A compact setup for behavioral studies measuring limb acceleration.

Behavioral studies contribute largely to a broader understanding of human brain mechanisms and the process of learning and memory. An established method to quantify motor learning is the analysis of thumb activity. In combination with brain stimulation, the effect of various treatments on neural plasticity and motor learning can be assessed. So far, the setups for thumb abduction measurements employed consist of bulky amplifiers and digital-to-analog devices to record the data. We developed a compact hardware setup to measure acceleration data which can be integrated into a wearable, including a sensor board and a microcontroller board which can be connected to a PC via USB. Additionally, we provide two software packages including graphical user interfaces, one to communicate with the hardware and one to evaluate and process the data. This work demonstrates the construction and application of our setup at the example of thumb acceleration measurement with a custom made glove and its use for research. Using integrated circuits, the size of the measurement devices is reduced to this wearable. It is simple to construct and can be operated easily by non-technical staff.

[Neuronal plasticity and neuromodulation in pediatric neurology]. / Neuronale Plastizität und Neuromodulation in der Kinderneurologie.

BACKGROUND: Neuronal plasticity is a core mechanism for learning and memory. Abnormal neuronal plasticity has emerged as a key mechanism in many neurological and neuropediatric diseases. OBJECTIVE: Chances and perspectives of neuromodulation techniques in neurological and neuropediatric diseases with altered neuronal plasticity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Presentation and discussion of own results of neuronal plasticity investigations in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders including RASopathies, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). RESULTS: The results of neuronal plasticity studies in patients with RASopathies, ASD and GTS underline the pathophysiological relevance of abnormal neuronal plasticity in these diseases. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a useful tool to examine and also induce neuronal plasticity in these patients. CONCLUSION: Neuronal plasticity appears to be an important pathophysiological factor in neuronal developmental disorders and can be investigated using TMS. New and innovative techniques may offer novel approaches for individualized TMS applications, particularly in children with neuropediatric conditions.

Hip lateralisation in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy treated with botulinum toxin type A: a 2-year follow-up.

We investigated the effect of BoNT/A injection on hip lateralisation in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and bilateral adductor spasticity. Pelvic radiographs using Reimers' migration index (MI) were evaluated from 27 children (n=9 females, n=18 males; mean age 5.2 ± 1.96 years; range: 2-10 years; initial MI <50%) with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy over a time period of 2 years. All received injections of BoNT/A (Dysport) every 12 weeks with a dose of 30 Units per kilogram body weight into adductor and medial hamstring muscles on both sides. The MI was calculated before treatment and after 1 and 2 years. The mean MI increased from 25.5% (range: 0-48) to 26.7% (+1.2%, range: 0-79) on the right side and from 28.0% (range: 0-40) to 30.6% (+2.6%, range: 3-84) on the left side over 2 years, respectively. Hips of one patient dislocated bilaterally. The mean MI remained stable over 2 years. Although a specific BoNT/A effect cannot be proven because of the open design of this study, we provide strong evidence that the MI can be kept stable for a time period of 2 years under non-surgical management including therapy with BoNT/A even in CP patients with a high risk for hip dislocation.