Postural stability with exhaustive repetitive sit-to-stand exercise in young adults

Previous research has indicated that muscle fatigue due to repeated bouts of physical activity can have negative residual effects on balance; however investigations using multi-joint forms of exercise involved in everyday settings and determination of how control of posture is altered during the physical activity itself are limited. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate alterations in postural stability before, during, and after prolonged multi-joint STS exercise in healthy young adults. Center of pressure (COP) acquisitions were collected during repetitive STS exercise, while voluntary limits of stability (LOS) testing was performed before, immediately after, and 10 min after STS exercise. By 50% total STS exercise time, fatigue resulted in increased anterio-posterior (y) and medio-lateral (x) COP path lengths (p = 0.003 and p = 0.018 respectively) and an anterior shift of COP at seat-off towards the mid-foot (p = 0.010). No significant change in LOS mean amplitude was found after STS exercise; however a significant fatigue effect resulted in increased COPy sway velocity at maximal lean positions (p = 0.006), but returned to PRE values after 10 min of rest. Declines in postural stability during repetitive STS exercise was associated with reduced control of COP, as well as a reduced ability to stably control COP at extreme postural limits; however, 10 min was adequate in young adults for recovery. These results may have important implications for monitoring fall risk due to acute bouts of exercise induced muscle fatigue from repetitive multi-joint activities such as the STS.     

Flying without navigational aids – The case of commercial motorcyclists in Minna,Nigeria

The study investigated motorcycle operators in Minna city with a view to observing the riders’ signaling behavior and the presence or absence of navigational aids and their usage. The study was carried out in three stages. First, a 15 min rapid survey of 3135 motorcyclists was carried at both ends of three pre-selected busy roads with emphasis on observing the possession of navigational aids by the motorcyclists. Secondly, another set of study on signaling behavior was carried out in another three junctions within a 15 min period and finally an interview was conducted among 120 commercial and private motorcyclists from commercials and office parks for a more detailed study. The mean age and mean year of riding experience of the commercial motorcyclists were 28 (SD = 5.9) and 4 years (SD = 2.1) respectively compared to 32 (SD = 7.4) and 7 (SD = 7.4) years for private motorcyclists. The findings show that 18.1% of the motorcyclists had no trafficators and as high as 85.3% had no side mirrors. Of the 626 motorcyclists studied for signaling behavior, 574 (91.7%) failed to trafficate while turning at junctions. It was also found that 65 (54.2%) of the 120 motorcyclists interviewed had accidents with their motorcycles. Chi Squared test shows that effect of possession of side mirror on accident experience is not statistically significant (χ² = 2.11, p = .349) while possession of trafficators (χ² = 5.99, p = .050) and driving license (χ² = 12.603, p = .000) are statistically significant. The study revealed that 61.5% of motorcyclists that have trafficators had experienced accidents which points out the fact that riding behavior is more critical in road safety than having a perfect vehicle. The study recommends, among others, that the Federal Road Safety Corps and Vehicle Inspection Officers should be as strict with the motorcyclists as they are with the motorists in enforcing road safety.     

Match performance and physical capacity of players in the top three competitive standards of English professional soccer

The aim of this study was to compare the match performance and physical capacity of players in the top three competitive standards of English soccer. Match performance data were collected from players in the FA Premier League (n = 190), Championship (n = 155) and League 1 (n = 366) using a multiple-camera system. In addition, a selection of players from the Premier League (n = 56), Championship (n = 61) and League 1 (n = 32) performed the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2) to determine physical capacity. Players in League 1 and the Championship performed more (p < .01) high-intensity running than those in the Premier League (Effect Size [ES]: 0.4–1.0). Technical indicators such as pass completion, frequency of forward and total passes, balls received and average touches per possession were 4–39% higher (p < .01) in the Premier League compared to lower standards (ES: 0.3–0.6). Players also covered more (p < .05) high-intensity running when moving down (n = 20) from the Premier League to the Championship (ES: 0.4) but not when players moved up (n = 18) standards (ES: 0.2). Similar Yo-Yo IE2 test performances were observed in Premier League, Championship and League 1 players (ES: 0.2–0.3). Large magnitude relationships (p < .05) were observed between Yo-Yo IE2 test performances and the total and high-intensity running distance covered in both Championship (r = .56 and .64) and Premier League matches (r = .61 and .54). The data demonstrate that high-intensity running distance was greater in players at lower compared to higher competitive standards despite a similar physical capacity in a subsample of players in each standard. These findings could be associated with technical characteristics inherent to lower standards that require players to tax their physical capacity to a greater extent but additional research is still required to confirm these findings.     

Evolution of match performance parameters for various playing positions in the English Premier League

This study aimed to investigate position-specific evolution of physical and technical performance parameters in the English Premier League (EPL). Match performance observations (n = 14700) were collected using a multiple-camera computerized tracking system across seven seasons (2006–07 to 2012–13). Data were analyzed relative to five playing positions: central defenders (n = 3792), full backs (n = 3420), central midfielders (n = 3200), wide midfielders (n = 2136) and attackers (n = 2152). High-intensity running distance increased in the final season versus the first season in all playing positions (p < .05, ES: 0.9–1.3) with full backs displaying the greatest increase (∼36% higher in 2012–13). Similar trends were observed for sprint distance with full backs demonstrating the most pronounced increase across the seven seasons (36–63%, p < .001, ES: 0.8–1.3). Central players (central defenders and midfielders) illustrated the most pronounced increases in total passes and pass success rate (p < .05, ES: 0.7–0.9) whilst wide players (full backs and wide midfielders) demonstrated only small-moderate increases in total passes and pass success rate (p < .05, ES: 0.6–0.8). The data demonstrates that evolving tactics in the EPL have impacted on the physical demands of wide players and the technical requirements of central players. These findings could be used for talent identification or position-specific physical and technical training.     

Manipulation of exercise to rest ratio within set duration on physical and technical outcomes during small-sided games in elite youth soccer players

Training practices for elite soccer players should take into account specific technical, tactical and physical components. As a consequence of these demands small-sided games (SSGs) have become a popular conditioning tool that replicate the demands encountered during match play. The aim of this investigation was to examine how the manipulation of exercise to rest ratio, within the same overall duration, affected both physical and technical outcomes during SSGs in elite youth soccer. Twelve elite youth soccer players participated in three variations of eight minute 6v6 SSGs. The three variations included eight minutes continuous, 2 × 4 min and 4 × 2 min. Players perceived the continuous 8 min block as the hardest (4.5 ± 1.5 AU), followed by the 2 × 4 min (3.9 ± 1.4 AU) and the 4 × 2 min (3.3 ± 1.4 AU), although no difference in mean HR or physical measures via GPS analysis between SSGs was evident. From the technical perspective, only goals scored reached significance, with post hoc analysis identifying the number of goals scored were significantly higher during the 4 × 2 min and 2 × 4 min SSGs compared to 8 min continuous block. These results show that subjective ratings of exertion differed between conditions, but only minor technical manipulations were observed by adjusting work to rest ratios, with no significant effect on physical performance.     

The effects of foot cooling on postural muscle responses to an unexpected loss of balance

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of foot sole somatosensory information during reactive postural control. Twenty young adults (22.0 ± 1.4 y) participated in this study. Baseline skin sensitivity from the foot sole was assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Postural muscle responses, in the form of electromyographic (EMG) onset latencies and amplitudes, were then obtained while participants recovered their balance while standing on a moveable platform that could translate in either the forward or backward direction. Following these baseline measures, the participant’s foot soles were immersed in a 0–2 °C ice-water bath for 12 min followed by a 3 min re-immersion period. At the completion of foot cooling, foot sole sensitivity and postural muscle responses to the balance perturbations were re-assessed. Results indicated that the foot cooling protocol reduced foot sole sensitivity and remained reduced throughout the duration of the experiment (p < 0.001). The reduction in foot sole somatosensation resulted in the soleus EMG onset latency being delayed by 3 ms (p = 0.041) and the soleus and medial gastrocnemius EMG amplitudes increasing by 14–23% (p = 0.002–0.036) during the balance perturbation trials. While the magnitude of these results may suggest that foot cooling has a minor functional consequence on reactive postural control, it is likely that the results also reflect the ability of the central nervous system to rapidly adapt to situations with altered somatosensory feedback.     

Biomechanical analyses of prolonged handwriting in subjects with and without perceived discomfort

Since wrist-joint position affects finger muscle length and grip strength, we studied its biomechanical relevance in prolonged handwriting. We recruited participants from young adults, aged 18–24, and separated them into control (n = 22) and in-pain (n = 18) groups, based whether or not they experience pain while handwriting. The participants then performed a writing task for 30 min on a computerized system which measured their wrist-joint angle and documented their handwriting kinematics. The in-pain group perceived more soreness and had a less-extended wrist joint, longer on-paper time, and slower stroke velocity compared to control group. There was no significant difference in handwriting speed and quality between the two groups. The wrist extension angle significantly correlated with perceived soreness. Ergonomic and biomechanical analyses provide important information about the handwriting process. Knowledge of pen tip movement kinematics and wrist-joint position can help occupational therapists plan treatment for individuals with handwriting induced pain.     

Effect of a short nap on the alertness of young drivers: Repercussion on the perception of motorcycles according to extent of the useful visual field of the driver

The objectives of this study are to analyze the effect of a short nap on the level of alertness and on the drivers’ ability to detect the motorcyclists on the road according to the size of his/her useful visual field (UVF).Nineteen participants (m = 21 years old) carried out a driving task with a simulator, after taking a short nap (30 min) in the vehicle or not. They had to distinguish the colour change of a signal on a vehicle they were following and to detect a motorcycle which briefly appeared on the road at different eccentricities.Drivers with a limited UVF are those who detect the fewest motorcycles. Taking a short nap before the driving does not have any significant effect on data related to vision (motorcycles and signals detected), driving and alertness state ((α+θ)/β). There is a linear relationship between the size of the UVF and the ability to detect the motorcycle appearing in the left outside mirror.The implications of the results concerning the short nap as a countermeasure to a decrease in alertness and the perception of motorcycles according to extent of the useful visual field of the driver are discussed in terms of road safety.     

Longitudinal examination of objectively-measured physical activity and sedentary time among children with and without significant movement impairments

BackgroundChildren with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) tend to be less active than typically-developing (TD) children. Current evidence, however, is based on cross-sectional and self-reported activity, and little is known about sedentary time among children with significant movement impairments such as DCD. The current study examines the longitudinal patterns of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in children with and without possible DCD (pDCD).MethodsData is from a longitudinal nested case-control study, with 103 participants (n = 60 males ages = 12 and 13 at baseline). Participants averaging ⩽16th percentile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children were considered having significant movement impairments and pDCD (n = 49). All participants wore accelerometers for seven days.ResultsThere were significant main effects for time (Estimate = −23.98, p < .01) and gender (Estimate = 59.86, p < .05) on total physical activity, and time spent being sedentary (Estimate = 15.58, p < .05). Significant main effects for pDCD (Estimate = −5.38, p < .05) and gender (Estimate = 26.89, p < .01), and time by gender interaction (Estimate = −7.50, p < .05) were found for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Sedentary time did not differ between children with and without DCD.ConclusionsResults suggest children with pDCD engaged in less MVPA compared to TD children. Consistent patterns of MVPA over time, however, suggest that the divergence in MVPA occurs earlier in childhood. Further longitudinal research following a younger cohort is necessary to identify the specific point that differences in MVPA emerge.     

Effect of instructions on EMG during the bench press in trained and untrained males

Strength and rehabilitation professionals strive to emphasize certain muscles used during an exercise and it may be possible to alter muscle recruitment strategies with varying instructions. This study aimed to determine whether resistance trained and untrained males could selectively activate the pectoralis major or triceps brachii during the bench press according to various instructions. This study included 13 trained males (21.5 ± 2.9 years old, 178.7 ± 7.0 cm, 85.7 ± 10.7 kg) and 12 untrained males (20.3 ± 1.6 years old, 178.8 ± 9.4 cm, 74.6 ± 17.3 kg). Participants performed a bench press one-repetition maximum (1-RM) test, 3 uninstructed repetitions at 80% 1-RM and two more sets of three repetitions with instructions to isolate the chest or arm muscles. Electromyography (EMG) was obtained from the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and the long head and short head of the triceps brachii. Maximum EMG activity normalized to 1-RM for each muscle was averaged over the three repetitions for each set and compared between the uninstructed, chest-instructed and arm-instructed conditions among the groups. The trained participants had a greater 1-RM (126.2 ± 30.6 kg) than the untrained participants (61.6 ± 14.8 kg) (P < 0.01). EMG activity was not different between the groups for any of the instructions (P > 0.05). When the group data was combined, short head of the triceps activity was significantly lower in the chest instruction (80.1 ± 19.3%) when compared to the uninstructed (85.6 ± 23.3%; P = 0.01) and arm-instructed (86.0 ± 23.2; P = 0.01) conditions. It can be concluded that instructions can affect muscle activation during the bench press, and this is not dependent on training status.     

Motorcycle riders’ self-reported aggression when riding compared with car driving

Aggressive driving has been shown to be related to increased crash risk for car driving. However, less is known about aggressive behaviour and motorcycle riding and whether there are differences in on-road aggression as a function of vehicle type. If such differences exist, these could relate to differences in perceptions of relative vulnerability associated with characteristics of the type of vehicle such as level of protection and performance. Specifically, the relative lack of protection offered by motorcycles may cause riders to feel more vulnerable and therefore to be less aggressive when they are riding compared to when they are driving. This study examined differences in self-reported aggression as a function of two vehicle types: passenger cars and motorcycles. Respondents (n = 247) were all motorcyclists who also drove a car. Results were that scores for the composite driving aggression scale were significantly higher than on the composite riding aggression scale. Regression analyses identified different patterns of predictors for driving aggression from those for riding aggression. Safety attitudes followed by thrill seeking tendencies were the strongest predictors for driving aggression, with more positive safety attitudes being protective whilst greater thrill seeking was associated with greater self-reported aggressive driving behaviour. For riding aggression, thrill seeking was the strongest predictor (positive relationship), followed by self-rated skill, such that higher self-rated skill was protective against riding aggression. Participants who scored at the 85th percentile or above for the aggressive driving and aggressive riding indices had significantly higher scores on thrill seeking, greater intentions to engage in future risk taking, and lower safety attitude scores than other participants. In addition participants with the highest aggressive driving scores also had higher levels of self-reported past traffic offences than other participants. Collectively, these findings suggest that people are less likely to act aggressively when riding a motorcycle than when driving a car, and that those who are the most aggressive drivers are different from those who are the most aggressive riders. However, aggressive riders and drivers appear to present a risk to themselves and others on road. Importantly, the underlying influences for aggressive riding or driving that were identified in this study may be amenable to education and training interventions.     

Fatigue-induced dissociation between rate of force development and maximal force across repeated rapid contractions

We examined whether the presence of fatigue induced by prolonged running influenced the time courses of force generating capacities throughout a series of intermittent rapid contractions. Thirteen male amateur runners performed a set of 15 intermittent isometric rapid contractions of the knee extensor muscles, (3 s/5 s on/off) the day before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) a half marathon. The maximal voluntary contraction force, rate of force development (RFD_peak), and their ratio (relative RFD_peak) were calculated. At POST, considering the first (out of 15) repetition, the maximal force and RFD_peak decreased (p < 0.0001) at the same extent (by 22 ± 6% and 24 ± 22%, respectively), resulting in unchanged relative RFD_peak (p = 0.6). Conversely, the decline of RFD_peak throughout the repetitions was more pronounced at POST (p = 0.02), thus the decline of relative RFD_peak was more pronounced (p = 0.007) at POST (−25 ± 13%) than at PRE (−3 ± 13%). The main finding of this study was that the fatigue induced by a half-marathon caused a more pronounced impairment of rapid compared to maximal force in the subsequent intermittent protocol. Thus, the fatigue-induced impairment in rapid muscle contractions may have a greater effect on repeated, rather than on single, attempts of maximal force production.     

The association of physical activity to neural adaptability during visuo-spatial processing in healthy elderly adults: A multiscale entropy analysis

Physical activity has been shown to benefit brain and cognition in late adulthood. However, this effect is still unexplored in terms of brain signal complexity, which reflects the level of neural adaptability and efficiency during cognitive processing that cannot be acquired via averaged neuroelectric signals. Here we employed multiscale entropy analysis (MSE) of electroencephalography (EEG), a new approach that conveys important information related to the temporal dynamics of brain signal complexity across multiple time scales, to reveal the association of physical activity with neural adaptability and efficiency in elderly adults. A between-subjects design that included 24 participants (aged 66.63 ± 1.31 years; female = 12) with high physical activity and 24 age- and gender-matched low physical activity participants (aged 67.29 ± 1.20 years) was conducted to examine differences related to physical activity in performance and MSE of EEG signals during a visuo-spatial cognition task. We observed that physically active elderly adults had better accuracy on both visuo-spatial attention and working memory conditions relative to their sedentary counterparts. Additionally, these physically active elderly adults displayed greater MSE values at larger time scales at the Fz electrode in both attention and memory conditions. The results suggest that physical activity may be beneficial for adaptability of brain systems in tasks involving visuo-spatial information. MSE thus might be a promising approach to test the effects of the benefits of exercise on cognition.     

A correlational and experimental examination of reality television viewing and interest in cosmetic surgery

Two studies are presented that examine the influence of media messages about cosmetic surgery on youths’ interest in altering their own physical appearance. In Study 1, 170 participants (59% female; M age = 19.77 years) completed surveys assessing their impression of reality television shows featuring cosmetic surgery, appearance satisfaction, self-esteem, and their interest in cosmetic surgery. Results indicated that participants who reported favorable impressions of reality television shows featuring cosmetic surgery were more likely to indicate interest in pursuing surgery. One hundred and eighty-nine participants (51% female; M age = 19.84 years) completed Study 2. Approximately half of the participants were exposed to a television message featuring a surgical make-over; the other half was exposed to a neutral message. Results indicated that participants who watched a television program about cosmetic surgery wanted to alter their own appearance using cosmetic surgery more than did participants who were not exposed to this program.     

Effect of an intensified training period on well-being indices,recovery and psychological aspects in professional soccer players

IntroductionIntensified training periods (IT) are associated with fatigue increase and psychological variations.ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to examine the perceived well-being, recovery quality and psychological responses during an IT.MethodsFifteen professional soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 24 ± 1 years, body mass: 71.3 ± 15.1 kg, height: 178.0 ± 6.1 cm) completed a 6-week training program consisting of 2 weeks of basic training (BT) and 4 weeks of IT. They were tested before (T1) and after (T2) the IT. Training load (TL) perception, strain and monotony were measured by the session-RPE method. Well-being indices (sleep quality, fatigue level, stress and delayed-onset muscular soreness [DOMS]) and total quality recovery (TQR) were recorded before each training session. The profile of mood states (POMS) and the Ottowa mental skills assessment tool (OMSAT)-3 were conducted before and after IT.ResultsNo significant difference was found after IT in OMSAT-3 scores (p > 0.05). TL, monotony and strain increased during IT (p < 0.001). Moreover, well-being indices (stress, sleep quality, fatigue level and DOMS) increased (p < 0.001) and TQR decreased (p < 0.001) during IT. The IT increased total mood disturbance (TMD, p < 0.001), tension (p < 0.05) and fatigue (p < 0.01) and decreased vigor (p < 0.001). Significant relationships were found between TL and Hooper Index (HI), TQR and TMD (r = 0.58, 0.65, −0.57, respectively; all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this investigation suggested that mental ability was not sensitive to fatigue caused by training load intensification. However, perceived well-being, recovery state and mood were found to be sensitive measures and may provide coaches with information about wellness and psychological state of soccer players during IT.     

Relative effects of reduced weight and increased physical activity on hemoglobin A1c: Suggestions for behavioral treatments

Behavioral treatments for diabetes have often been unsuccessful and may benefit from a better understanding of the relative effects of two common treatment foci – decreased weight and increased volume of physical activity – on blood glucose. Overweight and obese adults (N = 59; M_age = 60 years) with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values consistent with diabetes participated in a 6-month community-based behavioral treatment based on tenets of self-efficacy theory and social cognitive theory. The treatment was associated with significantly increased physical activity, reduced body mass index (BMI), and reduced HbA1c levels (ps < .001). Changes in BMI and physical activity accounted for a significant portion of the variance in change in HbA1c, R² = .13, p = .023. Change in volume of physical activity, β = ?.36, p = .007, but not change in BMI, β = ?.03, p = .792, significantly contributed to the variance in HbA1c change that was accounted for. There was no effect based on the sex of participants. Discussion focused on how findings might impact the efficacy, efficiency, and application of behavioral treatments for diabetes management.     

The influence of age,anxiety and concern about falling on postural sway when standing at an elevated level

Psychological processes may influence balance and contribute to the risk of falls in older people. While a self-reported fear of falling is associated with increased postural sway, inducing fear using an elevated platform can lead to reduced sway, suggesting different underlying mechanisms whereby fear may influence balance control. This study examined changes in postural sway, muscle activity and physiological measures of arousal while standing on a 65 cm elevated platform, compared to floor level, in young and older adults. The older adults were classified as fall concerned or not fall concerned based on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and anxious or not anxious based on the Goldberg Anxiety Scale. Fall concern did not affect the physiological and sway response to the elevated platform. In response to the postural threat, the anxious participants increased their sway frequency (p = 0.001) but did not reduce sway range (p = 0.674). Conversely, non-anxious participants showed an adaptive tightening of balance control, effectively reducing sway range in the elevated condition (p < 0.001). Generalised anxiety in older adults appears to differentially affect postural control strategies under threatening conditions.     

Partial body weight support treadmill training speed influences paretic and non-paretic leg muscle activation,stride characteristics,and ratings of perceived exertion during acute stroke rehabilitation

BackgroundIntensive task-specific training is promoted as one approach for facilitating neural plastic brain changes and associated motor behavior gains following neurologic injury. Partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT), is one task-specific approach frequently used to improve walking during the acute period of stroke recovery (<1 month post infarct). However, only limited data have been published regarding the relationship between training parameters and physiologic demands during this early recovery phase.ObjectiveTo examine the impact of four walking speeds on stride characteristics, lower extremity muscle demands (both paretic and non-paretic), Borg ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood pressure.DesignA prospective, repeated measures design was used.MethodsTen inpatients post unilateral stroke participated. Following three familiarization sessions, participants engaged in PBWSTT at four predetermined speeds (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mph) while bilateral electromyographic and stride characteristic data were recorded. RPE was evaluated immediately following each trial.ResultsStride length, cadence, and paretic single limb support increased with faster walking speeds (p ⩽ 0.001), while non-paretic single limb support remained nearly constant. Faster walking resulted in greater peak and mean muscle activation in the paretic medial hamstrings, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius, and non-paretic medial gastrocnemius (p ⩽ 0.001). RPE also was greatest at the fastest compared to two slowest speeds (p < 0.05).ConclusionsDuring the acute phase of stroke recovery, PBWSTT at the fastest speed (2.0 mph) promoted practice of a more optimal gait pattern with greater intensity of effort as evidenced by the longer stride length, increased between-limb symmetry, greater muscle activation, and higher RPE compared to training at the slowest speeds.     

Comparison of fetal and maternal heart rate measures using electrocardiographic and cardiotocographic methods

PurposeTo determine the reliability at term of: (1) two methods of measuring fetal heart rate (HR), electrocardiographic (ECG, the ‘gold standard’) and cardiotocographic (CTG) and (2) two ECG methods of measuring maternal HR variability over relatively brief periods of time (s–min).MethodsDuring 20 min of rest (N = 39) and during 2 min of auditory stimulation (mother's recorded voice, n = 19), fetal HR data were collected using an ECG (Monica AN24) and a Hewlett-Packard Model 1351A CTG. Simultaneously, maternal HR data (n = 37) were collected using the same ECG device (Monica AN24) and a second stand-alone cardiac monitor (Spacelab 514T cardiac monitor with a QRS detector).ResultsDuring 20 min of maternal rest, correlations of individual fetal CTG with ECG measures of HR at each second were moderate to high (r = .57–.97) for 77% of fetuses. Correlations of HR averaged over fetuses and over each of the 20 min were high (r = .93–.97); fetal HR averaged over 20 min varied between devices from 0.0 to 0.8 bpm. During 2 min of maternal voice presentation, correlations of fetal HR over each second were moderate to high (r = .54–.99) for 95% of fetuses and high (all rs = .99) when averaged across fetuses in 30 s or 2 min epochs. Average fetal HR between devices over the 2 min voice varied from 0.0 to 0.6 bpm. Correlations and/or % agreement between the two ECG methods of measuring maternal HR were high. Average maternal HR over 10 min showed 81% of pairs with a difference of ≤1 bpm; correlations for HR variability measures varied from r = .89 to .97.ConclusionsGood reliability was demonstrated between individual spontaneous and auditory induced fetal CTG and ECG with high correlations when HR data were averaged over fetuses or in 30–120 s epochs. High reliability of maternal HR measures was obtained using two ECG devices.     

Walking impairs cognitive performance among people with multiple sclerosis but not controls

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) complain of problems completing two tasks simultaneously; sometimes called ‘dual-tasking’ (DT). Previous research in DT among people with MS has focused on how adding a cognitive task interferes with gait and few have measured how adding a motor task could interfere with cognition. We aimed to determine the extent to which walking affects a concurrent working memory task in people with MS compared to healthy controls. We recruited MS participants (n = 13) and controls (n = 10) matched by age (±3 years), education (±3 years) and gender. Participants first completed the cognitive task (subtracting 7’s from the previous number) and then again while walking on an instrumented walkway. Although there were no baseline differences in cognition or walking between MS participants and controls, MS participants demonstrated a 52% decrease in number of correct answers during DT (p < 0.001). Mental Tracking Rate (% correct answers/min) correlated strongly with MS-related disability measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; r(11) = −0.68, p < 0.01). We propose that compromised mental tracking during walking could be related to limited neural resource capacity and could be a potentially useful outcome measure to detect ecologically valid dual tasking impairments.