver os testes/ manual e testar materiais. O instrumento e seu manual foram submetidos a 30 revisores, em 3 estágios (com 10 revisores em cada estágio). Resultados O instrumento de avaliação da percepção háptica manual (IAPHM) avalia o desempenho sensório-motor da mão em seis domínios: depressão, elevação, textura, compressibilidade, peso (barognosia) e percepção de forma. Cada domínio requer materiais específicos. A pontuação vai de 0 a 57, sendo 0 a pior pontuação. Conclusão Esse método permitiu o desenvolvimento do instrumento para avaliar percepção háptica. Essa versão do IAPHM é um modelo piloto. Estudos futuros determinarão confiabilidade e variações de normalidade.

Relation between hand function and gross motor function in full term infants aged 4 to 8 months

Background: In children, reaching emerges around four months of age, which is followed by rapid changes in hand function and concomitant changes in gross motor function, including the acquisition of independent sitting. Although there is a close functional relationship between these domains, to date they have been investigated separately. Objective: To investigate the longitudinal profile of changes and the relationship between the development of hand function (i.e. reaching for and manipulating an object) and gross motor function in 13 normally developing children born at term who were evaluated every 15 days from 4 to 8 months of age. Method: The number of reaches and the period (i.e. time) of manipulation to an object were extracted from video synchronized with the Qualisys(r) movement analysis system. Gross motor function was measured using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. ANOVA for repeated measures was used to test the effect of age on the number of reaches, the time of manipulation and gross motor function. Hierarchical regression models were used to test the associations of reaching and manipulation with gross motor function. Results: Results revealed a significant increase in the number of reaches (p<0.001), the time of manipulation (p<0.001) and gross motor function (p<0.001) over time, as well as associations between reaching and gross motor function (R2=0.84; p<0.001) and manipulation and gross motor function (R2=0.13; p=0.02) from 4 to 6 months of age. Associations from 6 to 8 months of age were not significant. Conclusion: The relationship between hand function and gross motor function was not constant, and the age span from 4 to 6 months was a critical period of interdependency of hand function and gross motor function development. .

O desenvolvimento da lateralidade: uma abordagem etológica / The development of laterality: the approach of Ethology

O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar, de forma introdutória, a perspectiva etológica no estudo da preferência humana pela utilização de uma das mãos na realização de tarefas, compreendida por lateralidade manual. Entre as características relevantes para o estudo da lateralidade manual humana e sua relação com a filogênese estão as diferenças neuroanatômicas entre os hemisférios esquerdo e direito, bem como as influências genéticas e padrões de preferências populacionais. Há pesquisas que afirmam não haver causas evolutivas para a lateralidade humana, enquanto outras, com diferentes metodologias, demonstram o contrário. Estas mostram evidências de que há comportamentos lateralizados e um padrão populacional consistente de preferência hemisférica para a realização de atividades complexas tanto em vertebrados inferiores quanto em vertebrados superiores.

The aim of this study is to present, in an introductory way, the ethological perspective of the study of human preference for using one of the hands to perform tasks, understood as hand dominance. Among the relevant characteristics for the study of human manual laterality and its relationship with phylogenesis are the neuroanatomical differences between the left and right hemispheres, as well as genetic influences and standards of population preferences. There are studies that affirm that there are no evolutionary causes for human laterality, while others with different methodologies demonstrate the opposite. These show evidence that there are lateralized behaviors and a consistent population pattern of hemispheric preference to perform complex activities in both lower and higher vertebrates.

Relative performance of the two hands in simple and choice reaction time tasks

There is evidence that the left hemisphere is more competent for motor control than the right hemisphere. This study investigated whether this hemispheric asymmetry is expressed in the latency/duration of sequential responses performed by the left and/or right hands. Thirty-two right-handed young adults (16 males, 16 females; 18-25 years old) were tested in a simple or choice reaction time task. They responded to a left and/or right visual target by moving their left and/or right middle fingers between two keys on each side of the midline. Right hand reaction time did not differ from left hand reaction time. Submovement times were longer for the right hand than the left hand when the response was bilateral. Pause times were shorter for the right hand than the left hand, both when the responses were unilateral or bilateral. Reaction time results indicate that the putatively more efficient response preparation by the left hemisphere motor mechanisms is not expressed behaviorally. Submovement time and pause time results indicate that the putatively more efficient response execution by the left hemisphere motor mechanisms is expressed behaviorally. In the case of the submovements, the less efficient motor control of the left hand would be compensated by a more intense attention to this hand.

Comparison of Visual and Auditory Reaction Time of Hand and Foot in Young Adults Before and After Physical Training.

Present study was conducted to compare Visual Reaction Time (VRT) and Auditory Reaction Time (ART) of hand & foot in young adults before and after physical training. VRT & ART in milliseconds was determined with the help of “Response Analyzer” in 87 males and 13 females in the age group 17 to 25 years before and after physical training and compared. Both VRT & ART was significantly decreased in all four limbs after physical training of 6 months.

Investigação da lateralidade em recém-nascidos prematuros / Laterality research in premature newborns / Investigación de lateralidad en recién nacidos prematuros

O estudo objetivou investigar a existência de coordenação mão-boca e preferência manual em recém-nascidos (RNs) prematuros a partir da estimulação gustativa, comparando a lateralidade dos bebês e seus genitores. Trata-se de estudo experimental e analítico, com procedimento duplo-cego. Participaram 90 RNs prematuros de uma maternidade pública de Sergipe. O teste durou 15 minutos, dividido em 3 períodos de 5 minutos. Nos primeiros 5 minutos, linha de base inicial - LB1, nenhum estímulo foi aplicado. No segundo momento, houve estimulação gustativa com sacarose para análise (PA) a 12% ou água, em 5 doses de 0,2 mL a cada minuto; e no último período, linha de base final - LB2, houve observação do recém-nascido sem aplicação de estímulo, durante 5 minutos. Foi realizado registro da frequência e duração dos comportamentos das mãos direita (MBD) e/ou esquerda (MBE) na região oral e sucção das mãos direita (SMD) e/ou esquerda (SME) dos RNs durante os estados comportamentais (sono profundo, sono leve, sonolento, alerta, agitado/irritado e choro) apresentados por estes. Os dados foram executados no software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Como resultado encontrou-se correlação forte de MBD e SMD na LB2, independente do estímulo recebido, evidenciando que a estimulação aumentou a correlação dos comportamentos do lado direito do corpo. Sugere-se realização de novas pesquisas sobre lateralidade, contemplando maior número de pais sinistros na amostra...

This study aimed at investigating the ­existence of hand-mouth coordination and manual ­preference in premature newborns from the gustatory stimulation, comparing the laterality of the babies and their parents. This is an experimental and analytical ­study with double-blind procedure. A total of 90 premature newborns from a public maternity of Sergipe ­participated in this study. The test lasted for 15 minutes, which was divided into ­three periods of five minutes. In the first five minutes, no stimulation was applied in the initial baseline (BL1); in the second moment, there was a gustatory stimulation with sucrose for analysis at 12% or water in five ­doses of 0.2 mL applied every minute; and in the last ­period, the ­final baseline (BL2), it was observed that the newborn was ­without application of stimulus for five ­minutes. Recording was performed for the frequency and duration of behaviors from the right (RHM) and/or left (LHM) hands in the oral region and suction from the right (SRH) and/or left (SLH) hands of newborns during the ­behavioral states (deep sleep, light sleep, drowsy, alert, ­restless/irritated, and crying) presented by them. Data were performed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. As a result, we found a strong correlation of RHM and SRH in BL2, regardless of the stimulus received, showing that stimulation increased the correlation of the right side behaviors. Further research work is suggested to be performed on laterality with a higher number of left-handed parents in the sample...

El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la existencia de coordinación mano-boca y la preferencia manual en recién nacidos prematuros a partir de la estimulación gustativa, comparando la lateralidad de los bebes y sus progenitores. Se trata de un estudio experimental y analítico, con procedimiento doble ciego. Participaron 90 recién nacidos prematuros de una maternidad pública de Sergipe. El test duró 15 minutos, dividido en tres períodos de cinco minutos. En los primeros cinco minutos, línea de base inicial - LB1, ningún estímulo fue aplicado. En un segundo momento, existió estimulación gustativa con sacarosa PA a 12% o agua, en cinco dosis de 0,2 mL a cada minuto, y en el último período, línea de base final - LB2, existió observación del recién nacido sin aplicación de estímulo, durante cinco minutos. Fue realizado registro de la frecuencia y duración de los comportamientos en la mano derecha (MBD) y/o mano izquierda (MBI) en la región oral y succión de la mano derecha (SMD) y/o izquierda (SMI) de los recién nacidos durante los estados comportamentales (sueño profundo, sueño leve, somnoliento, alerta, agitado/irritado y llanto) presentados por estos. Los datos fueron analizados en el software Stastistical Package for the Social Sciences. Como resultado se encontró correlación fuerte de MBD y SMD en la LB2, independiente del estímulo recibido, evidenciando que la estimulación aumentó la correlación de los comportamientos del lado derecho del cuerpo. Se sugiere realización de nuevas investigaciones sobre lateralidad, contemplando mayor número de padres zurdos en la muestra...

Parámetros cinemáticos en la prueba de Tapping en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson / Cinematic parameters in the Tapping test in patients with Parkinson's disease

Motor slowness is the most characteristic motor deficit in Parkinson Disease (PD). The tapping test is a timed motor performance task which has been widely used in evaluation of PD. We study kinematics parameters of tapping test in PD and health control. Methods: Subjects consisted on 12 patients (2 women) with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 6 healthy control subjects (2 women). The mean age 63 +/- 9.7years PD and 64.8 +/- 13.3 years control. Duration of disease was 5.8 +/- 4.1 years. All patients were on levodopa medication. Procedures: All participants performed repetitive Hand/Arm movements between two points placed 25 cm apart horizontally for 20 successive taps ("as fast as possible"). The test was performed independently for each hand. Parkinson patients performed under the best ON condition. We assessed patients clinically using the motor section of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Informed consent was obtained. Apparatus: One standard video camera positioned perpendicularly from two target points recorded movement and referential xy system. A light reflective marker was attached to middle finger. The middle finger marker was manually digitized at a rate of 30 Hz using Kinematics Analysis software. Statistical analysis Kuskal-wallis one way analysis of variance, r spearman correlation. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Median Velocity in normal control was 94 +/- 11 cm/s and in PD was 67 +/- 15 cm/s (p < 0.001). Maximal velocity in normal control was 198 +/- 20 cm/s and in PD was 143 +/- 33 cm/s (p < 0.001). Median acceleration in normal control was 1630 +/- 331 cm/s2 in PD was 966 +/- 285 cm/s2 (p < 0.001). Median Movement amplitude in Y plane; in normal control was 28 +/- 5 cm and in PD was 21 +/- 8 cm (p < 0.01). Median Movement amplitude in Y plane correlated significantly with bradykinesia summary score (r = -0.59, p < 0.001)...

La bradicinecia es el déficit motor más característico de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), generalmente diagnosticado bajo diversos estudios como la prueba de tapping -ampliamente utilizada para determinar la enfermedad-, donde se mide la repetición de una tarea específica en un tiempo determinado. En el siguiente trabajo se estudiaron los parámetros cinemáticos del tapping en EP y controles. El estudio se realizó en 12 pacientes con EP con una edad media de 64,6 +/- 9,4 años -con duración promedio de la EP de 5,8 +/- 4,1 años. Todos los casos estaban en tratamiento con levodopa. Además, se estudiaron 7 controles en personas con una edad media de 64,8 +/- 12,8 años. Se les solicitó a todos que con los dedos de la mano tocaran en forma secuencial dos puntos separados por 25 cm. En el dedo medio se instaló una marca refractaria a la luz, utilizada como referencia para determinar la posición de la mano. El movimiento fue filmado mediante una cámara de video estándar con una velocidad de 30 cuadros por segundo. Los pacientes fueron evaluados clínicamente usando la escala unificada para la valoración de la enfermedad de Parkinson en su sección motora parte III (UPDRS-III). El análisis cinemático se realizó mediante un software especialmente diseñado para determinar la posición espacial de la marca en relación al sistema de referencia cartesiano. El análisis estadístico se realizó con Kurskal-Wallis test y correlaciones de Spearman. Se consideró significación estadística con p < 0,05. Resultados: La velocidad media en el control normal fue de 94 +/- 11 cm/seg y en la EP fue de 67 +/- 15 cm/seg (p <0,001). La velocidad máxima en el control normal fue de 198 +/- 20 cm /seg y en la EP fue de 143 +/- 33 cm/seg (p < 0,001). En el control de aceleración media normal fue 1.630 +/- 331 cm/seg² en la EP fue 966 +/- 285 cm/seg² (p < 0,001). Movimiento amplitud media en el plano Y, en el control normal fue de 28 +/- 5 cm y en la EP fue de 21 +/- 8 cm (p < 0,01)...

[ effects of static cock up c-bar splint on strength, spasticity, ROM, and dominant hand function in spastic diplegic children]

Cerebral Palsy [CP] children are the most clients referred to occupational therapy settings. Hand function is important in Activities of Daily living. There is a hand dysfunction in most cerebral palsy children. Orthosis and splints are commonly used to improve the position, range of motion, quality of movement and function of a personrm or hand. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of static cock up c-bar splint on strength, spasticity, range of motion, and dominant hand function in spastic diplegic children with 8 to 12 years old. This interventional study is in a before-after design. Thirteen spastic diplegic cerebral palsy children with 8 to 12 years old were selected through students who studied in physical disabled schools in Tehran city and had the inclusion criteria. Patients used a static cock up c-bar splint [wrist in 10 degrees of extension and thumb in palmar abduction and opposition] for two months, 2 hours daily and 4-6 hours at night. In this study the Jebsen Taylor test was used to evaluate hand function, the Modified Ashworth Scale was used to assess spasticity of thumb, wrist and elbow, ROM of thumb, wrist and elbow were tested with goniometer and power grip was evaluated with dynamometer. Results showed a significant improvement in hand function [p<0.001], in wrist's spasticity [p<0.001], elbow's spasticity [p<0.008], palmar abduction of thumb spasticity [p<0.002], wrist's ROM [p<0.001], Palmar abduction of thumb ROM [p<0.001] and power grip [p<0.001]. The data did not show significant improvement on elbow's joint ROM. Information from present research shows that using static cock up c-bar splint for 2 months, 2 hours a day and 4 to 6 hours nightly, can be an effective method to improve power grip, hand function, thumb, wrist and elbow spasticity and range of motion of thumb and wrist of spastic diplegic CP children