TY - JOUR A1 - Gafos, Adamantios I. A1 - Lieshout, Pascal H. H. M. van T1 - Models and theories of speech production BT - editorial JF - Frontiers in psychology KW - speech production KW - motor control KW - dynamical models KW - phonology KW - speech KW - disorders KW - timing Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01238 SN - 1664-1078 VL - 11 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Dech, Silas A1 - Wolff, Lara L. A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Emotional Imagery Influences the Adaptive Force in Young Women BT - Unpleasant Imagery Reduces Instantaneously the Muscular Holding Capacity JF - Brain Sciences N2 - The link between emotions and motor function has been known for decades but is still not clarified. The Adaptive Force (AF) describes the neuromuscular capability to adapt to increasing forces and was suggested to be especially vulnerable to interfering inputs. This study investigated the influence of pleasant an unpleasant food imagery on the manually assessed AF of elbow and hip flexors objectified by a handheld device in 12 healthy women. The maximal isometric AF was significantly reduced during unpleasant vs. pleasant imagery and baseline (p < 0.001, dz = 0.98–1.61). During unpleasant imagery, muscle lengthening started at 59.00 ± 22.50% of maximal AF, in contrast to baseline and pleasant imagery, during which the isometric position could be maintained mostly during the entire force increase up to ~97.90 ± 5.00% of maximal AF. Healthy participants showed an immediately impaired holding function triggered by unpleasant imagery, presumably related to negative emotions. Hence, AF seems to be suitable to test instantaneously the effect of emotions on motor function. Since musculoskeletal complaints can result from muscular instability, the findings provide insights into the understanding of the causal chain of linked musculoskeletal pain and mental stress. A case example (current stress vs. positive imagery) suggests that the approach presented in this study might have future implications for psychomotor diagnostics and therapeutics. KW - Adaptive Force KW - maximal isometric Adaptive Force KW - holding capability KW - neuromuscular adaptation KW - motor control KW - pleasant and unpleasant imagery KW - emotions KW - emotional imagery KW - manual muscle test Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101318 SN - 2076-3425 VL - 12 IS - 10 PB - MDPI CY - Basel, Schweiz ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schaefer, Laura A1 - Hoff, Marco A1 - Bittmann, Frank T1 - Measuring system and method of determining the Adaptive Force JF - European journal of translational myology N2 - The term Adaptive Force (AF) describes the capability of adaptation of the nerve-muscle-system to externally applied forces during isometric and eccentric muscle action. This ability plays an important role in real life motions as well as in sports. The focus of this paper is on the specific measurement method of this neuromuscular action, which can be seen as innovative. A measuring system based on the use of compressed air was constructed and evaluated for this neuromuscular function. It depends on the physical conditions of the subject, at which force level it deviates from the quasi isometric position and merges into eccentric muscle action. The device enables – in contrast to the isokinetic systems – a measure of strength without forced motion. Evaluation of the scientific quality criteria of the devices was done by measurements regarding the intra- and interrater-, the test-retest-reliability and fatiguing measurements. Comparisons of the pneumatic device with a dynamometer were also done. Looking at the mechanical evaluation, the results show a high level of consistency (r²=0.94 to 0.96). The parallel test reliability delivers a very high and significant correlation (ρ=0.976; p=0.000). Including the biological system, the concordance of three different raters is very high (p=0.001, Cronbachs alpha α=0.987). The test retest with 4 subjects over five weeks speaks for the reliability of the device in showing no statistically significant differences. These evaluations indicate that the scientific evaluation criteria are fulfilled. The specific feature of this system is that an isometric position can be maintained while the externally impacting force rises. Moreover, the device can capture concentric, static and eccentric strength values. Fields of application are performance diagnostics in sports and medicine. KW - Adaptive Force KW - isometric eccentric force KW - muscle action KW - motor control KW - strength measurement system Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2017.6479 SN - 2037-7460 VL - 27 IS - 3 SP - 152 EP - 159 PB - Unipress CY - Padova ER -