A GRU-CNN model for auditory attention detection using microstate and recurrence quantification analysis.

Attention as a cognition ability plays a crucial role in perception which helps humans to concentrate on specific objects of the environment while discarding others. In this paper, auditory attention detection (AAD) is investigated using different dynamic features extracted from multichannel electroencephalography (EEG) signals when listeners attend to a target speaker in the presence of a competing talker. To this aim, microstate and recurrence quantification analysis are utilized to extract different types of features that reflect changes in the brain state during cognitive tasks. Then, an optimized feature set is determined by employing the processes of significant feature selection based on classification performance. The classifier model is developed by hybrid sequential learning that employs Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) into a unified framework for accurate attention detection. The proposed AAD method shows that the selected feature set achieves the most discriminative features for the classification process. Also, it yields the best performance as compared with state-of-the-art AAD approaches from the literature in terms of various measures. The current study is the first to validate the use of microstate and recurrence quantification parameters to differentiate auditory attention using reinforcement learning without access to stimuli.

The effects of virtual reality training on postural sway and physical function performance on older women with chronic low back pain: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is known as an important debilitating health condition among older women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight-week virtual reality training (VRT) exercises on postural sway and physical function performance (PFP) among older women suffering from CLBP. METHODS: Twenty-seven older women presenting with CLBP were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was instructed to perform 30-minute VRT exercises three times a week for eight weeks. Plantar pressure variables [sway velocity (SV) and anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) fluctuations of the center of pressure (CoP)], 30-second chair stand test (30CST), and timed up and go (TUG) test were recorded. RESULTS: The VRT group exhibited significant decreases in SV (p= 0.002), AP (p= 0.008), and ML (p= 0.02) fluctuations. Also, the performance of the VRT group in the 30CST and TUG tests significantly improved after the exercises (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the results, VRT and the program used in this study should be used to enhance balance and PFP in older women with CLBP who mostly prefer activities that are accessible and feasible in low-risk environments.

The effect of ventilation tube insertion in central auditory processing disorders in children with otitis media with effusion.

INTRODUCTION: Otitis media with effusion is one of the most common diseases among children. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether the resolvement of conductive hearing loss from the insertion of a ventilation tube also improves central auditory processing disorders in children with otitis media with effusion. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 20 children between 6 and 12 years old were diagnosed with otitis media with effusion and 20 normal children were included in the study. The central auditory processing status was evaluated in all patients before ventilation tube insertion and after six months by Speech Discrimination Score, Speech Reception Threshold, Words-in-Noise, Speech in Noise, Consonant Vowel in Noise tests, and the results were compared. RESULTS: The mean score of Speech Discrimination Score and Consonant Vowel in Noise tests in the control group were significantly higher than the patient group before ventilation tube insertion and after surgery, in the patient group, the mean scores increased significantly. The mean scores of the Speech Reception Threshold, Words-in-Noise, and Speech in Noise tests in the control group were significantly lower than the patient group before ventilation tube insertion and after the operation, in the patient group, the mean scores significantly decreased. After VT insertion, these tests were close to the control group. CONCLUSION: Restituting normal hearing by ventilation tube treatment improves central auditory abilities as shown in speech reception, speech discrimination, the ability to hear, the ability to recognize monosyllabic words, and the power of speech in the presence of noise.

Bilateral symmetry of vertical time to stabilization in postural sway after double-leg landing in elite athletes with unilateral chronic ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb asymmetry among athlete with unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI) during bilateral landing can be a potential source of ankle sprain reinjury. The aim of study was to investigate the effect of bilateral symmetry of vertical time to stabilization (vTTS) in postural sway after double-leg landing (DLL) in elite athletes with unilateral CAI. METHODS: Twenty professional players with unilateral CAI and ten healthy controls were assigned to three groups (soccer, basketball, and control groups, n = 10 each). The postural balance during DLL tasks was assessed based on center of pressure (CoP) and vTTS. Multiple analysis of variance was conducted to statistically analyse the CoP and vTTS which followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The vTTS of the injured foot was significantly longer in the soccer and basketball players than in the control players (P = 0.006, p < 0.001 respectively). The intragroup comparison showed a significant difference in the vTTS of CAI and uninjured feet among the basketball players (mean difference = 1.3 s). The basketball group exhibited a worse balance in CoP oscillations results between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that symmetry between double-leg vTTS values, may be important as much as the sooner vTTS in reduced CoP oscillations and enhanced balance after DLL. Balancing exercises should achieve sooner vTTS in soccer players and symmetry in the double-leg vTTS of basketball players with unilateral CAI while maintaining static balance during dynamic-to-static postural changes to reduce recurrent ankle sprain.

Effects of an 8-Week Virtual Reality Training Program on Pain, Fall Risk, and Quality of Life in Elderly Women with Chronic Low Back Pain: Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) and falls are among the major problems experienced by the elderly population. The present study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week virtual reality training (VRT) program in helping relieve pain, minimize fall risk, and improve quality of life (QoL) in elderly women suffering from chronic LBP (CLBP). Materials and Methods: Twenty-five elderly women (VRT/intervention group = 13, control group = 12) with CLBP and aged 65 to 75 years were recruited. The VRT involved three 30-minute weekly sessions of exercises that were carried out using the Xbox Kinect headset. Pain intensity, fall risk, and QoL were assessed via the Visual Analog Scale, the Biodex Balance System, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, respectively. Results: The outcomes of a one-way analysis of covariance indicated that the pain intensity score of the intervention group significantly decreased after participation in the VRT program (P = 0.001). The intervention group also showed reduced fall risk (P = 0.001) and elevated QoL (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The results confirmed that the VRT program can be regarded as a valid therapeutic intervention that helps reduce patients' symptoms and increase the effectiveness of exercises in the elderly by teaching pain-related insight as well as enhancing QoL and reduce fall risk through various movements.

Prophylactic ankle supports effects on time to stabilization, perceived stability and ground reaction force during lateral landing in female collegiate athletes with chronic ankle instability.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate effects of Kinesiotape (KT) with closed basket weave method and lace-up braces (LB) on the vertical time to stabilization, peak vertical ground reaction force (PvGRF), and time to PvGRF as well as perceived stability during lateral landing of participants with chronic ankle instability before and after fatigue. METHODS: Thirty female college athletes with chronic ankle instability of three conditions (control, KT, and LB) performed lateral landing from a 30 cm high step on the plantar pressure platform pre and post fatigue. RESULTS: The pre-test findings on the rearfoot, of LB indicated negatively increased the PvGRF force (F2,58=3.63, P = 0.04) and decreased the time to PvGRF (F2,58=4.67, P = 0.01). The Bonferroni post-hoc testing revealed LB condition increased the PvGRF than the control (P = 0.002) and KT (P = 0.038). Also, the post-hoc testing showed LB condition decreased the time to PvGRF force than the control (P = 0.05) and KT (P = 0.01). The LB negatively prolonged vertical time to stabilization in the forefoot (F2,58=6.74, P = 0.002) and rearfoot (F2,58=6.13, P = 0.004) after fatigue. The post-hoc testing revealed LB condition generated a slower vertical time to stabilization than the control and KT conditions (P ≤ 0.05). The use of KT had no positive effects as elevated the PvGRF in the forefoot post fatigue (F2,58=7.11, P = 0.002). The post-hoc test uncovered that KT augmented the PvGRF than control (P = 0.01) and LB (P < 0.001). On the other hand, using KT had psychological effects at pre-fatigue which resulting significantly greater in perceived stability compared to other conditions (F2,58=9.65, P < 0.001). The post-hoc test showed that using KT increased perceived stability than LB (P = 0.004) and control (P < 0.001). Moreover, perceived stability improved significantly in KT and LB compared to the control condition at the post-fatigue (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the positive psychological impact of the prophylactic ankle supports, there were no positive effect on the vertical time to stabilization, PvGRF, and time to PvGRF. Further studies are needed to distinguish the psychological and actual effects of prophylactic ankle supports on athletes with chronic ankle instability.

Effects of eight-week water versus mat pilates on female patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: Double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of water and mat Pilates on pain, disability, and static and dynamic balance in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). METHODS: Twenty-four participants with CNLBP were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 12) that perform water and mat Pilates exercises for 24 sessions (8-week, 3 sessions per week). The value for pain, disability and balance were measured before and after the exercise program using the Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire and Biodex Balance System respectively. RESULTS: A paired t-test revealed significant differences in pain severity and disability in both groups after they performed the Pilates program (P ≤ 0.05). Mat Pilates improved static balance as the participants performed the tests with their eyes open and closed (P = 0.02, P = 0.04). Its effect on dynamic balance, however, was not statistically significant (ES = 0/33, P = 0/34). The same Pilates program performed in water did not show significant effects on balance despite a decline in body sway (P˃0/05). There was no difference between the two groups (P˃0/05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that both mat and water Pilates exercise program have beneficial effects on the treatment of LBP. Nevertheless, the low impact of the mat and water Pilates program on balance improvement suggests more investigation on Pilates training or complementary exercises to improve balance in patients with CNLBP.