scholarly journals Kinematic Gait Adjustments to Virtual Environments on Different Surface Conditions: Do Treadmill and Over-Ground Walking Exhibit Different Adaptations to Passive Virtual Immersion?

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Varas-Diaz ◽  
Shivani Paralkar ◽  
Shuaijie Wang ◽  
Tanvi Bhatt

Background. The aim of this study was to examine the kinematic gait adjustments performed in response to passive and photorealistic virtual reality environment (VRE) demands during over-ground and treadmill walking conditions and determine whether the surface presentation order affects the gait adjustments in response to different VREs. Methods. Twenty young participants divided into two groups performed two virtual reality (VR) walking protocols which included two different VREs (snowy and crowded conditions). Group A performed the VR over-ground protocol (four natural walking (NW), seven VR snowy, and seven VR crowded trials) followed by the VR treadmill protocol (four NW, one VR snowy, and one VR crowded trials); Group B performed the VR treadmill protocol (four NW, seven VR snowy, and seven VR crowded trials) followed by the VR over-ground protocol (four NW, one VR snowy, and one VR crowded trials). Center of mass (COM) excursion angles and mediolateral (ML) COM excursions were analyzed and used as outcome measures. Results. Group A showed higher COM excursion angles and ML-COM excursion on over-ground VR trials compared to NW trials ( p < 0.05 ), while Group B only showed kinematic changes for the crowded VRE compared to NW trials during the treadmill walking protocol ( p < 0.05 ). Post over-ground exposure, Group A showed greater COM excursion angle and ML-COM excursions on VR trials compared to NW trials during the treadmill walking protocol ( p < 0.05 ). Post treadmill exposure, Group B only showed higher COM excursion angles for the snowy VRE compared to NW trials during the over-ground walking protocol ( p < 0.01 ). Conclusion. Results showed that higher kinematic gait adjustments in response to VRE demands were observed during over-ground walking. Additionally, higher sensorimotor responses to VRE demands were observed when the VR protocol was first performed on the over-ground surface and followed by the treadmill walking condition (Group A) compared to the opposite (Group B).

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashidah Ghazali ◽  
Herlina Abdul Rahim ◽  
Mashitah Shikh Maidin ◽  
Shafishuhaza Sahlan

Previous research about the exposure of Mozart music and noise and the effects towards the feeding, growth rate and the stress level of the broilers were explored.Music has the ability to have a relaxing and antidepressant effect on humans, mammals and birds. Reports that music calms animals and improves productivity appear in commercial journals. The present study investigated the growth rate comparisons between the experimented broilers (Group A: water supply modification group; Group B: sound exposure group) and the control broilers (Group C: control group) in terms of weight and raw meat texture measured by shear force. The water supply modification group was given 12 litres of Yasin water twice per day while the sound exposure group were broadcasted with sound of Quran verses. Twenty-seven broilers were randomly selected from each group on Day 24 and weight measurement was carried out every week until the harvest day (Day 39). Group B showed a higher mean weight on Day 24 (1.441 ± 0.013 kg) than Group A and C. Significant difference in the weight on Day 39 existed for both Group A and B compared to Group C (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference of shear force in the same muscles (breast and drumstick raw meat) of the three groups but the shear force of the breast meat for Group A, B and C broilers was lower (p < 0.05) than that of their drumstick meat. Broadcasting the sound of the Quran verses in the coop and adding Yasin water to the broilers’ drink can be applied to improve the growth rate of broilers for producing better quality poultry.


Author(s):  
Shrutika Wankhade ◽  
Pratik Phansopkar ◽  
Neha Chitale

Background: Frozen shoulder is a musculoskeletal ailment that causes pain and limits the range of motion of the shoulder joint. Traditional therapy, which includes mobilization, has traditionally been utilized to treat and rehab frozen shoulder patients. But, nowadays, virtual reality is also playing important role in rehabilitation programs. This study focuses on effectiveness of oculus guided physical therapy in adjunct to conventional therapy in frozen shoulder patients. Methods: 50 participants of age more than 40 years having frozen shoulder will be randomly selected and categorized in two groups: Group A (n=25) and Group B (n=25). The duration of study will be 6 months. The pre and post assessment form will be taken from both groups and data will be analysed with the help of outcome measures which includes Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Range of motion, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Discussion: According to a previous study on maternal brachial plexus injury, virtual reality treatment is more successful than traditional physiotherapy in rehabilitating childrens upper extremity functions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuyuki Niki ◽  
Megumi Yahara ◽  
Michiya Inagaki ◽  
Nana Takahashi ◽  
Akira Watanabe ◽  
...  

Background: Dementia is one the major problems of aging societies, and, novel and effective non-drug therapies are required as interventions in the oldest-old to prevent cognitive decline.Objective: This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of reminiscence using immersive virtual reality (iVR reminiscence) focusing on anxiety that often appears with cognitive decline. The secondary objective is to reveal the preference for VR image types for reminiscence: live-action (LA) or computer graphics (CG).Methods: This was a pilot, open-label, and randomized crossover study which was conducted on January 2020 at a single nursing home. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups (A or B) in equal numbers, and they alternately viewed two types of VR images (LA and CG) themed on the mid- to late Showa era (A.D. 1955–1980) in Japan. In group A, the CG images were viewed first, and then the LA images were viewed (CG→ LA). In group B, the images were viewed in the opposite order (LA→ CG). Before VR viewing, subjects responded to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Japanese version and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Japanese version. After viewing the first and second VR, subjects responded to STAI and the numerical rating scale (NRS) for satisfaction and side effects (nausea, dizziness, headache, and tiredness).Results: Ten subjects participated in this study. The values of analyses are presented in the mean (SD). The age was 87.1 years (4.2), and the MMSE was 28.5 (1.8). The total STAI score before VR viewing was 36.1 (7.2), but it significantly decreased to 26.8 (4.9) after the first VR viewing (P = 0.0010), and further decreased to 23.4 (2.8) after the second VR viewing (P &lt; 0.001). The NRS score for satisfaction tended to be higher after viewing LA in group A (CG→ LA) (CG vs. LA; 7.0 (2.3) vs. 8.6 (1.5), P = 0.0993), while in group B (LA→ CG), the score after CG was slightly lower than that after LA. There were no serious side effects.Conclusions: This study suggests that iVR reminiscence can reduce anxiety in the oldest-old without causing serious side effects. Furthermore, the impacts might be better with LA images.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Chen ◽  
Kai Chen ◽  
Yuxi Su

Abstract Background The iliac crest is one of the most used bone graft sources. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of inner side and two-sided approaches for iliac crest bone harvesting on post-surgery ilium growth in children. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed 47 patients who underwent pelvic osteotomy and iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) procedures from January 2015 to September 2018. The patients were divided into an inner table ilium exposure group (group A) and the inner-outer table ilium exposure group (group B) and were followed up with radiography in postoperative months 1, 3, 6, and 12, and the growth areas were measured using PACS software. Complications such as damage to the arteries or nerves, ureteral injury, gastrointestinal hernia, ileus, abnormal cosmetic appearance, sensory disturbances, and functional limitations were recorded based on clinical records. Results There were 22 patients aged 5.3±1.5 years in group A and 25 patients aged 5.9±1.8 years in group B. There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups, or in growth in the first month. However, bone graft growth at months 3, 6, and 12 was significantly better in group A than in group B. There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups. Conclusion Exposure of only the inner table of the ilium resulted in faster recovery of the bone defect than two-sided exposure in pelvic osteotomy. Therefore, we suggest protecting the outer side of the ilium during surgery. Level of evidence Level III


Author(s):  
Arshad Nawaz Malik ◽  
Tahir Masood

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effects of task-oriented training and to compare it with virtual reality training on the mobility, physical performance and balance in stroke patients. Method: The randomised controlled trial was conducted from January 2016 to March 2017 at the Physical Rehabilitation Department of Pakistan Railways General Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised patients 40-70 years with stroke history of at least 3 months who had the ability to stand unaided. The subjects were randomised into virtual reality training group A and task-oriented training group B. Task oriented training was provided for 3 days per week over 8 weeks to both groups with each session lasting 40-45 minutes, while additional 15-20 minutes of exer-gaming was provided only to group A. Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity, Berg Balance Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Dynamic Gait Index were used for assessment which was done at baseline, and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of training. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 52 subjects, there were 26(50%) in each of the two groups. The overall sample had 36(69.2%) males and 16(30.7%) females. Group A showed significant difference in Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity and Berg Balance Test scores at 04 weeks of training compared to group B (p<0.05). Timed Up and Go Test significantly improved in group A at 6 weeks (p<0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in Dynamic Gait Index after 8 weeks of training (p>0.05). Continuous....


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talita Dias da Silva ◽  
Patricia Mattos de Oliveira ◽  
Josiane Borges Dionizio ◽  
Andreia Paiva de Santana ◽  
Shayan Bahadori ◽  
...  

Background: The new human coronavirus that leads to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) has spread rapidly around the world and has a high degree of lethality. In more severe cases, patients remain hospitalized for several days under treatment of the health team. Thus, it is important to develop and use technologies with the aim to strengthen conventional therapy by encouraging movement, physical activity, and improving cardiorespiratory fitness for patients. In this sense, therapies for exposure to virtual reality (VR) are promising and have been shown to be an adequate and equivalent alternative to conventional exercise programs.Aim: This is a study protocol with the aim of comparing the conventional physical therapy intervention with the use of a non-immersive VR software during COVID-19 hospitalization.Methods: Fifty patients hospitalized with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 will be divided in two groups under physiotherapy treatment using conventional or VR intervention: Group A: participants with COVID-19 will start the first day of the protocol with VR tasks in the morning and then in the second period, in the afternoon, will perform the conventional exercises (n = 25) and Group B: participants with COVID-19 will start the first day with conventional exercises in the morning and in the second period, in the afternoon, will perform activity with VR (n = 25). All participants will be evaluated with different motor and physiologic scales before and after the treatment to measure improvements.Conclusion: Considering the importance of benefits from physical activity during hospitalization, VR software shows promise as a potential mechanism for improving physical activity. The results of this study may provide new insights into hospital rehabilitation.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04537858. Registered on 01 September 2020.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Ashfaq Ahmad ◽  
Muhammad Ali Mohseni Bandpei ◽  
Syed Amir Gillani ◽  
Asif Hanif ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders, of insidious onset, with major motor symptomatology including bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural disturbances. Virtual reality (VR) and motor imagery (MI) are among the more innovative techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with PD which promote motor learning both through explicit and implicit processes. This study is unique in that it will examine the combined effects of VR and MI on motor function, balance and activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with PD. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of VR with MI techniques in addition to routine physical therapy on motor function, balance, and ADLs in patients with PD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a two-armed parallel design, single-blinded (assessor blinded), single-centered, randomized controlled trial, and the study protocol is based on SPIRIT guidelines. Thirty-four patients with PD (Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages I–III) will be randomly allocated with a 1:1 ratio into Group A (control group) and Group B (treatment group). Group A will be given routine physical therapy in 40-min sessions and 20 min of walking and cycling with a short period of rest, every alternate day (3 days per week) for 12 weeks, while for Group B routine physical therapy protocols along with VR and MI will be used in 60-min sessions, every alternate day (3 days per week) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures are as follows: (i) the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS; part III), (ii) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). The secondary outcome measure is the UPDRS (part II). Assessments will be recorded at baseline, the sixth and twelfth weeks of therapy, and 1 month after the discontinuation of therapy. <b><i>Clinical Study Registration:</i></b> This randomized controlled prospective study was registered with the Iranian Registry of clinical trials (IRCT20200221046567N1) on April 1, 2020 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/46073).


Author(s):  
Taber A. Ba-Omar ◽  
Philip F. Prentis

We have recently carried out a study of spermiogenic differentiation in two geographically isolated populations of Aphanius dispar (freshwater teleost), with a view to ascertaining variation at the ultrastructural level. The sampling areas were the Jebel Al Akhdar in the north (Group A) and the Dhofar region (Group B) in the south. Specimens from each group were collected, the testes removed, fixed in Karnovsky solution, post fixed in OsO, en bloc stained with uranyl acetate and then routinely processed to Agar 100 resin, semi and ultrathin sections were prepared for study.


VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 0220-0228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Vircoulon ◽  
Carine Boulon ◽  
Ileana Desormais ◽  
Philippe Lacroix ◽  
Victor Aboyans ◽  
...  

Background: We compared one-year amputation and survival rates in patients fulfilling 1991 European consensus critical limb ischaemia (CLI) definition to those clas, sified as CLI by TASC II but not European consensus (EC) definition. Patients and methods: Patients were selected from the COPART cohort of hospitalized patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease suffering from lower extremity rest pain or ulcer and who completed one-year follow-up. Ankle and toe systolic pressures and transcutaneous oxygen pressure were measured. The patients were classified into two groups: those who could benefit from revascularization and those who could not (medical group). Within these groups, patients were separated into those who had CLI according to the European consensus definition (EC + TASC II: group A if revascularization, group C if medical treatment) and those who had no CLI by the European definition but who had CLI according to the TASC II definition (TASC: group B if revascularization and D if medical treatment). Results: 471 patients were included in the study (236 in the surgical group, 235 in the medical group). There was no difference according to the CLI definition for survival or cardiovascular event-free survival. However, major amputations were more frequent in group A than in group B (25 vs 12 %, p = 0.046) and in group C than in group D (38 vs 20 %, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Major amputation is twice as frequent in patients with CLI according to the historical European consensus definition than in those classified to the TASC II definition but not the EC. Caution is required when comparing results of recent series to historical controls. The TASC II definition of CLI is too wide to compare patients from clinical trials so we suggest separating these patients into two different stages: permanent (TASC II but not EC definition) and critical ischaemia (TASC II and EC definition).


VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 451-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Gasbarro ◽  
Luca Traina ◽  
Francesco Mascoli ◽  
Vincenzo Coscia ◽  
Gianluca Buffone ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Absorbable sutures are not generally accepted by most vascular surgeons for the fear of breakage of the suture line and the risk of aneurysmal formation, except in cases of paediatric surgery or in case of infections. Aim of this study is to provide evidence of safety and efficacy of the use of absorbable suture materials in carotid surgery. Patients and methods: In an 11 year period, 1126 patients (659 male [58.5 %], 467 female [41.5 %], median age 72) underwent carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis by either conventional with primary closure (cCEA) or eversion (eCEA) techniques. Patients were randomised into two groups according to the type of suture material used. In Group A, absorbable suture material (polyglycolic acid) was used and in Group B non-absorbable suture material (polypropylene) was used. Primary end-point was to compare severe restenosis and aneurysmal formation rates between the two groups of patients. For statistical analysis only cases with a minimum period of follow-up of 12 months were considered. Results: A total of 868 surgical procedures were considered for data analysis. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 1-10 years). The rate of postoperative complications was better for group A for both cCEA and eCEA procedures: 3.5 % and 2.0 % for group A, respectively, and 11.8 % and 12.9 % for group B, respectively. Conclusions: In carotid surgery, the use of absorbable suture material seems to be safe and effective and with a general lower complications rate compared to the use of non-absorbable materials.


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