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European Journal of Vascular and... Jun 2024Iliofemoral venous obstructive disease can result in significant, potentially debilitating symptoms that can negatively affect quality of life. Unlike arterial disease,...
OBJECTIVE
Iliofemoral venous obstructive disease can result in significant, potentially debilitating symptoms that can negatively affect quality of life. Unlike arterial disease, patients with deep venous disease have a significantly lower median age, therefore the need for long term stent patency becomes a matter of decades rather than years. Furthermore, iliofemoral lesions frequently require stent placement across the inguinal ligament. Such stents are subject to dynamic stress from leg movement and associated concerns for device fatigue, resulting in stent fracture. The aim of this study was to describe an in vitro 50 year stent fatigue test method designed to assess durability against dynamic stress induced device fracture.
METHODS
Through literature review, cadaver studies, and computer modelling, the most challenging loading was confirmed to be hip flexion across the inguinal ligament. This occurs when the patient adjusts between a seated and standing position. Sit to stand hip flexion at the inguinal ligament was effectively simulated on the bench in this in vitro experimental study.
RESULTS
When tested under challenge parameters, hip flexion was reliably found to cause fractures in non-venous nitinol stents. However, a dedicated self expanding nitinol venous stent, engineered for improved durability, underwent up to 50 years of simulated loading on the bench with 15% (3/20) of stents experiencing fractures at 50 years, compared with fractures in 35% (14/40) of non-venous stents tested to 1.4 years; no statistical testing was performed as durations do not match and the objective was to demonstrate the test method).
CONCLUSION
The presented fatigue test method is a suitable approach for evaluating the durability of stents intended for venous use. Venous stents demonstrated superior fatigue resistance compared with non-venous stents via in vitro hip flexion testing.
PubMed: 38906369
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2024.06.024 -
Gait & Posture Jun 2024Intrinsic foot muscles are known to support the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and stabilize the foot, and they are activated with weight bearing and increased postural...
BACKGROUND
Intrinsic foot muscles are known to support the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and stabilize the foot, and they are activated with weight bearing and increased postural demand. Various types of intrinsic foot muscle training have been reported, but one of the most useful of these, the short foot exercise, is challenging to perform effectively and requires practice, making it difficult to implement in ordinary clinical settings.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What are the differences in abductor hallucis longus (ABH) muscle activity and MLA angle during intrinsic foot muscle exercises that employ weight bearing and balancing conditions when they are performed with minimal practice?
METHODS
Sixteen healthy volunteers performed nine different intrinsic foot muscle exercises, practiced once or twice. The exercises consisted of toe curl, short foot without pushing, short foot with pushing and toe spread exercises in sitting and standing positions, and single leg swing in a standing position. Each exercise was performed three times for five seconds. The activities of the ABH muscles were measured using surface electromyographic (EMG) sensors and the MLA angles during the exercises were captured using an optical motion tracking system. The integrals of the ABH EMG signals were calculated.
RESULTS
Differences in the integral and maximum of the ABH EMG signal were found between the exercises (p < 0.001). Post-hoc pair-wise analysis revealed that the EMG activity was larger during the swing exercise than in exercises other than toe spread, both in sitting and standing positions, and short foot exercise with pushing while standing. The minimum MLA angle during each exercise was smaller for the toe spread exercise in a sitting position than other exercises (p < 0.023).
SIGNIFICANCE
A single leg swing exercise may be effective for self-exercise of intrinsic foot muscles, particularly when intensive supervised physiotherapy is not possible.
PubMed: 38905851
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.06.008 -
International Journal of Occupational... Jun 2024Both physical and psychosocial risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders occur in the professional nursing group, and previous literature suggested that...
OBJECTIVES
Both physical and psychosocial risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders occur in the professional nursing group, and previous literature suggested that their interaction may increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain among nurses. The aim of the study was to examine perceived workload and stress as well as physical findings and musculoskeletal complaints in nurses.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The participants consisted of 42 female nurses, age range 23-60 years. They marked on a pain drawing the site/sites that was/were painful at the moment of testing, its duration and intensity. Thereafter they were examined using the movement and respiration domains from the Global Physiotherapy Examination (GPE). Furthermore, a subjective workload measure was made using the paper version of the and stress was assessed using the .
RESULTS
Almost the entire study group declared that pain experienced in at least 1 location was chronic, i.e., had lasted ≥1 year (97%). The most frequent locations of pain were low back (22.4%) and cervical/head (21.6%) regions. In the GPE, most scores indicated restricted and reduced movement, with the subdomain flexibility having the highest deviation from the predefined standard. Furthermore, the results indicated hampered respiration, especially visible in standing position. Out of all workload scores, the highest was obtained for temporal demand. Perceived stress level was found to be moderate and significantly associated to chronic chest/ thoracic pain. Interestingly, the compression of thorax test positively correlated with mental (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and physical demand (r = 0.35, p < 0.05), whereas the elbow drop test and temporal demand correlated negatively (r = -0.37, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
To sum up, the majority of nurses participating in this study had long-lasting pain and limited flexibility of the body and hampered respiration, which both may enhance intensity of experienced musculoskeletal pain. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3).
PubMed: 38904294
DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02389 -
Porto Biomedical Journal 2024We developed two methods for three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of spinal alignment in standing position by image matching between biplanar x-ray images and 3D vertebral...
We developed two methods for three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of spinal alignment in standing position by image matching between biplanar x-ray images and 3D vertebral models. One used a Slot-Scanning 3D x-ray Imager (sterEOS) to obtain biplanar x-ray images, and the other used a conventional x-ray system and a rotating table. The 3D vertebral model was constructed from the CT scan data. The spatial position of the vertebral model was determined by minimizing the contour difference between the projected image of the model and the biplanar x-ray images. Verification experiments were conducted using a torso phantom. The relative positions of the upper vertebrae to the lowest vertebrae of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae were evaluated. The mean, standard deviation, and mean square error of the relative position were less than 1° and 1 mm in all cases for sterEOS. The maximum mean squared errors of the conventional x-ray system and the rotating table were 0.7° and 0.4 mm for the cervical spine, 1.0° and 1.2 mm for the thoracic spine, and 1.1° and 1.2 mm for the lumbar spine. Therefore, both methods could be useful for evaluating the spinal alignment in standing position.
PubMed: 38903393
DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000256 -
Acta Medica Okayama Jun 2024There have been few investigations into the effectiveness of thoracic spine exercises for improving thoracic range of motion (ROM) in any plane. This study assessed the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
There have been few investigations into the effectiveness of thoracic spine exercises for improving thoracic range of motion (ROM) in any plane. This study assessed the effectiveness of two thoracic spine exercises: one in the quadruped position and one in the thoracic standing position. We determined how these exercises affect thoracic spine mobility ROM over a 2-week intervention period. Thirty-nine healthy participants were enrolled and assigned to a Quadruped Thoracic Rotation group (n=17 participants: 9 females and 8 males) or Flamenco Thoracic Spine Rotation group (n=22: 14 females and 8 males). All participants were administered a KOJI AWARENESSTM screening test, and the initial thoracic spine ROM before intervention exercise was measured in a laboratory setting. Quadruped Thoracic Rotation was performed as the quadruped exercise and Flamenco Thoracic Spine Rotation as the standing exercise. The KOJI AWARENESSTM thoracic spine test and ROM were evaluated on the day after the first exercise session and again after the program. Despite their different approaches to thoracic mobility, the quadruped exercise and standing exercise achieved equivalent improvement in thoracic ROM after 2 weeks. Practitioners have a range of exercise options for enhancing thoracic mobility based on their environmental or task-specific needs.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Range of Motion, Articular; Adult; Thoracic Vertebrae; Rotation; Young Adult; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 38902213
DOI: 10.18926/AMO/67200 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Degenerative joint disease is a dynamic pathological process characterised by a destabilisation of the degradation and synthesis processes of articular cartilage and...
Degenerative joint disease is a dynamic pathological process characterised by a destabilisation of the degradation and synthesis processes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone layer. Studies suggest that individuals with gonarthrosis experience deficits in proprioception, in addition to changes within their joints, which directly affects their ability to maintain posture and increases their risk of falling. The aim of this study was to assess the functional status of patients with gonarthrosis through a posturographic examination conducted on a stabilometric platform (force plate) and a functional clinical examination. Participants were divided into two groups-a control group ( = 125) and a study group ( = 125). During the qualification process, subjective and objective examinations were conducted, including a functional assessment by means of such tests as the "Up and Go" Test, Functional Reach Test, Five Time Sit to Stand Test, and the Step Test. Subsequently, an assessment was conducted on the force plate by means of a posturographic test-the Romberg test performed with open and closed eyes in a standing position-and balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale. The obtained data were analysed with the use of the IBM SPSS Statistics software version 27.0, by means of the Mann-Whitney test, and correlations were determined by means of Spearman's test. A significance level of = 0.05 was adopted. Statistically significant differences were observed among the assessed groups as a result of both functional and posturographic examinations, along with positive correlations for disease duration, age, and BMI index. Patients with gonarthrosis exhibited disturbances in balance, functionality, and posture compared to healthy individuals in the control group.
PubMed: 38893009
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113298 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Prolonged sitting is a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of active breaks on reducing muscle...
Prolonged sitting is a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in office workers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of active breaks on reducing muscle overload in subjects who sit for long periods using infrared thermography (IRT). A sample of 57 office workers participated in this study and were divided into two groups: active breaks (ABs) and no active breaks (NABs). The NAB group sat continuously for 90 min without standing up, while the AB group performed stretching and mobility exercises every 30 min. IRT measurements were taken every 30 min before the active breaks. The results highlight that the skin temperature of the back increased significantly in both groups after 30 min of sitting; however, in the subsequent measurements, the AB group showed a decrease in temperature, while the NAB group maintained a high temperature. Exercise and time point of measurement all reported -values < 0.001; there were no statistically significant differences between the Δ of the NAB and AB groups, while the Δ and Δ of the NAB and AB groups showed statistically significant differences for all back regions. The clinical relevance of this study confirms the negative effects of prolonged sitting on the health of the back, demonstrating that active breaks can reduce back strain, emphasizing the need for workplace interventions. In addition, IRT represents a non-invasive method to assess back muscle overload and monitor the effectiveness of interventions in all categories of workers who maintain a prolonged sitting position. The main limitation of this study is the absence of a questionnaire for the assessment of back pain, which does not allow a direct correlation between temperature changes and back pain outcomes.
PubMed: 38892891
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113178 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and the range of cervical motion, disability, pain...
The Relationship between Heart Rate Variability, Pain Intensity, Pain Catastrophizing, Disability, Quality of Life and Range of Cervical Motion in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.
The purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and the range of cervical motion, disability, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life in patients with chronic, non-specific neck pain. Thirty-five patients, aged 20-48 years, with chronic non-specific neck pain, completed validated questionnaires regarding neck pain intensity, pain-associated disability, catastrophic thoughts, and quality of life. The range of cervical motion was assessed using a digital goniometer. HRV indices were recorded in three positions (supine, sitting, and standing) through a smartphone application. Several significant correlations were observed between HRV indices and neck pain disability, the helplessness factor of catastrophizing, neck rotation, and quality of life. These correlations were only observed in the standing position. Pain catastrophizing was positively correlated with disability and pain intensity during active neck movement (Pearson r = 0.544, < 0.01; Pearson r = 0.605, < 0.01, respectively). Quality of life was negatively correlated with pain intensity during active movement (Pearson r = -0.347, < 0.05). HRV indices were correlated with the psychological and physical domains of neck pain. These cardiac indices have been related to neck pain variables in some previous studies. Further research is needed to confirm this relationship in different daily conditions.
PubMed: 38891130
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111055 -
BMC Geriatrics Jun 2024Physical disability is an important cause of affecting the quality of life in the elderly. The association between standing height and physical disability is less...
BACKGROUND
Physical disability is an important cause of affecting the quality of life in the elderly. The association between standing height and physical disability is less studied.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible link between standing height and physical disability among U.S. adults aged 60 years and older.
METHODS
The cross-sectional data were obtained from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2018. Physical disability was assessed by six questions: "Have serious difficulty hearing (SDH)?", "Have serious difficulty seeing (SDS)?", "Have serious difficulty concentrating (SDC)?", "Have serious difficulty walking (SDW)?", "Have difficulty dressing or bathing (DDB)?" and "Have difficulty doing errands alone (DDEA)?". Responses to these questions were "yes" or "no". Answer yes to one of the above six questions was identified as physical disability. Standing height (cm) was measured with an altimeter. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the possible link between standing height and physical disability after adjustment for all covariates.
RESULTS
A total of 2624 participants aged ≥ 60 years were included in our study, including 1279 (48.7%) females and 1345 (51.3%) males. The mean age of participants was 69.41 ± 6.82 years. After adjusting for all potential confounders, the inverse relationship between standing height and all physical disability (APD) was statistically significant (OR = 0.976, 95%CI:0.957-0.995). In addition, among six types of physical disability (SDH, SDS, SDC, SDW, DDB, DDEA), standing height was also a protective factor for SDW (OR = 0.961, 95%CI:0.939-0.983) and DDEA (OR = 0.944, 95%CI:0.915-0.975) in the full-adjusted model.
CONCLUSION
The cross-sectional population based study demonstrates that standing height is a protective factor for physical disability among U.S. adults aged 60 years and older.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; United States; Disabled Persons; Body Height; Aged, 80 and over; Standing Position; Disability Evaluation
PubMed: 38890578
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05100-3 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024Dental education is unique, with clinical/practical learning much different from other professionals. In dentistry, students are exposed much earlier in their curriculum...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Dental education is unique, with clinical/practical learning much different from other professionals. In dentistry, students are exposed much earlier in their curriculum to patients, performing procedures under direct/indirect supervision. Hence, the present review attempted to assess the standing position of dentistry in blended learning worldwide.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
E-learning modality was at its primitive stage as food for thought among educational task force committees, with only a handful of developed and developing countries equipped with it. During this pandemic, "WhatsApp" became a savior, as it was a widely used educational device among dental teachers and students. Furthermore, it was easily applicable in places where there was difficulty in obtaining regular internet bandwidth, especially in remote/rural areas. It is noteworthy that blended learning/e-learning, when complemented with the conventional teaching method, upskill critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Blended learning or virtual reality education should be made feasible without disparity, worldwide. Mind training, both students and staff in hybrid e-learning, is the need of the hour not only to keep pace with digitalized dentistry but to prepare the students to face real-world situations.
CONCLUSION
The sustainability of dental education should be rethought by dental schools with "Complimented Digital learning" wherever feasible, not only to cope with current trends but also to face unforeseen future challenges.
PubMed: 38882722
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_425_23