Research Willem De Hertogh

Abstract

Falls among older adults represent a pressing public health concern, and often result from the interaction of intrinsic capacities, e.g. decreased visual abilities, with complex environments, e.g. busy streets. These environments demand individuals to effectively track moving objects using their gaze for safe navigation. In this project, I propose that a better understanding of gaze control, its contributing factors, and its role in fall risk, is crucial for the development of more accurate fall prediction models. Current research on fall prediction occurs in controlled laboratory settings and employs simple tasks without ecological validity that neglect the role of gaze control in real-life navigation. Despite the link between gaze control and known fall risk factors (e.g. sensory and cognitive deficits and decreased postural control), the integration of these functions for ensuring gaze control remains unknown. In this project I position gaze control as a proxy to understanding sensory, cognitive, and motor functioning in relation to falls in older adults. Additionally, I hypothesize that by integrating gaze control in current fall prediction models, we can more accurately predict the likelihood of falls. My study represents an inventive yet challenging paradigm that significantly advances prior methodologies, overcoming technological limitations by leveraging Augmented Reality tools to simulate realistic but standardized tasks while concurrently tracking gaze control.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hallemans Ann
• Co-promoter: De Hertogh Willem
• Fellow: Embrechts Elissa

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is the phantom sensation of sound in the absence of an internal or external source for the sound which occurs in 10-15% of adults. Subjective tinnitus, influenced by the somatosensory system is called somatosensory tinnitus. In this subtype, the tinnitus can be influenced by impaired somatosensory input from the masticatory system or from the cervical spine. Our research group was able to demonstrate that non-invasive treatment of the cervical spine and of the masticatory system can lead to an improvement of tinnitus complaints (Michiels, Van de Heyning, Truijen, Hallemans, & De Hertogh, 2016; Van der Wal et al., 2020). Information on the underlying working mechanisms of these treatments is however lacking. This is important as it can shed light on tinnitus pathophysiology. We recently performed a mediation analysis and found that an improvement in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) was able to explain 35% of the observed treatment effect in patients with somatic tinnitus attributed to TMD (van der Wal et al., Submitted). TMD is however an umbrella term and further elaboration on the contribution of different components of TMD in tinnitus is needed. Of particular interest are the acting neurophysiological mechanisms. Also the assessment of a change in TMD over time needs to be improved. The current project is funded by remaining funds of a FWO TBM project and will be used to apply for.additional funding. References Michiels, S., Van de Heyning, P., Truijen, S., Hallemans, A., & De Hertogh, W. (2016). Does multi-modal cervical physical therapy improve tinnitus in patients with cervicogenic somatic tinnitus? Man Ther, 26, 125-131. doi:10.1016/j.math.2016.08.005 Van der Wal, A., Michiels, S., Van de Heyning, P., Braem, M., Visscher, C., Topsakal, V., . . . De Hertogh, W. (2020). Treatment of Somatosensory Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial Studying the Effect of Orofacial Treatment as Part of a Multidisciplinary Program. J Clin Med, 9(3). doi:10.3390/jcm9030705 van der Wal, A., van de Heyning, P., Gilles, A., Jacquemin, L., Topsakal, V., Van Rompaey, V., . . . de Hertogh, W. (Submitted). Is a reduction of somatic tinnitus severity mediated by an improvement in temporomandibular disorder? Hearing Research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Hertogh Willem

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is the phantom sensation of sound in the absence of an internal or external source for the sound. It occurs in 10-15% of adults. In some cases changes in somatosensory input from the cervical spine are causing or changing the tinnitus, in which case it is called cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST). We currently know that physical therapy treatment of the cervical spine dysfunction can decrease the tinnitus sensation, but we don't know why some patients with tinnitus experience an increase in their tinnitus when they are having an episode of neck pain and others don't. Therefore, we are working towards a large fMFI study, investigating brain activity during involuntary changes in somatosensory input using vibration, in patients with CST, patients with other types of tinnitus and patients with neck pain without tinnitus. In order to be able to succesfully apply for funding for this larger study, we first need to investigate which vibration frequency and location is best suited for altering cervical somatosensory input. The aim of this project is therefore: To investigate which vibration location and frequency causes the largest disturbance in cervical somatosensory input. This knowledge will increase our chances to successfully obtain funding for the larger study.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Hertogh Willem
• Promoter: Michiels Sarah

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to improve the quality of care for patients suffering from tinnitus attributed to a temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). This by verifying the effect of TMD treatment on tinnitus. As a next step, underlying working mechanisms of the applied treatment will be investigated (mediating factors). Third, variables that predict the treatment outcome (responders/ non-responders) will be analysed (prognostic indicators). Our findings wil be of importance for general practitioners, ENT specialists, audiologists, dentists and physical therapists, since they all deal with patients suffering from tinnitus.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Hertogh Willem

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

;Neck pain is one of the three most commonly reported musculoskeletal complaints, with point prevalence's varying between 10% and 22%. The lifetime prevalence has been estimated to be between 67% and 71% indicating that approximately two-thirds of all individuals will experience an episode of neck pain at some time during life. Several alterations in scapulothoracic muscle activity has been reported in patients with neck pain. In addition, there is clinical evidence that scapular position at rest and scapular motion during elevation of the upper limb may be altered in individuals with neck pain when compared to a healthy population. However, the literature clearly lacks a comprehensive studying of this relationship between scapular dysfunctions and neck pain. These insights may contribute to the rationale for the development of new therapeutic and/or preventive interventions. Therefore, the general purpose of this study is to obtain an understanding in the movement of the scapula in patients with neck pain in comparison to healthy controls. This leads to the following research questions: Do subjects with neck pain have a different movement pattern of the scapula compared to asymptomatic control subjects? and which variables affect scapular movement in neck pain patients? Consequently, patients with grade II neck pain according to the Classification of The Bone and Joint Task Force on Neck Pain and matched controls will be enrolled in this study. Pain and function will be evaluated with a Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index, Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire and CROM for cervical range of motion. The movement of the scapula will measured with the Polhemus 3SPACE FASTRAK, in order to register three scapular motions: posterior tilting (X-axis), upward rotation (Y-axis) and external/internal rotation (Z-axis).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Struyf Filip
• Co-promoter: De Hertogh Willem

Research team(s)

• Movement Antwerp (MOVANT)

Project type(s)

• Research Project