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Journal of Robotic Surgery May 2024There is a high prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal pain among robotic surgeons. Poor upper limb ergonomic positioning during robotic surgery occurs when the... (Review)
Review
There is a high prevalence of upper limb musculoskeletal pain among robotic surgeons. Poor upper limb ergonomic positioning during robotic surgery occurs when the shoulders are abducted, and the elbows are lifted off the console armrest. The validated rapid upper limb assessment can quantify ergonomic efficacy. Surface electromyography and hand dynamometer assessment of strength are the most common methods to assess muscle fatigue. A literature review was performed to find evidence of ergonomic interventions which reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain during robotic surgery. There is a paucity of studies which have reported on this topic. In other occupations, there is strong evidence for the use of resistance training to prevent upper extremity pain. Use of forearm compression sleeves, stretching, and massage may help reduce forearm fatigue. Microbreaks with targeted stretching, active ergonomic training, improved use of armrest, and optimal hand controller design have been shown to reduce upper limb musculoskeletal pain. Future studies should assess which interventions are beneficial in reducing surgeon upper limb pain during robotic surgery.
Topics: Humans; Ergonomics; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Musculoskeletal Pain; Upper Extremity; Muscle Fatigue; Occupational Diseases; Electromyography; Resistance Training; Surgeons; Massage
PubMed: 38801617
DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-01992-w -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Aug 2024To determine the effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on improving fatigue recovery and fatigue-related parameters of the gastrocnemius muscle after a heel-raise... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on improving fatigue recovery and fatigue-related parameters of the gastrocnemius muscle after a heel-raise exercise.
DESIGN
A single-blind randomised controlled trial.
SETTING
Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Thailand.
PARTICIPANTS
Fifty-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to two groups: TTM (n = 27; 51.85 % women; mean age 23.15 ± 4.90 years; number of exercises/week: 4.78 ± 1.58) and control (n = 27; 59.26 % women; mean age 22.63 ± 4.88 years; number of exercises/week: 4.48 ± 1.25).
INTERVENTIONS
After the participants performed a heel-raise exercise to induce fatigue of the gastrocnemius muscle, they received either 30 min of TTM to the gastrocnemius muscle or 30 min of control (29 min of rest and 1 min total gastrocnemius stretching).
OUTCOME MEASURES
The outcome measures were the median frequency (MDF) of the electromyography signal, muscle power (MP) and feelings of muscle fatigue (FMF). All the outcome measures were evaluated before (T1) and after (T2) the fatigue-inducement protocol as well as immediately (T3), 1 h (T4) and 2 h (T5) after the interventions.
RESULTS
The results show that MDF and MP were significantly increased and FMF significantly decreased in both groups immediately after the interventions and at 1 h and 2 h after the interventions (repeated measures ANOVA: p < .05). In the between-group comparisons, participants in the TTM group showed significantly greater improvement than those in the control group on all outcomes at all post-intervention assessment time points (T3, T4, T5), reflecting faster recovery from muscle fatigue (ANCOVA: p < .05).
CONCLUSION
TTM proved an effective intervention for maximising recovery from fatigue of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Topics: Humans; Massage; Muscle Fatigue; Female; Male; Thailand; Muscle, Skeletal; Single-Blind Method; Adult; Young Adult; Electromyography; Exercise; Medicine, Thai Traditional
PubMed: 38796061
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103056 -
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative... May 2024
PubMed: 38795578
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100931 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024In addressing the challenge of assessing healthy brain aging across diverse interventions, this study introduces the use of MRI-derived Brain Healthcare Quotients (BHQ)...
In addressing the challenge of assessing healthy brain aging across diverse interventions, this study introduces the use of MRI-derived Brain Healthcare Quotients (BHQ) for comprehensive evaluation. We analyzed BHQ changes in 319 participants aged 24-69, who were allocated into dietary (collagen peptide, euglena, matcha, isohumulone, xanthophyll) and physical activity (hand massage with lavender oil, handwriting, office stretching, pink lens, clinical art) groups, alongside a control group, over a month. These interventions were specifically chosen to test the efficacy of varying health strategies on brain health, measured through BHQ indices: GM-BHQ for gray matter volume, and FA-BHQ for white matter integrity. Notably, significant improvements in FA-BHQ were observed in the collagen peptide group, with marginal increases in the hand massage and office stretching groups. These findings highlight BHQ's potential as a sensitive tool for detecting brain health changes, offering evidence that low-intensity, easily implemented interventions can have beneficial effects on brain health. Moreover, BHQ allows for the systematic evaluation of such interventions using standard statistical approaches, suggesting its value in future brain healthcare research.
PubMed: 38792582
DOI: 10.3390/life14050560 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024A rare and unexpected consequence of childbirth, labor, or the immediate postpartum period is amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). This study aims to identify AFE cases...
A rare and unexpected consequence of childbirth, labor, or the immediate postpartum period is amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). This study aims to identify AFE cases during or immediately after birth from anesthetic management perspectives. Secondary goals include assessing patient clinical features, obstetric care techniques, birth outcomes, and case survival. A retrospective observational study assessed AFE patients hospitalized in three Romanian clinical institutions from October 2007 to April 2023. Based on the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) criteria, we diagnosed 11 AFE patients. AFE occurred in eight cases (73%) during peripartum, two (18%) within 30 min after placental delivery, and 1 (9%) during a scheduled cesarean surgery. Only one of six cardiorespiratory arrest patients responded to external cardiac massage, while the other five (83%) needed defibrillation. The patients received, on average, five units of red blood cells, six of fresh frozen plasma, and two of activated platelets. Six patients (55%) received factor VIIa infusions. Maternal mortality was 36.3%. Six neonates (75%) needed neonatal resuscitation, and two (25%) died on the second and third days. AFE management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach and the incorporation of advanced life support techniques to optimize outcomes for both the mother and newborn.
PubMed: 38792456
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102916 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by an aberrant immune response against a dysbiotic dental biofilm, with oxidative stress performing an... (Review)
Review
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by an aberrant immune response against a dysbiotic dental biofilm, with oxidative stress performing an essential role in its pathogenesis. This paper presents a patent mining, performed in the Orbit Intelligence patent database, related to antioxidant phytochemicals in the technological developments that are working to prevent and treat periodontal disease. To access the documents, the descriptors "PERIODONTAL" and "ANTIOXIDANT" were typed in the title, abstract, and claim search fields. A total of 322 patents demonstrate the growing interest in researching natural antioxidants for scientific and technological purposes. The top ten countries regarding the number of family patents produced were the United States, the European Office, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Mexico, Denmark, Canada, and Great Britain. The most cited compounds were vitamin C, green tea, quercetin, melatonin, lycopene, resveratrol, and curcumin. These compounds have been used for the technological development of gels, membranes, dentifrices, chewing gum, orally disintegrating film, mouthwash, mouth spray, and mouth massage cream and exhibit the ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a critical factor in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. The patent documents have shown that using antioxidant compounds in conjunction with traditional periodontal treatments is a promising area of interest in periodontal therapy.
PubMed: 38790671
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050566 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024The use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) is very popular among the general population in Germany. However, international studies show that nurses,...
INTRODUCTION
The use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) is very popular among the general population in Germany. However, international studies show that nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals (HCPs) at hospitals often do not feel sufficiently informed about different CIM approaches. Moreover, they do not feel trained enough to counsel their patients appropriately. In the German-speaking context, particularly within university hospitals, research on this subject is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this explorative study was to evaluate attitudes, subjective knowledge, and needs regarding CIM among HCPs with direct patient interaction across all four university hospitals in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Tübingen, Ulm, Freiburg, Heidelberg).
METHODS
The multicenter, cross-sectional, anonymous full survey was conducted online using a self-developed, semi-structured, web-based questionnaire. Recruitment took place via all-inclusive e-mail distribution lists of all four university hospitals.
RESULTS
A total of = 2,026 participants (response rate varied by location from about 5 to 14%) fully answered the questionnaire. Nurses constituted the largest professional group ( = 1,196; 59%), followed by physicians ( = 567; 28%), physiotherapists ( = 54), psychologists ( = 48), midwives ( = 37), and other professions ( = 124). More than two-thirds (71%, = 1,437) of the participants were female and 14% ( = 286) reported additional training in CIM. The overall attitude toward CIM (10-point Likert scale, 10 = "very favorable") was clearly positive ( ± : 7.43 ± 2.33), with notable differences between professional groups: midwives (9.05 ± 1.18), physiotherapists (8.44 ± 1.74), and nurses (8.08 ± 1.95) expressed the highest support, whereas physicians (5.80 ± 2.39) the lowest. 42% of the participants incorporated CIM in patient care (from 33% of physicians to 86% of midwives). Overall, relaxation therapy ( = 1,951; 96%), external applications ( = 1,911; 94%), massage ( = 1,836; 91%), and meditation/mindfulness ( = 1,812; 89%) were rated as useful or rather useful for patients. The average self-assessed knowledge level about CIM was moderate (M ± SD: 5.83 ± 2.03). Most of the participants found CIM training at university hospitals important and saw research about CIM as one of the tasks of university hospitals. The participants expressed the highest interest in education for acupuncture/acupressure, relaxation therapies, and manual medicine.
DISCUSSION
This comprehensive survey of health care professionals (HCPs) at university hospitals in Germany reveals a clearly positive disposition toward CIM, aligning with findings from other hospital-based surveys and highlighting differences among professional groups. While most therapies deemed beneficial for patient care are supported by positive evidence, further research is required for others. Given the average self-reported knowledge of CIM, targeted education is essential to meet the needs of both HCPs and patients and to ensure the provision of evidence-based information on the risks and benefits of CIM.
PubMed: 38784234
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1408653 -
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research May 2024Foot massage is known to be effective on the emotional state (anxiety, depression, etc.) in the postoperative period. However, studies on its effect on functional level... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Review
OBJECTIVE
Foot massage is known to be effective on the emotional state (anxiety, depression, etc.) in the postoperative period. However, studies on its effect on functional level are insufficient.
AIM
The study aimed to investigate the impact of foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults undergoing general surgery, employing a randomized clinical trial design.
METHODS
A total of 70 older adults aged 65 years and above who underwent abdominal surgery were included. Various assessments were conducted, including pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale), fear of mobility (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), functional independence (Functional Independence Measure), balance (Berg Balance Scale), basic mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), mental function status (Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination), and delirium (Nu-DESC).
RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were observed in some assessment parameters within the groups during the 2nd and 3rd measurement times, with the intervention group demonstrating significant mean differences.
DISCUSSIONS
The literature underscores the increase in kinesiophobia scores post-general/abdominal surgery in older adults, emphasizing the importance of evaluating functional level and kinesiophobia to expedite discharge processes and potentially plan early post-discharge rehabilitation to mitigate readmissions for functional reasons.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultimately, foot massage was found to be effective in reducing kinesiophobia, improving balance, mobility, daily living skills, and mental status in older adults post-abdominal surgery, thereby advocating for the facilitation of post-discharge rehabilitation programs or the reduction of readmission rates.
THE CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER
NCT05534490.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Massage; Female; Male; Foot; Recovery of Function; Aged, 80 and over; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38780814
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02770-2 -
Cureus Apr 2024Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue characterized by discomfort in the lumbosacral region. LBP localized between the 12th thoracic vertebra and...
Management of Low Back Pain With Concurrent Hamstring Tightness: A Case Report Highlighting the Efficacy of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Mulligan's Two-Leg Rotation Technique, and Exercise Regimen.
Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue characterized by discomfort in the lumbosacral region. LBP localized between the 12th thoracic vertebra and inferior gluteal folds is common and often lacks a clear etiology. Various factors contribute to LBP, including increased lumbar lordosis, diminished abdominal muscle strength, reduced back extensor muscle endurance, and flexibility limitations in the back extensors, iliopsoas, and hamstrings. Treatment modalities for LBP encompass surgical intervention, pharmacotherapy, lumbar injections, psychotherapy, chiropractic care, and physiotherapy, with manual therapy being a prominent approach. Physiotherapists employ a spectrum of manual techniques, including mobilization, manipulation, and massage, to address LBP. Hamstring flexibility plays a pivotal role in spinal mechanics, and tight or shortened hamstrings can exacerbate LBP. Mulligan's techniques, notably the two-leg rotation (TLR) technique, are valuable interventions for addressing hamstring tightness in cases of LBP. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) was also used to manage pain and improve strength. This case report outlines the management of a 32-year-old male presenting with LBP and hamstring tightness coupled with core muscle weakness. Through comprehensive assessment and physiotherapeutic interventions, significant improvements were observed in pain intensity, lumbar range of motion, disability, straight leg raise (SLR), and core muscle strength following a three-week physiotherapy intervention.
PubMed: 38779251
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58705 -
Acute Medicine & Surgery 2024Median sternotomy is a common surgical procedure during cardiac and pulmonary surgeries. There are many reports of patient injury associated with wire breakage. However,...
BACKGROUND
Median sternotomy is a common surgical procedure during cardiac and pulmonary surgeries. There are many reports of patient injury associated with wire breakage. However, there are only a few reports of healthcare worker injuries by sternal wire.
CASE PRESENTATION
A patient in his 70s, having a history of thoracic aorta replacement, collapsed suddenly and paramedics started mechanical chest compression. On hospital arrival, the emergency department nurse attempted to initiate manual chest compression but was injured by a sternal wire protrusion on the patient's chest. The emergency physician placed gauze on the sternal wire and continued manual chest compression, but the patient died.
CONCLUSION
To prevent this injury, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) providers should consciously check the patient's chest. If they observe wire exposure, they should immediately place a gauze, pad or consider performing mechanical chest compression. Safety measures such as the installing rubber pads in the AED should be considered.
PubMed: 38774150
DOI: 10.1002/ams2.969