Stabilization demands of walking modulate the vestibular contributions to gait.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Magnani RM
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8253745 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Understanding balance and gait deficits in vestibulopathy may help improve clinical care and our knowledge of the vestibular contributions to balance. Here, we examined walking speed effects on gait variability in healthy adults and in adults with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP). Forty-four people with BVP, 12 healthy young adults and 12 healthy older adults walked at 0.4?m/s to 1.6?m/s in 0.2?m/s increments on a dual belt, instrumented treadmill. Using motion capture and kinematic data, the means and coefficients of variation for step length, time, width and double support time were calculated. The BVP group also completed a video head impulse test and examinations of ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and dynamic visual acuity. Walking speed significantly affected all gait parameters. Step length variability at slower speeds and step width variability at faster speeds were the most distinguishing parameters between the healthy participants and people with BVP, and among people with BVP with different locomotor capacities. Step width variability, specifically, indicated an apparent persistent importance of vestibular function at increasing speeds. Gait variability was not associated with the clinical vestibular tests. Our results indicate that gait variability at multiple walking speeds has potential as an assessment tool for vestibular interventions.
| S-EPMC6895118 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Reconstructing the locomotor behavior of extinct animals depends on elucidating the principles that link behavior, function, and morphology, which can only be done using extant animals. Within the human lineage, the evolution of bipedalism represents a critical transition, and evaluating fossil hominins depends on understanding the relationship between lower limb forces and skeletal morphology in living humans. As a step toward that goal, here we use a musculoskeletal model to estimate forces in the lower limb muscles of ten individuals during walking. The purpose is to quantify the consistency, timing, and magnitude of these muscle forces during the stance phase of walking. We find that muscles which act to support or propel the body during walking demonstrate the greatest force magnitudes as well as the highest consistency in the shape of force curves among individuals. Muscles that generate moments in the same direction as, or orthogonal to, the ground reaction force show lower forces of greater variability. These data can be used to define the envelope of load cases that need to be examined in order to understand human lower limb skeletal load bearing.
| S-EPMC8325943 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The ability to move and maintain posture is critically dependent on motion and orientation information provided by the vestibular system. When this system delivers noisy or erred information it can, in some cases, be attenuated through habituation. Here we investigate whether multiple mechanisms of attenuation act to decrease vestibular gain due to noise added using supra-threshold random-waveform galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS). Forty-five participants completed one of three conditions. Each condition consisted of two 4-min standing periods with stimulation surrounding a 1-h period of either walking with stimulation, walking without stimulation, or sitting quietly. An instrumented treadmill recorded horizontal forces at the feet during standing and walking. We quantified response attenuation to GVS by comparing vestibular stimulus-horizontal force gain between conditions. First stimulus exposure caused an 18% decrease in gain during the first 40 s of standing. Attenuation recommenced only when subjects walked with stimulation, resulting in a 38% decrease in gain over 60 min that did not transfer to standing following walking. The disparity in attenuation dynamics and absent carry over between standing and walking suggests that two mechanisms of attenuation, one associated with first exposure to the stimulus and another that is task specific, may act to decrease vestibulomotor gain.
| S-EPMC8046779 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe vestibular system, which encodes our head movement in space, plays an important role in maintaining our balance as we navigate the environment. While in-laboratory research demonstrates that the vestibular system exerts a context-dependent influence on the control of balance during locomotion, differences in whole-body and head kinematics between indoor treadmill and real-world locomotion challenge the generalizability of these findings. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize vestibular-evoked balance responses in the real world using a fully portable system.MethodsWhile experiencing stochastic electrical vestibular stimulation (0-20 Hz, amplitude peak ± 4.5 mA, root mean square 1.25 mA) and wearing inertial measurement units (IMUs) on the head, low back, and ankles, 10 participants walked outside at 52 steps/minute (∼0.4 m/s) and 78 steps/minute (∼0.8 m/s). We calculated time-dependent coherence (a measure of correlation in the frequency domain) between the applied stimulus and the mediolateral back, right ankle, and left ankle linear accelerations to infer the vestibular control of balance during locomotion.ResultsIn all participants, we observed vestibular-evoked balance responses. These responses exhibited phasic modulation across the stride cycle, peaking during the middle of the single-leg stance in the back and during the stance phase for the ankles. Coherence decreased with increasing locomotor cadence and speed, as observed in both bootstrapped coherence differences (p < 0.01) and peak coherence (low back: 0.23 ± 0.07 vs. 0.16 ± 0.14, p = 0.021; right ankle: 0.38 ± 0.12 vs. 0.25 ± 0.10, p < 0.001; left ankle: 0.33 ± 0.09 vs. 0.21 ± 0.09, p < 0.001).DiscussionThese results replicate previous in-laboratory studies, thus providing further insight into the vestibular control of balance during naturalistic movements and validating the use of this portable system as a method to characterize real-world vestibular responses. This study will help support future work that seeks to better understand how the vestibular system contributes to balance in variable real-world environments.
| S-EPMC10800732 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare gaze behaviour during stair and ramp walking between patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction and healthy human subjects.MethodsTwenty four (24) patients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction (14 unilateral and 10 bilateral) and 24 healthy subjects performed stair and ramp up and down walks at self-selected speed. The walks were repeated five times. A mobile eye tracker was used to record gaze behaviour (defined as time directed to pre-defined areas) and an insole measurement device assessed gait (speed, step time, step length). During each walk gaze behaviour relative to i) detection of first transition area "First TA", ii) detection of steps of the mid-staircase area and the handrail "Structure", iii) detection of second transition area "Second TA", and iv) looking elsewhere "Elsewhere" was assessed and expressed as a percentage of the walk duration. For all variables, a one-way ANOVA followed by contrast tests was conducted.ResultsPatients looked significantly longer at the "Structure" (p<0.001) and "Elsewhere" (p<0.001) while walking upstairs compared to walking downstairs (p<0.013). Patients looked significantly longer at the "Structure" (p<0.001) and "Elsewhere" (p<0.001) while walking upstairs compared to walking downstairs (p<0.013). No differences between groups were observed for the transition areas with exception of stair ascending. Patients were also slower going downstairs (p = 0.002) and presented with an increased step time (p = 0.003). Patients were walking faster up the ramp (p = 0.014) with longer step length (p = 0.008) compared to walking down the ramp (p = 0.050) with shorter step length (p = 0.024).ConclusionsPatients with chronic peripheral vestibular hypofunction differed in time directed to pre-defined areas during stair and ramp walking and looked longer at stair and ramp areas of interest during walking compared to healthy subjects. Patients did not differ in time directed to pre-defined areas during the stair-floor transition area while going downstairs, an area where accidents may frequently occur.
| S-EPMC5734743 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionParticipating in singing is considered to have a range of social and psychological benefits. However, the physiological demands of singing and its intensity as a physical activity are not well understood.MethodsWe compared cardiorespiratory parameters while completing components of Singing for Lung Health sessions, with treadmill walking at differing speeds (2, 4 and 6 km/hour).ResultsEight healthy adults were included, none of whom reported regular participation in formal singing activities. Singing induced acute physiological responses that were consistent with moderate intensity activity (metabolic equivalents: median 4.12, IQR 2.72-4.78), with oxygen consumption, heart rate and volume per breath above those seen walking at 4 km/hour. Minute ventilation was higher during singing (median 22.42 L/min, IQR 16.83-30.54) than at rest (11 L/min, 9-13), lower than 6 km/hour walking (30.35 L/min, 26.94-41.11), but not statistically different from 2 km/hour (18.77 L/min, 16.89-21.35) or 4 km/hour (23.27 L/min, 20.09-26.37) walking.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the acute metabolic demands of singing are comparable with walking at a moderately brisk pace, hence, physical effects may contribute to the health and well-being benefits attributed to singing participation. However, if physical training benefits result remains uncertain. Further research including different singing styles, singers and physical performance impacts when used as a training modality is encouraged.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT04121351).
| S-EPMC8162088 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ImportanceRegaining the ability to walk safely is a high priority for adults with vestibular loss. Thus, practitioners need comprehensive knowledge of vestibulopathic gait to design, provide, and/or interpret outcomes of interventions. To date, few studies have characterized the effects of vestibular loss on gait.ObjectivesTo investigate the use of an instrumented 2-minute walk test in adults with vestibular loss, to further characterize vestibulopathic gait, and to assess whether those with chronic vestibular loss have enduring gait deficits.Design, setting, and participantsThis cross-sectional study, conducted between April 3, 2018, and June 27, 2019, recruited adults 20 to 79 years of age from an academic, tertiary, hospital-based, ambulatory care setting who were healthy or had confirmed unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Of the 43 adults who were screened from convenience and referred samples, 2 declined, and 7 were excluded because of health conditions.ExposuresThe main exposure was the instrumented 2-minute walk test, which was conducted with participants using wearable inertial measurement units while they walked a 10-m path at their self-selected speed and turned 180° in their self-selected direction at either end.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary measures were spatiotemporal gait metrics (eg, stride length [SL] and peak whole-body turning velocity). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess between-group differences. Validity was assessed using the area under the curve from receiver operator characteristic analyses.ResultsData from 17 healthy adults (mean [SD] age, 39.27 [11.20] years; 13 [76%] female) and 13 adults with vestibular loss (mean [SD] age, 60.50 [10.81] years; 6 [46%] female) were analyzed. Very large between-group differences were found for SL (left) (estimated marginal mean [SE] for healthy vs vestibular groups, 1.47 [0.04] m vs 1.31 [0.04] m; Cohen d, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.18-2.52), SL (right) (estimated marginal mean [SE] for healthy vs vestibular groups, 1.46 [0.04] m vs 1.29 [0.04] m; Cohen d, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.25-2.62), and peak turn velocity (estimated marginal mean [SE] for healthy vs vestibular groups, 240.17 [12.78]°/s vs 189.74 [14.70]°/s; Cohen d, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.07-2.40). The area under the curve was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.62-0.95) for SL (left), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.64-0.97) for SL (right), and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.72-0.99) for peak turn velocity.Conclusions and relevanceIn this cross-sectional study, instrumented gait analysis had good discriminative validity and revealed persistent deficits in gait stability in those with chronic vestibular loss. The findings of this study suggest that these clinically and functionally meaningful deficits could be targets for vestibular rehabilitation.
| S-EPMC8251650 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundQuadrupedal movement training (QMT) is a novel alternative form of exercise recently shown to improve several fitness characteristics including flexibility, movement quality, and dynamic balance. However, the specific energy demands of this style of training remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the energy expenditure (EE) of a beginner-level quadrupedal movement training (QMT) class using Animal Flow (AF) to walking, and to compare EE between segments of the AF class and gender.MethodsParticipants (15 male, 15 female) completed 60-min sessions of AF, treadmill walking at a self-selected intensity (SSIT) and treadmill walking at an intensity that matched the heart rate of the AF session (HRTM). Indirect calorimetry was used to estimate energy expenditure.ResultsAF resulted in an EE of 6.7 ± 1.8 kcal/min, 5.4 ± 1.0 METs, and HR of 127.1 ± 16.1 bpm (63.4 ± 8.1% of the subjects' age-predicted maximum HR), while SSIT resulted in an EE of 5.1 ± 1.0 kcal/min, 4.3 ± 0.7 METs, HR of 99.8 ± 13.5 bpm (49.8 ± 6.7% age-predicted maximum HR), and HRTM resulted in and EE of 7.6 ± 2.2 kcal/min, 6.1 ± 1.0 METs, and HR of 124.9 ± 16.3 bpm (62.3 ± 8.2% age-predicted maximum HR). Overall, EE, METs, HR and respiratory data for AF was greater than SSIT (p's < 0.001) and either comparable or slightly less than HRTM. The Flow segment showed the highest EE (8.7 ± 2.7 kcal/min), METs (7.0 ± 1.7) and HR (153.2 ± 15.7 bpm). Aside from HR, males demonstrated greater EE, METs, and respiratory values across all sessions and segments of AF than females.ConclusionsQMT using AF meets the ACSM's criteria for moderate-intensity physical activity and should be considered a viable alternative to help meet physical activity guidelines.
| S-EPMC9606455 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Gait is often considered as an automatic movement but cortical control seems necessary to adapt gait pattern with environmental constraints. In order to study cortical activity during real locomotion, electroencephalography (EEG) appears to be particularly appropriate. It is now possible to record changes in cortical neural synchronization/desynchronization during gait. Studying gait initiation is also of particular interest because it implies motor and cognitive cortical control to adequately perform a step. Time-frequency analysis enables to study induced changes in EEG activity in different frequency bands. Such analysis reflects cortical activity implied in stabilized gait control but also in more challenging tasks (obstacle crossing, changes in speed, dual tasks…). These spectral patterns are directly influenced by the walking context but, when analyzing gait with a more demanding attentional task, cortical areas other than the sensorimotor cortex (prefrontal, posterior parietal cortex, etc.) seem specifically implied. While the muscular activity of legs and cortical activity are coupled, the precise role of the motor cortex to control the level of muscular contraction according to the gait task remains debated. The decoding of this brain activity is a necessary step to build valid brain-computer interfaces able to generate gait artificially.
| S-EPMC7071606 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Control of human walking is not thoroughly understood, which has implications in developing suitable strategies for the retraining of a functional gait following neurological injuries such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Bipedal robots allow us to investigate simple elements of the complex nervous system to quantify their contribution to motor control. RunBot is a bipedal robot which operates through reflexes without using central pattern generators or trajectory planning algorithms. Ground contact information from the feet is used to activate motors in the legs, generating a gait cycle visually similar to that of humans. Rather than developing a more complicated biologically realistic neural system to control the robot's stepping, we have instead further simplified our model by measuring the correlation between heel contact and leg muscle activity (EMG) in human subjects during walking and from this data created filter functions transferring the sensory data into motor actions. Adaptive filtering was used to identify the unknown transfer functions which translate the contact information into muscle activation signals. Our results show a causal relationship between ground contact information from the heel and EMG, which allows us to create a minimal, linear, analogue control system for controlling walking. The derived transfer functions were applied to RunBot II as a proof of concept. The gait cycle produced was stable and controlled, which is a positive indication that the transfer functions have potential for use in the control of assistive devices for the retraining of an efficient and effective gait with potential applications in SCI rehabilitation.
| S-EPMC4210155 | biostudies-literature