Tug fleet optimisation algorithms can be designed to solve the problem of dynamically positioning a fleet of tugs in order to mitigate the risk of oil tanker drifting accidents. In this paper, we define the tug fleet optimisation problem and present the details of a receding horizon genetic algorithm for solving it. The algorithm can be configured with a set of cost functions such that each con...

Postural instability and gait disorders (PIGD) in Parkinson's disease (PD) seem to be associated with executive dysfunction. We investigated which specific executive functions are associated with functional mobility in mildly affected PD patients. Functional mobility (Timed Up&Go Test, TUG), PIGD score, (spatial) working memory, set shifting, response inhibition and response generation were ass...

Functional mobility and cognitive function often decline with age. We previously found that functional mobility as measured by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) was associated with cognitive performance for visually-encoded (i.e., for location and face) working memory (WM) in older adults. This suggests a common neural basis between TUG and visual WM. To elucidate this relationship further, the pr...

OBJECTIVES to evaluate and compare the prognostic validity relative to falls of the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG), a modified Get-Up-and-Go test (GUG-m), staff's judgement of global rating of fall risk (GLORF) and fall history among frail older people. DESIGN cohort study, 6-month prospective follow-up for falls. PARTICIPANTS 183 frail persons living in residential care facilities in Sweden, m...

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect exercise therapy using SPIDER on balance ability patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). [Participants and Methods] Ten PD underwent without SPIDER, effects were compared. Effectiveness measured by Timed up Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach (FRT), 10-meter walk test. task consisted 10 squats back-and-forth steps each. [Resul...

Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based exercise program in TSP/HAM individuals. Methods Twenty-three TSP/HAM individuals divided in two groups according to Timed Up and Go (TUG) score (<20s vs ≥20s) performed a 20-week home-based exercise program. The primary outcomes were exercise adherence, maximum voluntary isometric contraction of lower limbs (MVIC), Ba...

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to explore the immediate effects of different frequencies of auditory stimulation on the lower limb motor function of healthy people. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 7 healthy people (5 males and 2 females). The subjects' lower limb function was measured without auditory stimulation (control), and with auditory stimulation of 500, 1,000, 1,500, a...

Dear Editor: We were delighted to read the results of the prospective study by Mobbs et al on “Physical Activity Measured With Accelerometer and Self-Rated Disability in Lumbar Spine Surgery” in a recent issue of the Global Spine Journal. Using a commercially available accelerometer and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Score (...

Little is known about the measurement properties of clinical tests of stepping in different directions for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and Down syndrome (DS). The ability to step in various directions is an important balance skill for daily life. Standardized testing of this skill can yield important information for therapy planning. This observational methodological study was aimed at de...

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Fifty-five older adults (mean age 79.7 +/- 5.2) participated. We calculated test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Partial correlations determined the construct validity with a balance measure (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]) and a mobi...