We compared sense of movement and position in unconstrained 3-dimensional tasks in younger and older adults to investigate whether older adults have diminished kinesthetic sense. Active and passive kinesthesia were compared in a novel dynamic-position sense task and also in a static-position sense task. Older (65-85 years) and younger (18-22) adults performed tasks in which they moved the right arm to touch the right index tip to the moving and stationary left index (target) fingertip in different conditions. In the dynamic task the participant or experimenter moved the left upper limb and, after a variable delay, the subject moved the right arm to attempt to touch the right index-tip to the moving target index-tip. Participants performed the dynamic task with vision actively moving both limbs (VDA), without vision while actively moving both limbs (NVDA), and without vision with the experimenter moving the target limb (NVDP). In the static task the participant (NVSA) or experimenter (NVSP) moved the target limb to a position and held it stationary while the participant moved the right arm to attempt to touch the right index tip to the target fingertip. Both younger and older adults performed the dynamic task remarkably accurately with errors averaging less than 1.6 cm across the 3 conditions. Mean 3-dimensional distance errors averaged slightly (0.19 cm) larger in older adults in the dynamic task (F₁,₂₅=5.88, p=0.02). Variable distance errors did not differ between age groups in the dynamic task (F₁,₂₅=0.90, p=0.35). Small errors were observed in all conditions. NVDP had the largest mean distance errors (1.81 cm) of moving conditions, followed by NVDA (1.65 cm), and VDA had the smallest errors (1.27 cm) (F₂,₅₀=49.55, pcorr< .001, all post hoc tests less than p< 0.05). There was no evidence of errors depending on target index-tip peak speed or location. Interestingly, distance errors in the static tasks averaged 3.0 cm and were clearly larger than in the dynamic tasks (F₁,₂₅=57.78, p< 0.001). Within the two static conditions, average errors were 0.5 cm larger in the NVSP condition than in the NVSA condition (F₁,₂₅=7.56, p=0.01). Average distance errors trended to being larger in older adults in static conditions (F₁,₂₅=3.53, p=0.07). Variable distance errors were similar for the two age groups in the static conditions (F₁,₂₅=.25, p=0.35), averaging 1.77 cm in NVSP and 1.38 cm in NVSA (F₁,₂₅=.7.98, p< 0.01). These results suggest that regardless of age, availability of visual information, active/passive target limb movement, or reaching to static versus moving targets that adults are generally quite accurate at localizing fingertip position. The finding that accuracy in the static and dynamic tasks when vision was not allowed was only slightly better when the subjects actively moved the target arm (i.e., NVDA, NVSA) than when the target arm was moved by the experimenter (NVDP, NVSP) indicates that internal models may contribute only very slightly to proprioceptive localization of the upper limb. However, it is clear that kinesthetic sensory information from the periphery is sufficient to allow the central nervous system to accurately calculate position of the endpoint of the limb (tip of the index) while unconstrained in 3-dimensional space.

The assessment of proprioception in contemporary clinical practice usually involves having the patients with eyes closed attempt to identify passively held test positions using verbal descriptions or limb matching responses. It is equally common for the examiner to estimate the accuracy of these responses without the aid of a measuring instrument. Since these uninstrumented assessments are unlikely to allow adequate identification or quantification of a patient’s proprioceptive deficits, the aim of this study was to develop and validate an improved method for the clinical assessment of joint position sense. The two main types of assessment investigated were: (1) replication of joint positions using limb matching responses, during which the test and response positions were measured using computer-aided or manual digitisation of videotape images, and (2) joint position sense assessments where rating scales were used to define either the test or response positions. (For complete abstract open document)

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence for changes for proprioceptive variables consisting of movement and position sense in participants with glenohumeral musculoskeletal disorders. Five databases were searched until 13th August 2013. Methodological quality was assessed and meta-analyses were performed for active and passive joint reposition sense (AJPS and PJPS) and movement sense, determined with threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM). The search yielded 17 studies, four of which were classified as having high methodological quality, seven as moderate and six as low quality. For participants with post-traumatic glenohumeral instability, pooled findings indicate moderate evidence for higher TTDPM for involved shoulders compared to control groups and the contralateral uninvolved side, indicating decreased movement sense. For AJPS and PJPS there was moderate to limited evidence for significant increased errors for involved compared to uninvovled shoulders, but not when compared to the control groups. Limited evidence was found for decreased AJPS acuity for patients with chronic rotator cuff pain and for patients with unspecified shoulder pain compared to healthy controls. Movement sense is most likely to be impaired after shoulder injury involving post-traumatic instability when compared to the contralateral shoulder and to controls, while deficits for AJPS and PJPS are more likely to be evident compared to the contralateral shoulder in participants with glenohumeral musculoskeletal disorders.

Altered neuromuscular processing and motor output as both a risk and perpetuating factor for chronic neck pain is a relative new area of study. The cervical flexion relaxation response (FRR) is a reproducible and reliable marker of differences in neuromuscular function between neck pain patients and controls. Change in joint position sense (JPS) of upper limb joints has also been linked to chronic neck pain. Studies in this thesis sought to develop an experimental model in humans to investigate whether the FRR and JPS can be altered by fatigue and/or postural stress. Additionally a pilot study on the effect of three months of chiropractic treatment on the FRR was conducted. The studies revealed that muscular fatigue is a modulator of the FRR and may play a large role in spine stabilization. Minor postural alterations in the neck can impact joint position error at the elbow and 12 weeks of chiropractic care is a useful therapy to improve chronic and recurrent neck pain as well as improving the cervical FRR. / UOIT

Maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can induce a range of behavioral and cognitive deficits in offspring, which are collectively termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). There are significant delays in motor development and sensory-motor skills in children with FASD, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of these deficits are poorly understood. The goal of this research project is to test the hypothesis that the Kinesiological Instrument for Normal and Altered Reaching Movements (KINARM) will serve as an effective tool for identifying and measuring specific, neurologically-based motor deficits in children with FASD. These deficits were revealed through investigation of multi-joint upper limb movements during the performance of sensory-motor tasks. Children (31 FASD; 83 controls, aged 5 to 18 years, male and female) performed: (1) a visually-guided reaching task with fingertip feedback only; and children (31 FASD; 49 controls, aged 5 to 18 years, male and female) performed: (2) an arm position-matching task in the absence of visual feedback. Children with FASD differed significantly from controls in many reaching task outcome measures, specifically those related to the initial motor response and corrective responses. In particular, large effect sizes were observed for outcome measures related to the first (initial) movement (corresponding to feedforward control; e.g., direction error; distance error), as well as for those measures related to corrective responses (corresponding to feedback control; e.g., difference between minimum and maximum hand speeds; number of speed peaks during movement). In the position-matching task, children with FASD constricted the spatial workspace of the subject-controlled arm relative to the robot-controlled arm, in the horizontal axis. There was also observed a systematic shift between the subject- and robot-controlled arms in the XY end position, resulting in significant error. Additionally, children with FASD exhibited significantly increased trial-to-trial variability for final hand position of the subject-controlled arm, over all targets, and for which large effect sizes were observed. The results suggest that children with FASD have difficulty integrating sensory information into planned motor movements. The KINARM is a promising research tool that may be used to assess motor control deficits in children affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. / Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2010-09-02 15:10:25.653

Tyrimo objektas: skirtingų kinezioteipo metodikų poveikis blauzdą tiesiančių raumenų jėgos momento variabilumui ir tikslaus judesio atkartojimui tiesiant blauzdą. Tikslas - išsiaiškinti kaip skirtingos kinezioteipavimo metodikos veikia kelio sąnario propriocepciją. Uždaviniai: 1. Ištirti ir palyginti skirtingų kinezioteipavimo metodikų poveikį blauzdą tiesiančių raumenų jėgos momento variabilumui, su ir be vaizdinės grįžtamosios informacijos, kai kelio sąnarys sulenktas 60º kampu. 2. Ištirti ir palyginti skirtingų kinezioteipavimo metodikų poveikį blauzdą tiesiančių raumenų jėgos momento variabilumui, su ir be vaizdinės grįžtamosios informacijos, kai kelio sąnarys sulenktas 90º kampu. 3. Ištirti ir palyginti skirtingų kinezioteipavimo metodikų poveikį tikslaus judesio atkartojimui, tiesiant blauzdą be vaizdinės grįžtamosios informacijos. Hipotezė. Žinant, kad raumeninės kinezioteipavimo metodikos (KT1) naudojimas labiau veikia raumeninius judesio valdymo aspektus, manome, kad judesio variabilumas sumažės ypač prie vidutinio raumens ilgio, o raištinė kinezioteipavimo metodika (KT2) veikianti sąnarinius judesio valdymo aspektus pagerins tikslaus judesio atkartojimą tiesiant blauzdą. Tyrimo metodai ir organizavimas: Tyrimas atliktas Lietuvos kūno kultūros akademijos Judesių klinikinių ir fundamentaliųjų tyrimų centre. Tyrimo pradžioje buvo išmatuoti maksimalūs blauzdą tiesiančių raumenų valingos jėgos momentai, kai koja sulenkta per kelio sąnarį 90° ir 60° kampu. Vėliau buvo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Object of the study: the effect of different kinesio taping techniques for knee isometric torque variability and joint position sense Aim of the study: to investigate the effect of different kinesio taping techniques for knee proprioception Goals of the study: 1. To investigate and compare the effect of different kinesio taping techniques for knee extensors torque variability with and without visual feedback when knee is in 60º flexion. 2. To investigate and compare the effect of different kinesio taping techniques for knee extensors torque variability with and without visual feedback when knee is in 90º flexion. 3. To investigate and compare the effect of different kinesio taping techniques for joint position sense with and without visual feedback. Hypothesis of the study: Knowing that kinesio taping technique for muscle (KT1) affects motor control of muscles, it might be supposed that movement variability will decrease when muscle will be in the medium length and it’s known that kinesio taping technique for ligament (KT2) affects motor control of joints so we believe that it will improve the joint position of the knee. Methods and organization of the study: The study was performed in the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education in the Center of Movements Clinical and Basic Research. At the beginning maximal isometric knee extension torque at knee joint angles of 60º, 90º was measured. Furthermore, isometric knee extension torque variability at 20% of maximal voluntary... [to full text]

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries for participants in running and jumping sports. Following an initial sprain injury, many (30-40%) will develop chronic ankle instability (CAI), characterized by a perception of instability and repeated sprain injuries. Quasi-static test methods indicate poor postural stability and joint position sense (JPS) as associated motor control deficits. Little research, though, has investigated ankle motor control under dynamic (simulated sport) or fatigue conditions. To better understand factors contributing to the increased sprain rate in adults with CAI, three studies were completed investigating the roles of running speed, fatigue, and ankle bracing on motor control in adults with CAI. First, two groups with and without ankle instability performed dynamic athletic maneuvers at each of two running speeds. Joint kinematics and kinetics were measured to identify differences in motor control strategies. Participants also completed two quasi-static tests (JPS and single leg drop landings). The level of correspondence between quasi-static and dynamic test methods was of particular interest. A second study compared fatigue development and fatigue adaptations when executing single leg drop landings. Strength loss and ratings of perceived exertion measured fatigue development, and joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation quantified drop landing performance. A final study examined whether ankle braces, a common treatment for ankle sprains, retained their effectiveness when an athlete was fatigued. JPS and ankle stiffness were measured before and after a fatigue protocol while using each of three brace conditions. Overall, results indicated that adults with CAI exhibit distinct adaptations to changes in speed and to fatigue that may increase their risk for ankle reinjury. Specific changes, however, depended on the particular activity being performed. Single leg drop landing kinematics may be a good representation of kinematics during dynamic athletic performance. Neither test brace improved JPS following fatigue, but each may be effective in providing mechanical stiffness compared to an unbraced condition. The effectiveness of a particular test brace, however, may be gender-specific. Future work should focus on identifying the benefits of different braces under broader conditions to help inform brace selection. / Ph. D.

Diploma thesis "Body schema in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" is an experimental work which deals with body schema perception. As a part of the thesis there are particular tests of body schema included, which examine difference between control group and group of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Research part of the work deals with current findings about body schema and with findings about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is more detailed analyze of musculoskeletal questions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease included. In an experimental part of the thesis there are comments on results of the body schema tests. The tests are focused on stereognosis, on position sense, on perception of self body size and on the ability to achieve isolated movement. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Abstract   Background:Low back pain has a reported lifetime prevalence of about 70% and tops the list of  years lived with disease in the developed countries. There is still to date areas on the mechanisms driving pain andmovement system impairments not fully understood. For some areas the  research are evident butclinically friendly methods lack. A new test for measuring joint position  sense (JPS) in the lumbar spine is tested forreliability.  Objectives:Aim of this study was to evaluate test-retest reliability on a new test measuring JPS, using two laser pointers attached to the vertebrates off L1 and S1. Design:Cross-sectional observational test-retest. Methods:82 participants, 41 with mechanical low back pain and 41 healthy controls, were tested  for repositioning error two times with 30-60minutes between tests. Movement directions tested  was; Flexion, extension, rotation right and rotation left in sitting. Intraclasscorrelation coefficient  (ICC) was used for measuring relative reliability and standard error ofmeasurement (SEM) for  absolute reliability. Results:ICC in the LBP group ranged from -0,51 – 0,94 and for the whole group -0,19 – 0,84. The SEM in the LBP group ranged from 0,1 – 2,9 (95%CI -5,6 – 6,4) and for the whole group 0,1 – 3,2 (95%CI -6,3 – 6,2). Conclusions:The test-retest reliability of this JPS test shows poor to moderate reliability. Measuring joint positioning sense by using two laser pointers attached to S1 and L1 as in this study has shown not to be reliable enough to be used in clinical tests or research and can therefore not be recommended.

Stress and monotonous work contribute substantially to the development of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Yet, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the process, particularly the involvement of autonomic regulation, remain unclear. It has been suggested that altered motor control resulting from distorted sensory information from fatigued muscles may be an important component in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Animal studies have shown that sympathetic nervous system activation exerts actions in skeletal muscles, such as vasoconstriction and modulation of afferent information from muscle spindles. However, few attempts have been made to address this issue in humans. Therefore, the first aim of the thesis was to investigate the impact of repetitive computer work with and without additional stressors on muscle oxygenation and position sense in the upper extremity. Assuming an important role of stress in the development of chronic musculoskeletal symptoms, one may expect open or latent manifestations of such symptoms in patients with non-specific stress-related illnesses. It is possible that sympathetic activation may influence pain perception, and that treatments aimed at reducing stress may also affect the pain experience. Thus, the second aim of the thesis was to evaluate the effects of a cognitive-behavioral training program and a physical activity program for patients with stress-related illnesses on autonomic reactivity, pain, and perceived health. First, a laboratory model of computer mouse use was characterized in terms of biomechanical exposure of the wrist, and wrist position sense was determined before and after 45 minutes of continuous mouse use. Then, the effects of performing the computer mouse work under time pressure and precision demands were determined. Autonomic activity and muscle oxygenation in the upper extremity were measured during the work, and wrist position sense was assessed before and after the work. When patients with stress-related illnesses were compared to healthy individuals in autonomic reactivity to functional tests, pressure-pain thresholds, and ratings of health, indications of a relation between autonomic reactivity and symptoms of pain was found. Hence, in a subsequent evaluation of a cognitive-behavioral training program and a physical activity program for patients with stress-related illnesses, post intervention effects on autonomic reactivity to functional tests, pressure-pain thresholds, ratings of health and return-to-work were studied during a period of 12 months after the intervention. The main findings were the following. 1) Wrist kinetics data obtained during the computer mouse work showed similarities to previously presented data for mouse-operated design tasks. 2) When time pressure and precision demands were added to the computer work, increased autonomic activity paralleled with decreased muscle oxygenation in the upper extremity was found. Wrist position sense accuracy, however, did not decrease after the work as it did when the work was performed without the additional demands. The result is intriguing, as it does not appear to be in concordance with previous animal studies. 3) Patients with stress-related illnesses showed higher autonomic reactivity to cognitive and physical laboratory tests than healthy control subjects. They also had substantially lower pressure-pain thresholds in the back, and rated poorer health and health-related behavior than the control subjects. 4) We found little difference in effect of cognitive-behavioral training and physical activity, compared to usual care, for patients with stress-related illnesses. Patients in the control group showed an improvement of about the same magnitude as in the treatment groups over the 12-month follow-up period. The present findings indicate a non-additive relation between autonomic activity during repetitive work and position sense inaccuracy. Furthermore, patients with stress-related illnesses often reported pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. This was associated with lower pressure-pain thresholds in the back and a modest increase in sympathetic reactivity to physical and mental tests, which might suggest a potential use of these methods in the clinical examination and rehabilitation of patients with stress-related illnesses.