23 research outputs found
Soluções de Aprendizado de Máquina para Estimar em Tempo Real a Pose Humana em Aplicações de Saúde
No full textClinimetric properties of the pressure biofeedback unit method for estimating respiratory pressures
No full textVoice Digital Assistants for Physical Exercise and Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review
No full textThis scoping review aims to map and synthesize the evidence on the use of voice-interactive digital assistants in physical exercise and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is understood broadly here, including interventions for individuals with specific clinical conditions as well as exercise-based programs for older adults aimed at maintaining or improving functional capacity and preventing decline
Validity Analysis of Monocular Human Pose Estimation Models Interfaced with a Mobile Application for Assessing Upper Limb Range of Motion
No full textHuman Pose Estimation (HPE) is a computer vision application that utilizes deep learning techniques to precisely locate Key Joint Points (KJPs), enabling the accurate description of a person’s pose. HPE models can be extended to facilitate Range of Motion (ROM) assessment by leveraging patient photographs. This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of HPE models for assessing upper limbs ROM. A physiotherapist evaluated the degrees of ROM in shoulders (flexion, extension, and abduction) and elbows (flexion and extension) for fifty-two participants using both Universal Goniometer (UG) and five HPE models. Participants were instructed to repeat each movement three times to obtain measurements with the UG, then positioned while photos were captured using the NLMeasurer mobile application. The paired t-test, bias, and error measures were employed to evaluate the difference and agreement between measurement methods. Results indicated that the MoveNet Thunder INT16 model exhibited superior performance. Root Mean Square Errors obtained through this model were <10° in 8 of 10 analyzed movements. HPE models demonstrated better performance in shoulder flexion and abduction movements while exhibiting unsatisfactory performance in elbow flexion. Challenges such as image perspective distortion, environmental lighting conditions, images in monocular view, and complications in the pose may influence the models’ performance. Nevertheless, HPE models show promise in identifying KJPs and facilitating ROM measurements, potentially enhancing convenience and efficiency in assessments. However, their current accuracy for this application is unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for caution when considering automated upper limb ROM measurement with them. The implementation of these models in clinical practice does not diminish the crucial role of examiners in carefully inspecting images and making adjustments to ensure measurement reliability
Gamma absolute power reveals activation of motor areas after hand immobilization
No full textOBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in gamma band absolute power in motor cortical areas, before and after a condition of hand immobilization for 48 hours. METHOD: Fifteen healthy volunteers, aged between 20 and 30, were submitted to EEG assessment before and after 48 hours of immobilization of the dominant hand, while performing a motor task triggered by a visual stimulus. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA with two within-group factors (moment x condition), each one with two levels (before vs. after visual stimuli; before vs. after 48-hour HI, respectively) was used to test for changes in beta band absolute power. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that hand immobilization caused changes in cortical areas. A significant increase in gamma band absolute power was found after hand immobilization at electrodes F3 (p = 0.001) at F4 (p = 0.001) and at Fz (p = 0.001), at C3 (p = 0.001), C4 (p = 0.001) and Cz (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results reveal that oscillations of the gamma band can be a cortical strategy to solve the effect of less activation due to movement restriction. Knowledge of the functioning of motor cortical areas after a condition of immobilization can lead to more effective strategies in rehabilitation
Mobile Applications for Assessing Human Posture: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textSmartphones are increasingly incorporated with features such as sensors and high resolution cameras that empower their capabilities, enabling their use for varied activities including human posture assessments. Previous reviews have discussed methods used in postural assessment but none of them focused exclusively on mobile applications. This paper systematically reviews mobile applications proposed for analyzing human posture based on alignment of the body in the sagittal and coronal plane. The main digital libraries were searched, 26 articles published between 2010 and 2020 were selected, and 13 mobile applications were identified, classified and discussed. Results showed that the use of mobile applications to assist with posture assessment have been demonstrated to be reliable, and this can contribute to clinical practice of health professionals, especially the assessment and reassessment phases of treatments, despite some variations when compared to traditional methods. Moreover, in the case of image-based applications, we highlight the advantage that measurements can be taken with the assessor at a certain distance with respect to the patient’s position, which is an important function for assessments performed in pandemic times such as the outbreak of COVID-19
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation increases alpha absolute power in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and superior parietal cortex
No full textBotulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Neurology: Update
No full textThis paper reviews the current and most neurological (central nervous system, CNS) uses of the botulinum neurotoxin type A. The effect of these toxins at neuromuscular junction lends themselves to neurological diseases of muscle overactivity, particularly abnormalities of muscle control. There are seven serotypes of the toxin, each with a specific activity at the molecular level. Currently, serotypes A (in two preparations) and B are available for clinical purpose, and they have proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of dystonia, spasticity, headache, and other CNS disorders in which muscle hyperactivity gives rise to symptoms. Although initially thought to inhibit acetylcholine release only at the neuromuscular junction, botulinum toxins are now recognized to inhibit acetylcholine release at autonomic cholinergic nerve terminals, as well as peripheral release of neuro-transmitters involved in pain regulation. Its effects are transient and nondestructive, and largely limited to the area in which it is administered. These effects are also graded according to the dose, allowing individualized treatment of patients and disorders. It may also prove to be useful in the control of autonomic dysfunction and sialorrhea. In over 20 years of use in humans, botulinum toxin has accumulated a considerable safety record, and in many cases represents relief for thousands of patients unaided by other therapy
Investigation of alpha band of the electroencephalogram before and after a task of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
No full textDiagonal movement of the upper limb produces greater adaptive plasticity than sagittal plane flexion in the shoulder
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