Articles tagged with Motor Development
A study by Nagoya University researchers found age-related differences in gait patterns of Japanese elementary school children, including increased cadence and decreased step and stride length. The findings provide an important tool for assessing normal and pathological gait, potentially informing orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation.
A Finnish research group developed a wearable device to assess infants' motor abilities during playtime, allowing for accurate tracking of neurological development. The smart jumpsuit enables out-of-the-lab assessments, supporting early clinical diagnostics and therapies.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that a 12-week app program improved children's motor skills by an average of 15.5 percentage points. The app-based program focused on six motor skills, including hopping, throwing, and jumping, and was shown to be effective in preventing childhood obesity.
Babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 show differences in motor function and relaxation, especially when held. Preliminary analysis suggests increased risk of neurodevelopmental changes compared to uninfected babies.
A study found that B12 deficiency is widespread among young children in low-income countries, leading to poor motor development and anaemia. Daily B12 supplements are crucial for brain development, but food relief programs often fail to provide sufficient amounts.
A study by TUM confirms that physically fit primary school pupils perform better in terms of concentration and health-related quality of life. The results show a positive correlation between physical fitness, concentration, and overall well-being.
A recent study published in Child Development found that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted preschool children's educational development, particularly in motor, language, and logical-mathematical skills. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable children to mitigate the achievement gap.
A study in mice reveals how the Kdm6b gene influences motor neuron development into subtypes with distinct synaptic targets. The research, led by biologists at the University at Buffalo, founds that Kdm6b works cooperatively with proteins Isl1-Lhx3 to diversify motor neurons.
A West Virginia University researcher is studying the American implementation of turbo roundabouts, designed to limit weaving and lane changing movements. The study aims to reduce conflict points and severity of crashes, with a focus on gauging motorists' responses via computerized driving simulations.
A new software uses pose estimation to track human motion with high accuracy, providing an objective assessment of motor function. The technology has the potential to revolutionize neurological care by enabling patients to record video that can be analyzed by their physicians remotely.
A new machine learning model, RefMap, has identified 690 genetic risk factors for motor neurone disease, a five-fold increase from previous estimates. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments and personalized medicine for patients with MND.
A new UCSF study found that the neural connections of newborns with two different kinds of brain injuries were linked to significantly different developmental outcomes years later. CHD newborns had worse language function at 12-18 months and worse cognitive, language, and motor function at 30 months compared to HIE infants.
Researchers found that babies born during the pandemic's first year scored lower on social and motor skills tests at 6 months. The study suggests that maternal stress during pregnancy may have played a role in these findings.
Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have shed light on the Sigma-1 receptor's topology and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals that the receptor is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and its amino end faces the cytoplasm, providing a crucial mechanism for therapeutic approaches to alleviate suffering from ALS.
A new study from the University of South Australia is investigating the benefits of a unique sport called RaceRunning for children with cerebral palsy. The research aims to assess the impact on physical, social, and mental health, finding improvements in muscle strength, mobility, and participation in sporting activities.
A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
Researchers discover brain forms a single motor plan to optimize task performance despite uncertainty, upending decades-old theory of motor averaging. The study used experiments and computational modeling to demonstrate the brain's ability to generate an optimal action choice under uncertain conditions.
Research published in The BMJ found that poor physical function from around age 65 is associated with an increased risk of death. Signs of decline, such as difficulty getting up from a chair or dressing, emerge up to 10 years before death.
Researchers found that sleep twitches guide the transformation of redundant to complex electrical activity in the motor cortex of rat pups. By four days after birth, sleep twitches are essential for developing this neural network, marking a key developmental transition.
A Finnish study of 332 children aged 7-11 found that aerobic fitness is not linked to motor skills when body composition is considered. The study suggests that even unfit kids can have good motor skills and high levels of physical activity are crucial for development.
Researchers at FAU have developed a light-controlled molecular motor that can control catalysis reactions. The system uses visible light to trigger the release and bonding of catalysts, accelerating or decelerating desired chemical reactions.
A recent study found that children's motor skills are positively associated with activity and attention span persistence. Participation in organised sports also supports motor skill development. Parents and educators should be aware of individual factors like temperament traits to encourage motor skill growth.
Early alcohol exposure affects motor control brain regions in monkeys, and may be detectable via non-invasive in utero MRI. The study suggests that diagnostic tools for fetal alcohol syndrome could be developed as early as the third trimester.
A new smart jumpsuit quantitatively assesses children's spontaneous movement, helping to detect abnormal neurological development. The device provides valuable insights into infant motility, which can be used to support everyday activities and interventions.
A study of over 3,300 children reveals Finnish kids excel in motor skills, with significant differences found between countries. Portuguese children have weak motor skills, especially between ages 6-10, while Finland and Belgium outperform in this area.
Researchers found that using non-dominant hands activates both sides of the brain's motor pathway, suggesting a shared talent for tool use and language development. This discovery challenges traditional theories of human intelligence, which often emphasize dominant hand skills and linguistic abilities.
A new motor assessment tool, Q-Motor, has shown promise in evaluating Huntington's disease in young children, detecting subtle changes in motor ability. The test measures tapping speed and regularity using force transducers and 3-D position sensors, and can also assess grasping and lifting abilities.
Researchers at LMU develop first molecular motor that moves on an eight-shaped path using hemithioindigo dyes and green light. The new motor system offers improved switching properties and reduces environmental harm compared to existing motors.
Research of 84 young drivers explores association between working memory differences and motor vehicle crashes. The study suggests that variations in working memory development may be a critical factor in determining the risk of crashes among young drivers.
Three innovative minds received the 2019 CNRS innovation medallist award for their groundbreaking work in reducing satellite size and propulsion units. Ane Aanesland and Dmytro Rafalskyi developed new propellant technologies, while Vance Bergeron created electrostimulation solutions to improve paralysis rehabilitation. Livio de Luca pi...
Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a new pathological mediator of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that could lead to further understanding of the disease's molecular breakdown. The study found that a mutated version of FUS gene causes toxic gain of function, leading to axonal branching and degeneration.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies found that prenatal opioid exposure is associated with delayed cognitive and motor development in children. The study suggests that early prenatal exposure to opioids may have long-term consequences for child development, highlighting the need for further research into this area.
Finnish children from rural areas demonstrated better motor skills and spent more time outdoors than their urban counterparts. Participation in organized sports also supported motor development. The Skilled Kids study highlights the importance of environmental factors on childhood motor skills.
Researchers at LMU München developed a molecular motor that can rotate unidirectionally in response to external energy input and is independent of temperature. The new motor's unique behavior allows it to rotate faster at lower temperatures, extending its potential applications.
A developmental psychologist's study measures how often infants spend time in different body positions over the first year of life, finding that 3-month-olds are held almost half their waking days. As infants develop motor skills, their body positions change dramatically, influencing opportunities for learning and development.
Carlos Vargas-Irwin's research aims to decode intentional movements and develop more accurate brain-computer interfaces using cameras, artificial vision, and neural activity information. The goal is to improve control of robotic limbs for paralyzed individuals.
Researchers developed a new technique to decode human motor intention from EEG using subliminal sensory stimulation. This method achieved nearly 90% single-trial decoding accuracy across tested subjects, within 96 ms of the stimulation, with zero user training and no additional cognitive load.
A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that habitually barefoot children are noticeably better at jumping and balancing compared to habitually shod children. The researchers also suggest that physical education classes and exercise programs could benefit from including barefoot activities.
New research reveals that CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are closely linked to ALS progression, with patients having higher numbers of Tregs experiencing slower disease progression. This discovery provides a promising approach for developing new therapies to treat ALS.
Chemists at LMU München have developed a new synthesis to reduce the speed of a molecular motor, allowing them to analyze its light-driven rotation in complete detail. This breakthrough enables the study of unidirectional motion and opens up potential applications in catalysis and smart materials.
A study co-led by John H. Martin found that genetic mutations in the Bax/Bak pathway affect neural motor skills development in infant mice. The researchers discovered that disruptions in this pathway hinder the formation of proper connections between the brain's motor cortex and spinal cord.
Children who develop brain injury due to non-fatal drowning often suffer from severe motor deficits, while maintaining relatively intact perceptual and cognitive abilities. The study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain integrity in 11 children with quadriplegia caused by drowning-induced brain injury.
Researchers found that Japanese children's handwriting development involves distinct temporal patterns of movement, which differentiate subtle features of each symbol. This process is linked to an air writing phenomenon in Chinese character-based cultures, suggesting a unique approach to learning the hiragana script.
A University of Michigan study found exposure to chemicals like naled and chlorpyrifos during pregnancy associated with lower fine and gross motor skills scores. Infants exposed to these pesticides showed signs of motor delays, which may predict developmental problems later in childhood.
Researchers found that mice lacking Bax/Bak genes failed to develop sophisticated neural circuits, leading to impaired skilled movements. The study suggests testing individuals with motor development disabilities for mutant forms of the same genes.
A new theoretical model suggests that proteins diffuse most of the way and 'hop on the bus' to reach their destinations faster. The study found that steric hindrance between motor proteins reduces active transport rates, leading to traffic congestion and slower progress.
A group of researchers discovered a rare deafness-dystonia syndrome, named Siddiqi syndrome, in a family living in remote Pakistan. The condition is characterized by hearing impairment and delayed motor development, and has been linked to a single homozygous nonsense mutation in the FITM2 gene.
New research reveals that low birth weight babies may develop motor and neurological deficits due to peripheral nerve defects. The study suggests delayed myelination of the peripheral nervous system as a contributing factor.
A study published by Oregon State University found that preschoolers' fine and gross motor skills are indicative of later performance on two key measures of kindergarten readiness. Children with strong motor skills showed better executive function skills and social behavior.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new space boot with built-in sensors and haptic motors that can guide the wearer around or over obstacles. The boot uses vibrations to provide navigation cues, which could be beneficial for both astronauts in space and visually impaired individuals on Earth.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have created light-powered molecular motors that repetitively bend and unbend, bringing us closer to molecular robots. The development enables complex tasks and autonomous chemical reactions, which may lead to applications in medicine and other fields.
A study of 88 teenage boys found that those who experienced sudden growth spurts had lower coordination and more irregular gaits than their peers, suggesting that the brain needs time to adjust to rapid height increases.
A recent study by York University researchers found that children and adolescents with a history of concussion experience prolonged difficulty in cognitive-motor integration. This impaired function can last for up to two years before they can perform tasks as skillfully as their peers without a concussion history.
Researchers create intelligent motor systems that analyze data from the motor itself to determine health and detect faults. They use mathematical models to simulate motor states, fault levels, and wear, enabling efficient control and monitoring.
COP21 seeks a universal agreement on climate change, aiming for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases. The conference will focus on sustainable innovation, including biofuels research development, and encourage public awareness on climate change.
A new system developed by Disney Research and Carnegie Mellon University enables users to design customized walking robots using intuitive editing tools. The system ensures the robot moves as intended, allowing users to adjust its gait and behavior.
A new study found that mothers who experienced more stressful events during their pregnancies had children who scored lower on a test of movement competence. Children born to stressed mothers showed poorer fine and gross motor skills, which can lead to difficulties in everyday life.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a method for chemically separating rare earth elements, such as neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium, from the drive units of discarded electric and hybrid vehicles. This technology has the potential to reduce the United States' dependence on China for these vital materials.
Researchers developed a questionnaire to assess home affordances and found that toys, appliances, and even furniture can impact infant motor skills. The AHEMD-IS tool can help parents evaluate toys for motor skill development and improve their child's fine and gross motor skills.