A parsimonious oscillatory model of handwriting

International audienceWe propose an oscillatory model that is theoretically parsimonious, empirically efficient and biologically plausible. Building on Hollerbach’s (Biol Cybern 39:139–156, 1981) model, our Parsimonious Oscillatory Model of Handwriting (POMH) overcomes the latter’s main shortcomings by making it possible to extract its parameters from the trace itself and by reinstating symmetry between the x and y coordinates. The benefit is a capacity to autonomously generate a smooth continuous trace that reproduces the dynamics of the handwriting movements through an extremely sparse model, whose efficiency matches that of other, more computationally expensive optimizing methods. Moreover, the model applies to 2D trajectories, irrespective of their shape, size, orientation and length. It is also independent of the endeffectors mobilized and of the writing direction

Predictors of Occurrence and Severity of First Time Low Back Pain Episodes: Findings from a Military Inception Cohort

Primary prevention studies suggest that additional research on identifying risk factors predictive of low back pain (LBP) is necessary before additional interventions can be developed. In the current study we assembled a large military cohort that was initially free of LBP and followed over 2 years. The purposes of this study were to identify baseline variables from demographic, socioeconomic, general health, and psychological domains that were predictive of a) occurrence; b) time; and c) severity for first episode of self-reported LBP. Baseline and outcome measures were collected via web-based surveillance system or phone to capture monthly information over 2 years. The assembled cohort consisted of 1230 Soldiers who provided self-report data with 518 (42.1%) reporting at least one episode of LBP over 2 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, active duty status, mental and physical health scores were significant predictors of LBP. Cox regression revealed that the time to first episode of LBP was significantly shorter for Soldiers that were female, active duty, reported previous injury, and had increased BMI. Multivariate linear regression analysis investigated severity of the first episode by identifying baseline predictors of pain intensity, disability, and psychological distress. Education level and physical fitness were consistent predictors of pain intensity, while gender, smoking status, and previous injury status were predictors of disability. Gender, smoking status, physical health scores, and beliefs of back pain were consistent predictors of psychological distress. These results provide additional data to confirm the multi-factorial nature of LBP and suggest future preventative interventions focus on multi-modal approaches that target modifiable risk factors specific to the population of interest

Il test della coordinazione motoria di Charlop Atwell: la standardizzazione italiana

La standardizzazione del test su un campione di 599 bambini dai 3 ai 6 anni di tutta Italia viene presentata, con un adattamento specifico del test e una discussione circa il dibattito sullo sviluppo della coordinazione motori

Motion features of digital path tracing in urban map navigation

This study examines the physical features involved in navigating maps representing urban areas and more specifically when making decision to reach a defined location. A subject is presented a series of maps and is asked to draw the shortest path between selected locations and the centre of the map in order to assess the level of accessibility and intelligibility of urban environments. It is designed to better understand how people select routes and how decision-making may be understood through analysing the drawing process. The process is quantifying through digitally recorded fine motor skill measurements while drawing a path between two points following the street network. Recorded velocity, completion time and measures of drawing accuracy are used to assess the complexity of navigation. This pilot-study confirms that the presence of intersections along the path impacts the speed of tracing. It also establishes that the mode of representation of urban environments has also an impact on the speed of tracing as well