Eryk Przysucha - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Eryk Przysucha

Pregnancy coincides with sensory, perceptual and motor changes that may affect a person's ability... more Pregnancy coincides with sensory, perceptual and motor changes that may affect a person's ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs). Previous research suggested that weight and gestational age (trimester) may affect the way women negotiate balance related tasks, but these issues require further analysis. This study utilized Newell's Model of Constraints as a framework to shape a questionnaire investigating an individual's ability to perform different task-related activities across various constraints. Additionally, this study examined whether variables such as pre-pregnancy weight (under vs. over 155 pounds) and trimester (before vs. after 26 weeks) had an impact on their ability to perform different tasks requiring balance. Twenty pregnant or postpartum women (M = 29.7 years; SD = 3.6) were recruited and asked to complete a 15 item online survey exploring their abilities to complete a variety of daily tasks involving balance. In addition, open-ended questions were posed to gain qualitative insights into their experiences. A series of independent sample t-tests showed predominantly no statistical difference between the levels of the variables manipulated. At the descriptive level the women indicated that they were relatively comfortable performing the different tasks. However, the qualitative responses suggested that although they were capable, it was clear that they expended a substantial amount of energy to avoid falling, resulting in fatigue and soreness, and they experienced overall mental anguish and feelings of being overwhelmed. Overall, it was surprising that weight and gestational age, which intuitively should have impact, did not have a more pronounced effect on the women's confidence in performing ADLs, nevertheless, qualitative responses confirmed the challenging effects of pregnancy on balance control.

IGI Global eBooks, Feb 4, 2022

Posturalcontrolisattentiondemanding,anditmaybejeopardizedwhenasecondarycognitivetask isinvolved,p... more Posturalcontrolisattentiondemanding,anditmaybejeopardizedwhenasecondarycognitivetask isinvolved,particularlyforolderadults.Themagnitudeofthisinterferencedependsondifferent individual (perceptuo-motor status), task (single vs. dual tasking), and environmental constraints (supportsurface).Thepurposeofthisresearchwastoexamineifolderadultsmaybeaffectedby varioustypesofsecondarycognitivetasks,whilemaintainingquietstandingondifferentsupport surfaces.Inlinewithconceptualmodels,theresultsindicatedthatposturalcontrolofolderadults wascompromisedwhentheywererequiredtodual-task,especiallywhenthesupportsurfacewas challenging.ThiswasarobustfindingacrossallthemeasuresofCOP.Inregardstothedegreeto whichdifferentattentionaltasksaffectedposturalcontrol,theresultsremainedequivocal.Froma practicalstandpoint,theresultsindicatedthatolderadultsshouldexhibitcautionwhensimultaneously performingabalanceandacognitivetaskinvolvedparticularlywhenthesurfaceisunsteady.

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Jun 1, 2010

This investigation examined the catching coordination of 12 boys (M age = 9.9 years, SD = .8) wit... more This investigation examined the catching coordination of 12 boys (M age = 9.9 years, SD = .8) with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; M age = 10.5 years, SD = .8), under different task constraints. Participants attempted a total of 60 catches in central and lateral locations, under blocked and randomized conditions. No effect of randomization was found for the number of balls caught, but a significant Group x Location interaction effect (p &amp;amp;amp;lt; .0001) showed that typically developing boys had nearly perfect scores. Boys with DCD caught more balls in central (73%) than lateral trials (47%). During the latter grasping and positional errors were also evident. Due to pronounced functional difficulties in the lateral trials, and coinciding differences in the arm and leg actions, it was concluded that intersegmental coordination constituted the organizational limits for boys with DCD.

RA journal of applied research, Sep 15, 2016

Objective: The purpose was to explore the reliability of the Total Test Score (TTS) and three sub... more Objective: The purpose was to explore the reliability of the Total Test Score (TTS) and three subsections of age band 2 of MABC-2 using test re-test and internal consistency measures. Patients and Methods: Forty typically functioning children (18 boys, 22 girls) (M = 9 years, 2 months, SD = 1 year, 3 months) were assessed twice, two weeks apart, by the same researcher in the same laboratory setting. Intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient examined the test-retest stability whereas Cronbach's alpha was used to examine the internal consistency of the items. Results: The normality, skewness and kurtosis of standard, component and percentile scores were examined first. Among the three scoring systems, the standard scores met the majority of the assumptions tested. Based on these scores, the testretest reliability revealed questionable stability for the TTS (ICC = .67), with balance exhibiting the poorest reliability across the three subsections (ICC = .56). The analysis of the internal consistency revealed a similar trend with aiming and catching exhibiting the lowest Cronbach alpha (.49) Conclusion: From the clinical perspective, caution is warranted when component and percentile scores are used. In terms of reliability, while the TTS was most stable, the analyses confirmed previous findings suggesting that overall the MABC-2 is not a reliable assessment tool for children between the ages of 7 to 10. Due to these findings, when using this age band the child should be retested and/or the inferences emerging from this test should be triangulated with other formal assessment tests.

Journal of Clinical Medical Research

Background: A substantial amount of descriptive, rehabilitation and review research examined the ... more Background: A substantial amount of descriptive, rehabilitation and review research examined the behavioral (kinematic) nature of intra-limb organization in reaching and grasping actions in individuals who suffered a stroke. However, the majority of this work failed to explicitly address the level of movement organization affected, the conceptual relevance to existing theories of motor control, and the impact of different constraints on the emerging actions. Thus, the purpose was to examine whether the selected studies examined the issue in coordination and/or control, in the context of the existing conceptual frameworks. The second purpose was to delineate which individual and task constraints have been examined in previous work, and infer the degree to which these factors affected the nature of the emerging movement patterns. Methods: The search of four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL), including published work between January 2019 and March 2022, yielded twen...

International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare

The risk of concussions in ice hockey is high despite use of vinyl-nitrile (VN) and expanded poly... more The risk of concussions in ice hockey is high despite use of vinyl-nitrile (VN) and expanded polypropylene (EPP) materials in helmet liners. Linings made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) seem to offer better mitigation of impact accelerations. The first purpose of this study was to compare the use of TPU linings to VN and EPP liners on measures of energy absorption capabilities during static loading. The second was to examine the effectiveness of TPU liners in reducing acceleration and risk of head injury when compared to VN and EPP liners during simulated dynamic head impact collisions. The static test indicated that TPU absorbed 38.6% of the loading energy compared to 15.8% for VN and 41.8% for EPP linings. The dynamic testing revealed that the TPU liners outperformed VN and EPP liners at the side, rear boss, and rear locations. Use of multi-material helmet liner made of TPU and EPP is suggested.

Journal of Clinical Medical Research

Background: Ankle Osteoarthritis represents an important limiter on different aspects of efficien... more Background: Ankle Osteoarthritis represents an important limiter on different aspects of efficient functioning of the ankle joints. The purpose of this study was to examine if application of zinc white tape and Kinesiotape would have an immediate positive effect on balance and strength of an older adult with ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: A 44 year old male diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his right ankle was recruited. The participant was 5’10” tall and weighted 178 lbs. He performed the Single-Leg Jump-Landing Test (SLJLT), the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Standing Heel Rise Test (SHRT) without tape, and then with Kinesio and white Zinc tape. The tests were implemented on different days to prevent fatigue. Results: The results revealed that in comparison to no-tape conditions, both taping approaches coincided with enhanced static and dynamic balance control, as inferred from the Single-Leg Jump-Landing Test (SLJLT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) respectively....

Sports injuries & medicine, Mar 29, 2022

Approximately 30% of the elderly population (> 65 years) experience frequent falls which negative... more Approximately 30% of the elderly population (> 65 years) experience frequent falls which negatively impacts their physical well-being. This problem is even more pronounced in elderly women who exhibit chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. As a result, there is a continuous need for non-invasive programs aimed at the improvement of balance, flexibility and strength. The purpose of this research was to examine if proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitated (PNF) stretching exercises enhanced flexibility, sstrength, static balance, and postural adaptations in three elderly women with osteoarthritis in their lower extremities. Three females (M = 64.3, SD = 3.85) completed a pre-test, 12 stretching sessions (3 per week for four weeks), a post-test, and a retention test. Static balance in standing was measured on a force place and was inferred from center of pressure (COP) path length (cm) whereas COP sway area (cm 2) was used to examine changes in postural adaptations. The flexibility was inferred from range of motion of the hip, knee, and ankle joints measured with a goniometer, whereas a sit to stand test was used to capture the changes in strength. Descriptive results showed that all three participants experienced an increase in strength, but even more importantly clinically relevant changes in ROM were evident in the majority of the muscle groups targeted. Static balance remained unaffected, but as expected, the ability to generate dynamic postural adaptations was enhanced, which may have an important impact on overall prevention of falling and staggering. Although the sample size was small, the findings appear to be robust across the participants thus confirming the usefulness of PNF stretching on different aspects of gross motor function in women with osteoarthritis.

International Journal of Psychological Studies

Many children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) cannot throw, which often prevents t... more Many children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) cannot throw, which often prevents them from taking part in age-appropriate activities. The present research examined the degree to which variable practice, embedded in the Motor Schema Theory (Schmidt, 1975), would positively affect movement effectiveness, and coinciding accuracy, as well and parametrization of spatial and temporal aspects of control. Nine boys diagnosed with DCD (M = 10.7 years, SD = 1.0) participated in a pre-test, ten 30 minute training sessions, post-test, and a transfer test. Only pre- and post-tests involved kinematic data collection and measurement of accuracy. The variable practice involved throwing a tennis ball from a distance of 5 meters at 3 different targets (40 cm vs 35 cm vs 25 cm), positioned in three different locations. The transfer test was presented in a new environment with novel conditions. Results reveled improvement in movement effectiveness, at the group level, however when indivi...

Journal of Textile Science & Engineering, 2016

The objective of this study was to examine differences across hockey helmet impact locations on e... more The objective of this study was to examine differences across hockey helmet impact locations on energy dissipation characteristics when mounted on a NOCSEA headform attached to a mechanical neck and drop carriage. Linear triaxial accelerometers mounted inside the headform were used to compute the energy dissipation across helmet impact locations. The amount of energy dissipated was calculated for five helmet impact locations including the front, front boss, side, rear boss, and rear. Inferential statistical analysis revealed significant differences in energy loading, F(4,21)=19.727, p<0.005, η2 = 0.78 and energy unloading, F(4,21)=56.793, η2 = 0.91 p<0.005 across impact locations. There were, however, no significant differences in the amount of energy dissipated across helmet impact locations, F(4,21)=2.033,p=0.126. This outcome suggests that the hockey helmet mounted on a headform behaves differently on how it loads and unloads energy across impact locations, but appears to b...

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 2008

This study compared the nature of postural adaptations and control tendencies, between 7 (n = 9) ... more This study compared the nature of postural adaptations and control tendencies, between 7 (n = 9) and 11-year-old boys (n = 10) with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and age-matched, younger (n = 10) and older (n = 9) peers in a leaning task. Examination of anterior-posterior, medio-lateral, maximum and mean area of sway, and path length revealed one significant interaction as older, unaffected boys swayed more than all other groups (p < .01). As a group, boys with DCD displayed smaller anterior-posterior (p < .01) and area of sway (p < .01). Analysis of relative time spent in the corrective phase (p < .002) revealed that boys with DCD spent 54% under feedback control while boys without DCD spent 78%. This was attributed to reduced proprioceptive sensitivity, as confirmed by significant differences between the groups (p < .009) in spectral analysis of peak frequency of sway.

European Journal of Physical Education, 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of a Greek version of the Mov... more The purpose of this study was to assess the test-retest reliability of a Greek version of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children Checklist (MABCC, Sugden and Sugden, 1991). The checklist is a valid instrument It has been designed to be used by teachers, parents and other professionals working with children with movement difficulties. The MABCC explores the relationship between the child and the environment within which he/she is moving. It comprises four sections. Each section includes 12 items giving a total of 48 items. The sample for this study was drawn from 10 elementary schools randomly selected from a pool of elementary schools with a total of 200 children (100 boys and 100 girls). Each school's physical education specialist was asked to complete the MABCC for each of the selected children in the specific school. Two weeks after the last MABCC was returned and without prior warning, 50% of the checklists were completed again on the same children as a measure of reliability. Twenty were either incomplete or not returned. Thus 80 test-retest checklists were analysed for this study. The reliability coefficients were high for the total checklist score (Kendall's W=.93) as well as for the separate section scores (Kendall's W=.87-.97). A further analysis was performed including the checklists of those children who, according to test norms, fell under the lowest 15% thus had some degree of movement difficulties. The coefficients from this further analysis were high for the total checklist score (ICC=.94) and for the separate section scores (ICC=.81-.97), which was in accordance with the initial results. The results of this study are encouraging and seem to support the stability of this Greek version of the MABCC.

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 2010

Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 2012

ABSTRACT In this study the authors examine the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of... more ABSTRACT In this study the authors examine the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Repeat Ice Skating Test (RIST). This was an on-ice field anaerobic test that measured average peak power and was validated with 3 anaerobic lab tests: (a) vertical jump, (b) the Margaria–Kalamen stair test, and (c) the Wingate Anaerobic Test. The participants (n = 14) were 11- to 12-year-old males selected from a Peewee “A” level ice hockey team (Thunder Bay, Canada). The results of the test–retest reliability estimation showed that the RIST was a reliable test at measuring average peak power in watts (R = .99, C.I.95% = 0.97 to 0.99) and watts per kilogram (R = .98, C.I.95% = 0.94 to 0.99). The RIST was also a valid test when correlated with the 3 anaerobic lab tests for measuring peak power in watts: vertical jump (r = .86, C.I.95% = 0.72 to 0.94), Margaria–Kalamen stair test (r = .66, C.I.95% = 0.39 to 0.83) and Wingate Anaerobic Test (r = .86, C.I.95% = 0.72 to 0.93). The test is considered promising because it does not require any specific equipment, and is a sport-specific, on-ice test, that can be administered during a regular ice hockey practice session.

Physiotherapy Canada, 2016

We sought to identify validated measures that capture illness perception and behavior and have be... more We sought to identify validated measures that capture illness perception and behavior and have been used to assess people who have knee pain/osteoarthritis. Relevance: The assessment of 'illness perception and behavior' can help to recognize illness and inform the implementation of strategies for managing pain and disability. Materials and Methods: We performed a scoping review. Nine electronic databases were searched for publications from inception through April 19, 2015. Search terms included illness perception, illness behavior, knee, pain, osteoarthritis, and their related terms. This review included primary research publications on people with knee pain/osteoarthritis who were assessed with validated measures capturing any of four components of 'illness perception and behavior': monitor body, define and interpret symptoms, take remedial action, and utilize sources of help. Analysis: Two reviewers independently coded and analyzed each relevant measure using the four components as predetermined codes and directed content analysis. Results: We identified sixteen relevant validated measures within seventyone publications. These measures were originally developed to capture constructs that include coping strategies/skills/styles, illness belief, illness perception, self-efficacy, and pain behavior. Coding results indicated that five, eleven, twelve and five measures included the monitor body, define and interpret symptoms, take remedial action, and utilize sources of help components, respectively. Several validated measures were interpreted as capturing some components, and only one measure was interpreted as capturing all four components of 'illness perception and behavior' in the target population. Conclusions: This paper is a useful resource for physical therapists when selecting measures to assess 'illness perception and behavior' in patients with knee pain/osteoarthritis.

Journal of Motor Behavior, 2014

There is a gap in the literature in regard to analysis of intralimb coordination exhibited by chi... more There is a gap in the literature in regard to analysis of intralimb coordination exhibited by children with (n D 10) and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD; n D 9) in 1-handed catching. The functional data showed that children without DCD (M age D 10.6 years, SD D 1.08 years) were nearly perfect. Children with DCD (M age D 11.0 years, SD D 1.16 years) caught significantly fewer balls, and this was despite the fact that not all of them had difficulties organizing their actions at intralimb level of coordination. The analysis of the coinciding actions revealed differences at the distal (elbow-wrist relations), but not at the proximal joints where both groups exhibited decoupling between the shoulder and elbow joints. Large variability within the groups also suggested that the notion of universal coordinative tendencies at intralimb level of coordination has to be treated with caution. This is particularly true for children with DCD as different subgroups emerged in the present sample.

Journal of Neurophysiology, 2014

Factors shaping joint coordination during multijoint movements were studied using a one-handed ba... more Factors shaping joint coordination during multijoint movements were studied using a one-handed ball-catching task. Typically developing (TD) boys between 9 and 12 yr of age, at which catching becomes consistently successful, and boys with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) of the same age participated in the study. The arm was initially stretched down. Catching was performed by flexing the shoulder and elbow and extending the wrist in the parasagittal plane. Catching success rate was substantially lower in children with DCD. Amplitudes and directions of joint motions were similar in both groups. Group differences were found in shoulder and elbow coordination patterns. TD children performed the movement predominantly by actively accelerating into flexion, one joint at a time—first the elbow and then the shoulder—and allowing passive interaction torque (IT) to accelerate the other joint into extension. Children with DCD tended to accelerate both joints into flexion simultaneous...

International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare, 2019

IGI Global eBooks, Feb 4, 2022

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Jun 1, 2010

RA journal of applied research, Sep 15, 2016

Journal of Clinical Medical Research

International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare

Journal of Clinical Medical Research

Sports injuries & medicine, Mar 29, 2022

International Journal of Psychological Studies

Journal of Textile Science & Engineering, 2016

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 2008

European Journal of Physical Education, 2003

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 2010

Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 2012

Physiotherapy Canada, 2016

Journal of Motor Behavior, 2014

Journal of Neurophysiology, 2014

International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare, 2019