Search Results (428)

Background: Postural control in healthy young adults involves complex neuromuscular processes; however, the kinematic and kinetic consequences of small, forward leg perturbations in a defined population are not fully described. This study aimed to characterize the kinematic and kinetic consequences of forward leg perturbations during quiet standing. Methods: This investigation used a quasi-experimental repeated-measures design. Sixteen healthy young women (20.1 ± 0.7 years), all right-leg dominant, were tested using the Gait Real-Time Analysis Interactive Laboratory (GRAIL) system. Forward treadmill perturbations were applied to each limb during quiet standing, and joint angles, ground reaction forces, and torques were measured across baseline, perturbation, and response phases. As the data were non-normally distributed, paired comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon test, with significance set at p < 0.05 (Bonferroni corrected) and effect sizes (r) reported. Results: Joint angles remained symmetrical between limbs (no significant differences after correction). In contrast, kinetic measures showed clear asymmetries: at baseline, the dominant limb produced greater knee torque (p = 0.0003, r = 0.73), ankle torque (p = 0.0003, r = 0.76), and medio-lateral GRF (p = 0.0003, r = 0.87). During perturbation, it again generated higher knee (p = 0.0036, r = 0.43) and ankle torques (p = 0.0003, r = 0.53), with larger medio-lateral GRF (p = 0.0003, r = 0.87). In the response phase, the dominant limb showed greater hip torque (p = 0.0033, r = 0.43) and a small dorsiflexion shift at the ankle (p = 0.0066, r = 0.41). Anterior–posterior GRF changes were minor and non-significant after correction. Conclusions: Induced forward leg movements caused limb-specific kinetic adjustments while maintaining overall kinematic symmetry. The dominant leg contributed more actively to balance recovery, highlighting its role in stabilizing posture under small perturbations. These findings are specific to the studied demographic and should not be generalized to males, older adults, left-dominant individuals, or clinical populations without further research. Full article

Background: The hyoid bone is a key anatomical structure involved in the functional coordination of the stomatognathic system. Although its position may vary in response to masticatory patterns, its relationship with functional occlusion remains insufficiently studied in orthodontics. Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the association between masticatory type and hyoid bone position and to assess the clinical utility of the Functional Masticatory Angle of Planas (AFMP) in classifying masticatory patterns. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 18 patients. Right and left AFMPs were measured using standardized intraoral photographs, and hyoid bone position was assessed via panoramic radiographs, classified as either aligned or displaced. Measurements were repeated to assess intraobserver reliability. Results: In most cases, hyoid bone elevation occurred on the same side as the smaller AFMP, suggesting a possible adaptive response to unilateral masticatory dominance. High intraobserver agreement was confirmed for both AFMP and hyoid measurements. Conclusions: The findings suggest a potential relationship between functional masticatory asymmetry and hyoid bone position. While further studies with larger samples are needed, the AFMP appears to be a promising tool for evaluating functional occlusion in relation to craniofacial dynamics. Full article

This cross-sectional study analyzed the lower limb (LL) behavior in terms of gait asymmetry and joints’ kinematic parameters, comparing people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and unaffected individuals. Methods: Data from 15 patients, EDSS ≤ 4.5, and 15 healthy control volunteers were gathered. The VICON Motion Capture System (14 infrared cameras), NEXUS software, Plug-in–Gait skeleton model and reflective markers were used to collect data for each subject during five gait cycles on a plane surface. Biomechanical analysis included evaluation of LL joints’ range of motion (ROM) bilaterally, as well as movement symmetry. Results: Comparative biomechanical analysis revealed a hierarchy of vulnerability between the groups: the ankle is the most affected joint in pwMS (p = 0.008–0.014), the knee is moderately affected (p = 0.015 in swing phase), and the hip is the least affected (p > 0.05 in all phases). The swing phase showed the most significant left–right asymmetry impairment, as reflected by root mean square error (RMSE) values: swing-phase RMSE = 9.306 ± 4.635 (higher and more variable) versus stance-phase RMSE = 6.363 ± 2.306 (lower and more consistent). Conclusions: MS does not affect the joints structurally; rather, it eliminates the ability to differentiate the fine-tuning control between them. The absence of significant left–right joint asymmetry differences during complete gait cycle indicates dysfunction in the global motor control. Full article

Background/Objectives: The post-COVID-19 condition frequently includes dysphonia. We aimed to assess objective and subjective voice disorders and short-term responses to multimodal therapy in patients with isolated post-COVID-19 dysphonia. Methods: This retrospective, single-center pre–post study screened 244 post-COVID-19 patients; a subset of 14 with isolated dysphonia underwent standardized assessment at baseline and at 1-month follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes (Voice Handicap Index, VHI; Voice-Related Quality of Life, V-RQOL) and endoscopic evaluation were performed using videolaryngostroboscopy (LVS) and high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) with kymographic analysis to quantify parameters describing vocal fold oscillations. The treatment included short-term systemic corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids, hyaluronic-acid inhalations, and structured voice therapy. Results: At baseline, HSV revealed signs of glottal insufficiency—irregular and asymmetric vocal fold motion, reduced amplitude and pliability, a disrupted mucosal wave, and an increased open quotient. At follow-up, HSV showed increased oscillation, amplitude, and cycle regularity with reduced left–right asymmetry and phase differences; phonovibrograms displayed clearer and more structured patterns. Perturbation indices decreased across jitter and shimmer measures, and the mean fundamental frequency was lower. Improvements in instrumental measures aligned with better VHI and V-RQOL scores. Conclusions: In patients with persistent dysphonia after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, comprehensive ENT evaluation with instrumental laryngeal assessment is warranted. Short-term multimodal management was associated with improvements in both HSV-derived measures and patient-reported outcomes; confirmation in controlled studies is needed. Full article

The optically pumped magnetometer, OPM-MEG, has the potential to replace the traditional low-temperature superconducting quantum interference device, SQUID-MEG. Event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs) can be used to examine the temporal- and frequency-domain characteristics of a signal. In this paper, a finger-tapping movement paradigm based on auditory cues is adopted, and OPM-MEG is used to measure the functional signals of the brain. The event-related spectral perturbation values of the right and left hands of right-handed people were calculated and compared. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the event-related spectral perturbations between the right and left hands of right-handed people. In summary, OPM-MEG has the ability to measure the event-related spectral perturbations of the brain during finger movements and verify the asymmetry of motor skills. Full article

Background/Objectives: The bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is a rare anatomical variation characterized by a division of the mandibular condyle into two distinct heads. Although frequently identified through radiographic studies or in dry skulls, its etiology remains unclear, and few studies have examined its internal bone structure. This study aimed to perform a detailed morphologic and microarchitectural analysis of a right unilateral bifid mandibular condyle using micro-CT and to contrast the findings with the relevant morphological and clinical literature. Case Presentation: A human mandible from an anatomical collection was analyzed. The mandible was scanned using a Bruker 1273 micro-CT system, and a 3D reconstruction was performed. Morphometric analysis was carried out on both the bifid right and normal left condyles, evaluating cortical and trabecular components separately. Parameters included bone volume, absolute bone volume, bone surface, trabecular thickness, separation, and number. The right condyle was divided into medial and lateral heads with independent necks, displaying asymmetry in size and shape. Micro-CT revealed reduced cortical volume and greater trabecular separation in the BMC, suggesting lower bone density compared to the left condyle. Conclusions: This case reveals significant differences in bone architecture between the BMC and the contralateral condyle, indicating a potentially reduced biomechanical capacity on the affected side. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating microstructural evaluation in anatomical and clinical assessments of BMCs and provide novel insights that may inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding of temporomandibular joint disorders. Full article

Penalty shootouts often decide major football tournaments, making the analysis of spatial symmetry and shot patterns crucial for performance optimization. This study analyzed 212 decisive penalty kicks in elite men’s football to explore spatial patterns and asymmetries in execution, as well as their relationship with performance effectiveness. An observational methodology was used, combining temporal pattern detection (T-patterns) and chi-square tests to examine associations between contextual, spatial, and outcome-related variables. Results showed that the most frequently targeted area was left-down (28.3%), with a success rate of 71.7%. Additionally, central zones exhibited particularly high accuracy (ranging from 88.9% to 100%) despite their low usage frequency. Differences were also observed in the distribution of shots between left- and right-footed players, both in frequency and effectiveness, although these were not significant. The findings suggest the presence of strategic tendencies and functional spatial asymmetries, which may have implications for specialized training in high-pressure scenarios. These insights can guide targeted training strategies for both kickers and goalkeepers and encourage further research on decision-making and spatial behavior under extreme pressure. Full article

Background: Basketball is a high-intensity, multidirectional sport involving frequent jumping, sprinting, and rapid changes of direction, which may expose the musculoskeletal system to varying and potentially asymmetric mechanical demands. The mechanical loading associated with basketball-specific movements may also serve as a consistent osteogenic stimulus, potentially leading to side-specific adaptations in body composition and bone characteristics. Long-term participation in basketball may lead to functional and structural asymmetries between the lower and upper limbs, potentially increasing the risk of injury and impacting performance. This study aimed to investigate structural and functional asymmetries in male basketball players using body composition, health, and performance-related measures. Methods: Thirty-eight right-handed basketball players (age: 21.1 ± 2.8 years; body mass: 86.2 ± 9.2 kg; height: 1.91 ± 8.3 cm) were assessed in a single testing session. The evaluation included bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), single-leg countermovement rebound jumps (CMRJs), and handgrip strength testing. Results: Significant interlimb differences were observed in lean mass and the phase angle for both the arms and legs. Performance differences favored the left leg in terms of maximum jump height (12.0 ± 17.5%, p = 0.001) and reactive strength index (RSI), whereas the right arm exhibited greater grip strength than the left (6.4 ± 5.9%, p = 0.001). DXA analysis revealed significant asymmetries in bone parameters, including bone mineral density (BMD) of the trochanter (1.81 ± 5.51%, p = 0.031, dz = 0.37), total hip (1.41 ± 4.11%, p = 0.033, dz = 0.36), and total arms (–1.21 ± 2.71%, p = 0.010, dz = 0.43), as well as bone mineral content (BMC) in total arms (–2.16 ± 5.09%, p = 0.012) and total legs (1.71 ± 3.36%, p = 0.002, 0.54). Conclusions: These findings suggest that basketball may induce both functional and structural adaptations, likely due to repetitive unilateral loading and sport-specific movement patterns. However, individual variability and the use of diverse assessment methods may complicate the detection and interpretation of asymmetries. Coaches and practitioners should monitor and address such asymmetries to reduce injury risk and optimize performance. Full article

Understanding morphological variation and asymmetry in avian limbs provides essential insights into functional anatomy, locomotor behavior, and developmental stability. In this study, we investigated shape and size variation in the feet of quails (Coturnix coturnix) using two-dimensional geometric morphometric methods. A total of 233 animals were analyzed, representing both the left and right feet of male and female individuals. Nine homologous fixed landmarks were digitized on each foot, and configurations were subjected to Generalized Procrustes Analysis, followed by mirroring of right-side landmarks to ensure consistent orientation. Statistical analyses revealed no significant sexual dimorphism in either foot shape or centroid size. Principal Component Analysis indicated that the main shape variation was distributed individually rather than by sex and primarily affected the relative positions of toes and claws. Procrustes ANOVA confirmed that differences between sexes were not greater than expected by chance. Directional and fluctuating asymmetry were evaluated using a bilateral symmetry model to assess bilateral asymmetry. Directional asymmetry indicated consistent left–right differences, while fluctuating asymmetry reflected individual-level developmental instability and comprised the main source of variation. These findings provide a detailed morphological baseline for quail foot structure and highlight the importance of considering asymmetry in studies of avian functional morphology. The approach may also be a reference for future research into developmental stress, locomotor adaptation, or species-specific anatomical patterns. Full article

Background/Objectives: McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare disease characterized by the triad of fibrous dysplasia (FD), café au lait skin macules, and hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies. Although there are many case reports of MAS, few have discussed long-term oral management. We describe the long-term follow-up of an MAS patient over 15 years. Case Presentation: A male patient aged 13 years and 7 months was referred to our department with a chief complaint of difficulty with toothbrushing. He was diagnosed with MAS at 9 years, and bisphosphonate therapy was started. We continued to review the patient periodically and extracted several primary teeth with no adverse effects such as the medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). We evaluated the changes in FD using facial photographs, and facial asymmetry worsened over time until the age of 19, when surgery was performed. Although improvement was observed after surgery, there was a tendency for recurrence up to the age of 25 years. Conclusions: Continuous dental support over 15 years has prevented oral disease and minimized the need for surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, which are factors in MRONJ. The worsening of FD on the left side caused facial asymmetry until the age of 25 years; however, the asymmetry may have stabilized with the development of FD on the right side and with age-related changes. It is important for dental professionals to provide MAS patients with appropriate oral health instruction and oral management, taking changes in FD into consideration. Full article

Although numerous observational and theoretical studies have examined the mean and turbulent structure of the tropical cyclone boundary layer (TCBL) over the open ocean, there have been comparatively fewer studies that have examined the kinematic and thermal structure of the TCBL across the land–ocean interface. This study examines the impact of different continental environments on the thermodynamic evolution of the TCBL during the landfall transition using high-resolution, full-physics numerical simulations. During landfall, the changes in the wind field within the TCBL due to the development of the internal boundary layer (IBL), combined with the formation of a surface cold pool, generates a pronounced thermal asymmetry in the boundary layer. As a result, the maximum thermodynamic boundary layer height occurs in the rear-right quadrant of the storm relative to its motion. In addition, azimuthal and vertical advection by the mean flow lead to enhanced turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in front of the vortex (enhancing dissipative heating immediately onshore) and onshore precipitation to the left of the storm track (stabilizing the environment). The strength and depth of thermal asymmetry in the boundary layer depend on the contrast in temperature and moisture between the continental and storm environments. Dry air intrusion enhances cold pool formation and stabilizes the onshore boundary layer, reducing mechanical mixing and accelerating the decay of the vortex. The temperature contrast between the continental and storm environments establishes a coastal baroclinic zone, producing stronger baroclinicity and inflow on the left of the track and weaker baroclinicity on the right. The resulting gradient imbalance in the front-right quadrant triggers radial outflow through a gradient adjustment process that redistributes momentum and mass to restore dynamical balance. Therefore, the surface thermodynamic conditions over land play a critical role in shaping the evolution of the TCBL during landfall, with the strongest asymmetries in thermodynamic boundary layer height emerging when there are large thermal contrasts between the hurricane and the continental environment. Full article

Introduction: Women’s futsal demands strength, agility, speed, and endurance, involving sprints, dribbling, and rapid directional changes. In this context, the hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratio and bilateral muscle asymmetries are recognized as risk factors for lower limb injuries and may also impact athletic performance. Objective: This study aimed to analyze power output in two inertial flywheel resistance exercises and identify muscle imbalances in the lower limbs of female university futsal players. Methods: Twelve athletes (22.9 ± 2.3 years; 163 ± 6.8 cm; 60.9 ± 9.9 kg; 22.8 ± 3.1 kg/m²; ≥9 years of experience) participated in the study. They performed 2 sets of 8 unilateral knee flexion and extension repetitions per limb, following a warm-up of 20 bodyweight squats. Power output was assessed using a multi-joint isoinertial device (Physical Solutions, SP, Brazil). Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, with significance set at α = 0.05. Results: Eccentric power was significantly higher in both exercises and limbs (EJPD = 0.003; EJPE = 0.006; FJPD < 0.001; FJPE < 0.001). An imbalance in the H/Q ratio was observed: concentric right = 50.38% ± 14.67; left = 42.46% ± 9.24; eccentric right = 56.71% ± 15.56; left = 58.38% ± 21.06. The right limb showed a greater concentric imbalance (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Eccentric power was higher in both exercises without inter-limb differences. An H/Q imbalance was detected, with greater asymmetry in the right leg for concentric power. Coaches are encouraged to prioritize eccentric training to address these imbalances. Full article

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is marked by emotional dysregulation, instability in self-image and relationships, and high impulsivity. While functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have provided valuable insights into the disorder’s neural correlates, electroencephalography (EEG) may capture real-time brain activity changes relevant to BPD’s rapid emotional shifts. This review summarizes findings from studies investigating resting state and task-based EEG in individuals with BPD, highlighting common neurophysiological markers and their clinical implications. A targeted literature search (1980–2025) was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. The search terms combined “EEG” or “electroencephalography” with “borderline personality disorder” or “BPD”. Clinical trials and case reports published in English were included if they recorded and analyzed EEG activity in BPD. A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that individuals with BPD often show patterns consistent with chronic hyperarousal (e.g., reduced alpha power and increased slow-wave activity) and difficulties shifting between vigilance states. Studies examining frontal EEG asymmetry reported varying results—some linked left-frontal activity to heightened hostility, while others found correlations between right-frontal shifts and dissociation. Childhood trauma, mentalization deficits, and dissociative symptoms were frequently predicted or correlated with EEG anomalies, underscoring the impact of adverse experiences on neural regulation—however, substantial heterogeneity in methods, small sample sizes, and comorbid conditions limited study comparability. Overall, EEG research supports the notion of altered arousal and emotion regulation circuits in BPD. While no single EEG marker uniformly defines the disorder, patterns such as reduced alpha power, increased theta/delta activity, and shifting frontal asymmetries converge with core BPD features of emotional lability and interpersonal hypersensitivity. More extensive, standardized, and multimodal investigations are needed to establish more reliable EEG biomarkers and elucidate how early trauma and dissociation shape BPD’s neurophysiological profile. Full article

Based on fundamental mechanics, movement and force associate head and pelvic movement asymmetry with asymmetry of force production. We investigate, how often racehorses undergoing strenuous training regimens show evidence of switching between “preferred” limbs, i.e. one limb producing increased force, when assessed at monthly intervals? We hypothesize that clinical asymmetry thresholds designed for “detecting lameness” are frequently exceeded and that when applying previously established Thoroughbred-specific repeatability values, horses rarely switch between showing left- and right-sided asymmetry. Monthly gait assessments (inertial sensors) were conducted in 256 Thoroughbred racehorses at least twice per horse (up to 16 times per horse). Descriptive statistics for absolute differences for head and pelvic movement were compared to published Thoroughbred-specific repeatability values. The percentage of left–right switches between repeat assessments was calculated in comparison to three different levels of pre-defined thresholds (perfect symmetry, clinical lameness thresholds, previously established Thoroughbred-specific repeatability values) and switch frequencies compared between the three thresholds. Ranges containing 95% of monthly differences were higher than published daily and weekly values except for pelvic vertical range of motion. Approximately 30% of monthly differences in individual symmetry parameters showed left–right switches around “perfect symmetry”. Utilizing clinical lameness thresholds for categorizing left–right switches, a significantly (p < 0.001) reduced percentage of 4–11% of measurements for head movement and 7–17% for pelvic movement showed switches. Using daily repeatability values for categorization, a further significantly (p < 0.001) reduced percentage of switches was observed: 0.3–3.6% for head movement and 0.6–7.0% for pelvic movement. While racehorses in training regularly switch between small left- or right-sided movement symmetries, they less frequently switch between more pronounced left- and right-sided movement symmetries defined based on daily variations. Further studies should investigate the reasons for these rare switches. Full article

Background: Ear advantage (EA) reflects hemispheric asymmetries in auditory processing. While a right-ear advantage (REA) for speech and a left-ear advantage (LEA) for music are well documented in typically developing individuals, it is unclear how these patterns manifest in young children with cochlear implants (CIs). This study investigated whether pupillometry could reveal asymmetric listening efforts in toddlers with bilateral CIs when listening to speech and music under monaural stimulation. Methods: Thirteen toddlers (mean age = 36.2 months) with early bilateral CIs participated. Pupillary responses were recorded during passive listening to speech and music stimuli, presented in quiet or with background noise. Each child was tested twice, once with only the left CI active and once with only the right CI active. Linear mixed-effects models assessed the influence of session (left/right CI), signal type (speech/music), and background noise. Results: A significant interaction between session and signal type was observed (p = 0.047). Speech elicited larger pupil sizes when processed through the left CI, while music showed no significant lateralized effects. Age and speech therapy frequency moderated pupil responses in speech and music trials, respectively. Conclusions: Pupillometry reveals subtle asymmetric listening effort in young CI users depending on the listening ear, suggesting early emerging functional lateralization despite sensory deprivation and device-mediated hearing. Full article