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International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2023Understanding the changes in cognitive processing that accompany changes in posture can expand our understanding of embodied cognition and open new avenues for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Understanding the changes in cognitive processing that accompany changes in posture can expand our understanding of embodied cognition and open new avenues for applications in (neuro)ergonomics. Recent studies have challenged the question of whether standing up alters cognitive performance. An electronic database search for randomized controlled trials was performed using Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines, PICOS framework, and standard quality assessment criteria (SQAC). We pooled data from a total of 603 healthy young adults for incongruent and 578 for congruent stimuli and Stroop effect (mean age = 24 years). Using random-effects results, no difference was found between sitting and standing for the Stroop effect (Hedges' = 0.13, 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.29, = 0.134), even when comparing congruent (Hedges' = 0.10; 95% CI: -0.132 to 0.339; = 0.86; = 0.389) and incongruent (Hedges' = 0.18; 95% CI: -0.072 to 0.422; = 1.39; = 0.164) stimuli separately. Importantly, these results imply that changing from a seated to a standing posture in healthy young adults is unlikely to have detrimental effects on selective attention and cognitive control. To gain a full understanding of this phenomenon, further research should examine this effect in a population of healthy older adults, as well as in a population with pathology.
Topics: Humans; Young Adult; Aged; Adult; Stroop Test; Ergonomics; Posture; Sitting Position; Cognition
PubMed: 36767687
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032319 -
Annals of Biomedical Engineering Apr 2023Research on human posture and balance control has grown in recent years, leading to continued advances in their understanding. The ability to maintain balance is... (Review)
Review
Research on human posture and balance control has grown in recent years, leading to continued advances in their understanding. The ability to maintain balance is attributed to the interplay of the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems, although an important role is also played by the auditory system. The lack or deficit in any of these systems leads to a reduced stability that may be counterbalanced by the integration of all the remaining sensory information. Auditory and vibratory stimulation have been found to be useful to enhance balance alongside daily activities either in healthy or pathological subjects; nevertheless, while widely investigated, the literature relating to these approaches is still fragmented. This review aims at addressing this by collecting, organising, and discussing all the literature to date on the effects of the various acoustic and vibratory stimulation techniques available on static upright posture in healthy subjects. In addition, this review intends to provide a solid and comprehensive starting point for all the researchers interested in these research areas. A systematic search of the literature was performed and a total of 33 articles (24 on vibratory stimulation and 9 on acoustic stimulation) were included in our analysis. For all articles, several elements were highlighted including: the study sample, the characteristics of the stimulations, the recording instruments, the experimental protocols, and outcomes. Overall, both stimulations analysed were found to have a positive effect on balance but more research is needed to align those alternative approaches to the traditional ones.
Topics: Humans; Acoustic Stimulation; Postural Balance; Posture; Standing Position; Vibration
PubMed: 36701031
DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03136-x -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022Physical counter pressure maneuvers (CPM) are movements that are recommended to delay or prevent syncope (fainting) by recruiting the skeletal muscle pump to augment... (Review)
Review
Physical counter pressure maneuvers (CPM) are movements that are recommended to delay or prevent syncope (fainting) by recruiting the skeletal muscle pump to augment cardiovascular control. However, these recommendations are largely based on theoretical benefit, with limited data evaluating the efficacy of CPM to prevent syncope in the real-world setting. We conducted a semi-systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess CPM efficacy, identify literature gaps, and highlight future research needs. Articles were identified through a literature search (PubMed, April 2022) of peer-reviewed publications evaluating the use of counter pressure or other lower body maneuvers to prevent syncope. Two team members independently screened records for inclusion and extracted data. From 476 unique records identified by the search, 45 met inclusion criteria. Articles considered various syncopal conditions (vasovagal = 12, orthostatic hypotension = 8, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome = 1, familial dysautonomia = 2, spinal cord injury = 1, blood donation = 10, healthy controls = 11). Maneuvers assessed included hand gripping, leg fidgeting, stepping, tiptoeing, marching, calf raises, postural sway, tensing (upper, lower, whole body), leg crossing, squatting, "crash" position, and bending foreword. CPM were assessed in laboratory-based studies ( = 28), the community setting ( = 4), both laboratory and community settings ( = 3), and during blood donation ( = 10). CPM improved standing systolic blood pressure (+ 14.8 ± 0.6 mmHg, < 0.001) and heart rate (+ 1.4 ± 0.5 bpm, = 0.006), however, responses of total peripheral resistance, stroke volume, or cerebral blood flow were not widely documented. Most patients experienced symptom improvement following CPM use (laboratory: 60 ± 4%, community: 72 ± 9%). The most prominent barrier to employing CPM in daily living was the inability to recognize an impending faint. Patterns of postural sway may also recruit the skeletal muscle pump to enhance cardiovascular control, and its potential as a discrete, proactive CPM needs further evaluation. Physical CPM were successful in improving syncopal symptoms and producing cardiovascular responses that may bolster against syncope; however, practical limitations may restrict applicability for use in daily living.
PubMed: 36312294
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1016420 -
BMC Geriatrics Jul 2022After a fall, more than half of older people living alone are unable to get up or get help independently. Fall-related recumbency makes affected individuals aware of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
After a fall, more than half of older people living alone are unable to get up or get help independently. Fall-related recumbency makes affected individuals aware of functional status limitations and increased vulnerability. Patient-centered therapy is needed to manage physical, psychological, and social needs. This review summarizes the current evidence on care options for the special patient population.
METHODS
The scoping review used the six-step framework proposed by Arksey and O´Malley and was conducted in accordance with the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework for scoping reviews. The literature searches were conducted in five databases and ten online archives. Articles were screened, assessed and selected using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles were included if they were published in either German or English and related to the care of long lies. Thematic synthesis was based on the literature review.
RESULTS
The search yielded 1047 hits, of which 19 research papers were included. Two themes were identified: (1) acute therapy, focused on prolonged recumbency and pronounced physical effects; and (2) preventive therapy, which examined standing up training, technical aids, and social control systems in the context of fall management.
CONCLUSIONS
There are a limited number of interventions that relate to the patient population. The interventions are predominantly presented independently, so there is a lack of structuring of the interventions in the form of a treatment pathway. In addition to pooling professional expertise and an interprofessional approach, it is important to continue inpatient treatment in the home setting, even though the effectiveness of interventions in a home setting has hardly been verified thus far. The solution for a missing treatment process is first of all a planned, interprofessional and intersectoral approach in therapy.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Aged; Hospitalization; Humans
PubMed: 35840883
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03258-2 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2021The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the reliability of isokinetic measurements of hip strength in flexion and extension in healthy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the reliability of isokinetic measurements of hip strength in flexion and extension in healthy subjects and athletes.
METHODS
The databases used were Web of Science, SCOPUS, Medline and PubMed. R was used for all statistical analyses.
RESULTS
Hip flexion shows moderate reliability in the supine position (ICC = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.46-0.99) and good reliability in the standing position (ICC = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.54-1.04). Hip extension shows excellent reliability in the supine position (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85-0.96) and moderate reliability in the standing position (ICC = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.48-0.96). Flexion of 120°/s and 180°/s showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.85-1.00), (ICC = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92-1.01). The 60°/s and 120°/s extension showed good reliability (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82-0.98), (ICC = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.75-0.99). The 180°/s extension presented excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.03).
CONCLUSIONS
The standing position shows good reliability for hip flexion and the supine position shows excellent reliability for hip extension, both movements have excellent reliability at velocities between 120°/s to 180°/s.
Topics: Athletes; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Muscle Strength; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Muscle, Skeletal; Range of Motion, Articular; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34769842
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111326 -
Nutrients Oct 2021Caffeine ingestion may influence balance control via numerous mechanisms. Although previously investigated using various study designs and methods, here we aimed to...
Caffeine ingestion may influence balance control via numerous mechanisms. Although previously investigated using various study designs and methods, here we aimed to create the first evidence-based consensus regarding the effects of caffeine on the control of upright stance via systematic review (PROSPERO registration CRD42021226939). Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were searched on 27 January 2021 to identify placebo-controlled trials investigating caffeine-induced changes in human standing balance. Reference lists of eligible studies were also searched. Overall, nine studies involving a total of 290 participants were included. All studies were moderate to strong in quality according to the QualSyst tool. Balance-related outcome measures were collected across a range of different participant ages, stances and sensory conditions. The results show that younger participants' balance was generally unaffected by caffeine ingestion. However, a significant balance impairment was observed following caffeine ingestion in all studies involving older participants (average age >65 years). Our results therefore suggest an age-dependent effect of caffeine ingestion on human standing. Further research into this effect is warranted as only one study has directly compared younger and older adults. Nonetheless, an important implication of our findings is that caffeine ingestion may increase fall risk in older adults. Furthermore, based on our findings, caffeine ingestion should be considered as a potential confounding factor when assessing human standing balance, particularly in older adults.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Caffeine; Drinking; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postural Balance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sensation Disorders; Standing Position
PubMed: 34684527
DOI: 10.3390/nu13103527 -
PloS One 2021Sedentary behaviour (SB) research has grown exponentially but efficacy for interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour is often contaminated by interventions primarily... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy, characteristics, behavioural models and behaviour change strategies, of non-workplace interventions specifically targeting sedentary behaviour; a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials in healthy ambulatory adults.
BACKGROUND
Sedentary behaviour (SB) research has grown exponentially but efficacy for interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour is often contaminated by interventions primarily or co-targeting other behaviours and outcomes. The primary aim of this research therefore, was to systematically review the efficacy of interventions specifically targeting sedentary behaviour reduction, as a sole primary outcome, from randomised control trials in healthy ambulatory adults. This research also sought to identify the successful interventions characteristics, behaviour change techniques (BCT's) and underlying theories, and their relation to intervention effectiveness.
METHODS
We followed PRISMA reporting guidelines for this systematic review. Six electronic databases were searched and a grey literature review conducted. Only randomised or cluster randomised controlled trials, from 2000 to 2020, in adult populations with a sole primary outcome of change in sedentary behaviour were included. Data codebooks were developed, data were extracted, and a narrative synthesis and meta-analysis was conducted using mixed methods random effects models.
RESULTS
Of 5589 studies identified, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies reported activPAL3 measures of mean daily sitting time, and four reported mean daily standing time, stepping time and number of sedentary breaks. Pooled analysis of weighted mean differences revealed a reduction in mean daily sitting time of -32.4mins CI (-50.3, -14.4), an increase in mean daily standing time of 31.75mins CI (13.7, 49.8), and mean daily stepping time of 9.5mins CI (2.8, 16.3), and an increase in rate of sedentary breaks per day of 3.6 (CI 1.6, 5.6). BCTs used exclusively in two of the three most effective interventions are 'feedback on behaviour' and 'goal setting behaviour' whilst all three most effective interventions included 'instruction on how to perform the behaviour' and 'adding objects to the environment', BCTs which were also used in less effective interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
Although limited by small sample sizes and short follow up periods, this review suggests that interventions specifically designed to change sedentary behaviour, reduce overall daily sitting time by half an hour, with an equivalent increase in standing time, in the short to medium term. Effective characteristics and behaviour change strategies are identified for future development of high quality interventions targeting change in sedentary behaviour.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020172457 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020172457.
Topics: Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Sedentary Behavior; Sitting Position; Standing Position; Time Factors; Workplace
PubMed: 34492051
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256828 -
PloS One 2021To synthesise and analyse the current evidence regarding changes in joint position sense (JPS) and standing balance in people with whiplash-associated disorder (WAD)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To synthesise and analyse the current evidence regarding changes in joint position sense (JPS) and standing balance in people with whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) taking the presence or absence of dizziness into account.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE and APA PsycINFO were searched by two independent reviewers from inception until August 2020 and reference lists of all included studies were also reviewed.
STUDY SELECTION
Only cross-sectional studies that measured JPS and/or standing balance between people with WAD vs. healthy controls (HC) or people with WAD complaining of dizziness (WADD) vs. those not complaining of dizziness (WADND) were selected.
DATA EXTRACTION
Relevant data were extracted using specific checklists and quality assessment was performed using Downs and Black Scale (modified version).
DATA SYNTHESIS
Twenty-six studies were included. For JPS, data were synthesized for absolute error in the primary plane of movement for separate movement directions. For standing balance, data were synthesized for traditional time- and frequency domain sway parameters considering the conditions of eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) separately. For meta-analysis, reduced JPS was observed in people with WAD compared to HC when the head was repositioned to a neutral head position (NHP) from rotation (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.43 [95%: 0.24-0.62]) and extension (0.33 [95%CI: 0.08-0.58]) or when the head was moved toward 50° rotation from a NHP (0.50 [0.05-0.96]). Similarly, people with WADD had reduced JPS compared to people with WADND when the head was repositioned to a NHP from rotation (0.52 [0.22-0.82]). Larger sway velocity and amplitude was found in people with WAD compared to HC for both EO (0.62 [0.37-0.88] and 0.78 [0.56-0.99], respectively) and EC (0.69 [0.46-0.91] and 0.80 [0.58-1.02]) conditions.
CONCLUSION
The observed changes of JPS and standing balance confirms deficits in sensorimotor control in people with WAD and especially in those with dizziness.
Topics: Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dizziness; Head; Humans; Movement; Postural Balance; Whiplash Injuries
PubMed: 33831060
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249659 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2021The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of active desks in the school setting on sedentary behavior, physical activity, academic achievements... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of active desks in the school setting on sedentary behavior, physical activity, academic achievements and overall health among children and adolescents aged 5-17 years. A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases until October 2020. Twenty-three studies were included. Studies reported an increase of around 36% in energy expenditure for cycling desks and between 15% and 27.7% for upright active desks. Children increased inhibitory control and selective attention capacity while using cycling desks. A heterogeneous quality of design and of results were observed limiting comparisons and conclusions for each active desk. Despite the lack of strong methodology for the included studies, active desks appear to be a promising intervention in classrooms to improve health-related outcomes in children aged 5-17 years. Due to weak methodology, future studies with stronger study designs and methodology are needed to better inform policy and practice about the role of classroom active desks on health-related outcomes in children and adolescents.
Topics: Academic Success; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Exercise; Humans; Schools; Sedentary Behavior; Standing Position
PubMed: 33802133
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062828 -
BMC Medical Ethics Feb 2021The use of great apes (GA) in invasive biomedical research is one of the most debated topics in animal ethics. GA are, thus far, the only animal group that has...
BACKGROUND
The use of great apes (GA) in invasive biomedical research is one of the most debated topics in animal ethics. GA are, thus far, the only animal group that has frequently been banned from invasive research; yet some believe that these bans could inaugurate a broader trend towards greater restrictions on the use of primates and other animals in research. Despite ongoing academic and policy debate on this issue, there is no comprehensive overview of the reasons advanced for or against restricting invasive research with GA. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of the reasons reported in the academic literature on this topic.
METHODS
Seven databases were searched for articles published in English. Two authors screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts of all articles. Two journals specialized in animal ethics, and the reference lists of included articles were subsequently also reviewed.
RESULTS
We included 60 articles, most of which were published between 2006 and 2016. Twenty-five articles argued for a total ban of GA research, 21 articles defended partial restrictions, and 14 articles argued against restrictions. Overall, we identified 110 reason types, 74 for, and 36 against, restricting GA research. Reasons were grouped into nine domains: moral standing, science, welfare, public and expert attitudes, retirement and conservation, respect and rights, financial costs, law and legal status, and longer-term consequences.
CONCLUSION
Our review generated five main findings. First, there is a trend in the academic debate in favor of restricting GA research that parallels worldwide policy changes in the same direction. Second, in several domains (e.g., moral standing, and respect and rights), the reasons were rather one-sided in favor of restrictions. Third, some prominent domains (e.g., science and welfare) featured considerable engagement between opposing positions. Fourth, there is low diversity and independence among authors, including frequent potential conflicts of interests in articles defending a strong position (i.e., favoring a total ban or arguing against restrictions). Fifth, scholarly discussion was not the norm, as reflected in a high proportion of non-peer-reviewed articles and authors affiliated to non-academic institutions.
Topics: Animals; Biomedical Research; Hominidae; Morals
PubMed: 33593335
DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00580-z