Tanneke Palmans - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Tanneke Palmans

Research paper thumbnail of Differences between Coracoclavicular, Acromioclavicular, or Combined Reconstruction Techniques on the Kinematics of the Shoulder Girdle

The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Background: Although the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are classically reconstructed after acro... more Background: Although the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are classically reconstructed after acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries, biomechanical studies over the past decade have indicated the importance of an additional reconstruction of the AC ligaments. To date, no kinematic study has investigated the kinematic differences between these reconstruction strategies. Purpose: To evaluate the restoration of shoulder motion after an AC injury using a CC ligament, an AC ligament, or a combined reconstruction technique. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: After creating a Rockwood grade V lesion in 14 cadaveric shoulders, the AC joint injury was treated with either a CC ligament reconstruction using a suspension device, an in situ AC ligament reconstruction using 2 coupled soft tissue anchors, or a combination of these 2 techniques. Joint motions were registered during humerothoracic elevation in the coronal plane and protraction in the intact shoulder in a Rockwood V le...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing spatiotemporal gait parameters between overground walking and self-paced treadmill walking in persons after stroke

Disability and Rehabilitation, Mar 25, 2022

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate if a self-paced treadmill in a virtual environm... more A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate if a self-paced treadmill in a virtual environment could serve as a valuable alternative for overground gait assessment in persons after stroke. The results indicate that a self-paced treadmill can be used for clinical gait analysis, taking into account the difference in preferred walking speed.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of arm slings on posture, balance and gait in subacute stroke patients: A case control study

Research paper thumbnail of DS_10.1177_0363546520908604 – Supplemental material for Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity by Use of Fine-Wire Electrodes During Shoulder Exercises

Supplemental material, DS_10.1177_0363546520908604 for Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle... more Supplemental material, DS_10.1177_0363546520908604 for Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity by Use of Fine-Wire Electrodes During Shoulder Exercises by Kelly Berckmans, Birgit Castelein, Dorien Borms, Tanneke Palmans, Thierry Parlevliet and Ann Cools in The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Kinematic Alterations In The Shoulder Complex In Rockwood V Acromioclavicular Dislocations During Humerothoracic And Scapulothoracic Movements

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Does verbal and tactile feedback change EMG activity in shoulder girdle and trunk muscles during plyometric exercise in overhead athletes with and without shoulder pain?

Physical Therapy in Sport, 2022

OBJECTIVES To investigate if there is a difference in muscle activity for overhead athletes befor... more OBJECTIVES To investigate if there is a difference in muscle activity for overhead athletes before and after an intervention with correction of both core and scapula compared to no intervention and is there a difference between overhead athletes with or without shoulder pain. DESIGN Controlled laboratory EMG study including intervention. SETTING University EMG laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Sixty overhead athletes, 30 with shoulder pain and 30 healthy controls were included performing plyometric rotational shoulder exercise. MAIN OUTCOMES Half of the participants received an intervention the other half were controls with no intervention. EMG muscle activity from 10 scapular, thoraco-humeral and trunk muscles were measured. RESULTS There were no significant differences in muscle activation levels between the groups with or without intervention. For the shoulder pain group, there were significant lower activity in Upper Trapezius when repeating the exercise. The shoulder pain group had significant higher activity in Pectoralis Major compared to the Healthy Control group. CONCLUSIONS Most differences were found between the pre- and post-test. Repetition of the exercise seems to be more important than verbal and tactile instructions. Comparing the shoulder pain group with the healthy controls confirms previous findings that, pain patients recruit muscles differently from healthy persons.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of heeldrop height on running pattern

Research paper thumbnail of Beïnvloedt vermoeidheid motorische controle van de rompspieren bij gezonde personen tijdens een rappe armtaak? (voorlopige resultaten)

Research paper thumbnail of Does experimentally induced pain-related fear influence central and peripheral movement preparation in healthy people and patients with low back pain?

Pain, 2020

Nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a multifactorial disorder. Pain-related fear and alte... more Nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a multifactorial disorder. Pain-related fear and altered movement preparation are considered to be key factors in the chronification process. Interactions between both have been hypothesized, but studies examining the influence of situational fear on movement preparation in low back pain (LBP) are wanting, as well as studies differentiating between recurrent LBP (RLBP) and CLBP. Therefore, this study examined whether experimentally induced painrelated fear influences movement preparation. In healthy controls (n 5 32), RLBP (n 5 31) and CLBP (n 5 30) patients central and peripheral measures of movement preparation were assessed by concurrently measuring trunk muscle anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) with electromyography and contingent negative variation with EEG during performance of rapid arm movements. Two conditions were compared, one without (no fear) and one with (fear) possibility of painful stimulation to the back during rapid arm movements. Visual analogue scales were used to assess pain-related expectations/fear in both conditions. The experimentally induced fear of pain during movement performance led to an increase in contingent negative variation amplitude, which was similar in all 3 groups. Concerning APAs, no effects of fear were found, but group differences with generally delayed APAs in CLBP compared with controls and RLBP patients were evident. These results suggest that with fear, an attentional redirection towards more conscious central movement preparation strategies occurs. Furthermore, differences in movement preparation in patients with RLBP and CLBP exist, which could explain why patients with RLBP have more recovery capabilities than patients with CLBP.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of three-dimensional movement of the spine and pelvis during routine clinical assessment

Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanical differences between fixed-speed and self-paced treadmill walking in persons after stroke

Research paper thumbnail of Electromyographic Muscle Activity and Three‐Dimensional Scapular Kinematics in Patients With Multidirectional Shoulder Instability: A Study in the Hypermobile Type of the Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome and the Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Arthritis Care & Research, 2020

To investigate differences in electromyography (EMG), muscle activity, and scapular kinematics du... more To investigate differences in electromyography (EMG), muscle activity, and scapular kinematics during elevation in the scapular plane between healthy controls, participants with multidirectional shoulder laxity (MDL), and patients with multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) who are diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).

Research paper thumbnail of Does muscular or mental fatigue have an influence on the nociceptive flexion reflex? A randomized cross‐over study in healthy people

European Journal of Pain, 2021

The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) is a spinally‐mediated withdrawal reflex occurring in respon... more The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) is a spinally‐mediated withdrawal reflex occurring in response to noxious stimuli and is used as an electrophysiological marker of spinal nociception. Although it is well‐documented that the NFR is subject to powerful modulation of several personal factors, the effects of experimentally induced fatigue on the NFR have not yet been examined. Hence, this study aimed to characterize if and how fatigue affects spinal nociception in healthy adults.

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of physical activity on the nociceptive flexion reflex in healthy people

European Journal of Pain, 2020

The present study provides preliminary evidence that the influencing effects of physical activity... more The present study provides preliminary evidence that the influencing effects of physical activity on pain are the result of a strong descending control and do not purely rely on supraspinal mechanisms. These study results highlight the importance of considering physical activity levels when evaluating nociceptive processing, given the prognostic Accepted Article This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved value of physical activity in spinal nociception. Furthermore, this study encourages future research to examine the effects of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise programs on spinal nociception in chronic pain populations.

Research paper thumbnail of Immediate effects of arm slings on posture, balance and gait in sub-acute stroke patients: A case control study

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity by Use of Fine-Wire Electrodes During Shoulder Exercises

The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020

Background: During nonoperative or postoperative rehabilitation after sports injuries, exercise s... more Background: During nonoperative or postoperative rehabilitation after sports injuries, exercise selection is often based on minimal load on the injured/repaired glenohumeral structures, while optimally activating scapulothoracic muscles. Previous research explored scapular muscle activity during rehabilitation exercises using surface electromyography (EMG). However, limited information exists about the deeper lying muscle activity, measured with fine-wire electrodes, even more in combination with 3-dimensional scapular kinematics. Purpose: To report scapular kinematics synchronously with surface and fine-wire EMG during specific shoulder exercises for early rehabilitation. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 23 healthy male patients were recruited. Three-dimensional scapular kinematics were measured combined with EMG recording of 8 muscles during 4 commonly used shoulder exercises (inferior glide, low row, lawnmower, and robbery). Upper (UT), middle (MT),...

Research paper thumbnail of Physical and cognitive exertion do not influence feedforward activation of the trunk muscles: a randomized crossover trial

Experimental Brain Research, 2019

Fatigue arises during everyday activities, diminishes movement performance, and increases injury ... more Fatigue arises during everyday activities, diminishes movement performance, and increases injury risk. Physical (PE) and cognitive exertion (CE) can induce similar feelings of fatigue, but it is not clear whether these also similarly affect movement performance. Therefore, this study examined the influence of PE and CE on anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) of trunk muscles, which are feedforward mechanisms that contribute to motor control and controlled movement. Rapid arm movement tasks (RAM) were used to induce APAs of the trunk muscles prior and following three experimental conditions in 20 healthy adults: seated rest without exertion (NE), a combined isometric modified Biering-Sörensen and static abdominal curl to induce PE, and a modified incongruent Stroop colour-word task to induce CE. Fatigue was assessed using self-reported measures, and APA onset latencies of the trunk muscles with surface electromyography. Statistical analyses revealed that neither PE nor CE influence APAs of the trunk. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the influence of fatigue on movement performance might not be through altered motor control, but rather by reduced motivation. However, the possibility that fatigue might influence other mechanisms which contribute to trunk motor control, such as APA amplitude and variability, cannot be excluded and need further examination.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Paratonia on Fine and Gross Motor Function in Older Adults With Mild and Moderate Dementia

Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 2018

Background: Dementia is associated with impairment in gait, balance, and fine motor function. Par... more Background: Dementia is associated with impairment in gait, balance, and fine motor function. Paratonia, a form of hypertonia, is often present in severe dementia. However, little is known about muscle tone in early dementia, and the eventual relation between muscle tone abnormalities and changes in fine and gross motor function. Methods: Three groups of participants were included in the study: healthy controls (n = 60), participants with mild dementia (MiD) (n = 31), and participants with moderate dementia (n = 31). Measurements of fine motricity (Purdue pegboard test), balance and gait (Dynaport Hybrid), the presence of paratonia (PAI), and muscle tone measurements (MyotonPRO) were performed. Results: Paratonia was present in 42% of participants with MiD and in 58% of participants with moderate dementia. Participants with paratonia had lower Purdue Pegboard scores (P < 0.001), lower balance coordination in semitandem stance (P < 0.001), lower walking speed at a fast pace (P = 0.001), and lower step regularity at normal (P = 0.025) and fast (P < 0.001) pace. Conclusions: Paratonia is already present in participants with MiD and is associated with a decline in both fine and gross motor performance. Early detection of paratonia might be helpful to detect persons at higher risk of motor deterioration and falls.

Research paper thumbnail of Motor impairment in patients with chronic neck pain: does the traumatic event play a significant role? A case-control study

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, Jan 31, 2018

Motor impairment is a key sign in patients with traumatic (whiplash-associated disorder [WAD]) an... more Motor impairment is a key sign in patients with traumatic (whiplash-associated disorder [WAD]) and non-traumatic (idiopathic neck pain [INP]) neck pain. This study aimed to analyze differences in motor impairment between two patient groups and to assess the association between motor performance and self-reported symptoms. This is a case-control study. A total of 38 patients with chronic INP, 35 patients with chronic WAD, and 30 healthy pain-free controls were included in the study. Outcome measures used in this study were mobility (°), strength (N), repositioning accuracy (°), endurance (seconds), sway velocity (cm/s), sway area (cm), and neuromuscular control. Group differences of motor impairment, together with questionnaires to evaluate pain intensity, fear avoidance, pain catastrophizing, symptoms of central sensitization, and disability, were analyzed with analysis of covariance, including age as a covariate. Motor impairment was observed in both patient groups with a higher de...

Research paper thumbnail of Deviating running kinematics and hamstring injury susceptibility in male soccer players: Cause or consequence?

Gait & Posture, 2017

This was the first prospective study assessing the possible influence of running kinematics on ha... more This was the first prospective study assessing the possible influence of running kinematics on hamstring injury risk in male soccer players. As suggested repeatedly in prior research, the present work underlined the necessity of sufficient functional integrity of the proximal core unit for safe hamstring functioning during high speed running.

Research paper thumbnail of Differences between Coracoclavicular, Acromioclavicular, or Combined Reconstruction Techniques on the Kinematics of the Shoulder Girdle

The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Background: Although the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are classically reconstructed after acro... more Background: Although the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are classically reconstructed after acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries, biomechanical studies over the past decade have indicated the importance of an additional reconstruction of the AC ligaments. To date, no kinematic study has investigated the kinematic differences between these reconstruction strategies. Purpose: To evaluate the restoration of shoulder motion after an AC injury using a CC ligament, an AC ligament, or a combined reconstruction technique. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: After creating a Rockwood grade V lesion in 14 cadaveric shoulders, the AC joint injury was treated with either a CC ligament reconstruction using a suspension device, an in situ AC ligament reconstruction using 2 coupled soft tissue anchors, or a combination of these 2 techniques. Joint motions were registered during humerothoracic elevation in the coronal plane and protraction in the intact shoulder in a Rockwood V le...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing spatiotemporal gait parameters between overground walking and self-paced treadmill walking in persons after stroke

Disability and Rehabilitation, Mar 25, 2022

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate if a self-paced treadmill in a virtual environm... more A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate if a self-paced treadmill in a virtual environment could serve as a valuable alternative for overground gait assessment in persons after stroke. The results indicate that a self-paced treadmill can be used for clinical gait analysis, taking into account the difference in preferred walking speed.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of arm slings on posture, balance and gait in subacute stroke patients: A case control study

Research paper thumbnail of DS_10.1177_0363546520908604 – Supplemental material for Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity by Use of Fine-Wire Electrodes During Shoulder Exercises

Supplemental material, DS_10.1177_0363546520908604 for Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle... more Supplemental material, DS_10.1177_0363546520908604 for Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity by Use of Fine-Wire Electrodes During Shoulder Exercises by Kelly Berckmans, Birgit Castelein, Dorien Borms, Tanneke Palmans, Thierry Parlevliet and Ann Cools in The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Kinematic Alterations In The Shoulder Complex In Rockwood V Acromioclavicular Dislocations During Humerothoracic And Scapulothoracic Movements

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Does verbal and tactile feedback change EMG activity in shoulder girdle and trunk muscles during plyometric exercise in overhead athletes with and without shoulder pain?

Physical Therapy in Sport, 2022

OBJECTIVES To investigate if there is a difference in muscle activity for overhead athletes befor... more OBJECTIVES To investigate if there is a difference in muscle activity for overhead athletes before and after an intervention with correction of both core and scapula compared to no intervention and is there a difference between overhead athletes with or without shoulder pain. DESIGN Controlled laboratory EMG study including intervention. SETTING University EMG laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Sixty overhead athletes, 30 with shoulder pain and 30 healthy controls were included performing plyometric rotational shoulder exercise. MAIN OUTCOMES Half of the participants received an intervention the other half were controls with no intervention. EMG muscle activity from 10 scapular, thoraco-humeral and trunk muscles were measured. RESULTS There were no significant differences in muscle activation levels between the groups with or without intervention. For the shoulder pain group, there were significant lower activity in Upper Trapezius when repeating the exercise. The shoulder pain group had significant higher activity in Pectoralis Major compared to the Healthy Control group. CONCLUSIONS Most differences were found between the pre- and post-test. Repetition of the exercise seems to be more important than verbal and tactile instructions. Comparing the shoulder pain group with the healthy controls confirms previous findings that, pain patients recruit muscles differently from healthy persons.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of heeldrop height on running pattern

Research paper thumbnail of Beïnvloedt vermoeidheid motorische controle van de rompspieren bij gezonde personen tijdens een rappe armtaak? (voorlopige resultaten)

Research paper thumbnail of Does experimentally induced pain-related fear influence central and peripheral movement preparation in healthy people and patients with low back pain?

Pain, 2020

Nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a multifactorial disorder. Pain-related fear and alte... more Nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a multifactorial disorder. Pain-related fear and altered movement preparation are considered to be key factors in the chronification process. Interactions between both have been hypothesized, but studies examining the influence of situational fear on movement preparation in low back pain (LBP) are wanting, as well as studies differentiating between recurrent LBP (RLBP) and CLBP. Therefore, this study examined whether experimentally induced painrelated fear influences movement preparation. In healthy controls (n 5 32), RLBP (n 5 31) and CLBP (n 5 30) patients central and peripheral measures of movement preparation were assessed by concurrently measuring trunk muscle anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) with electromyography and contingent negative variation with EEG during performance of rapid arm movements. Two conditions were compared, one without (no fear) and one with (fear) possibility of painful stimulation to the back during rapid arm movements. Visual analogue scales were used to assess pain-related expectations/fear in both conditions. The experimentally induced fear of pain during movement performance led to an increase in contingent negative variation amplitude, which was similar in all 3 groups. Concerning APAs, no effects of fear were found, but group differences with generally delayed APAs in CLBP compared with controls and RLBP patients were evident. These results suggest that with fear, an attentional redirection towards more conscious central movement preparation strategies occurs. Furthermore, differences in movement preparation in patients with RLBP and CLBP exist, which could explain why patients with RLBP have more recovery capabilities than patients with CLBP.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of three-dimensional movement of the spine and pelvis during routine clinical assessment

Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Biomechanical differences between fixed-speed and self-paced treadmill walking in persons after stroke

Research paper thumbnail of Electromyographic Muscle Activity and Three‐Dimensional Scapular Kinematics in Patients With Multidirectional Shoulder Instability: A Study in the Hypermobile Type of the Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome and the Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Arthritis Care & Research, 2020

To investigate differences in electromyography (EMG), muscle activity, and scapular kinematics du... more To investigate differences in electromyography (EMG), muscle activity, and scapular kinematics during elevation in the scapular plane between healthy controls, participants with multidirectional shoulder laxity (MDL), and patients with multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) who are diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).

Research paper thumbnail of Does muscular or mental fatigue have an influence on the nociceptive flexion reflex? A randomized cross‐over study in healthy people

European Journal of Pain, 2021

The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) is a spinally‐mediated withdrawal reflex occurring in respon... more The nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) is a spinally‐mediated withdrawal reflex occurring in response to noxious stimuli and is used as an electrophysiological marker of spinal nociception. Although it is well‐documented that the NFR is subject to powerful modulation of several personal factors, the effects of experimentally induced fatigue on the NFR have not yet been examined. Hence, this study aimed to characterize if and how fatigue affects spinal nociception in healthy adults.

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of physical activity on the nociceptive flexion reflex in healthy people

European Journal of Pain, 2020

The present study provides preliminary evidence that the influencing effects of physical activity... more The present study provides preliminary evidence that the influencing effects of physical activity on pain are the result of a strong descending control and do not purely rely on supraspinal mechanisms. These study results highlight the importance of considering physical activity levels when evaluating nociceptive processing, given the prognostic Accepted Article This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved value of physical activity in spinal nociception. Furthermore, this study encourages future research to examine the effects of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise programs on spinal nociception in chronic pain populations.

Research paper thumbnail of Immediate effects of arm slings on posture, balance and gait in sub-acute stroke patients: A case control study

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity by Use of Fine-Wire Electrodes During Shoulder Exercises

The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020

Background: During nonoperative or postoperative rehabilitation after sports injuries, exercise s... more Background: During nonoperative or postoperative rehabilitation after sports injuries, exercise selection is often based on minimal load on the injured/repaired glenohumeral structures, while optimally activating scapulothoracic muscles. Previous research explored scapular muscle activity during rehabilitation exercises using surface electromyography (EMG). However, limited information exists about the deeper lying muscle activity, measured with fine-wire electrodes, even more in combination with 3-dimensional scapular kinematics. Purpose: To report scapular kinematics synchronously with surface and fine-wire EMG during specific shoulder exercises for early rehabilitation. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 23 healthy male patients were recruited. Three-dimensional scapular kinematics were measured combined with EMG recording of 8 muscles during 4 commonly used shoulder exercises (inferior glide, low row, lawnmower, and robbery). Upper (UT), middle (MT),...

Research paper thumbnail of Physical and cognitive exertion do not influence feedforward activation of the trunk muscles: a randomized crossover trial

Experimental Brain Research, 2019

Fatigue arises during everyday activities, diminishes movement performance, and increases injury ... more Fatigue arises during everyday activities, diminishes movement performance, and increases injury risk. Physical (PE) and cognitive exertion (CE) can induce similar feelings of fatigue, but it is not clear whether these also similarly affect movement performance. Therefore, this study examined the influence of PE and CE on anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) of trunk muscles, which are feedforward mechanisms that contribute to motor control and controlled movement. Rapid arm movement tasks (RAM) were used to induce APAs of the trunk muscles prior and following three experimental conditions in 20 healthy adults: seated rest without exertion (NE), a combined isometric modified Biering-Sörensen and static abdominal curl to induce PE, and a modified incongruent Stroop colour-word task to induce CE. Fatigue was assessed using self-reported measures, and APA onset latencies of the trunk muscles with surface electromyography. Statistical analyses revealed that neither PE nor CE influence APAs of the trunk. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the influence of fatigue on movement performance might not be through altered motor control, but rather by reduced motivation. However, the possibility that fatigue might influence other mechanisms which contribute to trunk motor control, such as APA amplitude and variability, cannot be excluded and need further examination.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Paratonia on Fine and Gross Motor Function in Older Adults With Mild and Moderate Dementia

Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 2018

Background: Dementia is associated with impairment in gait, balance, and fine motor function. Par... more Background: Dementia is associated with impairment in gait, balance, and fine motor function. Paratonia, a form of hypertonia, is often present in severe dementia. However, little is known about muscle tone in early dementia, and the eventual relation between muscle tone abnormalities and changes in fine and gross motor function. Methods: Three groups of participants were included in the study: healthy controls (n = 60), participants with mild dementia (MiD) (n = 31), and participants with moderate dementia (n = 31). Measurements of fine motricity (Purdue pegboard test), balance and gait (Dynaport Hybrid), the presence of paratonia (PAI), and muscle tone measurements (MyotonPRO) were performed. Results: Paratonia was present in 42% of participants with MiD and in 58% of participants with moderate dementia. Participants with paratonia had lower Purdue Pegboard scores (P < 0.001), lower balance coordination in semitandem stance (P < 0.001), lower walking speed at a fast pace (P = 0.001), and lower step regularity at normal (P = 0.025) and fast (P < 0.001) pace. Conclusions: Paratonia is already present in participants with MiD and is associated with a decline in both fine and gross motor performance. Early detection of paratonia might be helpful to detect persons at higher risk of motor deterioration and falls.

Research paper thumbnail of Motor impairment in patients with chronic neck pain: does the traumatic event play a significant role? A case-control study

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, Jan 31, 2018

Motor impairment is a key sign in patients with traumatic (whiplash-associated disorder [WAD]) an... more Motor impairment is a key sign in patients with traumatic (whiplash-associated disorder [WAD]) and non-traumatic (idiopathic neck pain [INP]) neck pain. This study aimed to analyze differences in motor impairment between two patient groups and to assess the association between motor performance and self-reported symptoms. This is a case-control study. A total of 38 patients with chronic INP, 35 patients with chronic WAD, and 30 healthy pain-free controls were included in the study. Outcome measures used in this study were mobility (°), strength (N), repositioning accuracy (°), endurance (seconds), sway velocity (cm/s), sway area (cm), and neuromuscular control. Group differences of motor impairment, together with questionnaires to evaluate pain intensity, fear avoidance, pain catastrophizing, symptoms of central sensitization, and disability, were analyzed with analysis of covariance, including age as a covariate. Motor impairment was observed in both patient groups with a higher de...

Research paper thumbnail of Deviating running kinematics and hamstring injury susceptibility in male soccer players: Cause or consequence?

Gait & Posture, 2017

This was the first prospective study assessing the possible influence of running kinematics on ha... more This was the first prospective study assessing the possible influence of running kinematics on hamstring injury risk in male soccer players. As suggested repeatedly in prior research, the present work underlined the necessity of sufficient functional integrity of the proximal core unit for safe hamstring functioning during high speed running.