Relação entre função motora e cognitiva na paralisia cerebral hemiplégica / Relationship between motor and cognitive function in hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Introdução: Crianças com paralisia cerebral hemiplégica (PCH) exibem dificuldades funcionais na utilização do membro superior hemiparético, repercutindo negativamente no desempenho em realizar atividades de vida diária. Atualmente, os déficits motores nessa população são acompanhados por distúrbios sensoriais, dificuldades na aprendizagem, alterações de comportamento e comunicação e défices cognitivos gerais. Objetivo: Investigar a possível associação entre os déficits motores e cognitivos de crianças com PCH, verificando ainda a influência da lateralidade da hemiplegia. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 30 crianças com PCH (idade média = 10,48 ± 2,46 anos). Os participantes foram submetidos aos seguintes testes: Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Matrizes Progressivas Coloridas de Raven, o Subteste cubos do Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children fourth Edition - WISC IV e a fluência verbal semântica de animais. Resultados: Os grupos foram homogêneos em relação ao sexo e idade (p > 0.05). Os grupos não diferiram em relação ao nível de desempenho motor, memória de trabalho, inteligência e fluência verbal (p > 0,05). O desempenho motor correlacionou com todas as variáveis cognitivas. Conclusão: Em crianças com PCH o desempenho motor correlacionou fortemente com funções cognitivas. Além disso, a lateralidade da lesão cerebral não influenciou o desempenho em tarefas motoras e cognitivas. (AU)

Introduction: Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) exhibit functional difficulties in using the hemiparetic upper limb, negatively impacting their performance in carrying out activities of daily living. Currently, motor deficits in this population are accompanied by sensory disorders, learning difficulties, changes in behavior and communication and general cognitive deficits. Objective: To investigate the possible association between motor and cognitive deficits in children with PCH, also verifying the influence of laterality in hemiplegia. Methods: Thirty children with PCH participated in the study (mean age = 10.48 ± 2.46 years). Participants were subjected to the following tests: Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Raven's Colorful Progressive Matrices, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children fourth Edition - WISC IV Subtest and the semantic verbal fluency of animals. Results: The groups were homogeneous in relation to sex and age (p > 0.05). The groups did not differ in relation to the level of motor performance, working memory, intelligence and verbal fluency (p> 0.05). Motor performance correlated with all cognitive variables. Conclusion: In children with PCH, motor performance correlated strongly with cognitive functions. In addition, the laterality of the brain injury did not influence performance in motor and cognitive tasks. (AU)

SHELL Part of Nucleus Accumbens and Its Laterality Has Important Role in Response to Chronic Stress in Female Rats

Abstract The nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) plays a role in appetitive and negative motivation with sex differences in responses. NAcSh and its laterality in metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic stress in female rats is evaluated via transient inactivation of this nucleus during stress induction. Animals in the stress groups received consecutive stress for four days and transient inactivation of NAcSh was performed by administrating lidocaine (0.2%) unilaterally or bilaterally in the nucleus for five minutes before electric foot shock induction. After stress termination, food and water intake, latency to eat, plasma glucose, corticosterone, estradiol and progesterone were measured in all groups. Results showed that stress increased food intake and blood glucose level, but there were no change in the latency to eat and the amount of water intake. The right side, the left side, and both sides of NAcSh may be dominant in latency to eat, food intake, and both water intake and plasma glucose level, respectively. Although chronic stress included no changes for corticosterone and progesterone, it increased estradiol level in plasma. Also, bilateral and right sides of NAcSh may have modulatory effects on stress in corticosterone and progesterone, respectively, without affecting estradiol. It can be concluded that the NAc shell plays a pivotal role in metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic stress in a laterality manner in female rats.

Association of maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength with age, gender and handedness in older people / Fuerza de agarre isométrica máxima en relación a la edad, sexo y dominancia de mano

ABSTRACT Background: Maximal voluntary isometric handgrip strength (MVIHS) is influenced by age, sex, and handedness. Aim: To assess the association of MVIHS with age, sex, and handedness in older adults. Material and Methods: MVIHS was measured using a digital dynamometer in 60 men and 60 women aged 73 ± 6 years. Weight, height and handedness were also recorded. For analysis purposes, participants were divided into two age groups (65 to 70.9 years of age and ≥ 71 years). Results: A negative correlation was observed between age and MVIHS in the non-dominant (r = −0.65 and −0.59 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.71 and −0.64 in men and women, respectively). When age and MVIHS were correlated in the group aged 65-70 years, a significant correlation was observed in the non-dominant (r = −045 and −0.61 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.47 and −0.64 in men and women, respectively). In the group aged ≥ 71 years, a stronger correlation with age was also observed in the non-dominant (r = −0.92 and −0.90 in men and women, respectively) and dominant hands (r = −0.95 and −0.90 in men and women, respectively). MVIHS was 2.8 to 8.9% lower in the non-dominant than in the dominant hand in all age groups. MVIHS was lower in women than in men in both age groups. Conclusions: MVIHS declines with age (especially after 71 years of age), is higher in men than women, and higher in the dominant than the non-dominant hand.

Antecedentes: La fuerza de agarre isométrica voluntaria máxima (FAIVM) puede verse influenciada por la edad, el sexo y la dominancia. Objetivo: Describir la FAIVM y su relación con la edad, el sexo y la dominancia en adultos mayores. Material y Métodos: La FAIVM, la masa corporal, la talla, y la dominancia fueron medidas mediante protocolos estandarizados en 60 hombres e igual número de mujeres que fueron divididos en dos grupos acorde a su edad (65 a 70,9 años, y ≥ 71 años, respectivamente). Resultados: Se observó una correlación entre la edad y la FAIVM de mano no-dominante (hombres: r = −0,65; mujeres: r = −0,59) y dominante (hombres: r = −0,71; mujeres: r = −0,64). Al correlacionar la FAIVM y la edad en el grupo de 65-70 años, una correlación significativa fue observada en la mano no-dominante (hombres, r = −0,45; mujeres, r = −0,61) y mano dominante (hombres, r = −0,47; mujeres, r = −0,64). En el grupo ≥ 71 años, la edad tuvo una mayor correlación con la FAIVM de la mano no-dominante (hombres, r = −0,92; mujeres, r = −0,90) y mano dominante (hombres, r = −0,95; mujeres, r = −0,90). Comparada con la mano dominante, la mano no-dominante presentó menores valores de FAIVM en todos los grupos, variando entre −2,8 a −8,9%. Comparadas con los hombres, las mujeres presentaron menor FAIVM en mano dominante y no-dominante, en ambos grupos de edad. Conclusión: La FAIVM disminuye con la edad, especialmente desde los 71 años; es mayor en hombres comparados con mujeres y es mayor en mano dominante comparada con mano no-dominante.

Ongoing maturation in the time-compressed speech test

OBJECTIVES: To verify the neuromaturational influence in the ability of auditory closure, that is, to verify the performance of children and young adults in the ability of auditory closure, through the time compressed speech test (TCS). METHODS: Thirty children (8 to 10 years old) and 30 young adults (16 to 24 years old) with normal hearing without complaints (neurological, cognitive, auditory processing) who performed TFC (monosyllables and disyllables) with a compression ratio of 60% in both ears. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and ANOVA with repeated measures with a significance level of 0.05. The minimum statistical power was 80%. RESULTS: In the comparison between ears, there was no significant difference between groups for the monosyllables. For disyllables, the second ear tested was better in children, and the right ear was better than the left ear for young adults. In the comparison between modalities (monosyllables and disyllables), children did not show significant differences. The performance of the young adults was better in the disyllables in both ears. Comparing the age groups, the young adults were better than the children for both modalities and ears. CONCLUSION: The study has demonstrated the influence and impact of age (maturational factor) on TCS test performance, showing the importance of establishing normality patterns for various age groups to provide a standardized tool for evaluation of auditory closure ability.

Alterations in the stomatognathic system due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract Objectives: To compare the molar bite force, electromyographic activity, chewing efficiency and thickness of the masseter and temporalis muscles in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and healthy individuals. Material and Methods: Thirty individuals enrolled in the study were divided into the study group (with ALS, n=15) and control group (healthy individuals, n=15). Data regarding molar bite force (right and left), electromyographic activity (mandibular rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, and maximum voluntary contraction), chewing efficiency (habitual and non-habitual), and masticatory muscle thickness (rest and maximum voluntary contraction) were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (Student's t-test, p≤0.05). Results: Comparisons between the groups demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the electromyographic activity of the right masseter (p=0.03) and left masseter (p=0.03) muscles during mandibular rest; left masseter (p=0.00), right temporalis (p=0.00), and left temporalis (p=0.03) muscles during protrusion; and right masseter (p=0.00), left masseter (p=0.00), and left temporalis (p=0.00) muscles during left laterality, in individuals with ALS as compared with healthy individuals. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the habitual chewing efficiency of the right masseter (p=0.00) and right temporalis (p=0.04) muscles in individuals with ALS. No statistically significant difference between the groups was found the masticatory muscle thickness and maximal molar bite force. Conclusions: ALS may lead to modifications in the activities of the stomatognathic system, including muscular hyperactivity and reduction in chewing efficiency; however, no change has been observed in the masticatory muscle thickness and molar bite force.

Cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised: WFQ-R-Brazil / Adaptação transcultural para o português brasileiro do Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised: WFQ-R-Brasil

ABSTRACT Post-stroke hemiparesis causes compensated postures, which can modify the footedness established before the impairment. Recently, a paresis severity-modulated dominance hypothesis stated that measures to detect footedness become crucial to float new ideas for neurorehabilitation strategies. The Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised (WFQ-R) represents the most acceptable measure but it had not yet been cross-culturally adapted for Portuguese spoken in Brazil. Our aim was to cross-culturally adapt the WFQ-R to Brazilian Portuguese, verifying its reliability. We completed the essential steps to cross-culturally adapt one version, tested in 12 patients with post-stroke hemiparesis and 12 able-bodied individuals, sampled by convenience, to verify reliability. Measurements were taken by two independent raters during the test and by one of them at the one-week retest. No great semantic, linguistic or cultural differences were found, and acceptable reliability was recorded. The WFQ-R-Brazil is reliable and ready for use in the Brazilian able-bodied and post-stroke hemiparesis population.

RESUMO Hemiparesia pós-doença cerebrovascular causa posturas compensadas que podem modificar predominância de uso do pé adotada antes da deficiência. Recentemente, hipótese de predominância modulada pela gravidade da paresia declara que medidas para detectar predominância tornaram-se cruciais para sugerir ideias em busca de estratégias de neurorreabilitação. A Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised (WFQ-R) representa a medida mais aceita e não foi ainda adaptada transculturalmente para o Português brasileiro. Nosso objetivo foi então adaptar o WFQ-R, verificando sua confiabilidade. Nós completamos os passos essenciais para adaptar uma versão testada em 12 pessoas com hemiparesia e 12 fisicamente aptas amostradas por conveniência para procedimentos de verificação da confiabilidade. Medidas foram tomadas por dois examinadores independentes durante o teste e por um deles no reteste após uma semana. Nenhuma diferença semântica, linguística ou cultural foi encontrada, e confiabilidade aceitável foi registrada. WFQ-R-Brasil é confiável e está pronto para uso na população de brasileiros fisicamente aptos e com hemiparesia.

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)

Patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are not more asymmetrical than healthy controls on timed performance of upper limb tasks

This study aimed to investigate possible asymmetries and relationships between performance of dominant and non-dominant upper limbs (UL) in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD), to compare UL performance of patients and healthy subjects and to investigate the relationship between timed performance of UL and age, motor function and muscle strength in DMD/BMD patients. Sixteen patients with DMD and 3 with BMD were evaluated with Jebsen-Taylor Test (timed performance), Vignos scale and Dimension 3 of Motor Function Measure (motor function), and Medical Research Council scale (muscle strength) on a single session. ANOVA showed no asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant UL, except in the writing subtest, in patients and in healthy controls. There were relationships between dominant and non-dominant UL performances. Correlations between timed performance, motor function and muscle strength were found, but age was not correlated with these variables. These findings may reduce the assessment time, prevent fatigue and provide more accurate clinical reasoning involving UL in DMD/BMD treatment.

Patología temporomandibular asociada a masticación unilateral en adultos jóvenes / Temporomandibular disorders and its relationship with unilateral chewing in young adults

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre el lado de masticación habitual y la presencia de trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM) en adultos jóvenes. Materiales y métodos Estudio analítico de casos y controles, ciego simple, en estudiantes adultos jóvenes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile. La muestra consistió en 70 sujetos (22-26 años). Se utilizó el ángulo funcional masticatorio (AFM) para definir el lado de masticación habitual y el RDC/TMD para determinar el tipo de TTM y el lado con mayor prevalencia. Se aplicó el test de Chi-cuadrado y el test exacto de Fisher (IC 95%). Resultados Un total de 56 sujetos (80,0%) fueron masticadores unilaterales y 14 (20,0%) masticadores bilaterales. En 34 sujetos (48,6%) se diagnosticó patología según RDC/TMD, mientras que en 36 individuos (51,4%) no se evidenció TTM. No hubo diferencia respecto al lado de masticación y presencia de TTM (p = 0,63). Se observó una alta tendencia entre la masticación unilateral y presencia de patología articular (grupos II y III, RDC/TMD) (p = 0,06). Conclusión A pesar de observarse una alta tendencia entre masticación unilateral y patología articular, la relación entre tipo de masticación y TTM no ha podido establecerse. Si bien tampoco se encontró diferencia significativa entre lado de masticación y su coincidencia con el lado de la patología, esto podría ser por la diversidad de factores implicados en los TTM.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the habitual chewing side and the presence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in young adults. Materials and methods An analytical case-control and simple blind study was performed on 70 young adult subjects (22-26 years) from the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Chile. The masticatory functional angle (MFA) was used to determine the habitual chewing side in all subjects, as well as applying the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) in order to determine the type of TMD and the most prevalent side. Data were analysed using Chi squared test and Fisher's exact test (95% CI). Results A total of 56 subjects (80.0%) were unilateral chewers and 14 (20.0%) were bilateral chewers. A diagnosis of TMD was made in 34 (48.6%) subjects according to RDC/TMD, while 36 individuals (51.4%) showed no evidence of any disorder. There were no differences between unilateral chewing and the presence of TMD (p=0.63). There was a high trend between unilateral chewing and presence of joint disease (groups II and III, RDC/TMD) (p=0.06). Conclusion Despite a high trend between unilateral chewing and joint disease observed, the relationship between the type of chewing and TMD has not been established. No relationship was found between the chewing side and its coincidence with the disease side. This could be because of the different factors involved in TMD.

Efeito de supressão das emissões otoacústicas em lactentes termo e pré-termo / Suppression effect of otoacoustic emissions in term and preterm infants

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a ocorrência e a magnitude do efeito de supressão das emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente, em lactentes a termo e pré-termo, estabelecendo-se níveis de referência para utilização clínica. Método A amostra foi composta por 40 lactentes, de 5 dias a 4 meses de idade, sem risco para alteração neurológica e auditiva e com emissões otoacústicas presentes ao nascimento, sendo 20 nascidos a termo e 20 nascidos pré-termo que permaneceram mais de cinco dias em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. O clique linear foi apresentado a 65 decibels Nível de Pressão Sonora, em blocos de 15 segundos sem ruído e com ruído contralateral, a 60 decibels Nível de Pressão Sonora. Considerou-se presença de supressão quando houve redução da resposta na presença de ruído. Os valores médios de supressão foram estabelecidos e a comparação entre os grupos foi analisada estatisticamente. Resultados A supressão ocorreu em 100% das crianças e não variou em função do lado da orelha e entre os grupos. Conclusão Todas as crianças apresentaram supressão, independente do grupo. A supressão média obtida na população total foi de 0,85 decibel. O critério de referência mínimo recomendado para utilização clínica foi a redução de 0,20 decibel na resposta geral.

ABSTRACT Purpose This research aims at verifying the occurrence and magnitude of suppression effect of otoacoustic emissions evoked by transient stimulus in term and preterm infants, setting a benchmark for clinical use. Methods The study sample consisted of 40 infants, with a rage of age from five days to four months, without any risk indicators for hearing loss and otoacoustic emissions present at birth: the 20 term and 20 preterm infants spent more than five days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Linear click was presented at 65 dB Sound Pressure Level, in blocks of 15 seconds without noise, and with contralateral noise at 60 dB Sound Pressure Level. The reduced response in the presence of noise indicates positive suppression effect. Mean values of suppression were established and the comparison between the groups was analyzed statistically. Results Suppression occurred in 100% of the children and did not vary as a function of ear side and between the groups. Conclusion All children presented suppression regardless of the group. The average suppression obtained on the total population was 0.85 dB. The minimum recommended criterion for clinical use was a reduction of 0.20 dB in the overall response.

Clinical electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluation is improved by the amplitude asymmetry index / Avaliação da assimetria de amplitudes amplia o uso clínico do eletroencefalograma (EEG)

ABSTRACT Cerebral hemispheres, although similar, are neither completely symmetrical in structure nor equivalent in function. EEG asymmetry studies have been directed more to frequency than to amplitude analysis. Objective Better definition of normal amplitude asymmetry values on the classical EEG frequency bands. Results EEG amplitude asymmetry index (AAI) is physiologically low in normal adults, differences usually lesser than 7%. Conclusion Persistent or intermittent amplitude asymmetry regional differences higher than 7% may be suggestive of pathology after adequate correlation with clinical data and EEG classical visual analysis.

RESUMO Os hemisférios cerebrais não são simétricos em morfologia ou funções. Tradicionalmente, os estudos de assimetria do EEG focaram mais na análise de frequências do que na de amplitudes. Objetivo Contribuir para melhor definição dos valores normais de assimetria de amplitudes nas faixas de frequência clássicas do EEG. Resultados O índice de assimetria de amplitudes é fisiologicamente baixo em adultos, usualmente menor do que 7%. Conclusão Se adequadamente correlacionadas aos dados clínicos e à análise visual do EEG, assimetrias persistentes ou intermitentes de amplitude acima de 7% podem ser sugestivas de patologia.

Impaired executive functions in experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy / Prejuízo das funções executivas no modelo experimental de epilepsia do lobo temporal

ABSTRACT Objective The present study aimed to investigate cognitive and behavioural changes consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD -like behavior in male Wistar rats with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Method Male Wistar rats at 25 day of age were submitted to animal model of TLE by pilocarpine injection (350 mg/kg, ip) and a control group received saline 0.9%. The animals were continuously video monitored up to the end of experiments. The behavioural tests (open field, elevated plus maze and operant conditioning box) started from 60 days postnatal. Results Animals with TLE exhibited elevated locomotor activity, reduced level of anxiety-related behavior, impulsivity and impaired visuospatial working memory. Conclusion Taken as a whole, we concluded that animals with TLE exhibited some cognitive and behavioural changes consistent with ADHD-like behavior.

RESUMO Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar as alterações cognitivas e comportamentais consistentes com o comportament de transtorno de deficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) -like em ratos Wistar machos com epilepsia do lobo temporal (ELT). Método Ratos Wistar machos com 25 dias de vida foram submetidos a modelo animal de ELT pela injeção de pilocarpina (350 mg / kg, ip) e grupo controle recebeu salina 0,9%. Os animais foram monitorados continuamente por vídeo até ao final dos experimentos. Os testes comportamentais (campo aberto, labirinto em cruz elevado e caixa de condicionamento operante) começaram a partir de 60 dias pós-natal. Resultados Os animais com ELT exibiram aumento da atividade locomotora, redução do comportamento relacionado com a ansiedade, impulsividade e prejuízo da memória de trabalho visuospatial. Conclusão Em conjunto, concluímos que os animais com ELT apresentaram algumas alterações cognitivas e comportamentais consistentes com o comportamento TDAH-like.

Laterality in artistic gymnastics / Lateralidade na ginástica artística

Abstract Worldwide trainers ask if there is a rotation scheme, which facilitate the learning of the elements with longitudinal rotations. Although there are some research on it, they did not attempt to verify a total scheme, but merely to see the relationship between two elements or four elements. In this study we analyse the appreciation of experts N = 161 coaches (age: 34.9 ± 10.9) from different levels of expertise and from different countries (ARG, BOL, BRA, CHI, ECU, ELS, GER, GUA, HON, MEX, PAN, PER, URU, VEN) with 12 ± 8.8 years of experience regardinghow gymnasts should execute 27 different elements in 5 male apparatus. We chose these elements, because we wanted to have movements with rotation in upright stance, upside down and in combination with transversal rotation. Through a questionnaire for coaches, we tried to verify if there are differences, coincidences or even immovable rules in the rotation scheme that gymnasts use (or should use). The answers were typologized with three categories of rotational preference: unilateral consistent twister, bilateral consistent twister and inconsistent twister. The study aimed to answer several questions: Do coaches agree on how the rotation scheme should be in gymnastics? How do coaches (former gymnasts) determined which way to turn? Do the handedness or the footedness influence on the direction of rotation? Does the personal rotation scheme influence on the concept of appropriate rotation scheme? Do the national practices influence the rotation scheme? Are there differences in appreciation between coaches at different levels? Are unambiguous rules among the elements?.

Resumo Técnicos do mundo todo questionam se há um esquema de rotação, que facilita a aprendizagem dos elementos nas rotações longitudinais. As pesquisas sobre o assunto verificam a relação entre dois a quatro elementos daquelas, então, neste estudo, analisamos a apreciação de especialistas n = 161 treinadores (idade: 34,9 ± 10,9) de diferentes níveis de especialização e de diferentes países (ARG, BOL, BRA, CHI, ECU, ELS, GER, GUA, HON, MEX, PAN , PER, URU, VEN) com 12 ± 8,8 anos de experiência a respeito de como um ginasta deve executar 27 diferentes elementos em cinco aparelhos masculinos. Escolhemos esses elementos, pois desejávamos investigar movimentos com rotação na posição em pé, de cabeça para baixo e em combinação com a rotação transversal. Por meio de um questionário para técnicos, averiguamos se existem diferenças, coincidências ou regras ainda imóveis no esquema de rotação que ginastas devem usar (ou deveriam usar). As respostas foram conceituadas em três categorias de preferência de rotação: rotação consistente unilateral, rotação consistente bilateral e rotação inconsistente. O estudo teve como objetivo responder a várias perguntas: Os técnicos concordam em relação a qual esquema de rotação deve estar na ginástica? Como técnicos (ex-ginastas) determinaram que caminho tomar? O posicionamento das mãos e dos pés influenciam na rotação? O modelo individual de rotação influência no conceito apropriado de rotação? As práticas nacionalizadas influênciam em um modelo de rotação? Existem diferenças na apreciação entre técnicos de diferentes níveis? Há regras ambíguas entre os elementos?.

Uncertainty in aiming movements and its association to hand function / Incerteza de movimentos dirigidos ao alvo e sua associação com a função manual / La incertidumbre de movimientos dirigidos a la diana y su asociación con la función manual

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of the uncertainty of target location on the planning and execution of aiming movements performed towards the ipsilateral and contralateral directions by the right and left upper limbs. In addition, the association between the performance of aiming movements and the performance of functional manual tasks was investigated. Two tasks were proposed: with prior knowledge of the movement direction (simple reaction time) or not (choice reaction time). The grip strength and manual dexterity were measured. The choice option in response (i.e. uncertainty) influenced planning of the aiming movements, but not its execution, while movements performed towards the contralateral direction were worse in execution as compared to the ipsilateral direction. Manual dexterity was significantly correlated with reaction times, while the performance during movement execution was significantly correlated with handgrip/pinch strength.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência da incerteza da localização do alvo no planejamento e execução de movimentos dirigidos ao alvo realizados para as direções ipsilateral e contralateral pelos membros superiores direito e esquerdo. Em adição, a associação entre o desempenho do movimento dirigido ao alvo e o desempenho em tarefas manuais funcionais foi investigada. Duas tarefas foram propostas: com o conhecimento prévio da direção do movimento (tempo de reação simples) ou não (tempo de reação de escolha). Foram avaliadas a força de preensão palmar e a destreza manual. A opção de escolha na resposta (ex. incerteza) influenciou o planejamento do movimento dirigido ao alvo, mas não a sua execução, enquanto os movimentos realizados para a direção contralateral apresentaram pior execução quando comparados à direção ipsilateral. Destreza manual foi significativamente correlacionada com tempos de reação, enquanto o desempenho durante a execução do movimento foi significativamente correlacionado com forças de preensão/pinça.

El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la incertidumbre ubicación de la diana en la planificación y ejecución de movimientos dirigidos a la diana realizado por direcciones ipsilateral y contralateral por los miembros superiores derecho e izquierdo. Además, se investigó la asociación entre el rendimiento de movimiento dirigido a la diana y el rendimiento de la mano para tareas funcionales. Se propusieron dos tareas: con el conocimiento previo de la dirección del movimiento (tiempo de reacción simple) o no (tiempo de reacción del elección). Se evaluó la fuerza de prensión y la destreza manual. La opción de elección en responder (Incertidumbre por ejemplo.) influido en la planificación del movimiento dirigido a la diana, pero no su aplicación, mientras que el movimiento de la dirección contralateral tuvo un peor rendimiento en comparación con la dirección ipsilateral. La destreza manual se correlacionó significativamente con los tiempos de reacción, mientras que el rendimiento durante la realización del movimiento se correlacionó significativamente con la fuerza de prensión / pinzas.

Fuerza prensil de mano y su asociación con la edad, género y dominancia de extremidad superior en adultos mayores autovalentes insertos en la comunidad: Un estudio exploratorio / Association of grip strength with gender age and handedness in 116 older people

Background: Hand grip strength could be influenced by gender, age and handedness. Aim: To describe differences in grip strength for age, gender and upper extremity handedness in non-disabled community-dwelling older adults. Material and Methods: We studied 47 males aged 72.3 ± 5.6 years and 69 females 72.4 ± 6.0 years who were divided in two age groups (65-70 and ≥ 71 years old). Grip strength was determined by a standardized protocol using a hand dynamometer. Results: There was an inverse correlation between grip strength and age in both hands only among men (p ≤ 0.05). When analyzing both genders, there was a significant inverse correlation between grip strength and age only in the dominant hand (p ≤ 0.05). Strength was higher in the dominant hand in both genders (p ≤ 0.05). It was also higher in men, compared to women in the two age groups studied (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Grip strength is higher in men than women, it decreases with age and is higher in the dominant hand.

Interaction between affordance and handedness recognition: a chronometric study

The visualization of tools and manipulable objects activates motor-related areas in the cortex, facilitating possible actions toward them. This pattern of activity may underlie the phenomenon of object affordance. Some cortical motor neurons are also covertly activated during the recognition of body parts such as hands. One hypothesis is that different subpopulations of motor neurons in the frontal cortex are activated in each motor program; for example, canonical neurons in the premotor cortex are responsible for the affordance of visual objects, while mirror neurons support motor imagery triggered during handedness recognition. However, the question remains whether these subpopulations work independently. This hypothesis can be tested with a manual reaction time (MRT) task with a priming paradigm to evaluate whether the view of a manipulable object interferes with the motor imagery of the subject's hand. The MRT provides a measure of the course of information processing in the brain and allows indirect evaluation of cognitive processes. Our results suggest that canonical and mirror neurons work together to create a motor plan involving hand movements to facilitate successful object manipulation.

A Network Analysis of 15O-H2O PET Reveals Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Brain Network of Parkinson's Disease

PURPOSE: As Parkinson's disease (PD) can be considered a network abnormality, the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) need to be investigated in the aspect of networks. This study aimed to examine how DBS of the bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) affects the motor networks of patients with idiopathic PD during motor performance and to show the feasibility of the network analysis using cross-sectional positron emission tomography (PET) images in DBS studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained [15O]H2O PET images from ten patients with PD during a sequential finger-to-thumb opposition task and during the resting state, with DBS-On and DBS-Off at STN. To identify the alteration of motor networks in PD and their changes due to STN-DBS, we applied independent component analysis (ICA) to all the cross-sectional PET images. We analysed the strength of each component according to DBS effects, task effects and interaction effects. RESULTS: ICA blindly decomposed components of functionally associated distributed clusters, which were comparable to the results of univariate statistical parametric mapping. ICA further revealed that STN-DBS modifies usage-strengths of components corresponding to the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuits in PD patients by increasing the hypoactive basal ganglia and by suppressing the hyperactive cortical motor areas, ventrolateral thalamus and cerebellum. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that STN-DBS may affect not only the abnormal local activity, but also alter brain networks in patients with PD. This study also demonstrated the usefulness of ICA for cross-sectional PET data to reveal network modifications due to DBS, which was not observable using the subtraction method.

Low haemoglobin levels increase unilateral spatial neglect in acute phase of stroke / Níveis baixos de hemoglobina aumentam a negligência espacial unilateral na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between unilateral spatial neglect (USN) and haemoglobin (Hb) level in acute phase of stroke. Method Cross-sectional study was performed after right hemisphere ischemic stroke. Independent variable: Hb level (mg/dL); Outcome: USN; Potential confounding factors: Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and glycaemia (mg/dL); Characterization variables were obtained from electronic medical records, Hb, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and glycaemia by laboratory exams, and USN by cancellation and bisection tasks. The relationship between Hb and USN was assessed by Spearman correlation and linear regression model. Results 40 individuals were evaluated; it was observed that the higher the Hb level, the better the USN test performance, with the two being negatively correlated. There was no significant correlation between VCM level and USN performance. Conclusion Low hemoglobin levels may indicate a worse performance in USN cancellation and bissection tests in acute phase of stroke. .

Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a relação entre a negligência espacial unilateral (NEU) e hemoglobina (Hb) na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Método Foi realizado estudo transversal em pacientes com AVC de hemisfério direito dentro das primeiras 48 horas do ictus. Variáveis independentes: nível de Hb (mg/dL); Desfecho: NEU; Fatores potenciais de confundimento: Idade, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) e glicemia (mg/dL); A caracterização das variáveis foram obtidas por meio de prontuários eletrônicos, Hb e glicemia por exames laboratoriais, e NEU por meio do Line Cancellation (LCT), Star Cancelation (SCT), e Line Bisection Tasks (LBT). Resultados 40 indivíduos foram avaliados e foi observado que quanto maior os níveis de Hb, melhor o desempenho nos testes de NEU, demonstrando correlação negativa entre eles. Conclusão Níveis baixos de hemoglobina podem indicar pior desempenho nos testes de NEU na fase aguda do AVC. .

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.

Terapia de espejo para mejorar la función motora en sujetos con accidente vascular cerebral: CAT / Motor function improvement with mirror therapy in stroke patients: a CAT

Introducción El accidente vascular cerebral corresponde a un grupo de condiciones patológicas caracterizado por la pérdida repentina y no convulsiva de la función neurológica. Gran porcentaje de los sujetos que sobreviven a esta condición presentan secuelas motoras de sus extremidades. Objetivo Comprobar la validez y aplicabilidad de los resultados con respecto a la efectividad de la terapia espejo en sujetos con accidente vascular cerebral, y responder la siguiente interrogante: ¿puede la terapia basada en espejos mejorar la función motora en sujetos secuelados por accidente vascular cerebral? MétodoSe analizó el artículo “Terapia de espejo para mejorar la función motora después del accidente vascular cerebral”, revisión sistemática Cochrane [Thieme 20121]. Resultados La terapia de espejo podría incrementar la función motora entre la segunda y sexta semana de intervención, presentando una diferencia media estandarizada de 0,61 (intervalo de confianza 95 por ciento; 0,22–1,00). Conclusión: A pesar de las limitaciones metodológicas que presentan los estudios primarios incluidos en la revisión sistemática, encontramos razonable la aplicación de la terapia espejo como un complemento a la terapia estándar realizada por kinesiólogos.

Introduction Stroke comprises several conditions characterized by sudden, non-convulsive loss of neurological function. A large percentage of individuals who survive stroke will have limb motor sequelae. Aim To assess the validity and applicability of the results regarding the effectiveness of mirror therapy in patients with stroke and answer the following question: In stroke subjects, can mirror therapy improve motor function? Method We analyzed the article "Mirror therapy for improving motor function after stroke," Cochrane Systematic Review [Thieme 20121]. Results Mirror therapy may increase motor function between the second and sixth week of intervention, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.61 (95 percent CI 0.22-1.00). Conclusion Despite methodological limitations of the primary studies included in the systematic review, we found that mirror therapy is a reasonable adjunct to standard therapy by physiotherapists.