Trajectories of Hearing From Childhood to Adulthood.

OBJECTIVES: The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study provides a unique opportunity to document the progression of ear health and hearing ability within the same cohort of individuals from birth. This investigation draws on hearing data from 5 to 13 years and again at 45 years of age, to explore the associations between childhood hearing variables and hearing and listening ability at age 45. DESIGN: Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between childhood hearing (otological status and mid-frequency pure-tone average) and (a) age 45 peripheral hearing ability (mid-frequency pure-tone average and high-frequency pure-tone average), and (b) age 45 listening ability (listening in spatialized noise and subjective questionnaire on listening experiences). Sex, childhood socioeconomic status, and adult IQ were included in the model as covariates. RESULTS: Peripheral hearing and listening abilities at age 45 were consistently associated with childhood hearing acuity at mid-frequencies. Otological status was a moderate predicting factor for high-frequency hearing and utilization of spatial listening cues in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: We aim to use these findings to develop a foundational model of hearing trajectories. This will form the basis for identifying precursors, to be investigated in a subsequent series of analyses, that may protect against or exacerbate hearing-associated cognitive decline in the Dunedin Study cohort as they progress from mid-life to older age.

Cross-cultural variation in experiences of acceptance, camouflaging and mental health difficulties in autism: A registered report.

Recent findings suggest that stigma and camouflaging contribute to mental health difficulties for autistic individuals, however, this evidence is largely based on UK samples. While studies have shown cross-cultural differences in levels of autism-related stigma, it is unclear whether camouflaging and mental health difficulties vary across cultures. Hence, the current study had two aims: (1) to determine whether significant relationships between autism acceptance, camouflaging, and mental health difficulties replicate in a cross-cultural sample of autistic adults, and (2) to compare these variables across cultures. To fulfil these aims, 306 autistic adults from eight countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States) completed a series of online questionnaires. We found that external acceptance and personal acceptance were associated with lower levels of depression but not camouflaging or stress. Higher camouflaging was associated with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant differences were found across countries in external acceptance, personal acceptance, depression, anxiety, and stress, even after controlling for relevant covariates. Levels of camouflaging also differed across countries however this effect became non-significant after controlling for the covariates. These findings have significant implications, identifying priority regions for anti-stigma interventions, and highlighting countries where greater support for mental health difficulties is needed.

Functional topography of the neocortex predicts covariation in complex cognitive and basic motor abilities.

Although higher-order cognitive and lower-order sensorimotor abilities are generally regarded as distinct and studied separately, there is evidence that they not only covary but also that this covariation increases across the lifespan. This pattern has been leveraged in clinical settings where a simple assessment of sensory or motor ability (e.g. hearing, gait speed) can forecast age-related cognitive decline and risk for dementia. However, the brain mechanisms underlying cognitive, sensory, and motor covariation are largely unknown. Here, we examined whether such covariation in midlife reflects variability in common versus distinct neocortical networks using individualized maps of functional topography derived from BOLD fMRI data collected in 769 45-year-old members of a population-representative cohort. Analyses revealed that variability in basic motor but not hearing ability reflected individual differences in the functional topography of neocortical networks typically supporting cognitive ability. These patterns suggest that covariation in motor and cognitive abilities in midlife reflects convergence of function in higher-order neocortical networks and that gait speed may not be simply a measure of physical function but rather an integrative index of nervous system health.

Autism-related language preferences of English-speaking individuals across the globe: A mixed methods investigation.

Over the past two decades, there have been increasing discussions around which terms should be used to talk about autism. Whilst these discussions have largely revolved around the suitability of identity-first language and person-first language, more recently this debate has broadened to encompass other autism-related terminology (e.g., 'high-functioning'). To date, academic studies have not investigated the language preferences of autistic individuals outside of the United Kingdom or Australia, nor have they compared levels of endorsement across countries. Hence, the current study adopted a mixed-methods approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative techniques, to explore the linguistic preferences of 654 English-speaking autistic adults across the globe. Despite variation in levels of endorsement between countries, we found that the most popular terms were similar-the terms 'Autism', 'Autistic person', 'Is autistic', 'Neurological/Brain Difference', 'Differences', 'Challenges', 'Difficulties', 'Neurotypical people', and 'Neurotypicals' were consistently favored across countries. Despite relative consensus across groups, both our quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate that there is no universally accepted way to talk about autism. Our thematic analysis revealed the reasons underlying participants' preferences, generating six core themes, and illuminated an important guiding principle-to respect personal preferences. These findings have significant implications for informing practice, research and language policy worldwide.

Improving risk indexes for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias for use in midlife.

Knowledge of a person's risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) is required to triage candidates for preventive interventions, surveillance, and treatment trials. ADRD risk indexes exist for this purpose, but each includes only a subset of known risk factors. Information missing from published indexes could improve risk prediction. In the Dunedin Study of a population-representative New Zealand-based birth cohort followed to midlife (N = 938, 49.5% female), we compared associations of four leading risk indexes with midlife antecedents of ADRD against a novel benchmark index comprised of nearly all known ADRD risk factors, the Dunedin ADRD Risk Benchmark (DunedinARB). Existing indexes included the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia index (CAIDE), LIfestyle for BRAin health index (LIBRA), Australian National University Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI), and risks selected by the Lancet Commission on Dementia. The Dunedin benchmark was comprised of 48 separate indicators of risk organized into 10 conceptually distinct risk domains. Midlife antecedents of ADRD treated as outcome measures included age-45 measures of brain structural integrity [magnetic resonance imaging-assessed: (i) machine-learning-algorithm-estimated brain age, (ii) log-transformed volume of white matter hyperintensities, and (iii) mean grey matter volume of the hippocampus] and measures of brain functional integrity [(i) objective cognitive function assessed via the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV, (ii) subjective problems in everyday cognitive function, and (iii) objective cognitive decline measured as residualized change in cognitive scores from childhood to midlife on matched Weschler Intelligence scales]. All indexes were quantitatively distributed and proved informative about midlife antecedents of ADRD, including algorithm-estimated brain age (ß's from 0.16 to 0.22), white matter hyperintensities volume (ß's from 0.16 to 0.19), hippocampal volume (ß's from -0.08 to -0.11), tested cognitive deficits (ß's from -0.36 to -0.49), everyday cognitive problems (ß's from 0.14 to 0.38), and longitudinal cognitive decline (ß's from -0.18 to -0.26). Existing indexes compared favourably to the comprehensive benchmark in their association with the brain structural integrity measures but were outperformed in their association with the functional integrity measures, particularly subjective cognitive problems and tested cognitive decline. Results indicated that existing indexes could be improved with targeted additions, particularly of measures assessing socioeconomic status, physical and sensory function, epigenetic aging, and subjective overall health. Existing premorbid ADRD risk indexes perform well in identifying linear gradients of risk among members of the general population at midlife, even when they include only a small subset of potential risk factors. They could be improved, however, with targeted additions to more holistically capture the different facets of risk for this multiply determined, age-related disease.

Disparities in the pace of biological aging among midlife adults of the same chronological age have implications for future frailty risk and policy.

Some humans age faster than others. Variation in biological aging can be measured in midlife, but the implications of this variation are poorly understood. We tested associations between midlife biological aging and indicators of future frailty-risk in the Dunedin cohort of 1037 infants born the same year and followed to age 45. Participants' Pace of Aging was quantified by tracking declining function in 19 biomarkers indexing the cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, immune, dental, and pulmonary systems across ages 26, 32, 38, and 45 years. At age 45 in 2019, participants with faster Pace of Aging had more cognitive difficulties, signs of advanced brain aging, diminished sensory-motor functions, older appearance, and more pessimistic perceptions of aging. People who are aging more rapidly than same-age peers in midlife may prematurely need supports to sustain independence that are usually reserved for older adults. Chronological age does not adequately identify need for such supports.

Improving Emotion Perception in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Computer-Based Training and Hearing Amplification.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience challenges with social communication, often involving emotional elements of language. This may stem from underlying auditory processing difficulties, especially when incoming speech is nuanced or complex. This study explored the effects of auditory training on social perception abilities of children with ASD. The training combined use of a remote-microphone hearing system and computerized emotion perception training. At baseline, children with ASD had poorer social communication scores and delayed mismatch negativity (MMN) compared to typically developing children. Behavioral results, measured pre- and post-intervention, revealed increased social perception scores in children with ASD to the extent that they outperformed their typically developing peers post-intervention. Electrophysiology results revealed changes in neural responses to emotional speech stimuli. Post-intervention, mismatch responses of children with ASD more closely resembled their neurotypical peers, with shorter MMN latencies, a significantly heightened P2 wave, and greater differentiation of emotional stimuli, consistent with their improved behavioral results. This study sets the foundation for further investigation into connections between auditory processing difficulties and social perception and communication for individuals with ASD, and provides a promising indication that combining amplified hearing and computer-based targeted social perception training using emotional speech stimuli may have neuro-rehabilitative benefits.

Association of History of Psychopathology With Accelerated Aging at Midlife.

Importance: Individuals with mental disorders are at an elevated risk of developing chronic age-related physical diseases. However, it is not clear whether psychopathology is also associated with processes of accelerated aging that precede the onset of age-related disease. Objective: To test the hypothesis that a history of psychopathology is associated with indicators of accelerated aging at midlife. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study was based on the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a population-representative birth cohort of 1037 individuals born between April 1, 1972, and March 31, 1973, in Dunedin, New Zealand. Members were followed up to age 45 years (until April 2019). Data were analyzed from January 6 to December 7, 2020. Exposures: Mental disorders were assessed in 6 diagnostic assessments from ages 18 to 45 years and transformed through confirmatory factor analysis into continuous measures of general psychopathology (p-factor) and dimensions of internalizing, externalizing, and thought disorders (all standardized to a mean [SD] of 100 [15]). Main Outcomes and Measures: Signs of aging (biological pace of aging; declines in sensory, motor, and cognitive functioning; and facial age) were assessed up to age 45 years using previously validated measures including biomarkers, clinical tests, and self-reports. Results: Of the original 1037 cohort participants, 997 were still alive at age 45 years, of whom 938 (94%) were assessed (474 men [50.5%]). Participants who had experienced more psychopathology exhibited a faster pace of biological aging (ß, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.21-0.33; P < .01); experienced more difficulties with hearing (ß, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.12-0.24; P < .01), vision (ß, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.14; P < .05), balance (ß, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.14-0.26; P < .01), and motor functioning (ß, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.12-0.25; P < .01); experienced more cognitive difficulties (ß, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.18-0.31; P < .01); and were rated as looking older (ß, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.14-0.26; P < .01). Associations persisted after controlling for sex, childhood health indicators, maltreatment, and socioeconomic status and after taking into account being overweight, smoking, use of antipsychotic medication, and the presence of physical disease. Tests of diagnostic specificity revealed that associations were generalizable across externalizing, internalizing, and thought disorders. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, a history of psychopathology was associated with accelerated aging at midlife, years before the typical onset of age-related diseases. This link is not specific to any particular disorder family but generalizes across disorders. Prevention of psychopathology and monitoring of individuals with mental disorders for signs of accelerated aging may have the potential to reduce health inequalities and extend healthy lives.

Feasibility of a hearing screening programme using DPOAEs in 3-year-old children in South Auckland.

OBJECTIVES: In New Zealand (NZ), permanent hearing loss is associated with higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation, and is more prevalent amongst Maori and Pacific than NZ European children. Many of these hearing losses are detected through newborn hearing screening, however there is a need to screen children again later, to look for childhood hearing losses that are either late-onset, progressive, or acquired. This study evaluated the feasibility of implementing an objective screening protocol that includes otoscopy, distortion product otoacoustic emission screening (DPOAEs), and tympanometry. It also evaluated the feasibility of using Early Learning Centres (ELCs) to contact families, recruit, and test 3-year-old children from an area of high socioeconomic deprivation in Auckland, New Zealand. METHODS: Sixty-one 3-year-old children were recruited from ELCs within the Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB) region which services the geographical area of South Auckland. The first part of the screening protocol consisted of otoscopy, DPOAEs, and tympanometry. Children identified with hearing loss and/or middle ear problems were either referred directly to Otolaryngology/Audiology at the local hospital or invited back for a re-screen 4-8 weeks later. Children who were referred from the screening were followed up to track and document their subsequent clinical pathway through the public health system. RESULTS: Mean overall time for the screening protocol was 4.1 minutes. The combination of otoscopy, DPOAEs, and tympanometry was well accepted by the 3-year-old children. DPOAE amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio results significantly differentiated between different tympanometry results, providing support for this combination of measures to accurately screen for hearing loss and/or middle ear disease. Thirty-eight of the 61 children (62%) passed the screening protocol. Of the remaining 23 children, five were referred to the hospital after not passing the screening, but following more in-depth audiological testing, were discharged with normal hearing. Six children referred to the hospital were diagnosed with varying degrees of conductive hearing loss, and two of the six received grommet insertion surgery. The remaining 12 children who were referred to the hospital were lost to follow-up, highlighting challenges for the families to successfully navigate the current public health system. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that identifying hearing loss and ear disease in 3-year-old children in the pre-school setting is feasible. A number of barriers were identified in the current health system that contribute to a large proportion of children referred with suspected hearing loss and ear disease being unsuccessful in accessing Otolaryngology/Audiology clinical care through the local hospital.

Effectiveness of a programme comprising serial casting, botulinum toxin, splinting and motor training for contracture management: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a programme comprising serial casting, botulinum toxin, splinting and motor training in contracture management. DESIGN: A randomized trial with concealed allocation and assessor blinding, a deferred treatment cross-over design within the control group, was conducted. SETTING: Inpatient Brain Injury Unit of a rehabilitation centre. SUBJECTS: A total of 10 patients with severe acquired brain injury (13 ankles). INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received botulinum toxin and then serial casting. The control group was placed on a wait list for six weeks (control phase) and then received the same interventions as the intervention group (intervention phase). Both groups received splinting and motor training following serial casting. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome was passive ankle dorsiflexion range. Secondary outcomes included spasticity, ankle dorsiflexor strength, Functional Independence Measure score for the walking item and walking speed. RESULTS: The mean between-group difference for passive ankle dorsiflexion range at completion of casting was 26° (95% confidence interval (CI): 17-35); at Week 2, after casting was 24° (95% CI: 14-33). The mean within-group differences for passive ankle dorsiflexion at completion of casting, Week 2 after casting and Week 8 after casting were 26° (95% CI: 20-31), 26° (95% CI: 18-33) and 24° (95% CI: 19-30), respectively. These improvements were sustained at Week 2 and Week 8 after casting. CONCLUSIONS: A programme for contracture management comprising serial casting, botulinum toxin, motor training and splinting can be useful in improving joint range.

Long-Term Resolution of Severe Ankle Contractures Using Botulinum Toxin, Serial Casting, Splinting, and Motor Retraining.

Purpose: Serial casting for ankle contractures is traditionally performed in prone, a position that patients may not easily tolerate. Also, although serial casting is effective in correcting contracture, its effect dissipates quickly. This case report describes a procedure for performing casting for ankle contractures in a supine or sitting position. It also describes a process that enables the effect of serial casting to be maintained long term. Client Description: The client was an adult who had suffered traumatic brain injury and severe bilateral ankle contractures. Intervention: He received botulinum toxin and serial casting for his bilateral ankle contractures, one ankle at 8 months and the other at 13 months after the injury. He then underwent a programme of splinting and motor training. Measures and Outcome: The client gained more than 40° dorsiflexion for both ankles after receiving botulinum toxin injections and serial casting. The improvement in ankle range enabled him to progress to walking practice. Ankle splinting was gradually reduced. On discharge at 25 months post-injury, the ankle joint range was maintained. Implications: The use of botulinum toxin and serial casting, followed by an intensive programme of splinting and motor training, may be an option to consider for effective long-term resolution of severe contractures after acquired brain injury.

Objectif : en cas de contracture des chevilles, les plâtres sériels sont généralement posés en décubitus ventral, que le patient peut éprouver de la difficulté à tolérer. Ils sont efficaces pour corriger les contractures, mais leur effet disparaît rapidement. Le présent rapport de cas décrit une intervention pour que les plâtres soient installés en décubitus dorsal ou en position assise. Il décrit également un processus qui permet de maintenir l'effet des plâtres sériels à long terme. Description du client : adulte qui a souffert d'un traumatisme crânien et de graves contractures bilatérales des chevilles. Intervention : l'adulte a reçu de la toxine botulique et des plâtres sériels pour des contractures bilatérales des chevilles. L'intervention a eu lieu sur une cheville huit mois après le traumatisme, et sur l'autre, 13 mois après le traumatisme. L'adulte s'est soumis à un programme d'attelles et d'entraînement moteur. Mesures et résultats : l'adulte a gagné plus de 40 degrés de dorsiflexion aux deux chevilles après avoir reçu des injections de toxine botulique et des plâtres sériels. L'amélioration de l'amplitude de ses chevilles lui a permis de s'exercer à marcher. Les attelles des chevilles ont été graduellement réduites. Au congé 25 mois après le traumatisme, l'amplitude des mouvements des chevilles s'est maintenue. Conséquences : la toxine botulique et les plâtres sériels, suivis d'un programme intensif de port d'attelles et d'entraînement moteur, peuvent être envisagés pour obtenir une résolution efficace à long terme des graves contractures après la survenue d'un traumatisme cérébral.

Extra practice outside therapy sessions to maximize training opportunity during inpatient rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if extra practice outside therapy sessions can be conducted for patients with traumatic brain injury and identify factors that influence their participation. METHODS: A purpose-designed survey was conducted on consecutive eligible patients with traumatic brain injury and their relatives on discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. RESULTS: In total, 68 of the 69 of patients who took part in the survey reported that they participated in extra practice outside therapy sessions. Also, 58% reported that they conducted extra practice more than three times a week on average and 70% reported no barriers in conducting extra practice. Patients with poor motivation, reduced executive functioning and less severe brain injury are less likely to participate in extra practice and may require more support. Relatives tended to be involved in extra practice for patients who were dependent. A wide range of barriers were identified with poor motivation and lack of confidence being the main ones. CONCLUSION: With appropriate support, extra practice outside therapy sessions is generally feasible to maximize training opportunity for patients with traumatic brain injury. Motivation, perception of being listened to, executive functioning and severity of injury are factors that influence participation in extra practice. Strategies that improve motivation, interaction and confidence are likely to enhance participation. Relatives are a useful source of support for the more dependent patients.

Factors Influencing the Overall Satisfaction in Patients With Severe Brain Injury With Physiotherapy Services During Inpatient Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine what influences the satisfaction of rehabilitation inpatients and their relatives with physiotherapy after severe traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: A prospective purpose-designed survey of consecutive eligible patients discharged from a metropolitan brain injury unit. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 65 patients with severe traumatic brain injury and 32 relatives. RESULTS: The vast majority of patients (99%) and relatives (97%) reported being "satisfied" or "highly satisfied" with the service. Patients' overall satisfaction was influenced by the extent of actual and perceived improvement, satisfaction with certain aspects of service delivery, and quality of interaction with physiotherapy staff. Satisfaction with the amount of therapy was the key determinant for patients' overall satisfaction, whereas relatives' overall satisfaction was influenced primarily by how well they felt they were listened to by physiotherapy staff. CONCLUSION: The high satisfaction of the patients and relatives suggests that our brain injury unit provides physiotherapy that meets their expectations. Promoting recovery, providing high-quality care, and ensuring good interaction are ways to maintain high satisfaction of patients and relatives with the service. In addition, staff may have to pay particular attention to patients' satisfaction with the amount of therapy and ensure that relatives' needs are listened to.

Affective speech prosody perception and production in stroke patients with left-hemispheric damage and healthy controls.

PURPOSE: 'Affective prosody' defines the supra-segmental features of speech that, when manipulated, can change the type and intensity of emotion conveyed by the speaker. Although the right hemisphere is predominantly linked to the processing of affective prosodic cues, existing literature also suggests that damage to the left hemisphere can result in similar deficits. This study aims to demonstrate, and add to the evidence, that patients with left-hemisphere injury experience difficulties with affective prosodic perception and production, measured via a new combination of assessments and analyses. It is also hypothesised that aphasia severity will be correlated with impaired processing of affective prosody. RESULTS: Stroke and control participants differed significantly on prosody perception tests of matching auditory affective cues to visual images. Prosodic production was measured by participants vocalising different affective expressions of words and monosyllables - from which significant differences were found in perceptual judgements of emotion accuracy and intensity, and acoustic analyses of pitch range and variance. There were significant correlations between participants' Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) scores, quality of life, and prosody production. CONCLUSION: Individuals with left-hemisphere damage after stroke have impaired affective prosodic perception and production that may be associated with reduced quality of life.

Functional electrical stimulation cycling does not improve mobility in people with acquired brain injury and its effects on strength are unclear: a randomised trial.

QUESTION: Does 4 weeks of active functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling in addition to usual care improve mobility and strength more than usual care alone in people with a sub-acute acquired brain injury caused by stroke or trauma? DESIGN: Multi centre, randomised, controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients from three Sydney hospitals with recently acquired brain injury and a mean composite strength score in the affected lower limb of 7 (SD 5) out of 20 points. INTERVENTION: Participants in the experimental group received an incremental, progressive, FES cycling program five times a week over a 4-week period. All participants received usual care. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were taken at baseline and at 4 weeks. Primary outcomes were mobility and strength of the knee extensors of the affected lower limb. Mobility was measured with three mobility items of the Functional Independence Measure and strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Secondary outcomes were strength of the knee extensors of the unaffected lower limb, strength of key muscles of the affected lower limb and spasticity of the affected plantar flexors. RESULTS: All but one participant completed the study. The mean between-group differences for mobility and strength of the knee extensors of the affected lower limb were -0.3/21 points (95% CI -3.2 to 2.7) and 7.5 Nm (95% CI -5.1 to 20.2), where positive values favoured the experimental group. The only secondary outcome that suggested a possible treatment effect was strength of key muscles of the affected lower limb with a mean between-group difference of 3.0/20 points (95% CI 1.3 to 4.8). CONCLUSION: Functional electrical stimulation cycling does not improve mobility in people with acquired brain injury and its effects on strength are unclear. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12612001163897. [de Sousa DG, Harvey LA, Dorsch S, Leung J, Harris W (2016) Functional electrical stimulation cycling does not improve mobility in people with acquired brain injury and its effects on strength are unclear: a randomised controlled trial.Journal of Physiotherapy62: 203-208].

Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinson's disease: an exploration of participants' experiences.

PURPOSE: People with stroke or Parkinson's disease (PD) live with reduced mood, social participation and quality of life (QOL). Communication difficulties affect 90% of people with PD (dysarthria) and over 33% of people with stroke (aphasia). These consequences are disabling in many ways. However, as singing is typically still possible, its therapeutic use is of increasing interest. This article explores the experiences of and factors influencing participation in choral singing therapy (CST) by people with stroke or PD and their significant others. METHOD: Participants (eight people with stroke, six with PD) were recruited from a community music therapy choir running CST. Significant others (seven for stroke, two for PD) were also recruited. Supported communication methods were used as needed to undertake semi-structured interviews (total N = 23). RESULTS: Thematic analysis indicated participants had many unmet needs associated with their condition, which motivated them to explore self-management options. CST participation was described as an enjoyable social activity, and participation was perceived as improving mood, language, breathing and voice. CONCLUSIONS: Choral singing was perceived by people with stroke and PD to help them self-manage some of the consequences of their condition, including social isolation, low mood and communication difficulties. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Choral singing therapy (CST) is sought out by people with stroke and PD to help self-manage symptoms of their condition. Participation is perceived as an enjoyable activity which improves mood, voice and language symptoms. CST may enable access to specialist music therapy and speech language therapy protocols within community frameworks.

Standing with electrical stimulation and splinting is no better than standing alone for management of ankle plantarflexion contractures in people with traumatic brain injury: a randomised trial.

QUESTION: Is a combination of standing, electrical stimulation and splinting more effective than standing alone for the management of ankle contractures after severe brain injury? DESIGN: A multi-centre randomised trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-six adults with severe traumatic brain injury and ankle plantarflexion contractures. INTERVENTION: All participants underwent a 6-week program. The experimental group received tilt table standing, electrical stimulation and ankle splinting. The control group received tilt table standing alone. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was passive ankle dorsiflexion with a 12Nm torque. Secondary outcomes included: passive dorsiflexion with lower torques (3, 5, 7 and 9Nm); spasticity; the walking item of the Functional Independence Measure; walking speed; global perceived effect of treatment; and perceived treatment credibility. OUTCOME MEASURES were taken at baseline (Week 0), end of intervention (Week 6), and follow-up (Week 10). RESULTS: The mean between-group differences (95% CI) for passive ankle dorsiflexion at Week 6 and Week 10 were -3 degrees (-8 to 2) and -1 degrees (-6 to 4), respectively, in favour of the control group. There was a small mean reduction of 1 point in spasticity at Week 6 (95% CI 0.1 to 1.8) in favour of the experimental group, but this effect disappeared at Week 10. There were no differences for other secondary outcome measures except the physiotherapists' perceived treatment credibility. CONCLUSION: Tilt table standing with electrical stimulation and splinting is not better than tilt table standing alone for the management of ankle contractures after severe brain injury. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12608000637347. [Leung J, Harvey LA, Moseley AM, Whiteside B, Simpson M, Stroud K (2014) Standing with electrical stimulation and splinting is no better than standing alone for management of ankle plantarflexion contractures in people with traumatic brain injury: a randomised trial.Journal of Physiotherapy60: 201-208].

The impact of simulated ankle plantarflexion contracture on the knee joint during stance phase of gait: a within-subject study.

BACKGROUND: Ankle plantarflexion contractures are common in adults with neurological disorders and known to cause secondary gait deviations. However, their impact on the knee joint is not fully understood. The aims of this study are to describe the effect of simulated plantarflexion contractures on knee biomechanics during the stance phase and on the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait. METHODS: Mild (10-degree plantarflexion) and severe (20-degree plantarflexion) ankle contractures were simulated in thirteen able-bodied adults using an ankle-foot-orthosis. A no contracture condition was compared with two simulated contracture conditions. FINDINGS: There was an increase in knee extension, sometimes resulting in hyperextension, throughout stance for the two contracture conditions compared to the no contracture condition (mean increase in knee extension ranged from 5° to 9°; 95% CI 0° to 17°). At the same time, there were reductions in extension moment and power generation at the knee. Simulated plantarflexion contractures also reduced gait velocity, bilateral step length and cadence. All these changes were more pronounced in the severe contracture condition than mild contracture condition. While the majority of participants adopted a foot-flat pattern on landing and exhibited an increase in knee extension during stance, two participants used a toe-walking pattern and exhibited an increase in knee flexion. INTERPRETATION: Ankle plantarflexion contractures are associated with an increase in knee extension during stance phase. However, some people with simulated ankle contractures may walk with an increase in knee flexion instead. Ankle plantarflexion contractures also adversely affect gait velocity, step length and cadence.

An intensive programme of passive stretch and motor training to manage severe knee contractures after traumatic brain injury: a case report.

PURPOSE: While contemporary management of contractures (a common secondary problem of acquired brain injury that can be difficult to treat) includes passive stretch, recent evidence indicates that this intervention may not be effective. This may be because clinical trials have not provided a sufficient dose or have not combined passive stretch with other treatments. The purpose of this case report is to describe a programme of intensive passive stretch combined with motor training administered over a 1.5-year period to treat severe knee contractures. METHOD: Five months after traumatic brain injury, an adolescent client with severe contractures in multiple joints underwent an intensive stretch programme for his knee contractures, including serial casting and splinting, which was administered for 10 months in conjunction with a motor training programme administered for 1.5 years. RESULTS: The client regained full extension range in his knees and progressed from being totally dependent to walking short distances with assistance; these effects were maintained at follow-up 5.5 years after injury. CONCLUSION: The use of a high dose of passive stretch in conjunction with motor training may be an option to consider for correcting severe contractures following acquired brain injury.

Objectif : Bien que le contrôle des contractures (un problème secondaire fréquent propre aux lésions cérébrales acquises et pouvant être difficile à traiter) comprenne des étirements passifs, des preuves récentes indiquent que cette intervention pourrait être inefficace. Cela pourrait s'expliquer par le fait que les essais cliniques n'ont pas utilisé des dosages suffisants ou qu'ils n'ont pas jumelé les étirements passifs à d'autres traitements. L'objectif de ce rapport de cas consiste à décrire un programme d'étirements passifs intensifs allié à un entraînement moteur administré durant une période d'un an et demi pour le traitement de contractures sévères au genou. Méthodologie : Cinq mois après un traumatisme cérébral, un client adolescent aux prises avec des contractures sévères à de multiples articulations a été soumis à un programme intensif d'étirements pour ses contractures au genou, y compris l'application successive de plâtres et d'attelles. Le programme a été administré pendant 10 mois, en même temps qu'un programme d'entraînement moteur qui a duré un an et demi. Résultats : Le client a retrouvé la pleine extension de son genou et ses progrès se sont étendus d'une dépendance totale à la capacité de marcher sur de courtes distances sans aide; ces effets se sont prolongés pendant un suivi de cinq ans et demi après le traumatisme. Conclusion : L'utilisation des étirements passifs à dosage élevé en même temps qu'un entraînement moteur pourrait être une avenue à considérer pour corriger les contractures sévères résultant d'un traumatisme cérébral.