Neuroscience
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/21717
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Browsing Neuroscience by Author "Bugnariu, Nicoleta"
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Item Functional performance and quality of life in transtibial amputees is influenced by the type of prosthesis(2016-03-23) Patterson, Rita; Godon, Steven; Ginzel, Elizabeth; Bugnariu, Nicoleta; Peters, RebeccaPurpose/Hypothesis: Lower limb amputees may receive a prosthetic limb based on their functional ability, known as a K-level, ranging from least functional, K0 to most functional K4. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of two types of prosthetic feet on balance, walking performance and quality of life in transtibial amputees classified as either K2 or K3. Number of subjects: Seven males and three female, aged 48 to 69 years old with transtibial amputations due to peripheral neuropathy or type II diabetes have completed the study; enrollment is ongoing. Materials/Methods: Study participants are transtibial amputees secondary to diabetes, trauma, or vascular disease currently ambulating with either a K2 or K3 prosthesis. Quality of life was established using SF 36 and the Reintegration to Normal Living Index. Clinical tests: Timed Up and Go, Short Physical Performance Battery, Dynamic Gait Index and Activity Specific Balance Confidence Scales were administered. The V-gait CAREN system measured standing balance sway, gait speed, walking kinematics and kinetics on level ground and on a 4.8 degree ramp. The Physiological Cost Index was calculated for level and ramp walking. Participants completed all test with their current prosthesis and then switched prosthesis types in order to determine immediate effects of switching. Participants were then randomized into groups for a 2-week trial period to evaluate prosthetic foot that are either at, above or below their current functional level. Results were analyzed with pared t-tests. Results:Baseline quality of life, balance, and gait measures for participants currently ambulating with a K2 vs k3 were significantly lower (p Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that K3 prosthetic feet lead to greater quality of life and functional performance. A higher functioning prosthesis for lower functioning amputees may lead to less injuries and falls due to improved balance and coordination, and it may also improve cost effectiveness.Item Visuomotor Integration in Atypical Development(2016-03-23) Miller, Haylie; Patterson, Rita; Bugnariu, Nicoleta; Crocker, KaylaVisuomotor Integration in Atypical Development Purpose Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) commonly present with impairments in both gross and fine motor functions, which could be attributed to abnormalities in visuomotor integration. These impairments negatively affect their ability to coordinate appropriate postural responses while interacting with the environment. It is unclear whether visuomotor deficits seen in DCD individuals occur in attaining visual input, integrating visual information with other sensory inputs, or implementing a motor response. The purpose of this study was to determine how individuals with DCD, compared to those of typical development and eventually to those with ASD, integrate visual information from the environment to maintain postural stability. Methods Twelve participants aged 8 to 11 years old, eight with DCD, two with ASD and two controls participated in this study. Enrollment is ongoing. This study utilized a 12-camera motion-capture system, a Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment Network (CAREN), ETG 2.0 eye tracking system, a 180° wrap-around screen, and computers for controlling and integrating all components. Participants completed one or more visuomotor tasks. In the Disc Match task, participants displace their center of pressure in medial lateral direction to maintain overlap with a disc moving on the screen from left to right at 8 different frequencies. In the Shooting Ducks task participants select, aim, and shoot 24 virtual moving ducks. Percentage of overlap at each frequency and time of execution per target were analyzed with t-tests. Results Percentage of overlap time between target stimulus and Center of Pressure (COP) representation during the Disc Match task revealed overall trend of decreased scores with increased frequency of stimulus frequency, with the highest average score for 0.2 Hz and lowest average score for 0.8 Hz. All participants completed the Shooting Ducks task within the allocated 2 minute trial, however difference in strategies used to select a target, track its movement across the visual field were identified between children with atypical development and controls, resulting in a longer time to complete task. Time hovering on a target until achieving accurate aim was inefficient for DCD and ASD participants respectively. Conclusions Preliminary results demonstrate support for the hypothesis that impaired postural responses in children with DCD and ASD are seen mostly when visuomotor integration is required to organize and execute the appropriate motor program.