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Journal of Functional Morphology and... Jun 2024The fire service suffers from high rates of cardiovascular disease and poor overall health, and firefighters often suffer fatal and non-fatal injuries while on the job.... (Review)
Review
The fire service suffers from high rates of cardiovascular disease and poor overall health, and firefighters often suffer fatal and non-fatal injuries while on the job. Most fatal injuries result from sudden cardiac death, while non-fatal injuries are to the musculoskeletal system. Previous works suggest a mechanistic link between several health and performance variables and injury risk. In addition, studies have suggested physical activity and nutrition can improve overall health and occupational performance. This review offers practical applications for exercise via feasible training modalities as well as nutritional recommendations that can positively impact performance on the job. Time-efficient training modalities like high-intensity interval training and feasible modalities such as resistance training offer numerous benefits for firefighters. Also, modifying and supplementing the diet and can be advantageous for health and body composition in the fire service. Firefighters have various schedules, making it difficult for planned exercise and eating while on shift. The practical training and nutritional aspects discussed in this review can be implemented on-shift to improve the overall health and performance in firefighters.
PubMed: 38921641
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020105 -
Journal of Functional Biomaterials Jun 2024Treatment of volumetric muscle loss (VML) faces challenges due to its unique pathobiology and lower priority in severe musculoskeletal injury management. Consequently, a...
Treatment of volumetric muscle loss (VML) faces challenges due to its unique pathobiology and lower priority in severe musculoskeletal injury management. Consequently, a need exists for multi-stage VML treatment strategies to accommodate delayed interventions owing to comorbidity management or prolonged casualty care in combat settings. To this end, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used at concentrations of 5%, 7.5%, and 10% to generate provisional muscle void fillers (MVFs) of varying stiffness values (1.125 kPa, 3.700 kPa, and 7.699 kPa) to stabilize VML injuries as part of a two-stage approach. These were implanted into a rat model for a duration of 4 weeks, then explanted and either left untreated (control) or treated through minced muscle grafting (MMG). Additional benchmarks included acute MMG and unrepaired groups. At the MVF explant, the 7.5% PVA group exhibited superior neuromuscular function compared to the 5% and 10% PVA groups, the least fibrosis, and the largest median myofiber size among all groups at the 12-week endpoint. Despite the 7.5% PVA's superiority amongst the two-stage treatment groups, neuromuscular function was neither improved nor impaired relative to acute treatment benchmarks. This suggests that the future success of a two-stage VML treatment strategy will necessitate a more effective definitive intervention.
PubMed: 38921533
DOI: 10.3390/jfb15060160 -
The Indian Journal of Radiology &... Jul 2024Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD) is a common disorder resulting from the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in various soft tissues, typically...
Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD) is a common disorder resulting from the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in various soft tissues, typically in periarticular distribution, including tendons, tendon sheaths, joint capsules, ligaments, bursae, periarticular soft tissues, and occasionally within the joints. The more commonly known subtypes of HADD are calcific tendinopathy and calcific periarthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be rarely caused by calcific deposits within the carpal tunnel in the setting of HADD-related calcific periarthritis. Imaging, particularly ultrasound and radiographs, is crucial in distinguishing this entity from the conventional form of CTS that tends to be idiopathic. We describe a rare presentation of CTS secondary to calcific periarthritis in a 45-year-old patient, with imaging demonstrating mass-like calcification within the carpal tunnel, with typical features of those seen with HADD. The patient was treated with ultrasound-guided barbotage, with significant clinical improvement. The case highlights a lesser-known cause of CTS as well as a presentation of HADD, and the role of ultrasound-guided barbotage, a minimally invasive procedure, as a viable first-line management option as an alternative to surgery.
PubMed: 38912254
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778650 -
Hong Kong Journal of Occupational... Jun 2024Wearable sensors are increasingly applied to rehabilitation for arm movement analysis. However, simple and clinically relevant applications are scarce.
INTRODUCTION
Wearable sensors are increasingly applied to rehabilitation for arm movement analysis. However, simple and clinically relevant applications are scarce.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the feasibility of single smart watch-based parameters for functional assessment in upper limb rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries using a commercial smart watch.
METHOD
Ten patients with unilateral shoulder pain and range-of-motion limitations were enrolled. They wore Galaxy Watch and performed three sets of upper extremity tasks consisting of gross activities-of-daily-living tasks, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI), and the acceleration and angular velocities were acquired. The motion segment size (MSS), representing motion smoothness from a clinical perspective, and various sensor-based parameters were extracted. The correlation between the parameters and clinical outcome measures were analyzed. The percent relative range (PRR) of the significant parameters was also calculated.
RESULTS
For overhead and behind body activity task set, mean MSS for elbow flexion/extension axis significantly correlated with WMFT score (R = 0.784, = .012). For planar tasks, mean MSS for the forearm supination/pronation (R = 0.815, = .007) and shoulder rotation (R = 0.870, = .002) axes significantly correlated with WMFT score. For forearm and fine movement task set, mean MSS of the elbow flexion/extension angle showed significant correlation with WMFT (R = 0.880, < .001) and UEFI (R = 0.718, = .019). The total performance time (R = -0.741, = .014) also showed significant correlation with WMFT score. The PRR for mean MSS in forearm supination (71.5%, planar tasks) and mean MSS in -direction (49.8%, forearm and fine motor movements) were similar to the PRR of WMFT (58.5%), suggesting sufficient variation range across different degree of impairments.
CONCLUSION
The commercial smart watch-based parameters showed consistent potential for use in clinical functional assessments.
PubMed: 38912103
DOI: 10.1177/15691861241241775 -
Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia Jun 2024To investigate the epidemiology of injury types among jiu-jitsu practitioners, as well as the incidence regarding different skill and experience levels, through the...
To investigate the epidemiology of injury types among jiu-jitsu practitioners, as well as the incidence regarding different skill and experience levels, through the question: "What are the characteristics and prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in Jiu-Jitsu practitioners?". Since the beginning of the study, in August 2020, we conducted a search on the MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO electronic databases. We included cross-sectional studies published between 2018 and 2023 on the epidemiology of the types of injuries among jiu-jitsu practitioners that compared their incidence regarding different levels of ability and experience. Two independent researchers performed the data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. Seven studies were included. The common outcomes involved 2,847 jiu-jitsu practitioners. A high prevalence in the knee joint and chest and rib areas was reported. Considering the difference in experience level among the practitioners, we could observe that most of the individuals included were beginners. Among the age groups observed, male practitioners older than 30 years of age were the ones who presented the highest rate of musculoskeletal injury, especially during training sessions. There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among jiu-jitsu practitioners. The most affected anatomical segments are the knee joint, the chest, and the rib region, followed by the shoulder joint. The related factors change according to certain variables, being more common during training in male individuals over 30 years of age and beginners in the sport.
PubMed: 38911890
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785662 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2024Exercise is beneficial for improving general health, wellbeing, and specific medical conditions. In musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic low back and neck pain,...
INTRODUCTION
Exercise is beneficial for improving general health, wellbeing, and specific medical conditions. In musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic low back and neck pain, prescribed exercise has been found to be moderately effective in decreasing pain and improving function. Osteopaths are primary contact health professionals who manage predominantly musculoskeletal complaints. This work presents a secondary data analysis of the Australian osteopathy practice-based research network and profiles the characteristics of osteopaths who often use exercise prescription in patient care. . Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of 992 osteopaths was registered with the Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network, an Australian practice-based research network. Demographics, practice, and treatment characteristics of Australian osteopaths who "often" use exercise prescription in patient care were examined.
RESULTS
Seven-hundred and thirty-three Australian osteopaths (74%) indicated that they use exercise prescription "often" in patient care. Australian osteopaths who often use exercise prescription are more likely to be colocated with another osteopath (ORa 1.54) and send referrals to an exercise physiologist (ORa 1.94) and a specialist medical practitioner (ORa 1.72). Those osteopaths who often used exercise prescription were also more likely to discuss physical activity (ORa 5.61) and nutrition (ORa 1.90). Australian osteopaths who use exercise prescription often were more likely to treat patients with sports injuries (ORa 2.43) and use soft tissue techniques (ORa 1.92), trigger point techniques (ORa 2.72), and sports taping (ORa 1.78).
CONCLUSION
Osteopaths who utilise exercise prescription were more likely to discuss physical activity, diet, and nutrition and utilise referral networks with specialist medical practitioners and exercise physiologists. Australian osteopaths who often use exercise prescriptions were also more likely to treat patients with sport injury. The results suggest that most Australian osteopaths use exercise prescription and have referral networks with other health professionals for patient management. Further work is required to explore the type of exercise prescription used and for what conditions.
Topics: Humans; Australia; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise Therapy; Exercise; Osteopathic Medicine; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Osteopathic Physicians; Prescriptions
PubMed: 38911694
DOI: 10.1155/2024/1977684 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Jun 2024
PubMed: 38911558
DOI: 10.21037/atm-24-10 -
The Lancet Regional Health. Western... Jun 2024The Australian population aged 70 and above is increasing and imposing new challenges for policy makers and providers to deliver accessible, appropriate and affordable...
Pre-COVID life expectancy, mortality, and burden of diseases for adults 70 years and older in Australia: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study.
BACKGROUND
The Australian population aged 70 and above is increasing and imposing new challenges for policy makers and providers to deliver accessible, appropriate and affordable health care. We examine pre-COVID patterns of health loss between 1990 and 2019 to inform policies and practices.
METHODS
Using the standardised methodology framework and analytical strategies from GBD 2019 methodologies, we estimated mortality, causes of death, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), life expectancy at age 70 and above (LE-70), and healthy life expectancy (HALE-70) in Australia comparing them globally and with high socio-demographic index (SDI) groups.
FINDINGS
DALY rates have been improving steadily over the past 30 years among Australians aged 70 and above. Decreases in DALY rates were primarily attributed to a fall in YLLs attributable to cardiovascular diseases (60%) and chronic respiratory disorders (30.2%) and transport injuries (56.9%), while the non-fatal burden remained stable from 1990 to 2019. According to the DALY rates, the top five leading causes are ischemic heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, COPD, stroke, and falls, where falls exhibited the largest increase since 1990.
INTERPRETATION
This study provides an in-depth report on the main causes of mortality and disability in Australia's population aged 70 and above. It sheds light on the shifts in burden over three decades, emphasising the need for the Australian health system to enhance its readiness in addressing the escalating demands of an ageing population. These findings establish pre-COVID baseline estimates for Australia's population aged 70 and above, informing healthcare preparedness.
FUNDING
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
PubMed: 38911261
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101092 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Jun 2024While prevention protocols have been implemented, skiing-related musculoskeletal injuries and concussions continue to present to emergency departments in the United...
BACKGROUND
While prevention protocols have been implemented, skiing-related musculoskeletal injuries and concussions continue to present to emergency departments in the United States. Previous literature has suggested the pediatric population may constitute up to 40% of skiing-related injuries.
PURPOSE
To assess injury trends and the underlying mechanisms of skiing injuries in pediatric patients seen at emergency departments in the United States.
STUDY DESIGN
Descriptive epidemiology study.
METHODS
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for pediatric (age ≤18 years) skiing injuries between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022. Injury mechanism, location, disposition, and diagnosis were recorded, and the statistical sample weight assigned by NEISS by hospital was used to calculate national estimates (NEs). Injury trends were evaluated with linear regression analysis.
RESULTS
Overall, 2951 pediatric skiing injuries were included (NE = 123,386). The mean age of the patients was 12.4 ± 3.5 years, with 61.3% of the injuries occurring in male patients. Impact with the ground was the most common injury mechanism (NE = 87,407; 70.8%). Fractures were the most common diagnosis (NE = 38,527, 31.2%), followed by strains/sprains (NE = 22,562, 18.3%), contusions/abrasions (NE = 16,257, 13.2%), and concussions (NE = 12,449, 10.1%). The lower leg was the most common fracture site (NE = 9509, 24.7%), followed by the shoulder (NE = 7131, 18.5%) and lower arm (NE = 5876, 15.3%). Analysis of annual injuries revealed no significant trend between 2012 and 2022 ( = .17), with fluctuations apparent throughout the study period. Significant decreases were seen in strains/sprains ( < .01) and contusions/abrasions ( < .01), but not in concussions ( = .57) or fractures ( = .70).
CONCLUSION
Impacts with the snow/ground made up 70.8% of all injuries. Fractures were the most common injury diagnosis, followed by strains/sprains, with the lower leg being most frequently fractured. While strains/sprains and contusions/abrasions showed a significant decline, there were no significant trends in fractures and concussions between 2012 and 2022.
PubMed: 38911123
DOI: 10.1177/23259671241255704 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports Jun 2024Dislocations of the knee joint represent very rare injuries in the literature, accounting for less than 0.02% of all musculoskeletal injuries.
INTRODUCTION
Dislocations of the knee joint represent very rare injuries in the literature, accounting for less than 0.02% of all musculoskeletal injuries.
CASE REPORT
This report describes a patient suffered a knee joint dislocation of the knee joint caused by a low impact injury following a stumbling trauma during volunteer of a sport competition. Anterior knee joint dislocation with incipient compartment syndrome was clinically prognosed. Vascular and nerve injuries were radiologically examined. Taken together the injury was classified as Schenck type IV CN, and surgical management of the current knowledge was pursued. A satisfying range of motion was examined during surgery next to solid vascular und nerve conditions post-surgery.
CONCLUSION
In case of severe knee joint dislocations, the current standard of a closed reduction with subsequent diagnostic is recommended. Compartment syndrome, nerve, and vascular tears indicate emergency surgery.
PubMed: 38910995
DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i06.4492