Effect of selective and distributed training on visual identification of orientation

An experiment contrasted the effect of four training schedules in a visual orientation reproduction task. Two selective schedules involved repeated presentation of a single target orientation. Two non-selective schedules involved targets covering the first quadrant either at fixed, equispaced orientations, or distributed randomly. In pre-training sessions, we observed the classical oblique effect (precision for vertical and horizontal stimuli higher than for oblique ones). Practice improved precision with both distributed schedules, but was ineffectual for non-selective schedules. However, a significant oblique effect persisted under all conditions. We argue that the pattern of results is compatible with the hypothesis that the oblique effect reflects both the intrinsic neuronal properties of the primary visual system, and the structure of the visual space imposed by higher, more cognitive processes. The results challenge the thesis that only attentional and post-perceptual factors are able to affect the working of the early visual syste

Psychomotricité et neurosciences ::la place du corps dans la représentation

Les neurosciences offrent une lecture fascinante de la représentation. Processus cognitif par excellence, celle-ci puise son essence au sein même des éprouvés corporels. La base matricielle de toute image mentale se trouve en effet dans la subtile articulation que pose l’insula entre sensation, tonus et émotion. Cette compréhension projette la représentation au-delà du clivage corps-psyché pour en faire une véritable charnière entre émotion et cognition. Elle vient confirmer les assises théoriques de la psychomotricité en valorisant les accompagnements pédagogiques qui posent le corps au centre de tout apprentissag

I’m a 5, I’m Paralyzed, but I’m Learning to Move! Fostering the Development of Voluntary Motor Skills in Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy Child using a Novel Psychomotor Sensory Substitution Paradigm : A case report

Background: Cerebral palsy, particularly spastic quadriplegia (SQ), severely impairs motor development. Developing voluntary motor skills is therefore one of the most challenging issues when considering these children! Movement relies on sensation, yet quadriplegia not only impairs motor control but also somatosensory sensitivity, particularly proprioception, hindering clear perception of body movement. Objective: The present project aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel sensory substitution paradigm utilizing visuo-auditory feedback through a serious game (SG) in fostering the development of voluntary motor skills among SQ children. Methods: We tested one 5-year-old girl with severe motor disabilities due to SQ, who are unable to sit or control her head (GMFCS grade V, SATCo score 0) and demonstrate no manual ability (MACS grade V). She can only voluntarily control her eyes, moving and focusing on a target when asked. The child is non-verbal but can respond to simple questions by looking at basic communicative targets. Using an EMG device, muscle contractions were translated into visual and auditory feedback according to a sensory substitution paradigm. A right-arm contraction prompts the appearance of a cat on the right side of the screen, while a left arm contraction positions it on the left. Conversely, the onset of a spasm triggers a soothing melody. The child attended 9 bi-weekly 60-minute sessions at her institution. Data collection was conducted using video recordings reporting 1) the number of spasms versus voluntary movements event per minute, 2) movement pattern and 3) gaze orientation. A baseline before the intervention was established over 4 sessions of standard treatment for comparison. Results: our preliminary findings show that the sensory substitution SG we designed for this SQ CP child prove to be effective to provide visuo-auditive feedback to the child’s contractions and therefore allows the child to produce more controlled movements. Moreover, they highlight the potential of providing visuo-auditive feedback to the child's contractions as a substitute for impaired proprioception, restoring crucial cues for motor development and control

Effect of selective and distributed training on visual identification of orientation.

International audienceAn experiment contrasted the effect of four training schedules in a visual orientation reproduction task. Two selective schedules involved repeated presentation of a single target orientation. Two non-selective schedules involved targets covering the first quadrant either at fixed, equispaced orientations, or distributed randomly. In pre-training sessions, we observed the classical oblique effect (precision for vertical and horizontal stimuli higher than for oblique ones). Practice improved precision with both distributed schedules, but was ineffectual for non-selective schedules. However, a significant oblique effect persisted under all conditions. We argue that the pattern of results is compatible with the hypothesis that the oblique effect reflects both the intrinsic neuronal properties of the primary visual system, and the structure of the visual space imposed by higher, more cognitive processes. The results challenge the thesis that only attentional and post-perceptual factors are able to affect the working of the early visual system

Prématurité ::la réponse d’une intervention précoce en psychomotricité

À l’âge scolaire, des difficultés sensorimotrices, cognitives et sociales sont relevées chez près de 40 % d’enfants nés prématurés. Véritable terrain de fragilité, la prématurité contraint souvent l’enfant à se construire selon des schémas tonico-moteurs différents dont l’impact est lisible très tôt dans le développement. Cet article explore comment une prise-en-charge précoce en psychomotricité vient soutenir ces bébés. À Fribourg, l’Association 1,2,3 Petits Pas propose de les accompagner dans une cohérence globale de développement afin de limiter l’expression de ces troubles en devenir.Bei nahezu 40 % der zu früh geborenen Kinder werden im Schulalter sensomotorische, kognitive und soziale Schwierigkeiten festgestellt. Eine Frühgeburt zwingt die Kinder oft, andere tonisch-motorische Muster zu entwickeln, deren Auswirkungen sehr früh in der Entwicklung erkennbar sind. Dieser Artikel zeigt auf, wie die frühzeitige psychomotorische Förderung diese Babys in ihrer Entwicklung unterstützt. Die Vereinigung 1,2,3 Petits Pas in Freiburg bietet eine Begleitung an, die möglichen Störungen entgegenwirken soll

Un regard psychomoteur sur la prématurité ::l’immaturité tonique comme terrain de fragilité développementale

Les difficultés sensorimotrices, cognitives et sociales sont plus fréquentes chez les enfants nés prématurés. Sont référés l’impact neurologique de la prématurité, le contexte hospitalier ainsi que l’altération des liens et interactions précoces. Cet article explore l’immaturité tonique qui caractérise ces bébés dans ses composantes de fragilité développementale. Notre pratique psychomotrice et diverses recherches soutiennent que le tonus pourrait également participer à l’émergence de ces troubles.May tonic immaturity due to preterm birth contribute to developmental disorders?: A psychomotor issue Babies born premature are known to be at risk for developmental disorders. Neurological sequelae, nature of hospital stimulations as well as disruptions in early parent-infant interactions are usually referred. This article explore the developmental relevance of tonic immaturity due to preterm birth. Our clinical practice together with recent experimental outcomes highlight the hypothesis that tonus may also contribute to explain commonly reported sensorimotor, cognitive and emotional difficulties.Punto de vista psicomotor sobre la prematuridad : la inmadurez tonica como causa de fragilidad en el desarrollo Las dificultades sensitivomotoras, cognitivas y sociales son más comunes en los niños nacidos prematuramente. Se hace referencia al impacto neurológico de la prematurez, el contexto hospitalario, la alteración de los vínculos y de las primeras interacciones. Este artículo explora la inmadurez tónica que caracteriza a estos bebés en sus componentes de fragilidad del desarrollo. Nuestra práctica psicomotriz y diversas investigaciones sostienen que el tono muscular también podría contribuir a la aparición de estos trastornos

Musical and psychomotor interventions for cognitive, sensorimotor, and cerebral decline in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (COPE) ::a study protocol for a multicentric randomized controlled study

Background : Regular cognitive training can boost or maintain cognitive and brain functions known to decline with age. Most studies administered such cognitive training on a computer and in a lab setting. However, everyday life activities, like musical practice or physical exercise that are complex and variable, might be more successful at inducing transfer effects to different cognitive domains and maintaining motivation. "Body-mind exercises", like Tai Chi or psychomotor exercise, may also positively affect cognitive functioning in the elderly. We will compare the influence of active music practice and psychomotor training over 6 months in Mild Cognitive Impairment patients from university hospital memory clinics on cognitive and sensorimotor performance and brain plasticity. The acronym of the study is COPE (Countervail cOgnitive imPairmEnt), illustrating the aim of the study: learning to better "cope" with cognitive decline. Methods : We aim to conduct a randomized controlled multicenter intervention study on 32 Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients (60–80 years), divided over 2 experimental groups: 1) Music practice; 2) Psychomotor treatment. Controls will consist of a passive test–retest group of 16 age, gender and education level matched healthy volunteers. The training regimens take place twice a week for 45 min over 6 months in small groups, provided by professionals, and patients should exercise daily at home. Data collection takes place at baseline (before the interventions), 3, and 6 months after training onset, on cognitive and sensorimotor capacities, subjective well-being, daily living activities, and via functional and structural neuroimaging. Considering the current constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment and data collection takes place in 3 waves. Discussion : We will investigate whether musical practice contrasted to psychomotor exercise in small groups can improve cognitive, sensorimotor and brain functioning in MCI patients, and therefore provoke specific benefits for their daily life functioning and well-being