scholarly journals Case Studies in Neuroscience: A dissociation of balance and posture demonstrated by camptocormia

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. St George ◽  
V. S. Gurfinkel ◽  
J. Kraakevik ◽  
J. G. Nutt ◽  
F. B. Horak
Keyword(s):  
Postural Control ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Voluntary Attention ◽  
Control Center ◽  
Postural Alignment ◽  
Passive Rotation ◽  
Custom Made

Upright stance in humans requires an intricate exchange between the neural mechanisms that control balance and those that control posture; however, the distinction between these control systems is hard to discern in healthy subjects. By studying balance and postural control of a participant with camptocormia — an involuntary flexion of the trunk during standing that resolves when supine — a divergence between balance and postural control was revealed. A kinematic and kinetic investigation of standing and walking showed a stereotyped flexion of the upper body by almost 80° over a few minutes, and yet the participant’s ability to control center of mass within the base of support and to compensate for external perturbations remained intact. This unique case also revealed the involvement of automatic, tonic control of the paraspinal muscles during standing and the effects of attention. Although strength was reduced and MRI showed a reduction in muscle mass, there was sufficient strength to maintain an upright posture under voluntary control and when using geste antagoniste maneuvers or “sensory tricks” from visual, auditory, and haptic biofeedback. Dual tasks that either increased or decreased the attention given to postural alignment would decrease or increase the postural flexion, respectively. The custom-made “twister” device that measured axial resistance to slow passive rotation revealed abnormalities in axial muscle tone distribution during standing. The results suggest that the disorder in this case was due to a disruption in the automatic, tonic drive to the postural muscles and that myogenic changes were secondary. NEW & NOTEWORTHY By studying an idiopathic camptocormia case with a detailed biomechanical and sensorimotor approach, we have demonstrated unique insights into the neural control of human bipedalism 1) balance and postural control cannot be considered the same neural process, as there is a stereotyped abnormal flexed posture, without balance deficits, associated with camptocormia, and 2) posture during standing is controlled by automatic axial tone but “sensory tricks” involving sensory biofeedback to direct voluntary attention to postural alignment can override, when required.

Effects of different seating equipment on postural control and upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilek Sahinoğlu ◽  
Gürsoy Coskun ◽  
Nilgün Bek
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Assessment Scale ◽  
Gross Motor ◽  
Gross Motor Function ◽  
Postural Alignment ◽  
Custom Made

Background:Adaptive seating supports for cerebral palsy are recommended to develop and maintain optimum posture, and functional use of upper extremities.Objectives:To compare the effectiveness of different seating adaptations regarding postural alignment and related functions and to investigate the effects of these seating adaptations on different motor levels.Study design:Prospective study.Methods:A total of 20 children with spastic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System 3–5) were included. Postural control and function (Seated Postural Control Measure, Sitting Assessment Scale) were measured in three different systems: standard chair, adjustable seating system and custom-made orthosis.Results:In results of all participants ungrouped, there was a significant difference in most parameters of both measurement tools in favor of custom-made orthosis and adjustable seating system when compared to standard chair ( p < 0.0017). There was a difference among interventions in most of the Seated Postural Control Measure results in Level 4 when subjects were grouped according to Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. A difference was observed between standard chair and adjustable seating system in foot control, arm control, and total Sitting Assessment Scale scores; and between standard chair and custom-made orthosis in trunk control, arm control, and total Sitting Assessment Scale score in Level 4. There was no difference in adjustable seating system and custom-made orthosis in Sitting Assessment Scale in this group of children ( p < 0.017).Conclusion:Although custom-made orthosis fabrication is time consuming, it is still recommended since it is custom made, easy to use, and low-cost. On the other hand, the adjustable seating system can be modified according to a patient’s height and weight.Clinical relevanceIt was found that Gross Motor Function Classification System Level 4 children benefitted most from the seating support systems. It was presented that standard chair is sufficient in providing postural alignment. Both custom-made orthosis and adjustable seating system have pros and cons and the best solution for each will be dependent on a number of factors.

Functional anatomy of the vagal innervation of the cervical trachea of the dog

2000 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Coon ◽  
Patrick J. Mueller ◽  
Philip S. Clifford
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Cuff Pressure ◽  
Vagal Innervation ◽  
Cervical Trachea ◽  
The Right ◽  
Left Vagus ◽  
Stimulation Of

The canine cervical trachea has been used for numerous studies regarding the neural control of tracheal smooth muscle. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there is lateral dominance by either the left or right vagal innervation of the canine cervical trachea. In anesthetized dogs, pressure in the cuff of the endotracheal tube was used as an index of smooth muscle tone in the trachea. After establishment of tracheal tone, as indicated by increased cuff pressure, either the right or left vagus nerve was sectioned followed by section of the contralateral vagus. Sectioning the right vagus first resulted in total loss of tone in the cervical trachea, whereas sectioning the left vagus first produced either a partial or no decrease in tracheal tone. After bilateral section of the vagi, cuff pressure was recorded during electrical stimulation of the rostral end of the right or left vagus. At the maximum current strength used, stimulation of the left vagus produced tracheal constriction that averaged 28.5% of the response to stimulation of the right vagus (9.0 ± 1.8 and 31.6 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively). In conclusion, the musculature of cervical trachea in the dog appears to be predominantly controlled by vagal efferents in the right vagus nerve.

Static and dynamic postural control in long-term microgravity: evidence of a dual adaptation

2001 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido Baroni ◽  
Alessandra Pedrocchi ◽  
Giancarlo Ferrigno ◽  
Jean Massion ◽  
Antonio Pedotti
Keyword(s):  
Postural Control ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Movement Analysis ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Dynamic Movement ◽  
Static Body

The adaptation of dynamic movement-posture coordination during forward trunk bending was investigated in long-term weightlessness. Three-dimensional movement analysis was carried out in two astronauts during a 4-mo microgravity exposure. The principal component analysis was applied to joint-angle kinematics for the assessment of angular synergies. The anteroposterior center of mass (CM) displacement accompanying trunk flexion was also quantified. The results reveal that subjects kept typically terrestrial strategies of movement-posture coordination. The temporary disruption of joint-angular synergies observed at subjects' first in-flight session was promptly recovered when repetitive sessions in flight were analyzed. The CM anteroposterior shift was consistently <3–4 cm, suggesting that subjects could dynamically control the CM position throughout the whole flight. This is in contrast to the observed profound microgravity-induced disruption of the quasi-static body orientation and initial CM positioning. Although this study was based on only two subjects, evidence is provided that static and dynamic postural control might be under two separate mechanisms, adapting with their specific time course to the constraints of microgravity.

scholarly journals Effects of Task Constraints on Kinematic Characteristics of Body Segments in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Children with Typical Development during Hand-Reaching

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 11140
Author(s):  
Yun-Huei Ju ◽  
Rong-Ju Cherng
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Typically Developing Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Postural Alignment ◽  
Reaching Tasks ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have difficulty in managing postural control during functional reaching tasks, although children with different postural control ability are able to come up with different motor solutions to cope with different task demands. This study examined the effect of task constraint on postural control performance in children with cerebral palsy and typical development (TD) in terms of different postural control abilities. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used. Twelve children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (mean age: 107.8 months) and 16 typically developing children (mean age: 110.9 months) participated in this study. Individually, all subjects were seated in a height-adjusted chair and were requested to reach for target(s) located at three different directions (medial, anterior, and lateral). A six-camera Qualisys Motion Capture System was used to capture motion data. Kinematic data in terms of body alignment and angular changes were analyzed. Results: Children with cerebral palsy demonstrated different postural control strategies to complete different reaching tasks compared to typically developing children by preparing postural alignment in advance, coordinating different body orientation movements during reaching after showing difficulty in managing reach medially. Conclusions: Children with cerebral palsy perceive their insufficient ability and prepare their alignment in advance to adapt to the task demanded and decrease the postural challenges of the task. Even though children with cerebral palsy self-generate different motor solutions to reach without falling, these alternative strategies might not be the most efficient adaptation.

Abstract P189: AT 1 R-Dependent Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption Precedes Neuroinflammation In Age-Dependent Hypertension

Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla M Nist ◽  
Jesse Moreira ◽  
Richard D Wainford
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Control Center ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier Disruption ◽  
Sd Rats ◽  
Blood Brain ◽  
Age Dependent

AIM: We hypothesized paraventricular nucleus (PVN)-specific blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and neuroinflammation contribute to hypertension and sympathoexcitation that can be attenuated by an Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor (AT 1 R)-dependent mechanism in the aging Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. Methods: Naïve male SD rats aged 3-, 8- and 16-months-old (MO) (N=4-6/gp) were used in the following studies. Separate groups of 16 MO rats were administered losartan (21 days; s.c. 3 mg/kg/day) or hydrochlorothiazide (14 days; s.c. 4 mg/kg/day). Blood pressure (femoral cannulation) and plasma NE (ELISA) were assessed at end of study. In separate groups, BBB dysfunction was assessed via PVN FITC extravasation using intravascular co-infusion of FITC-Dextran (10 kDa) and rhodamine B isothiocyanate-Dextran (70 kDa). IHC/IF was performed in naive and losartan-treated rats for microglia (CD11b/c) and astrocytes (GFAP) in the PVN and subfornical organ (SFO). Results: Male SD rats develop HTN and sympathoexcitation with age. At 8 and 16 MO, rats exhibit PVN BBB dysfunction (increased FITC extravasation). However, only 16 MO rats exhibit significant PVN neuroinflammation (increased microglial activation and astrocyte reactivity). In the SFO, there is no evidence of age-dependent neuroinflammation. Losartan and HCTZ both significantly lower blood pressure to similar levels, however, only losartan significantly attenuates PVN BBB dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Conclusions: Within the PVN, a known neural control center, there are AT 1 R-dependent increases in PVN BBB disruption and neuroinflammation that we speculate contribute to hypertension in aging SD rats.

scholarly journals Rehabilitation Machine for Bariatric Individuals

Machines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Andrea Botta ◽  
Paride Cavallone ◽  
Luca Carbonari ◽  
Carmen Visconte ◽  
Giuseppe Quaglia
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Physical Exertion ◽  
World Health ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Obese People ◽  
Leg Extension ◽  
Extension Mechanism ◽  
Physical Exercises ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Organization

Obesity is known to be growing worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that obesity has tripled since 1975. In 2016, 39% of adults over 18 years old were overweight, and 13% were obese. Obesity is mostly preventable by adopting lifestyle improvements, enhancing diet quality, and doing physical exercise. The workload of the physical exercises should be proportionate to the patient’s capabilities. However, it must be considered that obese people are not used to training; they may not endure physical exertion and, even more critically, they could have some psychological impediments to the workouts. Physical exercises and equipment must, therefore, guarantee comfort and prevent situations in which the bariatric individual may feel inadequate. For these reasons, this study aims to design an innovative system to approach simple physical activities, like leg and arm exercises, to bariatric users to enable them to recover mobility and muscle tone gradually. The leading feature of this architecture is the design of hidden exercise mechanisms to overcome the psychological barriers of the users toward these kinds of machines. This paper proposes the initial design of the main sub-systems composing the rehabilitation machine, namely the leg curl and leg extension mechanism and its control architecture, the upper body exercises system, and a series of regulation mechanisms required to accommodate a wide range of users. The proposed functional design will then lead to the development of a prototype to validate the machine.

RUNNING PATTERN GENERATION OF HUMANOID BIPED WITH A FIXED POINT AND ITS REALIZATION

2009 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 631-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
BAEK-KYU CHO ◽  
ILL-WOO PARK ◽  
JUN-HO OH
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Point ◽  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Maximum Velocity ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Pattern Generation ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Running Pattern

This paper discusses the generation of a running pattern for a humanoid biped and verifies the validity of the proposed method of running pattern generation via experiments. Two running patterns are generated independently in the sagittal plane and in the frontal plane and the two patterns are then combined. When a running pattern is created with resolved momentum control in the sagittal plane, the angular momentum of the robot about the Center of Mass (COM) is set to zero, as the angular momentum causes the robot to rotate. However, this also induces unnatural motion of the upper body of the robot. To solve this problem, the biped was set as a virtual under-actuated robot with a free joint at its support ankle, and a fixed point for a virtual under-actuated system was determined. Following this, a periodic running pattern in the sagittal plane was formulated using the fixed point. The fixed point is easily determined in a numerical approach. In this way, a running pattern in the frontal plane was also generated. In an experiment, a humanoid biped known as KHR-2 ran forward using the proposed running pattern generation method. Its maximum velocity was 2.88 km/h.

scholarly journals Neural Control of Walking in People with Parkinsonism

Physiology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Peterson ◽  
F. B. Horak
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Brain Stem ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Human Locomotion ◽  
Gait Dysfunction ◽  
Gait Impairments

People with Parkinson's disease exhibit debilitating gait impairments, including gait slowness, increased step variability, and poor postural control. A widespread supraspinal locomotor network including the cortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and brain stem contributes to the control of human locomotion, and altered activity of these structures underlies gait dysfunction due to Parkinson's disease.

scholarly journals Effect of Leg Dominance on The Center-of-Mass Kinematics During an Inside-of-the-Foot Kick in Amateur Soccer Players

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Zago ◽  
Andrea Francesco Motta ◽  
Andrea Mapelli ◽  
Isabella Annoni ◽  
Christel Galvani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Movement ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
The Body ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Movement Velocity ◽  
Ground Support ◽  
Analysis System

Abstract Soccer kicking kinematics has received wide interest in literature. However, while the instep-kick has been broadly studied, only few researchers investigated the inside-of-the-foot kick, which is one of the most frequently performed techniques during games. In particular, little knowledge is available about differences in kinematics when kicking with the preferred and non-preferred leg. A motion analysis system recorded the three-dimensional coordinates of reflective markers placed upon the body of nine amateur soccer players (23.0 ± 2.1 years, BMI 22.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2), who performed 30 pass-kicks each, 15 with the preferred and 15 with the non-preferred leg. We investigated skill kinematics while maintaining a perspective on the complete picture of movement, looking for laterality related differences. The main focus was laid on: anatomical angles, contribution of upper limbs in kick biomechanics, kinematics of the body Center of Mass (CoM), which describes the whole body movement and is related to balance and stability. When kicking with the preferred leg, CoM displacement during the ground-support phase was 13% higher (p<0.001), normalized CoM height was 1.3% lower (p<0.001) and CoM velocity 10% higher (p<0.01); foot and shank velocities were about 5% higher (p<0.01); arms were more abducted (p<0.01); shoulders were rotated more towards the target (p<0.01, 6° mean orientation difference). We concluded that differences in motor control between preferred and non-preferred leg kicks exist, particularly in the movement velocity and upper body kinematics. Coaches can use these results to provide effective instructions to players in the learning process, moving their focus on kicking speed and upper body behavior

scholarly journals Muscle-driven and torque-driven centrodes during modeled flexion of individual lumbar spines are disparate

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Rockenfeller ◽  
Andreas Müller ◽  
Nicolas Damm ◽  
Michael Kosterhon ◽  
Sven R. Kantelhardt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Confidence Regions ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Motion Patterns ◽  
Narrow Region ◽  
Surgical Methods

Abstract Lumbar spine biomechanics during the forward-bending of the upper body (flexion) are well investigated by both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In both cases, the experimentally observed relative motion of vertebral bodies can be used to calculate the instantaneous center of rotation (ICR). The timely evolution of the ICR, the centrode, is widely utilized for validating computer models and is thought to serve as a criterion for distinguishing healthy and degenerative motion patterns. While in vivo motion can be induced by physiological active structures (muscles), in vitro spinal segments have to be driven by external torque-applying equipment such as spine testers. It is implicitly assumed that muscle-driven and torque-driven centrodes are similar. Here, however, we show that centrodes qualitatively depend on the impetus. Distinction is achieved by introducing confidence regions (ellipses) that comprise centrodes of seven individual multi-body simulation models, performing flexion with and without preload. Muscle-driven centrodes were generally directed superior–anterior and tail-shaped, while torque-driven centrodes were located in a comparably narrow region close to the center of mass of the caudal vertebrae. We thus argue that centrodes resulting from different experimental conditions ought to be compared with caution. Finally, the applicability of our method regarding the analysis of clinical syndromes and the assessment of surgical methods is discussed.

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