Reproducibility of quantitative greyscale and shear wave ultrasound measures of the supraspinatus tendon in individuals without shoulder pain or pathology.

Ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) are powerful imaging modalities to assess biomarkers of tendon health. These include markers of collagen content and fiber alignment (echogenicity) and tissue stiffness (elasticity). Changes in these metrics could be useful when investigating tissue perturbations after intervention or activity.

Effects of motor imagery training on muscle strength and co-contraction for older adults.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of motor imagery training (MIT) in enhancing maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force among healthy older adults and inducing neural adaptations measured by electromyography (EMG) signals of both agonist and antagonist muscles, as well as the co-contraction index (CCI).

Methods: Conducted with a single MIT group using a within-subject design, the study involved 12 right-handed elderly participants, with nine completing the 8-week training (5 sessions/week and 30 min/session). Elbow flexion MVC force and MVC EMG for biceps brachii (agonist) and triceps brachii (antagonist) were recorded pre- and post-training.

Neurophysiological Markers of Cancer-Related Fatigue Derived from High-Density EEG.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) significantly diminishes the quality of life of cancer survivors; however, objective diagnostic markers and the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify noninvasive EEG-based biomarkers of CRF by examining cortical activity and functional connectivity. We recorded resting-state and task-related [repetitive submaximal elbow flexions (EFs) until self-perceived exhaustion] high-density electroencephalography (EEG) from 10 cancer survivors with CRF and 14 healthy controls (HC).

Correlations Between Morpho-structural Properties of the Brain and Cognitive and Motor Deficits in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in changes in brain networks followed by long-lasting behavioral and social impairments. This study explores the relationship between neurobehavioral as well as physical function deficits and structural changes in brain white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) in individuals with TBI by evaluating morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. The structural MRI-based fractal analysis has emerged as a promising new approach to measure the morphology of the WM and GM.

Feasibility of real-time fMRI neurofeedback for rehabilitation of reading deficits in aphasia.

Background: Reading impairments, a common consequence of stroke-induced aphasia, significantly hinder life participation, affecting both functional and leisure activities. Traditional post-stroke rehabilitation strategies often show limited generalization beyond trained materials, underscoring the need for novel interventions targeting the underlying neural mechanisms.

Method: This study investigates the feasibility and potential effectiveness of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback (NFB) intervention for reading deficits associated with stroke and aphasia.

Identifying neural correlates of balance impairment in traumatic brain injury using partial least squares correlation analysis.

Balance impairment is one of the most debilitating consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To study the neurophysiological underpinnings of balance impairment, the brain functional connectivity during perturbation tasks can provide new insights. To better characterize the association between the task-relevant functional connectivity and the degree of balance deficits in TBI, the analysis needs to be performed on the data stratified based on the balance impairment.

Effectiveness of virtual reality training compared to balance-specific training and conventional training on balance and gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy: A double blinded randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of a virtual reality rehabilitation-based training (VRT) with balance-specific training (BST) and conventional training (CT) on the balance and gross motor functions (GMF) of children with cerebral palsy (CwCP).

Methods: This study was a double blinded, randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from different CP rehabilitation centers and clinics and were then randomly allocated using the block randomization method into three groups: (1) group 1 (VRT using a set of Xbox 360 games that triggered balance), (2) group 2 (BST applying a protocol of 13 exercises to enhance balance in different conditions), and (3) control group 3 (CT using traditional physiotherapy techniques).

Insights into COVID-19 pathophysiology from a longitudinal multisystem report during acute infection.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an illness caused by a SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, has been associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, revealing its impact beyond the respiratory system. Most related research involved individuals with post-acute or persistent symptoms of COVID-19, also referred to as long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). In this longitudinal unique report, we aimed to describe the acute supraspinal and corticospinal changes and functional alterations induced by a COVID-19 infection using neuroimaging, neurophysiological and clinical assessment of a participant during acute infection, as compared to three other visits where the participant had no COVID-19.

Relationship between Timed Up and Go performance and quantitative biomechanical measures of balance.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) impairs sensory-motor functions, with debilitating consequences on postural control and balance, which persist during the chronic stages of recovery. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a reliable, safe, time-efficient, and one of the most widely used clinical measures to assess gait, balance, and fall risk in TBI patients and is extensively used in inpatient and outpatient settings. Although the TUG test has been used extensively due to its ease of performance and excellent reliability, limited research has been published that investigates the relationship between TUG performance and quantitative biomechanical measures of balance.

Fractal Dimension Studies of the Brain Shape in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The fractal dimension is a morphometric measure that has been used to investigate the changes of brain shape complexity in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. This chapter reviews fractal dimension studies in aging and neurodegenerative disorders in the literature. Research has shown that the fractal dimension of the left cerebral hemisphere increases until adolescence and then decreases with aging, while the fractal dimension of the right hemisphere continues to increase until adulthood.

Augmented feedback modes during functional grasp training with an intelligent glove and virtual reality for persons with traumatic brain injury.

Physical therapy is crucial to rehabilitating hand function needed for activities of daily living after neurological traumas such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Virtual reality (VR) can motivate participation in motor rehabilitation therapies. This study examines how multimodal feedback in VR to train grasp-and-place function will impact the neurological and motor responses in TBI participants ( = 7) compared to neurotypicals ( = 13).

Bilateral transfer of motor performance as a function of motor imagery training: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of mental imagery training (MIT) in promoting bilateral transfer (BT) of motor performance for healthy subjects.

Data Sources: We searched 6 online-databases (Jul-Dec 2022) using terms: "mental practice," "motor imagery training," "motor imagery practice," "mental training," "movement imagery," "cognitive training," "bilateral transfer," "interlimb transfer," "cross education," "motor learning," "strength," "force" and "motor performance."

Study Selection And Data Extraction: We selected randomized-controlled studies that examined the effect of MIT on BT.

Lower extremity robotic exoskeleton devices for overground ambulation recovery in acquired brain injury-A review.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a leading cause of ambulation deficits in the United States every year. ABI (stroke, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy) results in ambulation deficits with residual gait and balance deviations persisting even after 1 year. Current research is focused on evaluating the effect of robotic exoskeleton devices (RD) for overground gait and balance training.

Aging-induced alterations in EEG spectral power associated with graded force motor tasks.

Background: It has been demonstrated that in young and healthy individuals, there is a strong association between the amplitude of EEG-derived motor activity-related cortical potential or EEG spectral power (ESP) and voluntary muscle force. This association suggests that the motor-related ESP may serve as an index of central nervous system function in controlling voluntary muscle activation Therefore, it may potentially be used as an objective marker to track changes in functional neuroplasticity due to neurological disorders, aging, and following rehabilitation therapies. To this end, the relationship between the band-specific ESP-combined spectral power of EEG oscillatory and aperiodic (noise) components-and voluntary elbow flexion (EF) force has been analyzed in elder and young individuals.

Elderly may benefit more from motor imagery training in gaining muscle strength than young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The current review was aimed to determine the effectiveness of mental imagery training (MIT) on the enhancement of maximum voluntary muscle contraction (MVC) force for healthy young and old adults.

Data Sources: Six electronic databases were searched from July 2021 to March 2022. Search terms included: "motor imagery training," "motor imagery practice," "mental practice," "mental training," "movement imagery," "cognitive training," "strength," "force," "muscle strength," "performance," "enhancement," "improvement," "development," and "healthy adults.

Safety and effects of a therapeutic 15 Hz rTMS protocol administered at different suprathreshold intensities in able-bodied individuals.

High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) remains a promising strategy for neurorehabilitation. The stimulation intensity (SI) influences the aftereffects observed. Here, we examined whether single sessions of a 15 Hz rTMS protocol, administered at suprathreshold SI, can be safely administered to able-bodied (AB) individuals.

Corrigendum: EEG-based spectral analysis showing brainwave changes related to modulating progressive fatigue during a prolonged intermittent motor task.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.

Medial and Lateral Tibiofemoral Compressive Forces in Patients Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty During Stationary Cycling.

Patients following unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) display interlimb differences in knee joint kinetics during gait and more recently, stationary cycling. The purpose of this study was to use musculoskeletal modeling to estimate total, medial, and lateral tibiofemoral compressive forces for patients following TKA during stationary cycling. Fifteen patients of unilateral TKA, from the same surgeon, participated in cycling at 2 workrates (80 and 100 W).

Stimulation Parameters Used During Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Recovery and Corticospinal Excitability Modulation in SCI: A Scoping Review.

There is a growing interest in non-invasive stimulation interventions as treatment strategies to improve functional outcomes and recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuromodulatory intervention which has the potential to reinforce the residual spinal and supraspinal pathways and induce plasticity. Recent reviews have highlighted the therapeutic potential and the beneficial effects of rTMS on motor function, spasticity, and corticospinal excitability modulation in SCI individuals.

EEG-Based Spectral Analysis Showing Brainwave Changes Related to Modulating Progressive Fatigue During a Prolonged Intermittent Motor Task.

Repeatedly performing a submaximal motor task for a prolonged period of time leads to muscle fatigue comprising a central and peripheral component, which demands a gradually increasing effort. However, the brain contribution to the enhancement of effort to cope with progressing fatigue lacks a complete understanding. The intermittent motor tasks (IMTs) closely resemble many activities of daily living (ADL), thus remaining physiologically relevant to study fatigue.

Can a single session of treadmill-based slip training reduce daily life falls in community-dwelling older adults? A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Task-specific training with single-session overground slip simulation has shown to reduce real-life falls in older adults.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine if fall-resisting behavior acquired from a single-session treadmill-based gait slip training could be retained to reduce older adults' falls in everyday living over a 6-month follow-up period.

Methods: 143 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years old) were randomly assigned to either the treadmill-based gait slip training group (N = 73), in which participants were exposed to 40 unpredictable treadmill slips, or the control group (N = 70), in which participants walked on a treadmill at their comfortable speed.

Differences between adults and adolescents in responding to hip and knee pattern feedback during gait.

Visual feedback techniques have shown potential in interventions aiming to retrain deviated gait patterns. Understanding the abilities of different age groups to modify their gait is needed to optimize interventions. Twelve adults (6F, 6 M; 26.