Movement-based cognitive training does not significantly shorten the learning curve for acquiring arthroscopic basic skills.

PURPOSE: Skilful arthroscopy requires an aboveaverage level of manual dexterity. It is evident that particular motor skills can be learned and trained before arthroscopic training. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the impact of movement-related cognitive training on the learning curve during arthroscopic basic training. METHODS: Fifty right-handed participants without arthroscopic experience were matched to an intervention group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). Prior to basic arthroscopic skill training with a simulator, the intervention group underwent 12 weeks of movement-related cognitive training. Cognitive and motor skills were assessed in both groups by using standardised tests (CogniFit test, angle reproduction test, two-arm coordination test) as a pretest and, for the intervention group, again before arthroscopic training as a posttest. For arthroscopic simulator training, three tasks ('Telescoping', 'Periscoping', 'Triangulation') from the Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training module were selected and practiced 10 times with the camera in the right and left hands. The learning progress was quantified by exercise time, camera path length and hook path length. RESULTS: No significant differences in sex distribution, age distribution or the results of the pretests between the intervention group (n = 21) and the control group (n = 25) were found (n.s.). The intervention group improved significantly from the pretest to the posttest in the CogniFit (p = 0.003) and two-arm coordination test in terms of time (p < 0.001) and errors (p = 0.002) but not in the angle reproduction test. No significant differences were found between the groups for the three arthroscopic tasks. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis that movement-related cognitive training shortens the learning curve for acquiring arthroscopic basic skills cannot be confirmed. Other factors influencing the learning curve such as talent, teaching method and motivation have a greater impact on the acquisition of complex motor skills. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Cortical hemodynamics as a function of handgrip strength and cognitive performance: a cross-sectional fNIRS study in younger adults.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence for a positive correlation between measures of muscular strength and cognitive abilities. However, the neurophysiological correlates of this relationship are not well understood so far. The aim of this study was to investigate cortical hemodynamics [i.e., changes in concentrations of oxygenated (oxyHb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb)] as a possible link between measures of muscular strength and cognitive performance. METHODS: In a cohort of younger adults (n = 39, 18-30 years), we assessed (i) handgrip strength by a handhold dynamometer, (ii) short-term working memory performance by using error rates and reaction times in the Sternberg task, and (iii) cortical hemodynamics of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). RESULTS: We observed low to moderate negative correlations (rp = ~ - 0.38 to - 0.51; p < 0.05) between reaction time and levels of oxyHb in specific parts of the PFC. Furthermore, we noticed low to moderate positive correlations (rp = ~ 0.34 to 0.45; p < 0.05) between reaction times and levels of deoxyHb in distinct parts of the PFC. Additionally, higher levels of oxyHb (rp (35) = 0.401; p = 0.014) and lower levels of deoxyHb (rp (34) = - 0.338; p = 0.043) in specific parts of the PFC were linked to higher percentage of correct answers. We also found low to moderate correlations (p < 0.05) between measures of handgrip strength and levels of oxyHb (rp = ~ 0.35; p < 0.05) and levels of deoxyHb (rp = ~ - 0.25 to - 0.49; p < 0.05) in specific parts of the PFC. However, there was neither a correlation between cognitive performance and handgrip strength nor did cortical hemodynamics in the PFC mediate the relationship between handgrip strength and cognitive performance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence for a positive neurobehavioral relationship between cortical hemodynamics and cognitive performance. Our findings further imply that in younger adults higher levels of handgrip strength positively influence cortical hemodynamics although the latter did not necessarily culminate in better cognitive performance. Future research should examine whether the present findings can be generalized to other cohorts (e.g., older adults).

Towards the Neuromotor Control Processes of Steady-State and Speed-Matched Treadmill and Overground Walking.

The neuromotor control of walking relies on a network of subcortical and cortical structures. While kinematic differences between treadmill and overground walking are extensively studied, the neuromotor control processes are still relatively unknown. Hence, this study aims to investigate cortical activation during steady-state treadmill and overground walking using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, inertial measurement units and a heart rate monitor. We observed a higher concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in prefrontal cortices, premotor cortices and supplementary motor areas during treadmill walking. Therefore, our results suggest that treadmill walking requires higher demands on cortical neuromotor control.

Dose-response relationship of intermittent normobaric hypoxia to stimulate erythropoietin in the context of health promotion in young and old people.

PURPOSE: Erythropoietin (EPO) has multifactorial positive effects on health and can be increased by intermittent normobaric hypoxia (IH). Recommendations about the intensity and duration of IH to increase EPO exist, but only for young people. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the dose-response relationship regarding the duration of hypoxia until an EPO expression and the amount of EPO expression in old vs. young cohorts. METHODS: 56 young and 67 old people were assigned to two separate investigations with identical study designs (3-h hypoxic exposure) but with different approaches to adjust the intensity of hypoxia: (i) the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was 13.5%; (ii) the FiO2 was individually adjusted to an oxygen saturation of the blood of 80%. Age groups were randomly assigned to a hypoxia or control group (normoxic exposure). EPO was assessed before, during (90 and 180 min), and 30 min after the hypoxia. RESULTS: EPO increased significantly after 180 min in both cohorts and in both investigations [old: (i) + 16%, p = 0.007 and (ii) + 14%, p < 0.001; young: (i) + 27%, p < 0.001 and (ii) + 45%, p = 0.007]. In investigation (i), EPO expression was significantly higher in young than in old people after 180 min of hypoxic exposure (p = 0.024) and 30 min afterwards (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that after a normobaric hypoxia of 180 min, EPO increases significantly in both age cohorts. The amount of EPO expression is significantly higher in young people during the same internal intensity of hypoxia than in old people.

Motor-cognitive dual-tasking under hypoxia.

Hypoxic conditions diminish motor performance and cognitive functions, especially when the motor task and the cognitive task are conducted simultaneously. Hypoxia does further increase prefrontal cortex activity which provokes a reduced capability of efficient resource utilisation. This, again, might evoke that the capacity of the limited mental resources of a dual task will be reached at an earlier stage of task complexity. The purpose of our study was to examine whether a cognitive task would increase gait variability to a higher extent under hypoxic as compared to normoxic conditions. 18 young subjects walked on a treadmill with and without performing a cognitive task under normoxic vs. normobar hypoxic conditions. The variability of stride times was calculated and a two-way ANOVA with repeated measurements was performed to compare single-task walking with a dual task under both environmental conditions. Furthermore, we compared the cognitive performance while walking in different conditions with Wilcoxon tests. An interaction effect (F 1,34 = 6.178; p = 0.018; η p2  = 0.154) was observed indicating that in the dual-task condition, there was a greater increase in gait variability in hypoxic conditions as compared to normoxic conditions. We further observed that under hypoxic conditions, each participant performed worse in the cognitive task while walking (p < 0.001). Hypoxia might decrease the ability of performing a motor-cognitive dual task. We speculate that performing a dual task under hypoxia requires a shift of resources away from prefrontal regions. However, future research should verify this assumption examining prefrontal cortex activity while dual-task walking under normoxic conditions to analyse the haemodynamic responses of the brain.

Between-day test-retest reliability of gait variability in older individuals improves with a familiarization trial.

Gait variability is an important measure in clinical settings to diagnose older individuals with fall risk. This study examines whether a familiarization trial improves test-retest reliability of gait variability. Twenty-two older participants walked twice at 1 day and twice 7 days later. The standard deviations of stride length, swing time, stance time, stride time and minimum foot clearance were calculated. The test-retest reliability of (1) between-day comparison of the first trials and (2) between-day comparison of the second trials of all gait variability measures was quantified with the intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC), the smallest detectable differences (SDD) and the bias and the limits of agreement (LoA). The between-day comparison of the second trials per day showed higher ICC values, lower LoA values and lower SDD values in all analyzed parameters. Our data suggest that the reliability of gait variability in an older population can be considerably improved just with the aid of one familiarization trial.

Intersession Reliability of Isokinetic Strength Testing in Knee and Elbow Extension and Flexion Using the BTE PrimusRS.

CONTEXT: The use of isokinetic dynamometers playing an important role in different settings of sports and medicine. Therefore, a high reliability of these devices is required. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the intersession reliability of the dynamometer BTE PrimusRS regarding to the isolated single-joint exercises extension/flexion of the knee and elbow for isokinetic testing DESIGN: Intersession reliability. SETTING: Clinical settings and sports science. PARTICIPANTS: 16 young male students. INTERVENTION: The testing protocol includes 5 consecutive repetitions (concentric/concentric) at a velocity of 60°/s for the exercises. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Raw data of torque curves were used to determine the peak torque. Reliability was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the limits of agreement (LoA), and the bias and the variability of measurements (V). RESULTS: High ICC values (.954-.991) were found for the used exercises. However, the LoAs yielded up to over 16 Nm and the V yielded up to nearly 9 % in several testing exercises, indicating poor absolute reliability. CONCLUSION: The BTE PrimusRS shows good to excellent reliability. However, regarding the absolute measures of reliability, the users must decide as experts in their fields whether this reliability is sufficient for their purposes.

Effect of dual tasks on gait variability in walking to auditory cues in older and young individuals.

Rhythmic auditory cues aim to modulate step times while walking. Their effect on the variability of minimum foot clearance, which is "normally" the most controlled gait parameter in normal overground walking, has not been studied, yet. We aim to analyse the effects of auditory cues on the variability of foot clearance versus the variability of other gait parameters. We further ask how the control of minimum foot clearance behaves in walking with rhythmic cuing while cognitive gait control mechanisms of higher centres is reduced through a cognitive load. Twenty young and twenty older individuals performed 4 walking conditions: normal unconstrained walking with preferred walking speed, walking with constrained step times, walking with a cognitive dual task and walking with constrained step time and a cognitive dual task. To collect kinematic gait data, we used inertial sensors which were attached to each of the subjects' feet. Gait variability was quantified using the coefficient of variation of stride time, stride length and minimum foot clearance. We did not find any differences between old and young in the variability of minimum foot clearance across all conditions, whereas in the other gait parameters, we found differences. Further, between normal walking and walking to auditory cues, we found interaction effects in the coefficient of variation of stride time and stride length, indicating a higher variability in walking on metronome beats in older people. Interaction effects were reverted when additionally to the auditory cuing a cognitive dual task had to be solved. Our findings show that contrary to findings in patients with neurological disorders, synchronizing stepping to rhythmic auditory cues increase stride time variability but not the variability of minimum foot clearance in healthy older adults. This effect might be due to an imposed intrinsic focus which negatively influences motor performance. Shifting this focus towards a cognitive task seems to normalize the variability of gait parameters in older individuals.

The Effect of a Six-Month Dancing Program on Motor-Cognitive Dual-Task Performance in Older Adults.

Dancing is a complex sensorimotor activity involving physical and mental elements which have positive effects on cognitive functions and motor control. The present randomized controlled trial aims to analyze the effects of a dancing program on the performance on a motor-cognitive dual task. Data of 35 older adults, who were assigned to a dancing group or a health-related exercise group, are presented in the study. In pretest and posttest, we assessed cognitive performance and variability of minimum foot clearance, stride time, and stride length while walking. Regarding the cognitive performance and the stride-to-stride variability of minimum foot clearance, interaction effects have been found, indicating that dancing lowers gait variability to a higher extent than conventional health-related exercise. The data show that dancing improves minimum foot clearance variability and cognitive performance in a dual-task situation. Multi-task exercises (like dancing) might be a powerful tool to improve motor-cognitive dual-task performance.

A cognitive dual task affects gait variability in patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

Chronic pain and gait variability in a dual-task situation are both associated with higher risk of falling. Executive functions regulate (dual-task) gait variability. A possible cause explaining why chronic pain increases risk of falling in an everyday dual-task situation might be that pain interferes with executive functions and results in a diminished dual-task capability with performance decrements on the secondary task. The main goal of this experiment was to evaluate the specific effects of a cognitive dual task on gait variability in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. Twelve healthy participants and twelve patients suffering from CLBP were included. The subjects were asked to perform a cognitive single task, a walking single task and a motor-cognitive dual task. Stride variability of trunk movements was calculated. A two-way ANOVA was performed to compare single-task walking with dual-task walking and the single cognitive task performance with the motor-cognitive dual-task performance. We did not find any differences in both of the single-task performances between groups. However, regarding single-task walking and dual-task walking, we observed an interaction effect indicating that low back pain patients show significantly higher gait variability in the dual-task condition as compared to controls. Our data suggest that chronic pain reduces motor-cognitive dual-task performance capability. We postulate that the detrimental effects are caused by central mechanisms where pain interferes with executive functions which, in turn, might contribute to increased risk of falling.

The influence of visual feedback on the mental representation of gait in patients with THR: a new approach for an experimental rehabilitation strategy.

Due to total hip replacement (THR), patients reveal abnormal gait patterns which post-operative do often not return to "normal". The restoration towards normal gait reduces stress on the adjacent joints which consequently reduces risk of osteoarthrosis development. Motor-performance is related to the structure of the movement in long-term memory, thus it seems to be essential to imprint correct gait patterns in there. Mental representation structures can develop over the course of training and visual feedback presumably helps regaining a better representation of gait in long-term memory. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of visual feedback on mental representation in patients with THR. In a randomized controlled trial, 20 women (57 ± 6 years) with THR have been enrolled. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). Additionally to inpatient treatment, all subjects participated in a standardized gait training including either an intervention based on verbal information from a physiotherapist (CG) or an intervention based on real-time visual feedback (IG). Mental representation was measured in pre-test and post-test using the structure-dimensional analysis. Results indicate significant improvements in mental representation of gait in the post-test only in IG, suggesting that beneficial effects were provoked by visual feedback.

Effects of intermittent hypoxia on cognitive performance and quality of life in elderly adults: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise has a positive effect on cognitive performance and quality of life (QoL). One reason for this is the upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which improves brain plasticity. Intermittent hypoxia promotes first the proliferation of endogenous neuroprogenitors which leads to an increased number of newborn neurons and second the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the adult hippocampus. Intermittent hypoxia may, therefore, support synaptic plasticity, the process of learning and provoke antidepressant-like effects. Hence, intermittent hypoxia might also lead to improved cognitive functioning and QoL. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate to what extent physical activity with preceded intermittent hypoxic training is more effective than solely strength-endurance training on cognitive performance and QoL. METHODS: 34 retired people aged between 60 and 70 years were randomly assigned to a control group or intervention group. Contrarily to the control group, which was supplied with a placebo air mixture, the intervention group was supplied with an intermittent hypoxic training prior to a strength-endurance exercise program. The cognitive performance of individuals was examined using the d2 test and the Number Combination Test (ZVT) both before and after the exercise program. We assessed QoL with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-12) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the strength-endurance capacity using the Spring test. RESULTS: Regarding the d2 test, a time × group effect was observed. Speed of cognitive performance in seconds was measured using ZVT. Here, no interaction effect was discovered. An interaction effect was not found in the Physical Component Summary scores (SF-12). Regarding the Mental Component Summary, an interaction effect just failed to become statistically significant. Furthermore, we determined sleep quality with the PSQI. Here, an interaction effect was observed. The analysis of the strength-endurance test revealed no interaction effects. CONCLUSION: The data of the current study suggest that an additional intermittent hypoxic training combined with physical exercise augments the positive effects of exercise on cognitive performance and QoL in elderly humans.

Metacognitions about suicidal thoughts.

BACKGROUND: Rumination about suicide has recently been identified as a risk factor for suicidal behavior. According to the metacognitive model of emotional disorders, the activation and maintenance of rumination is dependent on specific metacognitive beliefs. On this background, the current study is concerned with the development of a questionnaire to assess suicide-specific positive and negative metacognitive beliefs. METHODS: Factor structure, reliability and validity of the Scales for Suicide-related Metacognitions (SSM) were investigated in two samples comprised of participants suffering from lifetime suicide ideation. Participants of sample 1 (N = 214; 81.8% female; Mage = 24.9, SDage = 4.0) took part in a single assessment using an online survey. Participants of sample 2 (N = 56; 71.4% female; Mage = 33.2, SDage = 12.2) took part in two online assessments within a two week time-period. To establish convergent validity questionnaire-based assessments of suicidal ideation, general and suicide specific rumination and depression were used. Furthermore, it was analyzed whether suicide-related metacognitions predict suicide-specific rumination cross-sectionally and prospectively. RESULTS: Factor analyses revealed a two-factor structure of the SSM. Results indicated good psychometric properties, and provided evidence for construct validity and stability of the subscales. Positive metacognitions predicted concurrent and prospective suicide-specific rumination beyond the effect of suicide ideation and depression and rumination predicted concurrent and prospective negative metacognitions. CONCLUSION: Taken together the results provide initial evidence that the SSM is a valid and reliable measure of suicide-related metacognitions. Furthermore, findings are in line with a metacognitive conceptualization of suicidal crises and provide first indications of factors that might be relevant for the activation and maintenance of suicide-specific rumination.

Causes and Consequences of Interindividual Response Variability: A Call to Apply a More Rigorous Research Design in Acute Exercise-Cognition Studies.

The different responses of humans to an apparently equivalent stimulus are called interindividual response variability. This phenomenon has gained more and more attention in research in recent years. The research field of exercise-cognition has also taken up this topic, as shown by a growing number of studies published in the past decade. In this perspective article, we aim to prompt the progress of this research field by (i) discussing the causes and consequences of interindividual variability, (ii) critically examining published studies that have investigated interindividual variability of neurocognitive outcome parameters in response to acute physical exercises, and (iii) providing recommendations for future studies, based on our critical examination. The provided recommendations, which advocate for a more rigorous study design, are intended to help researchers in the field to design studies allowing them to draw robust conclusions. This, in turn, is very likely to foster the development of this research field and the practical application of the findings.

A Discussion on Different Approaches for Prescribing Physical Interventions - Four Roads Lead to Rome, but Which One Should We Choose?

It is well recognized that regular physical exercise has positive effects on physical and mental health. To use the beneficial health effects of physical exercise, there are worldwide movements encouraging health care providers to include physical exercise in their care and treatments strategies. However, a crucial point in administering the "exercise polypill" is the dosing and, in turn, the prescription of the physical intervention (PI). In this perspective article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to prescribe PI. In this context, we also highlight outstanding questions and potential areas of opportunity for further investigations.

Does squatting need attention?-A dual-task study on cognitive resources in resistance exercise.

INTRODUCTION: Accumulating evidence shows that acute resistance exercises and long-term resistance training positively influence cognitive functions, but the underlying mechanisms have been rarely investigated. One explanatory approach assumes that the execution of resistance exercises requires higher cognitive processes which, in turn, lead to an 'indirect' training of higher cognitive functions. However, current knowledge on the engagement of higher cognitive functions during the execution of resistance exercises is relatively sparse. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine to what extent cognitive resources are needed to perform a resistance exercise in the form of barbell back squatting. METHODS: Twenty-four young adults performed a cognitive task (serial subtraction of 7's) during standing and during barbell back squatting on a Smith machine. The total number and the number of correct responses were analyzed and taken as indicators of the cognitive load imposed by the experimental condition (squatting) and the control condition (standing). Additionally, participants' perceived exertion, mean heart rate, and the number of squats they were able to perform were assessed. RESULTS: While accuracy scores were found not to be significantly different between conditions, the numbers of total and of correct responses were significantly lower during squatting than during standing. Additionally, during squatting a higher number of total answers was given in the fifth set compared to the first set. We attribute this phenomenon to a learning effect. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant correlation between cognitive measures and perceived exertion. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that perceived exertion cannot explain the higher dual-task costs observed during squatting. They rather reflect that more cognitive resources are needed to perform low-load barbell back squats than during standing. However, further research is necessary to confirm and generalize these findings.

Inter-Session Reliability of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy at the Prefrontal Cortex While Walking in Multiple Sclerosis.

Many established technologies are limited in analyzing the executive functions in motion, especially while walking. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) fills this gap. The aim of the study is to investigate the inter-session reliability (ISR) of fNIRS-derived parameters at the prefrontal cortex while walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy control (HC) individuals. Twenty people with MS/HC individuals walked a 12 m track back and forth over 6 min. The primary outcomes were the absolute and relative reliability of the mean, slope coefficient (SC), and area under the curve (A) of the oxy-/deoxyhemoglobin concentrations (HbO/HbR) in the Brodmann areas (BA) 9/46/10. The SC and the A of HbO exhibited a fair ISR in BA10 in people with MS. For the mean and A of the HbR, almost all areas observed revealed a fair ISR. Overall, the ISR was better for HbR than HbO. A fair to excellent ISR was found for most BA of the prefrontal cortex in HC individuals. In total, the ISR of the analyzed fNIRS-derived parameters was limited. To improve the ISR, confounders such as fatigue and mind wandering should be minimized. When reporting the ISR, the focus should be on the mean/A rather than SC.

New Directions in Exercise Prescription: Is There a Role for Brain-Derived Parameters Obtained by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy?

In the literature, it is well established that regular physical exercise is a powerful strategy to promote brain health and to improve cognitive performance. However, exact knowledge about which exercise prescription would be optimal in the setting of exercise-cognition science is lacking. While there is a strong theoretical rationale for using indicators of internal load (e.g., heart rate) in exercise prescription, the most suitable parameters have yet to be determined. In this perspective article, we discuss the role of brain-derived parameters (e.g., brain activity) as valuable indicators of internal load which can be beneficial for individualizing the exercise prescription in exercise-cognition research. Therefore, we focus on the application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), since this neuroimaging modality provides specific advantages, making it well suited for monitoring cortical hemodynamics as a proxy of brain activity during physical exercise.

Effect of a Multimodal Movement Intervention in Patients With Neurogenic Claudication Based on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and/or Degenerative Spondylolisthesis-A Pilot Study.

Chronic low-back pain is a major individual, social, and economic burden. The impairment ranges from deterioration of gait, limited mobility, to psychosocial distress. Due to this complexity, the demand for multimodal treatments is huge. Our purpose is to compare the effects of a multimodal movement intervention (MI) (coordinative-cognitive exercises and dancing program) with standard physical therapy (PT) on gait, physical function, and quality of life in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The study design is based on a 6-week intervention with a two (group: MI/PT) by two (measurement time points: pre-/post-test) parallel group design with random assignment. Twenty-four subjects (18 female/6 male, 70.8 ± 10.6 years old) diagnosed with LSS were included and randomly allocated to the MI or PT group. The primary outcomes are minimum toe clearance (MTC) and double step length (DSL) variability and the Timed "Up & Go" test (TUG). Secondary outcomes are the Brief Pain Inventory, the short Fall Efficacy Scale-International (sFES-I), and the Oswestry Disability Index. Nine subjects for each group could be analyzed. The MTC variability revealed a significant between-group difference in the posttest (p = 0.008) showing a lower MTC variability for the MI compared to the PT group. The MI group displayed an improved TUG (p = 0.031) and a reduced sFES-I (p = 0.044). The decreased MTC variability and fear of falling as well as the improved functional mobility may contribute to a reduced risk of falling. For the subsequent study, further kinematic and cognitive parameters should be analyzed, and the number of participants has to be increased. Clinical Trial Registration: German Clinical Trial Register (ID: DRKS00021026/URL: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00021026).

A consensus guide to using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in posture and gait research.

BACKGROUND: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is increasingly used in the field of posture and gait to investigate patterns of cortical brain activation while people move freely. fNIRS methods, analysis and reporting of data vary greatly across studies which in turn can limit the replication of research, interpretation of findings and comparison across works. RESEARCH QUESTION AND METHODS: Considering these issues, we propose a set of practical recommendations for the conduct and reporting of fNIRS studies in posture and gait, acknowledging specific challenges related to clinical groups with posture and gait disorders. RESULTS: Our paper is organized around three main sections: 1) hardware set up and study protocols, 2) artefact removal and data processing and, 3) outcome measures, validity and reliability; it is supplemented with a detailed checklist. SIGNIFICANCE: This paper was written by a core group of members of the International Society for Posture and Gait Research and posture and gait researchers, all experienced in fNIRS research, with the intent of assisting the research community to lead innovative and impactful fNIRS studies in the field of posture and gait, whilst ensuring standardization of research.