Changes in sensory function and force production in adults with type II diabetes

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship among sensory function, disease severity, and upper extremity force production in adults with type II diabetes (T2D) as compared with healthy age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Methods: Ten adults with T2D and 10 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects underwent a battery of sensory and motor function evaluations. Data on disease severity and duration were also collected. Results: The T2D group exhibited sensory deficits and altered force production as compared with healthy controls. Sensory function correlated with disease severity, as did signal predictability of kinetic output during submaximal force production tasks. Maximal force production tasks were associated with altered output in T2D, but these data did not correlate with disease severity or sensory dysfunction. Conclusions: Some, not all, motor performance deficits in T2D are associated with sensory dysfunction. Mechanisms responsible for these changes in adult‐onset T2D are described. Muscle Nerve 50: 984–990, 2014     

The post-stroke upper limb improvement effort survey (IMPETUS): a survey of individuals with chronic stroke

Background: There is a considerable literature on arm/hand dysfunction post stroke, but little information on the participants’ opinions about perceived and desired arm/hand strength, recovery, and function.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the perceptions of individuals with stroke about arm/hand function and training devices.

Methods: A 69-item survey was developed addressing: activity before and after stroke, involved arm/hand function, willingness to use a training device, and important device characteristics. The survey included items from the Hand Function and Strength Subscales of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Face validity was established by physical therapists and individuals with stroke. The survey was administered via phone and online.

Results: 852 registry participants were recruited. Ninety-seven responded; 83 completed the survey. Subjects were 51 males, 31 females; mean age: 65 (25–95); meantime since stroke: 13 years (1–34; SD 6.678). There was a statistically significant difference between perceived and desired arm/hand strength, recovery, and function p<0.0001. Impairment factors, such as weakness and spasticity were greater barriers to recovery than socio-economic ones. Most participants (94%) were willing to use a device; functional gains during/following use were the most important characteristics.

Limitations: Participants had greater arm impairment and were more chronic than other studies.

Conclusions: Participants desired more arm/hand strength, function, and recovery that they perceived they had achieved. Impairment – level factors posed more barriers to arm recovery than socioeconomic ones. Most participants were interested in using arm/hand training devices; the most important device characteristic is functional gain.     

Effect of object transport on grasp coordination in multiple system atrophy.

We examined the effects of the parkinsonian variant of multiple-system atrophy (MSA-P) on grasp and forward transport and release of an object. Twelve patients with MSA-P and 10 age-matched control subjects performed the task with each of three object weights (200, 400, 800 gm). Subjects moved at a self-selected pace using a precision grip. The grip (normal) and load (tangential) forces and the object position were recorded. Results indicate subjects with MSA-P have temporal and force coordination deficits. Temporal delays were seen in all subjects with MSA-P, leading to prolonged overall movement times compared to control subjects. These delays occurred throughout the task, with significantly longer transport phases and delays releasing the object. Despite demonstrating an appropriate anticipatory scaling of forces, with increasing grip and load forces for heavier weights, force coordination was compromised in subjects with MSA-P. These subjects generated significant negative load forces prior to transporting the object. In addition, during the transport phase, subjects with MSA-P generated highly variable grip forces. Overall, the results indicate that subjects with MSA-P demonstrate bradykinesia and difficulty coordinating components of an object transport task.     

Dance-based exergaming for upper extremity rehabilitation and reducing fall-risk in community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke. A preliminary study

Background: Post-stroke, individuals demonstrate persistent upper extremity (UE) motor impairments that impact functional movements and change-in-support strategies essential for recovery from postural instability. OBJECTIVES: This study primarily aims to quantify the effect of dance-based exergaming (DBExG) intervention on improving paretic UE movement control. The secondary aim is to assess if these improvements in UE movement control if observed, could partially account for improved fall-risk.

Methods: Thirteen adults with chronic stroke received DBExG training using the commercially available Kinect dance gaming “Just Dance 3”. Surface electromyography of shoulder muscle activity during the stand-reaching task and UE shoulder kinematics for a dance trial were recorded. Changes in balance control were determined using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale [ABC] and Timed-Up-and-Go test [TUG].

Results: Post-training, participants demonstrated improvements in shoulder muscle activity in the form of performance (reaction time, burst duration, and movement time) and production outcomes (peak acceleration) (p < .05). There was also a post-training increase in shoulder joint excursion (Ex) and peak joint angles (∠) during dance trials (p < .05). Participants exhibited positive post-intervention correlations between ABC and shoulder joint Ex [R² of 0.43 (p < .05)] and between TUG and peak joint ∠ [R² of 0.51 (p < .05)]. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrated the beneficial effect of DBExG for improving UE movement and the training-induced gains were also positively correlated with improvements in fall-risk measures in people with chronic stroke. Thus, DBEx training could be used as a meaningful clinical application for this population group.     

Botulinum toxin type A injections in the spastic upper extremity of children with hemiplegia: child characteristics that predict a positive outcome

Evidence is increasing to suggest that botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) plays a role in the management of upper extremity spasticity in the paediatric population. However, little information is available on the clinical characteristics of the child that predict a response to this intervention. Our research group previously published a randomized controlled trial demonstrating that BTX-A injection improves function of the upper extremity of children with spastic hemiplegia. In the present paper, we evaluate the child characteristics that predict a positive response to the BTX-A injections in the randomized treatment group. The treatment group was divided into positive functional responders and nonresponders using a cut score of a change of 10 points on the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST). A two-way analysis of variance procedure was done comparing the following baseline characteristics: function as scored on the QUEST and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) self-care domain, grip strength, upper extremity spasticity and age. Grip strength was significantly higher in responders with a P -value of 0.001. Young age approached significance with a P -value of 0.05. Correlation of change scores on the QUEST with baseline characteristics in the treatment group yielded similar results. BTX-A causes a reduction in spasticity and strength; we postulate that if the hand is weak initially, BTX-A can decrease hand function. Two case reports are presented that highlight the importance of grip strength and age.     

Changes in motor function in the unaffected hand ol stroke patients should not be ignored

Motor function changes in the unaffected hand of stroke patients with hemiplegia. These changes are often ignored by clinicians owing to the extent of motor disability of the affected hand. Finger tapping frequency and Lind-mark hand function score showed that the motor function of unaffected hands in stroke patients was poorer than that of a healthy control hand. After 2 weeks of rehabilitation treatment, motor function of the unaffected hand of stroke patients was obviously improved. Therefore, attention should also be paid to motor function in the unaffected hand of stroke patients with hemiplegia during rehabilitation.     

Manual and hemispheric asymmetries in the execution of actual and pantomimed prehension

Impairments of the ipsilesional hand after brain damage have been reported in goal-directed motor acts and in pantomimes; the relationship between both movement conditions is largely unknown. In the presented study, pantomimed and actual prehension was examined in 29 stroke patients with left brain damage (LBD) or right brain damage (RBD) as well as in 21 control subjects. Kinematic analyses revealed various performance differences between the conditions of movement execution and the subject groups. The differences depended on the hand tested and on the side of the brain lesion. During actual prehension deviations from normal performance were obvious in the peak velocity of the transport component of the movement, which was reduced in RBD patients, and in the duration of the final adjustment phase, which was prolonged in both patient groups. Pantomime changed various features of movement execution. The transport component was particularly altered in the groups performing with the right hand. Hand aperture was significantly smaller during pantomime than during actual movement execution in all groups. However, this effect was particularly obvious in LBD patients, in whom the hand aperture was even completely absent during many of their pantomimes. Actual movement execution immediately preceding the pantomimes did not change the characteristic features of pantomimes. Thus, the cerebral processes for actually executed and pantomimed motor acts differ. Actual movements seem to be governed by external affordances and constraints; whereas, pantomimes may represent a symbolic act. During prehension, differences in grip formation reveal most directly this dichotomy. We argue that the left hemisphere plays a special role in the generation of the symbolic act; a lesion may abolish grip formation and causes the clinical symptom of apraxia.     

Hand tremor and orofacial dyskinesia: Clinical manifestations of glutaric aciduria type I in a young girl

A 16‐year‐old girl with a history of postural hand tremor was investigated. Magnetic resonance imaging, biochemical, enzymatic, and molecular studies demonstrated glutaric aciduria type I (GA1). Now, at 19 years of age, focal dystonia and oral dyskinesia are also present. This is the first reported case of GA1 with such clinical phenotype. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society     

Patients with hyperhidrosis have changed grip force, coefficient of friction and safety margin

Objective –  To evaluate whether subjects with palmar hyperhidrosis have functional problems with the handgrip caused by the wet slippery surface of palm and fingertips. We used two different dosages of botulinum toxin to explore its impact on sweating and on muscle strength in the hand.
Method –  Using an object equipped with force sensors we measured the muscle strength and calculated the coefficients of friction and safety margin (SM) in the precision grip before and 2, 4, 6, 8 10–12 weeks and 6 months after treatment of 13 patients with two different doses of botulinum toxin. Sweat evaporation was measured simultaneously.
Results –  A significant decrease in evaporation and a parallel reduction of grip force in the dominant hand of the patients were observed. The SM used by the patients was significantly lower after the treatment, and increased gradually when sweating reappeared.
Conclusion –  These measurements showed, for the first time, that hyperhidrosis of the palms may cause an objective perturbation of the hand function which may be partially corrected by botulinum toxin treatment.     

精神分裂症免疫功能与血清5-羟色胺的研究

目的:研究阴性型和阳性型精神分裂症患者免疫功能和神经生化物质改变情况及其变化规律.方法:选择阴性型和阳性型精神分裂症患者各20例以及20名正常对照者,抽取静脉血检测T细胞亚群,主要免疫球蛋白和补体C3、C4水平,和血清5-羟色胺(5-HT)水平.结果:阴性型精神分裂症患者CD 3下降,阳性型CD 3、CD 4则升高;IgG、IgA水平2种类型精神分裂症患者均显著降低;5-HT水平阳性型精神分裂症患者显著升高,阴性型精神分裂症患者显著降低.结论:精神分裂症患者伴随有免疫功能的改变,不同类型的精神分裂症其免疫应答参与机制也有不同.     

Validating accelerometry as a measure of physical activity and energy expenditure in chronic stroke

Background: Accelerometers can objectively measure steps taken per day in individuals without gait deficits, but accelerometers also have the ability to estimate frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity. However, thresholds to distinguish varying levels of activity intensity using the Actical brand accelerometer are standardized only for the general population and may underestimate intensity in stroke.

Objective: To derive Actical activity count thresholds specific to stroke disability for use in more accurately gauging time spent at differing activity levels.

Methods: Men (n = 18) and women (n = 10) with chronic hemiparetic gait (4 ± 2 years latency, 43% Caucasian, 56% African-American, ages of 47–83 years, BMI 19–48 kg/m²) participated in the study. Actical accelerometers were placed on the non-paretic hip to obtain accelerometry counts during eight activities of varying intensity: (1) watching TV; (2) seated stretching; (3) standing stretching; (4) floor sweeping; (5) stepping in place; (6) over-ground walking; (7) lower speed treadmill walking (1.0 mph at 4% incline); and (8) higher speed treadmill walking (2.0 mph at 4% incline). Simultaneous portable monitoring (Cosmed K4b2) enabled quantification of energy cost for each activity in metabolic equivalents (METs, or oxygen consumption in multiples of resting level). Measurements were obtained for 10 min of standard rest and 5 min during each of the eight activities.

Results: Regression analysis yielded the following new stroke-specific Actical minimum thresholds: 125 counts per minute (cpm) for sedentary/light activity, 667 cpm for light/moderate activity, and 1546 cpm for moderate/vigorous activity.

Conclusion: Our revised cut points better reflect activity levels after stroke and suggest significantly lower thresholds relative to those observed for the general population of healthy individuals. We conclude that the standard, commonly applied Actical thresholds are inappropriate for this unique population.     

Fine motor function and neuropsychological deficits in individuals at risk for schizophrenia

Deficits in fine motor function and neuropsychological performance have been described as risk factors for schizophrenia. In the Basel FEPSY study (Früherkennung von Psychosen; English: Early Detection of Psychosis) individuals at risk for psychosis were identified in a screening procedure (Riecher–Rössler et al. 2005). As a part of the multilevel assessment, 40 individuals at risk for psychosis and 42 healthy controls matched for age, sex and handedness were investigated with a fine motor function test battery and a neuropsychological test battery. Individuals at risk showed lower performances in all subtests of the fine motor function tests, predominantly in dexterity and velocity (wrist/fingers and arm/hand). In the neuropsychological test battery, individuals at risk performed less well compared to healthy controls regarding sustained attention, working memory and perseveration. The combined evaluation of the two test batteries (neuropsychological and fine motor function) separates the two groups into individuals at risk and healthy controls better than each test battery alone. A multilevel approach might therefore be a valuable contribution to detecting beginning schizophrenia.     

奥氮平和氯氮平对慢性精神分裂症的认知功能的影响

目的了解奥氮平和氯氮平对慢性精神分裂症患者的认知功能的影响。方法78例经典型抗精神病药物治疗疗效不显著或不能耐受不良反应的慢性精神分裂症患者随机替换为奥氮平及氯氮平治疗,分别在入组前、12周、6个月进行PANSS量表评定、认知功能测定,包括言语学习、记忆、注意、执行功能、精神运动。结果奥氮平组32例和氯氮平组34例完成了6个月的治疗,这些患者疗程结束时均显示精神症状显著改善,认知功能显著提高,表现为言语流畅性、言语学习、言语视觉记忆、执行功能方面。二者之间无显著差异。结论奥氮平和氯氮平均可改善慢性精神分裂症的认知功能,且二者的疗效相似。     

Disentangling the contribution of the paretic and non-paretic ankle to balance control in stroke patients

During stroke recovery, restoration of the paretic ankle and compensation in the non-paretic ankle may contribute to improved balance maintenance. We examine a new approach to disentangle these recovery mechanisms by objectively quantifying the contribution of each ankle to balance maintenance. Eight chronic hemiparetic patients were included. Balance responses were elicited by continuous random platform movements. We measured body sway and ground reaction forces below each foot to calculate corrective ankle torques in each leg. These measurements yielded the Frequency Response Function (FRF) of the stabilizing mechanisms, which expresses the amount and timing of the generated corrective torque in response to sway at the specified frequencies. The FRFs were used to calculate the relative contribution of the paretic and non-paretic ankle to the total amount of generated corrective torque to correct sway. All patients showed a clear asymmetry in the balance contribution in favor of the non-paretic ankle. Paretic balance contribution was significantly smaller than the contribution of the paretic leg to weight bearing, and did not show a clear relation with the contribution to weight bearing. In contrast, a group of healthy subjects instructed to distribute their weight asymmetrically showed a one-on-one relation between the contribution to weight bearing and to balance. We conclude that the presented approach objectively quantifies the contribution of each ankle to balance maintenance. Application of this method in longitudinal surveys of balance rehabilitation makes it possible to disentangle the different recovery mechanisms. Such insights will be critical for the development and evaluation of rehabilitation strategies.     

镜像反馈训练对脑卒中后偏瘫患者运动功能血清生化指标及神经功能的影响

目的探讨镜像反馈训练对脑卒中后偏瘫患者运动功能、血清生化指标及神经功能的影响。方法将87例脑卒中后偏瘫患者随机分为2组,常规组(40例)予以常规康复治疗,研究组(47例)在开展常规康复治疗的同时进行镜像反馈训练。观察2组治疗前后运动功能、血清生化指标、神经功能缺损程度变化。结果治疗后研究组上肢、下肢运动功能量化评分、血清神经生长因子和脑源性神经细胞营养因子水平分别为(35.75±3.69)分、(25.69±2.13)分、(447.55±50.13)ng/L和(5.46±0.48)μg/L,常规组分别为(30.66±3.60)分、(21.20±2.06)分、(381.52±48.39)ng/L和(4.69±0.41)μg/L,均较治疗前升高(P<0.05),且治疗后研究组均高于常规组(P<0.05);治疗后研究组血清神经元特异性烯醇化酶水平、神经功能缺损程度量化评分分别为(5.04±0.92)μg/L、(6.40±1.02)分,常规组分别为(9.86±1.89)μg/L、(9.45±1.46)分,均较治疗前下降(P<0.05),且治疗后研究组均低于常规组(P<0.05)。结论镜像反馈训练可改善脑卒中后偏瘫患者的运动功能,提高血清神经生长因子和脑源性神经细胞营养因子水平,下调血清神经元特异性烯醇化酶水平,且还可减轻患者的神经功能缺损程度。     

Effects of a moving target versus a temporal constraint on reach and grasp in patients with Parkinson's disease

The reaction times and kinematics of reach and grasp were analyzed for eight subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) and eight healthy subjects during three variations of a maximal speed prehension task: (a) grasping a stationary ball as fast as possible, (b) grasping a stationary ball within specific time constraints (520 ms and 450 ms), and (c) grasping a moving ball within the same time constraints. Subjects with PD exhibited bradykinesia when reaching for a stationary ball. When reaching for a moving or stationary ball with temporal constraints, subjects with PD moved as fast as healthy subjects. The reaction times of both groups were shorter when reaching to a moving ball than to a stationary ball, regardless of the time constraint. Subjects with PD had a slower velocity of hand opening and closing, a smaller maximal aperture, and a longer time to maximal aperture than healthy subjects in all task conditions. Thus, visual motion cues and external temporal constraints had a greater effect on reach than on grasp. The results suggest that the bradykinesia observed in individuals with PD during self-determined maximal speed prehension may reflect a strategy used to compensate for deficiencies in the grasp component of the task.     

Time and magnitude of torque generation is impaired in both arms following stroke

Muscle strength, usually measured as the peak torque during maximal contraction, is impaired in persons with stroke. Time-dependent properties of muscle contraction may also be altered but have not been quantified. We quantified both magnitude (peak torque) and time-dependent parameters (times to develop and reduce torque) in eight different isometric joint actions. Parameters were compared among the more and less affected arms of 20 persons with chronic stroke and the nondominant arms of 10 similarly aged healthy persons. Torque-generation parameters were independent from one another (i.e., low correlations) and highly reliable between trials and days. All parameters were impaired in the more affected arm, whereas peak torque and time to develop torque were impaired in the less affected arm. Following stroke, torque-generation impairments include both magnitude and time-dependent properties and exist not only in the more affected but also in the less affected arm. Clinicians attempting to improve upper-extremity function should employ therapeutic exercises that challenge patients to improve both their strength and speed of muscle contraction.     

Cerebral atrophy as predictor of cognitive function in old, community-dwelling individuals

Objectives – The impact of cortical and subcortical atrophy on cognitive function was examined in a sample of older community-dwelling men and women.
Material and methods – Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on a sample of 129 individuals [age: 68.4 ± 3.6 years (mean ± SD), range 64–74 years, 64 women and 65 men, Mini-Mental State Examination scores above 23] to assess cortical and subcortical atrophy. Participants also performed a number of cognitive tasks, and the measures of atrophy were used to predict performance in these tasks.
Results – In men, frontal cortical atrophy predicted worse performance in word fluency and the Stroop test, and occipital cortical atrophy was associated with poor performance in motor speed. In women, poor performance in motor speed was associated with subcortical atrophy at the level of the caudate nucleus.
Conclusion – Atrophy in certain areas was associated with poor performance in specific cognitive tasks, although the amount of explained variance was rather limited in this quite homogenous sample.