Spine Examination during COVID-19 Pandemic via Video Consultation

Abstract Introduction During the current COVID-19 pandemic video consultations are increasingly common in order to minimize the risk of infection for staff and patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a spine examination via video. Methods A total of 43 patients were recruited. Each participant underwent a video-based (VB) and a conventional face-to-face (FTF) spine examination. Pain intensity, active range of motion, inspection, a neurophysiologic basic exam and provocations tests were evaluated using video-based and face-to-face methods. Results The intra-rater reliability (IRR) was measured between both examinations. Good to very good IRR values were obtained in inspection (Kappa between 0,752 und 0,944), active range of motion and basic neurophysiological examination (Kappa between 0,659 und 0,969). Only moderate matches were found in specific provocation tests (Kappa between 0,407 und 0,938). A video-based spine examination is a reliable tool for measuring pain intensity, active range of motion and a basic neurophysiologic exam. Conclusion A basic spine examination during a video consultation is possible. A good agreement of the test results between video-based and face-to-face examination could be found.

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Concurrent validity and reliability of telerehabilitation-based physiotherapy assessment of cervical spine in adults with non-specific neck pain

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x19861802 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1357633X1986180

Author(s):

Suresh Mani ◽

Shobha Sharma ◽

Devinder KA Singh

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Concurrent Validity ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Face To Face ◽

Interclass Correlation ◽

Active Range Of Motion ◽

High Degree ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of telerehabilitation (TR)-based evaluation of the cervical spine among adults with non-specific neck pain (NS-NP). Methods A total of 11 participants with NS-NP were recruited. Pain intensity, active range of motion (AROM), posture, deep neck flexor (DNF) endurance, combined neck movements and disability were measured using face-to-face and TR methods, with a one-hour break in between. TelePTsys, an image-based TR system, was used for TR assessment. Results A high degree of concurrent validity for pain (bias = 0.90), posture (bias = 0.96°), endurance (bias = –2.3 seconds), disability (bias = 0.10), AROM (extension bias = –0.60 cm, flexion bias = 1.2 cm, side flexion bias = –1.00, rotation bias = –0.30 cm) was found. Standard error of measurement and coefficient of variation (CV) values were within the acceptable level for concurrent validity, except the CV for cervical flexion and endurance. There was a high degree of reliability demonstrated for pain, posture, AROM, endurance and disability measurements. The average-measure interclass correlation coefficient (ICC(3,1)) ranged from 0.96 to 0.99 for inter-rater, and 0.93 to 0.99 for intra-rater reliabilities. There was moderate agreement for combination movement for validity (78.5%, p < 0.05), inter- (78.5%, p < 0.05) and intra-rater (76.4%, p < 0.05) reliabilities. Discussion TR-based physiotherapy assessment of cervical spine is a valid and reliable tool for measuring pain intensity, AROM, DNF muscle endurance, sagittal neck posture and disability among adults with NS-NP via telePTsys.

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Physical Activity in Aging Population

European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies ◽

10.26417/ejis.v5i3.p74-80 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 74

Author(s):

Rezarta Stena ◽

Klara Hysenaj ◽

Mitilda Gugu Karoli ◽

Armelda Teta ◽

Gjergji Doka

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Training Program ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Hand Grip ◽

Trunk Flexibility

It is known that worldwide populations are aging, and also that physical activity can play an important role in minimizing impairments characteristic of old age. Adopting a more active lifestyle and doing regular physical activity, including aerobic and resistance exercises, daily walking etc. have been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters in older adults. We assessed a potential participant from Elbasan (Albania), 67 years, for eligibility to participate in a 5 month training program. The subject gave written informed consent before inclusion.The following parameters were measured at the beginning (baseline) and end of the training period: BMI, body fat percentage, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility and range of motion, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, as well as VO2 max, directly and/or an estimate using the Rockport fitness test estimate. An initial evaluation was carried out just before starting the training (baseline). A second evaluation was made 5 months after starting the program of physical exercise (post training). Each evaluation included the recording of health related events, such as any changes in previous symptoms, as well as measurements of balance, flexibility, body composition, coordination, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, to detect any changes that might have been induced specifically by physical activity. The subject’s attendance and participation in the program was also recorded. Range of motion for each part evaluated (trunk, hip, cervical region and shoulder) is improved about 15-20° degree. BMI, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, VO2 max are also improved after training program. Following a training program or a regular physical activity in older adults minimise impairments characteristics in this age and cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters. According to the low importance shown in my country for the physical activity in older adults, I want to emphasize the importance of state structures involvement and the sensibilization of this group of age to stimulate an actively participation in physical training programs followed by professionals for bests life parameters. A higher investment for this age group, building as many facilities as possible for activation and spending quality free time, hiring more physiotherapists in nursing homes will increase life motivation and improve the quality and the parameters of living.

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Clinical Outcomes After Aggressive Active Early Motion and Modified Kleinert Regimens: Comparison of 2 Consecutive Cohorts

Hand ◽

10.1177/15589447211017222 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155894472110172

Author(s):

Kaisa Jokinen ◽

Arja Häkkinen ◽

Toni Luokkala ◽

Teemu Karjalainen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Flexor Tendon ◽

Hand Grip Strength ◽

Active Motion ◽

Hand Grip ◽

Active Range Of Motion

Background Modern multistrand repairs can withstand forces present in active flexion exercises, and this may improve the outcomes of flexor tendon repairs. We developed a simple home-based exercise regimen with free wrist and intrinsic minus splint aimed at facilitating the gliding of the flexor tendons and compared the outcomes with the modified Kleinert regimen used previously in the same institution. Methods We searched the hospital database to identify flexor tendon repair performed before and after the new regimen was implemented and invited all patients to participate. The primary outcome was total active range of motion, and secondary outcomes were Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; grip strength; globally perceived function; and the quality of life. Results The active range of motion was comparable between the groups (mean difference = 14; 95% confidence interval [CI], −8 to 36; P = .22). Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; grip strength; global perceived function; and health-related quality of life were also comparable between the groups. There was 1 (5.3%) rupture in the modified Kleinert group and 4 (15.4%) in the early active motion group (relative risk = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.04-2.5; P = .3). Conclusions Increasing active gliding with a free wrist and intrinsic minus splint did not improve the clinical outcomes after flexor tendon injury at a mean of 38-month follow-up.

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Effects of the Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint and Balance According to Its Application Duration: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060646 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 646

Author(s):

Han-Sol Kang ◽

Hyung-Wook Kwon ◽

Di-gud Kim ◽

Kwang-Rak Park ◽

Suk-Chan Hahm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Balance Test ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Active Range Of Motion ◽

Before And After ◽

Muscle Inhibition ◽

Inhibition Technique

This study aimed to investigate the effects of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) on active range of motion (AROM) of the ankle joint, lunge angle (LA), and balance in healthy adults, according to the duration of its application. A total of 80 participants were randomly allocated to the 4-min suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) group (SMI_4M, n = 20), 8-min SMI group (n = 20), 4-min sham-SMI (SSMI) group (n = 20), and 8-min SSMI group (n = 20). Accordingly, the SMIT and sham SMIT were applied for 4 min or 8 min in the respective groups. AROM of dorsiflexion and LA were assessed, and a single leg balance test (SLBT) was performed before and after the intervention. AROM (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), LA (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), and SLBT (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001) significantly improved after SMI application. Compared with the SSMI group, the SMI group showed a significant increase in AROM (p < 0.001), LA (p < 0.001), and SLBT (p < 0.001). Except for SLBT (p = 0.016), there were no significant interactions between intervention and application duration. The results suggest that the SMIT, at durations of both 4 and 8 min, could be effective tools for improving AROM, LA, and balance.

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Design of combined brake system for light weight scooters

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D Journal of Automobile Engineering ◽

10.1177/09544070211024093 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 095440702110240

Author(s):

Yuan-Ting Lin ◽

Chyuan-Yow Tseng ◽

Jao-Hwa Kuang ◽

Yeong-Maw Hwang

Keyword(s):

Ride Comfort ◽

Brake System ◽

Force Distribution ◽

Test Results ◽

Systematic Method ◽

Braking Performance ◽

Evaluation Indexes ◽

Low Costs ◽

Braking Force ◽

Good Agreement

The combined brake system (CBS) is a mechanism that links the front and rear brakes for scooters. For two-wheeled scooters, a CBS with appropriate braking force distribution can reduce the risk of crashing accidents due to insufficient driving proficiency. The design of the braking force distribution for a CBS is challenging to the designer because it has to fulfill many requirements such as braking performance, ride comfort, reliability, and low costs. This paper proposes a systematic method to optimize the parameters of CBS. The evaluation indexes for the design are first discussed. The steps to determine the critical parameter to meet the indexes and a method to predict braking performance are developed. Finally, driving tests are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results showed that the deceleration of the tested scooter equipped with the designed CBS achieves an average mean fully developed deceleration (MFDD) of 5.246 m/s2, higher than the homologation requirement. Furthermore, the proposed method’s prediction of braking performance is in good agreement with the test results, with errors <1%.

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Study on the stiffness degradation in concrete continuous beam with externally prestressed CFRP tendons under fatigue loading

Advances in Structural Engineering ◽

10.1177/1369433221992492 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 136943322199249

Author(s):

Xing Li ◽

Jiwen Zhang ◽

Jun Cheng

Keyword(s):

Fatigue Life ◽

Fatigue Loading ◽

Load Level ◽

Fiber Reinforced Polymer ◽

Stiffness Degradation ◽

Test Results ◽

Reinforced Polymer ◽

Continuous Beams ◽

Practical Engineering ◽

Good Agreement

This paper presents fatigue behaviors and the stiffness degradation law of concrete continuous beams with external prestressed carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons. Three specimens were tested under fatigue loading, and the influence of different load levels on the stiffness degradation and fatigue life were studied, and it was found that the stiffness degradation of three test specimens exhibited a three-stage change rule, namely rapid decrease, stable degradation, and sharp decline, but there are obvious differences in the rate and amplitude of stiffness degradation. The load level has a significant influence on the fatigue life of the test specimens. An analytical model with load level considered was proposed to calculate the residual stiffness and predict the stiffness degradation, which is in good agreement with the test results. The model of stiffness degradation presents a possible solution for practical engineering applications of concrete continuous beams with externally prestressed CFRP tendons subjected to different fatigue loadings.

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Investigating the vibrational behaviour of a rotating two-blade propeller by using a self-tracking method

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part C Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science ◽

10.1177/0954406218764514 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 233 (3) ◽

pp. 835-847 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mohammad-Reza Ashory ◽

Farhad Talebi ◽

Heydar R Ghadikolaei ◽

Morad Karimpour

Keyword(s):

Natural Frequency ◽

Measurement Errors ◽

Mode Shapes ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Test Results ◽

Modal Assurance Criterion ◽

Tracking Method ◽

Strong Resemblance ◽

Test Scenarios ◽

Good Agreement

This study investigated the vibrational behaviour of a rotating two-blade propeller at different rotational speeds by using self-tracking laser Doppler vibrometry. Given that a self-tracking method necessitates the accurate adjustment of test setups to reduce measurement errors, a test table with sufficient rigidity was designed and built to enable the adjustment and repair of test components. The results of the self-tracking test on the rotating propeller indicated an increase in natural frequency and a decrease in the amplitude of normalized mode shapes as rotational speed increases. To assess the test results, a numerical model created in ABAQUS was used. The model parameters were tuned in such a way that the natural frequency and associated mode shapes were in good agreement with those derived using a hammer test on a stationary propeller. The mode shapes obtained from the hammer test and the numerical (ABAQUS) modelling were compared using the modal assurance criterion. The examination indicated a strong resemblance between the hammer test results and the numerical findings. Hence, the model can be employed to determine the other mechanical properties of two-blade propellers in test scenarios.

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Limiting the Pitch Count in Youth Baseball Pitchers Decreases Elbow Pain

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121989108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 232596712198910

Author(s):

Tetsuya Matsuura ◽

Yuki Takata ◽

Toshiyuki Iwame ◽

Jyoji Iwase ◽

Kenji Yokoyama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Stress Test ◽

Daily Maximum ◽

Test Results ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Valgus Stress ◽

Radiographic Images ◽

Elbow Pain ◽

Youth Baseball ◽

Baseball Pitchers

Background: Reducing the number of pitches thrown is regarded as the most effective way to prevent throwing injuries in youth baseball pitchers. However, few studies have compared the effectiveness of limiting the pitch count versus the limiting the number of innings pitched in terms of elbow injuries. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that, compared with inning limits, pitch count limits would lead to greater decreases in elbow pain, range of motion deficits, positive moving valgus stress test results, and the risk of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed baseball pitchers aged 8 to 12 years in 2017 and 2018. Inning and pitch count limits in games were set to a daily maximum of 7 innings in 2017 and 70 pitches in 2018. Elbow pain, range of motion, and moving valgus stress test results were evaluated. The presence of capitellar OCD was assessed on ultrasonographic and radiographic images. Results: A total of 352 pitchers in 2017 and 367 pitchers in 2018 participated. The mean pitch count per game was lower in the pitch count limit (CL) group (52.5 ± 16.0) than in the inning limit (IL) group (98.2 ± 19.5) ( P < .001). Compared with the IL group, the CL group had significantly lower rates of elbow pain (40.9% vs 31.9%, respectively; P = .01) and reduced flexion (19.0% vs 10.6%, respectively; P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between elbow pain and age in both the IL and the CL groups ( P < .0001 and P = .02, respectively) and between OCD and elbow pain in the CL group ( P = .04). Conclusion: A pitch count limit of ≤70 pitches per day for baseball pitchers ≤12 years could be more protective against elbow pain and reduced flexion than a limit of ≤7 innings per day, but it may not be effective for reducing the risk of capitellar OCD.

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