scholarly journals Drawing Direction Effect on a Task’s Performance Characteristics among People with Essential Tremor

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 5814
Author(s):  
Navit Roth ◽  
Orit Braun-Benyamin ◽  
Sara Rosenblum
Keyword(s):  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Distance Curve ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Drawing Direction ◽  
Drawing Task ◽  
Group A ◽  
Spiral Drawing

Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder affecting the performance of various daily tasks, including drawing. While spiral-drawing task characteristics have been described among patients with ET, research about the significance of the drawing direction of both spiral and lines tasks on the performance process is scarce. This study mapped inter-group differences between people with ET and controls related to drawing directions and the intra-effect of the drawing directions on the tremor level among people with ET. Twenty participants with ET and eighteen without ET drew spirals and vertical and horizontal lines on a digitizer with an inking pen. Time-based outcome measures were gathered to address the effect of the drawing directions on tremor by analyzing various spiral sections and comparing vertical and horizontal lines. Significant group differences were found in deviation of the spiral radius from a filtered radius curve and in deviation of the distance curve from a filtered curve for both line types. Significant differences were found between defined horizontal and vertical spiral sections within each group and between both line types within the ET group. A significant correlation was found between spiral and vertical line deviations from filtered curve outcome measures. Achieving objective measures about the significance of drawing directions on actual performance may support the clinical evaluation of people with ET toward developing future intervention methods for improving their functional abilities.

scholarly journals Does Cup-Grip Type Affect Tremor among People with Essential Tremor?

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 7797
Author(s):  
Navit Roth ◽  
Sara Rosenblum
Keyword(s):  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Supportive Therapy ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Triaxial Accelerometer ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Tremor Suppression ◽  
Spiral Drawing

Essential tremor (ET) is a movement disorder that may cause functional disability in daily activities, such as drinking from a cup or drawing. This study aims to characterize effects of varied cup-grip types and measured axes on the actual performance of people with ET and find correlations between cup-grip type and measured axes, and spiral drawing measures. Participants (20 with ET and 18 controls) held a cup of water in a steady position in three grip types and drew a spiral. The cup acceleration was measured by the cup triaxial accelerometer, analyzed in X, Y and Z axes (directions); deviation of the measured acceleration from the desired steady position acceleration was computed. Significant group differences were found for outcome measures in all grip types. Among participants with ET, significantly higher measured values were found in the cup’s horizontal plane (X and Y axes) compared to the vertical direction (Z axis) and for on-the-handle versus around-the-cup grips in the X and Y axes. Significant correlations were found between this grip’s measures and spiral-drawing actual performance measures, indicating the measurement axis and grip type may affect actual performance. These findings may support the future development of assistive devices for tremor suppression and personalized supportive therapy.

Effects of Neurocognitive Temporal Training on Weapon Firing Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 127 (5) ◽  
pp. 939-959
Author(s):  
Leah R. Enders ◽  
Gary L. Boykin ◽  
Valerie J. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Total Path Length ◽  
Accuracy Measure ◽  
Group A ◽  
Army Service

While marksmanship is a critical skill for military personnel, some service members experience difficulty in attaining and maintaining marksmanship qualifications. Temporal training may improve marksmanship performance, since rhythm and timing are critical for coordinated movement. In this study, we examined the effect of neurocognitive temporal training (NTT) on military personnel’s marksmanship performance. We randomly assigned 41 active duty U.S. Army service members with prior marksmanship training into an NTT group that received 12 NTT training sessions ( N = 18) and a Control group ( N = 23) that received no NTT training. We measured marksmanship at baseline (pretest) and following either NTT (posttest) or, for the Control group, a comparable time period. We quantified marksmanship during 2 tasks of firing 5 self-paced shots at stationary 175 m and 300 m targets (Task 1) and firing at 50 moving and stationary targets of varying distances (Task 2). We recorded three measures of accuracy and three measures of precision (including Total Path Length, a unique measure quantifying shot-to-shot variability) for the first task, and we recorded one accuracy measure for the second task. To determine group differences for pretest versus posttest, we used multivariate analysis of variances for Task 1 and a mixed-model analysis of variance for Task 2. Results revealed significantly reduced variability and improved precision when firing at the 175 m target for the NTT group compared with the Control group ( p < .05), but there were no significant group differences on other measures. While these results suggest the utility of neurocognitive timing and rhythm training for marksmanship precision, additional research is needed and should include varied training regimens, comparisons of expert versus novice shooters, additional outcome measures, and a larger participant sample.

scholarly journals Does sensory relearning improve tactile function after carpal tunnel decompression? A pragmatic, assessor-blinded, randomized clinical trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 948-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Jerosch-Herold ◽  
J. Houghton ◽  
L. Miller ◽  
L. Shepstone
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Group A ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Despite surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome being effective in 80%–90% of cases, chronic numbness and hand disability can occur. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sensory relearning improves tactile discrimination and hand function after decompression. In a multi-centre, pragmatic, randomized, controlled trial, 104 patients were randomized to a sensory relearning ( n = 52) or control ( n = 52) group. A total of 93 patients completed a 12-week follow-up. Primary outcome was the shape-texture identification test at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes were touch threshold, touch localization, dexterity and self-reported hand function. No significant group differences were seen for the primary outcome (Shape-Texture Identification) at 6 weeks or 12 weeks. Similarly, no significant group differences were observed on secondary outcomes, with the exception of self-reported hand function. A secondary complier-averaged-causal-effects analysis showed no statistically significant treatment effect on the primary outcome. Sensory relearning for tactile sensory and functional deficits after carpal tunnel decompression is not effective. Level of Evidence: II

scholarly journals QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ESSENTIAL TREMOR DURING CLINICAL SPIRAL DRAWING TASK USING GYRO SENSORS

2021 ◽  
pp. 2140050
Author(s):  
YU-RI KWON ◽  
GWANG-MOON EOM ◽  
JUNGHYUK KO ◽  
JI-WON KIM
Keyword(s):  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Maximum Power ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Average Speed ◽  
Visual Rating ◽  
Drawing Task ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Spiral Drawing

The spiral drawing task is a representative clinical test used to assess essential tremor. Many clinicians have used spirography to assess through visual rating of the drawings. We quantitatively investigated the clinical characteristics of action tremors during spiral drawing tasks using 3-axis gyro sensors. Eighteen essential tremor patients with sensors attached to their forefinger, dorsum of the hand, and forearm participated in a spiral drawing test. As quantitative variables, the average speed, maximum frequency and maximum power were derived from the gyro sensor signals. The average speed and maximum power were also logarithmically transformed. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with tremor direction and joint (attachment location) as independent factors was performed to evaluate the main and interactive effects of direction and joint. Also, Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the quantitative variables and visual rating scores. The average speed showed a significant main effect of direction ([Formula: see text]). Logarithmic variables showed interactive effects ([Formula: see text]) as well as main effects ([Formula: see text]). The interactive effects were attributed to no significant difference among the joints particularly in the roll direction ([Formula: see text]). The logarithmic variables of roll direction were significantly greater than that of the other directions ([Formula: see text]). Also, the quantitative variables were moderately correlated with visual rating scores ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). These results indicate that kinetic tremor during spiral drawing mainly appears in the roll direction and may contribute to the determination of sensor location and direction for continuous monitoring of patients with essential tremor.

scholarly journals Job Satisfaction and Evidence of Burnout Comparing Arab and Non-Arab Urologists with a Migration Background Working in German Hospitals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias May ◽  
Mohammad Shaar
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Intervention Measures ◽  
Shortage Of Physicians ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Background In German hospitals, severe shortage of physicians can currently be partially compensated by hiring foreign physicians. Results on job satisfaction (JS) and physician burnout (PBO) in this important occupational group are currently not available. Methods The cross-sectional “Assessment of their urological work environment by foreign clinicians in Germany (EUTAKD)” study was conducted in 2020 using a 101-item questionnaire among physicians working in German urological departments who were born in a country outside Germany and having non-German citizenship. This study compared JS and the occurrence of PBO between Arab (group A, n = 57) and non-Arab (group B, n = 39) participants. Results Significant group differences with advantages for group B were analyzed in overall JS and also in other JS items. High scores in the PBO dimensions, that is, “emotional exhaustion” and “depersonalization,” were shown by 27.9 and 51.5% of the study participants, respectively, although there were no group differences found (p = 0.972 and 0.237, respectively). Conclusion Prospective longitudinal studies of appropriate intervention measures aimed at increasing JS and decreasing PBO are needed.

scholarly journals Does concurrent adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy affect the graft success rate of cartilage myringoplasty in adults?

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengcai Lou
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Hearing Outcome ◽  
Group A ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Graft Success ◽  
Group B ◽  
Hearing Outcomes

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft success and hearing outcomes of concurrent adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and myringoplasty. Methods Medical case notes were reviewed for all adult patients with dry perforations who had undergone myringoplasty, with or without concurrent throat surgery, from December 2015 to February 2018. The study population was divided into concurrent myringoplasty and throat surgery (Group A) and single myringoplasty (Group B) groups. The air–bone gap (ABG) and graft success rate were evaluated in both groups. Results A total of 131 ears of 131 patients were included in this study. In total, 33 ears of 33 patients were assigned to Group A and 98 to Group B. Of the 33 patients in Group A, adenoid residue was detected in 3, chronic tonsillitis in 21, and tonsil hypertrophy in 9. The graft success rate was 96.9 % in Group A and 96.9 % in Group B at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.993). In addition, the graft success rate was 87.9 % in Group A and 92.8 % in Group B at 24 months postoperatively (p = 0.372). Reperforation occurred in three patients in Group A and four in Group B; the difference was not significant. No significant group differences were observed in preoperative (p = 0.654) or postoperative (p = 0.791) ABG values or mean ABG gain (p = 0.439). No patient in either group developed cholesteatoma of the middle ear. Conclusions Simultaneous adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and myringoplasty is feasible but does not improve the graft success rate or hearing outcome.

scholarly journals Effects if co2-baths in the combined concept of the early functional therapy in the cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy

2005 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Mucha
Keyword(s):  
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Functional Therapy ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Group A ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Group B ◽  
Early Functional Therapy

Objective: The effects of the application of CO2-baths for the purposes of the specific early functional combined therapy in cases of reflexsympathetic dystrophy should be differentiated.Subjects: Forty patients suffering from acute post-traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the hand.Design: A four weeks’ omission test was carried out in group B.  The resultswere contrasted to group A. The relevant parameters in the process of regeneration were statistically calculated as a chronological serial analysis.Results: In regard of the multi-variable design the results demonstrated highly significant group differences in the case of the progression of regeneration, at which group A was definitely superior to group B.  Group B displayed an additional effect of delay. Conclusion: The potential influences with regard to the effects of the CO2-bath are: better organisation of the exercises and superior progression of regeneration. Obviously there are beneficial effects of the combination therapy.

Effects of Menthol-Based Counterirritant on Quadriceps Motoneuron-Pool Excitability

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel H. Huffman ◽  
Brian G. Pietrosimone ◽  
Terry L. Grindstaff ◽  
Joseph M. Hart ◽  
Susan A. Saliba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Motoneuron Pool ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Anterior Knee

Context:Motoneuron-pool facilitation after cryotherapy may be mediated by stimulation of thermoreceptors surrounding a joint. It is unknown whether menthol counterirritants, which also stimulate thermoreceptors, have the same effect on motoneuron-pool excitability (MNPE).Objective:To compare quadriceps MNPE after a menthol-counterirritant application to the anterior knee, a sham counterirritant application, and a control treatment in healthy subjects.Design:A blinded, randomized controlled laboratory study.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:Thirty healthy subjects (16 m, 14 f; 24.1 ± 3.9 y, 170.6 ± 11.4 cm, 72.1 ± 15.6 kg) with no history of lower extremity surgery volunteered for this study.Intervention:Two milliliters of menthol or sham counterirritant was applied to the anterior knee; control subjects received no intervention.Main Outcome Measures:The average vastus medialis normalized Hoffmann reflex (Hmax:Mmax ratio) was used to measure MNPE. Measurements were recorded at 5, 15, 25, and 35 minutes postintervention and compared with baseline measures.Results:Hmax:Mmax ratios for all groups significantly decreased over time (F4,108 = 10.52, P < .001; menthol: baseline = .32 ± .20, 5 min = .29 ± .18, 15 min = .27 ± .18, 25 min = .28 ± .19, 35 min = .27 ± .18; sham: baseline = .46 ± .26, 5 min = .36 ± .20, 15 min = .35 ± .19, 25 min = .35 ± .20, 35 min = .34 ± .18; control: baseline = .48 ± .32, 5 min = .37 ± .27, 15 min = .37 ± .27, 25 min = .37 ± .29, 35 min = .35 ± .28). No significant Group × Time interaction or group differences in Hmax:Mmax were found.Conclusions:Menthol did not affect quadriceps MNPE in healthy subjects.

scholarly journals Validating Automated Segmentation Tools in the Assessment of Caudate Atrophy in Huntington’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina M. Mansoor ◽  
Tishok Vanniyasingam ◽  
Ian Malone ◽  
Nicola Z. Hobbs ◽  
Elin Rees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Automated Segmentation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Manual Delineation ◽  
Therapeutic Trials

Background: Neuroimaging shows considerable promise in generating sensitive and objective outcome measures for therapeutic trials across a range of neurodegenerative conditions. For volumetric measures the current gold standard is manual delineation, which is unfeasible for samples sizes required for large clinical trials.Methods: Using a cohort of early Huntington’s disease (HD) patients (n = 46) and controls (n = 35), we compared the performance of four automated segmentation tools (FIRST, FreeSurfer, STEPS, MALP-EM) with manual delineation for generating cross-sectional caudate volume, a region known to be vulnerable in HD. We then examined the effect of each of these baseline regions on the ability to detect change over 15 months using the established longitudinal Caudate Boundary Shift Integral (cBSI) method, an automated longitudinal pipeline requiring a baseline caudate region as an input.Results: All tools, except Freesurfer, generated significantly smaller caudate volumes than the manually derived regions. Jaccard indices showed poorer levels of overlap between each automated segmentation and manual delineation in the HD patients compared with controls. Nevertheless, each method was able to demonstrate significant group differences in volume (p &lt; 0.001). STEPS performed best qualitatively as well as quantitively in the baseline analysis. Caudate atrophy measures generated by the cBSI using automated baseline regions were largely consistent with those derived from a manually segmented baseline, with STEPS providing the most robust cBSI values across both control and HD groups.Conclusions: Atrophy measures from the cBSI were relatively robust to differences in baseline segmentation technique, suggesting that fully automated pipelines could be used to generate outcome measures for clinical trials.

Comparison of Auditory, Language, Memory, and Attention Abilities in Children With and Without Listening Difficulties

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 710-727
Author(s):  
Beula M. Magimairaj ◽  
Naveen K. Nagaraj ◽  
Alexander V. Sergeev ◽  
Natalie J. Benafield
Keyword(s):  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Speed And Accuracy

Objectives School-age children with and without parent-reported listening difficulties (LiD) were compared on auditory processing, language, memory, and attention abilities. The objective was to extend what is known so far in the literature about children with LiD by using multiple measures and selective novel measures across the above areas. Design Twenty-six children who were reported by their parents as having LiD and 26 age-matched typically developing children completed clinical tests of auditory processing and multiple measures of language, attention, and memory. All children had normal-range pure-tone hearing thresholds bilaterally. Group differences were examined. Results In addition to significantly poorer speech-perception-in-noise scores, children with LiD had reduced speed and accuracy of word retrieval from long-term memory, poorer short-term memory, sentence recall, and inferencing ability. Statistically significant group differences were of moderate effect size; however, standard test scores of children with LiD were not clinically poor. No statistically significant group differences were observed in attention, working memory capacity, vocabulary, and nonverbal IQ. Conclusions Mild signal-to-noise ratio loss, as reflected by the group mean of children with LiD, supported the children's functional listening problems. In addition, children's relative weakness in select areas of language performance, short-term memory, and long-term memory lexical retrieval speed and accuracy added to previous research on evidence-based areas that need to be evaluated in children with LiD who almost always have heterogenous profiles. Importantly, the functional difficulties faced by children with LiD in relation to their test results indicated, to some extent, that commonly used assessments may not be adequately capturing the children's listening challenges. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12808607

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