Association Between Depressive Symptoms, Cognitive Status, and the Dual-Task Performance Index in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Performance Index (P-Index) is a measure for evaluating mobility-related dual-task performance in older adults. The identification of specific clinicodemographic factors predictive of P-Index scores, however, remains unclear. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 120 community-dwelling older adults (average age 71.3 ± 11.23 years) to explore clinicodemographic variables that influence P-Index scores during the instrumented timed up and go test. Unadjusted analyses suggested several factors, including age, gender, body mass index, Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, functional reach test performance, history of falls, ethnicity, Geriatric Depression Scale scores, alcohol consumption, and educational levels, as potential predictors of P-Index. However, adjusted multinomial multiple regression analysis revealed Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination scores as the exclusive independent predictors of P-Index classifications, segmented into high, intermediate, or low (percentiles ≤ 25, 26-74, or ≥ 75, respectively). A significant association was observed between the manifestation of depressive symptoms, lower Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, and reduced cognitive-motor performance. The findings implicate depressive symptoms and low cognitive performance as substantial impediments to optimal dual-task mobility within this cohort. Further studies are warranted to examine the efficacy of cognitive stimulation and antidepressant therapy, in augmenting mobility-related dual-task performance among older adults.

Neural underpinnings of fine motor skills under stress and anxiety: A review.

This review offers a comprehensive examination of how stress and anxiety affect motor behavior, particularly focusing on fine motor skills and gait adaptability. We explore the role of several neurochemicals, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine, in modulating neural plasticity and motor control under these affective states. The review highlights the importance of developing therapeutic strategies that enhance motor performance by leveraging the interactions between key neurochemicals. Additionally, we investigate the complex interplay between emotional-cognitive states and sensorimotor behaviors, showing how stress and anxiety disrupt neural integration, leading to impairments in skilled movements and negatively impacting quality of life. Synthesizing evidence from human and rodent studies, we provide a detailed understanding of the relationships among stress, anxiety, and motor behavior. Our findings reveal neurophysiological pathways, behavioral outcomes, and potential therapeutic targets, emphasizing the intricate connections between neurobiological mechanisms, environmental factors, and motor performance.

Conventional Mirror Therapy versus Immersive Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy: The Perceived Usability after Stroke.

Background: Stroke is a widespread and complex health issue, with many survivors requiring long-term rehabilitation due to upper-limb impairment. This study is aimed at comparing the perceived usability of two feedback-based stroke therapies: conventional mirror therapy (MT) and immersive virtual reality mirror therapy (VR). Methods: The study involved 45 participants, divided into three groups: the stroke survivors (n = 15), stroke-free older adults (n = 15), and young controls (n = 15). Participants performed two tasks using both MT and VR in a semirandom sequence. Usability instruments (SUS and NASA-TLX) were applied at the end of the activities, along with two experience-related questions. Results: The results indicated that both MT and VR had similar levels of perceived usability, with MT being more adaptable and causing less overall discomfort. Conversely, VR increased the perception of task difficulty and prevented participants from diverting their attention from the mirror-based feedback. Conclusion: While VR was found to be less comfortable than MT, both systems exhibited similar perceived usability. The comfort levels of the goggles may play a crucial role in determining the usability of VR for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.

Can anxiety-like behavior and spatial memory predict the extremes of skilled walking performance in mice? An exploratory, preliminary study.

Introduction: Skilled walking is influenced by memory, stress, and anxiety. While this is evident in cases of neurological disorders, memory, and anxiety traits may predict skilled walking performance even in normal functioning. Here, we address whether spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior can predict skilled walking performance in mice. Methods: A cohort of 60 adult mice underwent a behavioral assessment including general exploration (open field), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze), working and spatial memory (Y-maze and Barnes maze), and skilled walking performance (ladder walking test). Three groups were established based on their skilled walking performance: superior (SP, percentiles ≥75), regular (RP, percentiles 74-26), and inferior (IP, percentiles ≤25) performers. Results: Animals from the SP and IP groups spent more time in the elevated plus maze closed arms compared to the RP group. With every second spent in the elevated plus maze closed arms, the probability of the animal exhibiting extreme percentiles in the ladder walking test increased by 1.4%. Moreover, animals that spent 219 s (73% of the total time of the test) or more in those arms were 4.67 times more likely to exhibit either higher or lower percentiles of skilled walking performance. Discussion: We discuss and conclude anxiety traits may influence skilled walking performance in facility-reared mice.

The 180° Turn Phase of the Timed Up and Go Test Better Predicts History of Falls in the Oldest-Old When Compared With the Full Test: A Case-Control Study.

The 180° turn phase of the test may better differentiate the oldest-old regarding their history of falls. This is a case-control study designed to detect the ability of the 180° turn timed up and go (TUG) phase to detect a history of falls in the oldest-old. Sixty people aged 85 years and older were assessed in their homes. The single-task and dual-task TUG tests were performed using an inertial sensor (G-Walk). Sociodemographic data, physical activity levels, mental status, depressive symptoms, concern for falls occurrence, number of medicines in use, self-perception of balance, and the functional reach test were also assessed. The logistic regressions revealed the 180° turn phase of both the single-task and dual-task TUG was almost three times better than the full TUG test to detect a history of falls, thus providing insights that can be used to better assess functional mobility in the oldest-old.

History of falls alters movement smoothness and time taken to complete a functional mobility task in the oldest-old: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Mobility smoothness assessed by the spectral arc length (SPARC) may reflect the complex biomechanical alterations that occur with aging and may help detect functional mobility changes after experiencing falls. Here, we sought to explore whether smoothness of angular velocities of the trunk measured using SPARC metrics in the instrumented timed-up-and-go (iTUG) test are assoacited with a history of falls in the oldest-old. METHODS: A case-control study. The sample consisted of 64 community-dwelling oldest-old individuals who underwent the following assessments: clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Falls Efficacy-questionnaire International (FESI), the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC), Functional Reaching Test (FRT), and the iTUG test. We used an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to obtain trunk angular velocities from the IMU's gyroscope, which was used to calculate mobility smoothness (SPARC). RESULTS: Standard deviation of the mobility smoothness around the anteroposterior axis of rotation (SPARC roll SD) (OR: 6.15 / CI 95 % = 1.58-23.94) and duration (OR: 1.11 / CI 95 % = 1.09-1.22) in the full iTUG test were associated with a history of falls in oldest-old. Using solely the full iTUG duration (59.19 ± 2.18) or SPARC (61.87 ± 2.40) resulted in lower probability to detect a history of falls in comparison with the combined measurement (66.21 ± 2.50). CONCLUSION: SPARC roll SD in the full iTUG may be a relevant biomarker to detect mobility smoothness changes in the oldest-old. This study provides evidence the oldest-old with a history of falls may change their functional mobility, in terms of movement duration and smoothness.

The Foot Fault Scoring System to Assess Skilled Walking in Rodents: A Reliability Study.

The foot fault scoring system of the ladder rung walking test (LRWT) is used to assess skilled walking in rodents. However, the reliability of the LRWT foot fault score has not been properly addressed. This study was designed to address this issue. Two independent and blinded raters analyzed 20 rats and 20 mice videos. Each video was analyzed twice by the same rater (80 analyses per rater). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Kappa coefficient were employed to check the accuracy of agreement and reliability in the intra- and inter-rater analyses of the LRWT outcomes. Excellent intra- and inter-rater agreements were found for the forelimb, hindlimb, and both limbs combined in rats and mice. The agreement level was also excellent for total crossing time, total time stopped, and the number of stops during the walking path. Rating individual scores in the foot fault score system (0-6) ranged from satisfactory to excellent, in terms of the intraclass correlation indexes. Moreover, we showed that experienced and inexperienced raters can obtain reliable results if supervised training is provided. We concluded that the LRWT is a reliable and useful tool to study skilled walking in rodents and can help researchers address walking-related neurobiological questions.

The Performance Index Identifies Changes Across the Dual Task Timed Up and Go Test Phases and Impacts Task-Cost Estimation in the Oldest-Old.

Introduction: Dual tasking is common in activities of daily living (ADLs) and the ability to perform them usually declines with age. While cognitive aspects influence dual task (DT) performance, most DT-cost (DT-C) related metrics include only time- or speed- delta without weighting the accuracy of cognitive replies involved in the task. Objectives: The primary study goal was to weight the accuracy of cognitive replies as a contributing factor when estimating DT-C using a new index of DT-C that considers the accuracy of cognitive replies (P-index) in the instrumented timed up and go test (iTUG). Secondarily, to correlate the novel P-index with domains of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Methods: Sixty-three participants (≥85 years old) took part in this study. The single task (ST) and DT iTUG tests were performed in a semi-random order. Both the time taken to complete the task measured utilizing an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and the accuracy of the cognitive replies were used to create the novel P-index. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected. Results: The accuracy of the cognitive replies changed across the iTUG phases, particularly between the walk 1 and walk 2 phases. Moreover, weighting 0.6 for delta-time (W1) and 0.4 for cognitive replies (W2) into the P-index enhanced the prediction of the MMSE score. The novel P-index was able to explain 37% of the scores obtained by the fallers in the "spatial orientation" and "attention" domains of the MMSE. The ability of the P-index to predict MMSE scores was not significantly influenced by age, schooling, and number of medicines in use. The Bland-Altman analysis indicated a substantial difference between the time-delta-based DT-C and P-index methods, which was within the limits of agreement. Conclusions: The P-index incorporates the accuracy of cognitive replies when calculating the DT-C and better reflects the variance of the MMSE in comparison with the traditional time- or speed-delta approaches, thus providing an improved method to estimate the DT-C.

SPARC Metrics Provide Mobility Smoothness Assessment in Oldest-Old With and Without a History of Falls: A Case Control Study.

Aging-related neuromuscular and neurocognitive decline induces unsmooth movements in daily functional mobility. Here, we used a robust analysis of linear and angular spectral arc length (SPARC) in the single and dual task instrumented timed up-and-go (iTUG) test to compare functional mobility smoothness in fallers and non-fallers aged 85 and older. 64 participants aged 85 and older took part in this case control study. The case group (fallers, n = 32) had experienced falls to the ground in the 6 months prior to the assessment. SPARC analyses were conducted in all phases of the single and dual task iTUGs. We also performed correlation mapping to test the relation of socio-demographic and clinical features on SPARC metrics. The magnitude of between-group differences was calculated using D-Cohen effect size (ES). SPARC was able to distinguish fallers during the single iTUG (ES ≈ 4.18). Turning while walking in the iTUG induced pronounced unsmooth movements in the fallers (SPARC ≈ -13; ES = 3.52) and was associated with the ability to maintain balance in the functional reach task. This information is of importance in the study of functional mobility in the oldest-old and to assess the efficacy of fall-prevention programs.

[Dance as an intervention to improve mobility and balance in elderly: a literature review]. / Dança como uma intervenção para melhorar a mobilidade e o equilíbrio em idosos: uma revisão de literatura.

The aim of the present review was to identify whether dance protocols can benefit mobility and balance in elderly. A literature review was conducted in which 927 potentially relevant studies were identified (published in Portuguese, English, French, German, Spanish or Italian). There was no publication period restriction. After reading the titles, abstracts and review of the exclusion criteria, 15 randomized controlled trials were included. Most of the studies evaluated female subjects, using heterogeneous protocols of intervention and unspecific control groups. In addition, the period of exposure to dance was generally short: 2.6 weekly practices, of 59.1 minutes each, performed through 12.1 weeks. Dance was shown to be beneficial in 77.6% of the evaluated outcomes, exhibiting a moderate effect size for static balance and functional balance; and small effect size for mobility and strength/resistance of the lower limbs. However, future studies with the use of specific control groups and adoption of longer lasting protocols are necessary to evaluate the actual size effect that dance has on the maintenance of mobility and balance in elderly.

Dança como uma intervenção para melhorar a mobilidade e o equilíbrio em idosos: uma revisão de literatura / Dance as an intervention to improve mobility and balance in elderly: a literature review

Resumo O objetivo da presente revisão foi identificar se protocolos de dança podem beneficiar a mobilidade e o equilíbrio em idosos. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura na qual identificou-se 927 estudos potencialmente relevantes, publicados em português, inglês, francês, alemão, espanhol ou italiano. Não houve restrição de período de publicação. Após a leitura dos títulos, resumos e revisão dos critérios de exclusão, 15 ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados foram incluídos. A maioria dos estudos avaliaram pessoas do gênero feminino, com protocolos de intervenção heterogêneos e grupos controles pouco específicos. Além disso, o período de exposição à dança foi geralmente curto: aproximadamente 2,6 práticas semanais, de 59,1 minutos cada, realizadas ao longo de 12,1 semanas. A dança mostrou-se benéfica em 77,6% dos desfechos avaliados, exibindo um tamanho de efeito moderado para o equilíbrio estático e equilíbrio funcional; embora pequeno para mobilidade e força/resistência dos membros inferiores. Contudo, estudos futuros com o uso de grupos controles específicos e adoção de protocolos mais duradouros são necessários para avaliar o real tamanho de efeito que a dança possui sobre a manutenção da mobilidade e equilíbrio em idosos.

Abstract The aim of the present review was to identify whether dance protocols can benefit mobility and balance in elderly. A literature review was conducted in which 927 potentially relevant studies were identified (published in Portuguese, English, French, German, Spanish or Italian). There was no publication period restriction. After reading the titles, abstracts and review of the exclusion criteria, 15 randomized controlled trials were included. Most of the studies evaluated female subjects, using heterogeneous protocols of intervention and unspecific control groups. In addition, the period of exposure to dance was generally short: 2.6 weekly practices, of 59.1 minutes each, performed through 12.1 weeks. Dance was shown to be beneficial in 77.6% of the evaluated outcomes, exhibiting a moderate effect size for static balance and functional balance; and small effect size for mobility and strength/resistance of the lower limbs. However, future studies with the use of specific control groups and adoption of longer lasting protocols are necessary to evaluate the actual size effect that dance has on the maintenance of mobility and balance in elderly.

Predictive maximal heart rate equations in child and adolescent athletes: a systematic review / Equações preditivas de frequência cardíaca máxima em crianças e adolescentes atletas: uma revisão sistemática / Ecuaciones predictivas de frecuencia cardíaca máxima en niños y adolescentes atletas: una revisión sistemática

Abstract Introduction: The maximal heart rate (HRmax) is considered the highest value of HR achieved during a physical effort close to exhaustion. Objective: To evaluate the applicability of the predictive HRmax equations during exercise tests in child and adolescent athletes through a systematic review. Methods: It is a systematic review, through Scopus, Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo and PEDro. The included studies compared the measured and estimated HRmax predictive equations during exercise tests in child and adolescent athletes. The following search strategy was used: "Exercise test OR Exercise testing OR Cardiopulmonary exercise test OR Cardiopulmonary exercise testing OR Peak oxygen uptake OR Maximal oxygen consumption OR Exercise capacity OR Heart rate OR Heart rate OR Pulse rate OR Pulse rates OR Heart rate control OR Cardiac chronotropic OR Predictive value test AND Predictive equations". Results: From a total of 1,664 articles, only 4 were included. All compared the measured HRmax values with those estimated by the "220 - age" equation; 3 used the formula "208 - (0.7 x age)", and only 1 used the "223 - (1.44 x age)" equation. Although all of them stated that the "220 - age" equation overestimates HRmax, the formula "208 - (0.7 x age") underestimated (2 articles) and overestimated (1 study) the measured results, while the equation "213 - (1.44 x age) was also not adequate. Conclusion: The use of predictive HRmax equations for child and adolescent athletes does not seem to be recommended. The use of cohort points for these estimates is carefully recommended.

Resumo Introdução: A frequência cardíaca máxima (FCmáx) é denominada o maior valor de FC alcançada durante um esforço físico intenso. Objetivo: Avaliar a aplicabilidade das equações preditivas de FCmáx durante testes de exercício em crianças e adolescentes atletas. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, através do Scopus, Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo e PEDro. Foram incluídos estudos que compararam a FCmáx medida e a estimada por equações preditivas durante testes de exercício em crianças e adolescentes atletas. Utilizou-se a seguinte estratégia de busca: "Exercise test OR Exercise testing OR Cardiopulmonary exercise test OR Cardiopulmonary exercise testing OR Peak oxygen uptake OR Maximal oxygen consumption OR Exercise tolerance OR Exercise capacity AND Heart rate OR Heart rates OR Pulse rate OR Pulse rates OR Heart rate control OR Cardiac chronotropic OR Predictive value test AND Predictive equations". Resultados: De um total de 1664 artigos, apenas 4 foram incluídos. Todos os estudos compararam os valores medidos de FCmáx com os estimados pela equação "220 - idade", 3 utilizaram a fórmula "208 - (0,7 x idade)" e apenas 1 a equação "223 - (1,44 x idade)". Embora todos demonstraram que a equação "220 - idade" superestima a FCmáx, a fórmula "208 - (0,7 x idade") subestimou (2 artigos) e superestimou (1 estudo) os resultados medidos, enquanto a equação "213 - (1,44 x idade) também não foi adequada. Conclusão: O uso de equações preditivas de FCmáx em crianças e adolescentes atletas não parece indicado. Recomenda-se cuidadosamente a utilização de pontos de coorte para essas estimativas.

Resumen Introducción: La frecuencia cardiaca máxima (FCmáx) se denomina el mayor valor de FC alcanzado durante un esfuerzo físico cercano al agotamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicabilidad de las ecuaciones predictivas de FCmáx durante las pruebas de ejercicio en niños y adolescentes atletas. Métodos: Se trata de una revisión sistemática, a través del Scopus, Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo y PEDro. Se incluyeron estudios que compararon la FCmáx medida y la estimada por ecuaciones predictivas durante pruebas de ejercicio en niños y adolescentes atletas. Se utilizó la siguiente estrategia de búsqueda: "Exercise test OR Exercise testing OR Cardiopulmonary exercise test OR Cardiopulmonary exercise testing OR Peak oxygen uptake OR Maximal oxygen consumption OR Exercise tolerance OR Exercise capacity AND Heart rate OR Heart rates OR Pulse rate OR Pulse rates OR Heart rate control OR Cardiac chronotropic OR Predictive value test AND Predictive equations". Resultados: De un total de 1664 artículos, sólo 4 fueron incluidos. Todos los estudios compararon los valores medidos de FCmáx con los estimados por la ecuación "220 - edad", 3 utilizaron la fórmula "208 - (0,7 x edad)" y sólo 1 la ecuación "223 - (1,44 x edad". Aunque todos demostraron que la ecuación "220 - edad" sobreestima la FCmáx, la fórmula "208 - (0,7 x edad") subestimó (2 artículos) y sobreestimó (1 estudio) los resultados medidos, mientras que la ecuación "213 - (1,44 x edad) tampoco fue adecuada. Conclusión: El uso de ecuaciones predictivas de FCmáx en niños y adolescentes atletas no parece indicado. Se recomienda cuidadosamente el uso de puntos de cohorte para estas estimaciones.