Mirror visual feedback as therapeutic modality in unilateral upper extremity complex regional pain syndrome type I: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) on pain reduction in patients with type I complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS I). AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of MT on pain reduction and hand function in subjects with unilateral upper extremity CRPS I. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with control group cross-over (half cross-over design). SETTING: Subjects with CRPS I were outpatients of a university hospital and cooperating centers. All patients carried out the daily exercise at home. POPULATION: Subjects with unilateral upper extremity CRPS I meeting the Budapest diagnostic criteria. METHODS: Subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (N.=13) carried out a ten-minute MT exercise daily, for a total duration of six weeks. Group B (N.=14) acted as a control group for six weeks followed by six weeks of MT with the same characteristics as Group A. Upper extremity active range of motion, strength, dexterity, limb volume, affected-to-unaffected hand temperature difference, and health-related quality of life were evaluated before and after each period. Daily records on the visual analogue scale were used for pain evaluation. Effectiveness was calculated using mixed-effects modelling for between-group comparisons and within-group variability, and identification of significant predictors. RESULTS: Twenty-three females and four males with an average age of 56.1±9.6 years completed the study. Except for the affected-to-unaffected hand temperature difference, both groups consistently demonstrated significant or near-significant improvements in measured parameters after MT period. The improvements were evident upon an intergroup comparison of Group A and the control period of Group B as well as longitudinally within Group B. No significant improvement was found during the control period. CONCLUSIONS: Principles focused on mirror visual feedback to the central nervous system can sustain promising therapeutic potential as part of the treatment for pain reduction and hand function in CRPS I patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: MT can be considered as part of the therapeutic regimen employed for the treatment of CRPS I.

Epidural spinal cord stimulation can facilitate ejaculatory response in spinal cord injury individuals: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: The recovery of autonomic functions and the ability to reproduce in particular is of the highest priority to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The potential of epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) for promoting recovery of sensorimotor functions in the chronic phase of SCI has long been studied. In recent years, several studies have emerged confirming the positive effect of ESCS also on the cardiovascular system and neurogenic bladder and bowel. However, the potential of ESCS in restoring sexual function, especially ejaculation, has not yet been addressed. CASE REPORT: Two cases of people with chronic sensorimotor complete SCI in the 4th thoracic spinal segment are presented. Both men were also diagnosed with severe erectile dysfunction and anejaculation. Thanks to ESCS, Participant 1 successfully restored the ejaculatory reflex using PVS in his home environment. His outcome was subsequently verified under clinical conditions. During ESCS, Participant 1 was also able to achieve ejaculation by masturbation; moreover, he conceived a child naturally without the need for IVF. In Participant 2, we then demonstrated the same effect of ESCS on the restoration of the ejaculatory reflex when targeting the stimulation to the same spinal segment. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the potential of ESCS for restoring the ability to ejaculate in individuals with complete SCI. Confirmation of these results could significantly reduce the need for assisted reproduction and improve the quality of life of men after SCI in the future.

The effect of abdominal bracing on respiration during a lifting task: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal bracing is a maneuver widely used by rehabilitation specialists and sports trainers to improve spinal stability. This study aimed to investigate how lifting tasks with and without abdominal bracing affect the respiratory function of the diaphragm. METHODS: M-mode ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic motion combined with spirometry was performed on 31 healthy adults. Participants were asked to breathe continuously whilst lifting a load with spontaneous abdominal muscle contraction (natural loaded breathing) and abdominal bracing (AB loaded breathing). RESULTS: Pearson's correlations revealed strong correlations between ultrasonography and spirometry measures (p < 0.001) for all types of breathing: tidal breathing (r = 0.709, r2 = 0.503), natural loaded breathing (r = 0.731, r2 = 0.534) and AB loaded breathing (r = 0.795, r2 = 0.632). Using paired-samples t-tests, the natural loaded breathing ultrasonography revealed more caudal diaphragm positions during inspiration (p < 0.001) but not during expiration (p = .101). Spirometry demonstrated lower lung volumes (L) at the end of inspiration and expiration (p < 0.001), with no changes in total lung volume (p = 0.06). The AB loaded breathing ultrasonography revealed more caudal diaphragm positions during inspiration (p = 0.002) but not during expiration (p = 0.05). Spirometry demonstrated lower lung volumes at the end of inspiration (p < 0.001), expiration (p = 0.002), and total lung volumes (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that abdominal bracing performed during a lifting task reduces lung volume despite an increase in diaphragmatic motion. Diaphragm excursions strongly correlate with lung volumes even under postural loading. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was prospectively registered on 8 April 2021 at ClinicalTrials.gov with identification number NCT04841109.

Breathing Exercises in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review.

The pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is multifactorial. The severity of abnormal reflux burden corresponds to the dysfunction of the antireflux barrier and inability to clear refluxate. The crural diaphragm is one of the main components of the esophagogastric junction and plays an important role in preventing gastroesophageal reflux. The diaphragm, as a skeletal muscle, is partially under voluntary control and its dysfunction can be improved via breathing exercises. Thus, diaphragmatic breathing training (DBT) has the potential to alleviate symptoms in selected patients with GERD. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is a useful method for the assessment of antireflux barrier function and can therefore elucidate the mechanisms responsible for gastroesophageal reflux. We hypothesize that HRM can help define patient phenotypes that may benefit most from DBT, and that HRM can even help in the management of respiratory physiotherapy in patients with GERD. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current data supporting physiotherapeutic practices in the treatment of GERD and to illustrate how HRM may guide treatment strategies focused on respiratory physiotherapy.

Postural-respiratory function of the diaphragm assessed by M-mode ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: The diaphragm changes position and respiratory excursions during postural loading. However, it is unclear how it reacts to lifting a load while breath-holding or breathing with simultaneous voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles (VCAM). This study analyzed diaphragm motion in healthy individuals during various postural-respiratory situations. METHODS: 31 healthy participants underwent examination of the diaphragm using M-mode ultrasonography, spirometry, and abdominal wall tension (AWT) measurements. All recordings were performed simultaneously during three consecutive scenarios, i.e., 1. Lifting a load without breathing; 2. Lifting a load and breathing naturally; 3. Lifting a load and breathing with simultaneous VCAM. RESULTS: Using paired-samples t-tests, lifting a load without breathing displaced the diaphragm's expiratory position more caudally (P < .001), with no change noted in the inspiratory position (P = .373). During lifting a load breathing naturally, caudal displacement of the diaphragm's inspiratory position was presented (P < .001), with no change noted in the expiratory position (P = 0.20) compared to tidal breathing. Total diaphragm excursion was greater when loaded (P = .002). Lifting a load and breathing with VCAM demonstrated no significant changes in diaphragm position for inspiration, expiration, or total excursion compared to natural loaded breathing. For all scenarios, AWT measures were greater when lifting a load (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In healthy individuals, caudal displacement and greater excursions of the diaphragm occurred when lifting a load. The postural function of the diaphragm is independent of its respiratory activity and is not reduced by the increase in AWT.

Abdominal wall tension increases using Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization principles in different postural positions.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is an important mechanism stabilizing the spine and trunk. IAP regulation depends on the coordination of abdominal muscles, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences in abdominal wall tension (AWT) of various postural positions, first without any correction, then after verbal and manual instructions according to Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) principles. METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational study, thirty healthy individuals (mean age = 22.73 ± 1.91 years) were fitted with two Ohmbelt sensors contralaterally above the inguinal ligament and in the upper lumbar triangle. AWT was measured during five postural positions: sitting, supine with legs raised, squat, bear and hang position. First, spontaneous AWT was measured, then again after manual and verbal instructions following DNS principles. RESULTS: AWT increased significantly with DNS instructions compared to spontaneous activation. Both sensors recorded significant increases (p < .01; Cohen's d = -1.13 to -2.06) in all observed postural situations. The increase in activity occurred simultaneously on both sensors, with no significant differences noted in pressure increases between the sensors. The greatest activation for both sensors occurred in the bear position. Significant increases in activity were identified for both sensors in the supine leg raise position and in the bear position compared to spontaneous activation in sitting (p < .001). There were no statistically significant differences (for both sensors) between women and men in any position. CONCLUSION: The amount of AWT significantly increases after verbal and manual instructions according to DNS. The greatest abdominal wall activation was achieved in the bear position.

Anorectal dysfunction in multiple sclerosis patients: A pilot study on the effect of an individualized rehabilitation approach.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal dysfunction (ARD), especially bowel incontinence, frequently compromises the quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The effect of rehabilitation procedures has not been clearly established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of an individualized rehabilitation approach on bowel incontinence and anorectal pressures. METHODS: MS patients with ARD underwent 6-months of individually targeted biofeedback rehabilitation. High resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) and St. Mark's Fecal Incontinence Scores (SMIS) were completed prior to rehabilitation, after 10 weeks of supervised physiotherapy, and after 3 months of self-treatment. RESULTS: Ten patients (50%) completed the study. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated significant improvement in the SMIS questionnaire over time [14.00 baseline vs. 9.70 after supervised physiotherapy vs. 9.30 after self-treatment (p = 0.005)]. No significant improvements over time were noted in any HRAM readings: maximal pressure [49.85 mmHg baseline vs. 57.60 after supervised physiotherapy vs. 60.88 after self-treatment (p = 0.58)], pressure endurance [36.41 vs. 46.89 vs. 49.95 (p = 0.53)], resting pressure [55.83, vs 52.69 vs. 51.84 (p = 0.704)], or area under the curve [230.0 vs. 520.8 vs. 501.9 (p = 0.16)]. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed individualized rehabilitation program supports a positive overall effect on anorectal dysfunction in MS patients.

Intra-abdominal pressure correlates with abdominal wall tension during clinical evaluation tests.

BACKGROUND: The abdominal muscles play an important respiratory and stabilization role, and in coordination with other muscles regulate the intra-abdominal pressure stabilizing the spine. The evaluation of postural trunk muscle function is critical in clinical assessments of patients with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This study evaluates the relationship between intra-abdominal pressure measured as anorectal pressure with objective abdominal wall tension recorded by mechanical-pneumatic-electronic sensors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational study, thirty-one asymptomatic participants (mean age = 26.77 ± 3.01 years) underwent testing to measure intra-abdominal pressure via anorectal manometry, along with abdominal wall tension measured by sensors attached to a trunk brace (DNS Brace). They were evaluated in five different standing postural-respiratory situations: resting breathing, Valsalva maneuver, Müller's maneuver, instructed breathing, loaded breathing when holding a dumbbell. FINDINGS: Strong correlations were demonstrated between anorectal manometry and DNS Brace measurements in all scenarios; and DNS Brace values significantly predicted intra-abdominal pressure values for all scenarios: resting breathing (r = 0.735, r2 = 0.541, p < 0.001), Valsalva maneuver (r = 0.836, r2 = 0.699, p < 0.001), Müller's maneuver (r = 0.651, r2 = 0.423, p < 0.001), instructed breathing (r = 0.708, r2 = 0.501, p < 0.001), and loaded breathing (r = 0.921, r2 = 0.848, p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Intra-abdominal pressure is strongly correlated with, and predicted by abdominal wall tension monitored above the inguinal ligament and in the area of superior trigonum lumbale. This study demonstrates that intra-abdominal pressure can be evaluated indirectly by monitoring the abdominal wall tension.

The impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity of Czech children.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and related restrictions (closed schools and sports centers, social isolation, masks) may have a negative impact on children's health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity (PA) of Czech children during COVID-19 in autumn 2020. METHODS: Ninety-eight Czech children (mean age = 10.1 ± 1.47 years) completed the standardized Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Czech Children (PAQ-C/cz) during COVID lockdown. Data were compared with previously published norms. Thirty-five children also reported daily number of steps measured by accelerometers. RESULTS: Total PAQ-C score was 0.38 lower during COVID compared to Pre-COVID [t(302) = 5.118., p < .001]. The male PAQ-C total score was 0.37 lower [t(146) = 3.21., p = .002)] and the female total score was 0.39 lower [t(154) = 3.97., p < .001] during COVID compared to Pre-COVID. Specifically, responses of PA during spare time, before-school, physical education (PE), and recess were significantly lower during COVID. The average number of steps was 7.767 steps/day (boys = 9.255; girls = 6.982). CONCLUSION: COVID lockdown resulted in significant reduction of PA in Czech children. Strategies to promote adequate PA of children during the pandemic need to be determined.

Manual Cervical Traction and Trunk Stabilization Cause Significant Changes in Upper and Lower Esophageal Sphincter: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Dysfunctions in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) levels can occur owing to poor muscle coordination, contraction, or relaxation. Such condition can possibly be addressed by functional rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to measure pressure changes in the UES and LES at rest and during routine rehabilitation techniques, that is, cervical manual traction and trunk stabilization maneuver. METHODS: This study was conducted in a University Hospital Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center. Cervical manual traction and a trunk stabilization maneuver were performed in a convenient group of 54 adult patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. High-resolution manometry was used to measure pressure changes in the LES and UES at rest and during manual cervical traction and trunk stabilization maneuver. RESULTS: Average initial resting UES pressure was 90.91 mmHg. A significant decrease was identified during both cervical traction (average UES pressure = 42.13 mmHg, P < .001) and trunk stabilization maneuver (average UES pressure = 62.74 mmHg, P = .002). The average initial resting LES pressure was 14.31 mmHg. A significant increase in LES pressure was identified both during cervical traction (average LES pressure = 21.39 mmHg, P < .001) and during the trunk stabilization maneuver, (average pressure = 24.09 mmHg, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Cervical traction and trunk stabilization maneuvers can be used to decrease pressure in the UES and increase LES pressure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Can Exercise Targeting Mid-Thoracic Spine Segmental Movement Reduce Back Pain and Improve Sensory Perception in Cross-Country Skiers?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of exercise targeting proper trunk stabilization and segmental spinal movement in back pain and sensory perception among cross-country skiers. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial with blinded outcome assessors. SETTING: University Hospital, Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty elite cross-country skiers aged 17 to 27 years. INTERVENTIONS: Ten cross-country skiers integrated 3 types of exercise targeting segmental motion in mid-thoracic spine into their routine training practice for 2 months. The 10 controls performed routine athletic training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Young Spine Questionnaire to measure intensity and frequency of back pain was completed at the start and end of study. Tactile sensory perception using 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, thermic perception using TIP THERM device, graphesthesia assessed by a touch monitor pencil, 2-point discrimination assessed by a digital caliper, and vibration perception assessed by a 128-Hz tuning fork measured in mid-thoracic spine 5 times. RESULTS: No significant group differences in pain and sensory perception were identified at baseline. Over the 2-month study interval, repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that the experimental group improved significantly relative to the control group on pain intensity (P = 0.005 for cervical, P = 0.004 for thoracic, and P = 0.014 for lumbar) and frequency of pain in the thoracic area only (P = 0.011). Improvements were also observed in the experimental relative to control group on graphesthesia (P < 0.001), vibration perception (P = 0.002), and 2-point discrimination (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise targeting the mid-thoracic spine may decrease back pain and improve sensory perception in cross-country skiers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Original research, level I.

Functional postural-stabilization tests according to Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization approach: Proposal of novel examination protocol.

This paper presents a set of eleven functional Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) tests corresponding with specific infantile developmental stages, clarifying desired postural-locomotion patterns from a developmental perspective, while also describing frequently-observed disturbances of these patterns.

Diastasis of rectus abdominis muscles in low back pain patients.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal muscles are important spinal stabilizers and its poor coordination, as seen in diastasis of rectus abdominis (DRA), may contribute to chronic low back pain (LBP). However, this has not yet been studied directly. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a pilot study to examine the association between DRA and LBP. METHODS: Using a digital caliper, standard clinical DRA measurement was performed in 55 participants with and 54 without chronic LBP. RESULTS: Participants were on average 55 years old, 69 (63%) were women. Among the 16 participants with DRA, 11 (69%) had chronic LBP; among the 93 participants without DRA, 44 (47%) had LBP. Among men, 7 of 9 (77%) with DRA had LBP and 14 of 31 (45%) without DRA had LBP. Among women, 4 of 7 (57%) with DRA had LBP and 30 of 62 (48%) without DRA had LBP. BMI was the strongest correlate of DRA and may explain the relation between DRA and chronic LBP. CONCLUSIONS: DRA and LBP may be interrelated, especially among men. This may be a function of greater BMI in individuals with chronic LBP. Understanding the association between DRA, LBP, and BMI may have important implications for treatment of LBP and for intervention.

Pulmonary dysfunction in patients after cervical spinal cord injury: serial follow-up measurement within the first year post-injury.

OBJECTIVES: Respiratory complications are most common cause of morbidity/mortality in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) due to respiratory muscle weakness and lower diaphragm position resulting in limited availability of inspiration, reduced thorax mobility and limited forced expiration. Differences in respiratory dysfunctions (RDs) in patients with motor complete versus incomplete cSCI were assessed. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study, serial measurement. SETTING: University hospital and ambulatory departments. METHODS: Twenty two patients with acute cSCI were recruited. Neurological level of injury and severity according to ISNCSCI were used as criteria for recruitment. Patients were divided into two groups - motor complete and incomplete. Standardized pulmonary function tests (PFT) were used - spirometry and respiratory muscle strength (RMS) measurement. Motor score of key muscles assessments for upper (UEMS) and lower (LEMS) limbs were used. Tests were performed in 5 measurement sessions starting on (medians) 14.5 days (M1), then 6.7 weeks, 3.2 months, 6.3 months and 1.0 year (M5). RESULTS: Significant differences in measurement sessions M2-M5 between groups in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), maximal static inspiratory/expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP) and UEMS were proved. Consequently, prominent differences in courses of particular parameters were found. No intergroup changes in UEMS were found during study. CONCLUSIONS: Obvious differences in parameters of spirometry, respiratory muscles and limb muscles strength between motor complete and incomplete group were found. Carefull monitoring of RDs by functional assessments (i.e., PFT and UEMS/LEMS tests) within one year after SCI seems to be clinically important.

Evaluation of muscle strength and manual dexterity in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

STUDY DESIGN: Matched pair study. INTRODUCTION: Differences in hand-muscle strength/dexterity between dominant (DH) and non-dominant (NDH) hand in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) are not well understood. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To compare muscle strength/dexterity between DH and NDH and to correlate manual dexterity, strength and sensory function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty CMT patients were studied using functional muscle testing (FMT) and strength (dynamometry), dexterity (the Nine Hole Peg Test [NHPT]), and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function [JTT]), and sensory function (the Nottingham Sensory Assessment [NSA]). RESULTS: Scores were worse for DH than NDH on FMT (p = 0.043) and NHPT (p = 0.014) but not on JTT (p = 0.098), handgrip strength (p = 0.710) or tripod pinch (p = 0.645). NSA did not correlate significantly with any tests (p's0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In CMT disease, DH appears more impaired than NDH in terms of function and dexterity. Greater muscle weakness in DH may also emerge as CMT progresses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.

Subjective visual and haptic vertical in young and elderly.

Perception of verticality can be assessed in two different ways: measuring of subjective visual vertical (SVV) and subjective haptic vertical (SHV). The evidence on aging of SVV and SVH is not conclusive and there is just little knowledge focused on this issue. The aim of this study was to compare accuracy of perception of SVV and SHV between groups of young and elderly healthy subjects. SVV examination was performed using the bucket test. An experimental tactile device was used to assess perceived SHV. Measurements of SVV and SHV were made in 27 young healthy and 30 elderly healthy subjects, both groups were right-handed due to self-report. SHV estimated position was significantly different (p< 0.01) in young and elderly (counterclockwise shift of 0.72 ± 3.70° and 3.51 ± 3.99°, respectively) and the SHV range (4.17 ± 5.40° and 9.64 ± 7.42°, respectively) was also different (p< 0.01). The differences were caused by significant difference in the supination maneuver (clockwise rod rotation, p< 0.001) which resulted in counterclockwise shift of 2.80 ± 4.90° and 8.33 ± 4.62° in young and elderly respectively. Pronation part of the SHV task (counterclockwise rod rotation) did not significantly differ between groups. SVV estimated position and range were not statistically different between young and elderly. These results provide evidence that the ability to detect SVV is not impaired, SHV seems also not to be affected by aging but there may be methodologic issues in SHV testing in elderly which should be controlled for in future studies. Results of both pronation and supination maneuvers should be provided along with SHV position.

Cardiovascular response to peak voluntary exercise in males with cervical spinal cord injury.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Traumatic damage to the cervical spinal cord is usually associated with a disruption of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and impaired cardiovascular control both during and following exercise. The magnitude of the cardiovascular dysfunction remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to compare cardiovascular responses to peak voluntary exercise in individuals with tetraplegia and able-bodied participants. DESIGN: A case-control study. SUBJECTS: Twenty males with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) as the Tetra group and 27 able-bodied males as the Control group were included in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure (BP) response one minute after the peak exercise, peak heart rate (HRpeak), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) on an arm crank ergometer were measured. In the second part of the study, 17 individuals of the Control group completed the Tetra group's workload protocol with the same parameters recorded. RESULTS: There was no increase in BP in response to the exercise in the Tetra group. Able-bodied individuals exhibited significantly increased post-exercise systolic BP after the maximal graded exercise test (123±16%) and after completion of the Tetra group's workload protocol (114±11%) as compared to pre-exercise. The Tetra group VO2peak was 59% and the HRpeak was 73% of the Control group VO2peak and HRpeak, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BP did not increase following maximal arm crank exercise in males with a cervical SCI unlike the increases observed in the Control group. Some males in the Tetra group appeared to be at risk of severe hypotension following high intensity exercise, which can limit the ability to progressive increase and maintain high intensity exercise.

Developmental kinesiology: three levels of motor control in the assessment and treatment of the motor system.

Three levels of sensorimotor control within the central nervous system (CNS) can be distinguished. During the neonatal stage, general movements and primitive reflexes are controlled at the spinal and brain stem levels. Analysis of the newborn's spontaneous general movements and the assessment of primitive reflexes is crucial in the screening and early recognition of a risk for abnormal development. Following the newborn period, the subcortical level of the CNS motor control emerges and matures mainly during the first year of life. This allows for basic trunk stabilization, a prerequisite for any phasic movement and for the locomotor function of the extremities. At the subcortical level, orofacial muscles and afferent information are automatically integrated within postural-locomotor patterns. Finally, the cortical (the highest) level of motor control increasingly becomes activated. Cortical control is important for the individual qualities and characteristics of movement. It also allows for isolated segmental movement and relaxation. A child with impaired cortical motor control may be diagnosed with developmental dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder. Human ontogenetic models, i.e., developmental motor patterns, can be used in both the diagnosis and treatment of locomotor system dysfunction.

Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization & sports rehabilitation.

UNLABELLED: Dynamic neuromuscular (core) stability is necessary for optimal athletic performance and is not achieved purely by adequate strength of abdominals, spinal extensors, gluteals or any other musculature; rather, core stabilization is accomplished through precise coordination of these muscles and intra-abdominal pressure regulation by the central nervous system. Understanding developmental kinesiology provides a framework to appreciate the regional interdependence and the inter-linking of the skeleton, joints, musculature during movement and the importance of training both the dynamic and stabilizing function of muscles in the kinetic chain. The Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) approach provides functional tools to assess and activate the intrinsic spinal stabilizers in order to optimize the movement system for both pre-habilitation and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and performance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Balance rehabilitation therapy by tongue electrotactile biofeedback in patients with degenerative cerebellar disease.

Few clinical studies have evaluated physiotherapeutic interventions in patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia. Investigations on the effectiveness of biofeedback-based interventions for training postural control in these patients have not been conducted yet. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a 2-week intensive tongue-placed electrotactile biofeedback program for patients with progressive cerebellar ataxia. Subjects were seven adult patients suffering from cerebellar degeneration. Postural control was assessed with static posturography in two sensory conditions eyes open/closed on firm surface. For quantification of postural behavior, we used area, sway path and mean velocity of the centre of foot pressure (CoP). Effects of treatment were determined by comparing Pre, Post and one month follow-up (Retention) experimental sessions. Analysis of measured CoP parameters for tests on firm surface showed a significant main effect of visual condition and no difference across test sessions under open eyes condition. Under eyes closed condition, there were significant differences between Pre versus Post and Pre versus Retention, while the difference Post versus Retention was not significant. Our results suggest that a balance rehabilitation program with postural exercise performed with a head position-based tongue-placed biofeedback system could significantly improve bipedal postural control in patients suffering from degenerative cerebellar ataxia.