scholarly journals Cervico-thoracic pain and associated impairments in air force personnel: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Tegern ◽  
Ulrika Aasa ◽  
Helena Larsson

Abstract Background Pain and impaired function in the cervical region are common in Air Force personnel (AFP), but evidence is limited regarding the thoracic region. This cross-sectional cohort study examined associations between cervico-thoracic pain and physical performance among Swedish AFP and explored possible differences and similarities in test performance between fighter pilots (FP), helicopter pilots (HP) and rear crew (RC). Methods AFP (n = 73) from one airbase performed eight tests of movement control of the spine, active cervical range of motion (ROM) in all six directions and isometric strength and endurance of the cervical flexors and extensors. The association between test performance and cervico-thoracic pain (based on the ‘Musculoskeletal screening protocol’ questionnaire) were analysed in a multiple binary logistic regression model. Results For AFP with cervico-thoracic pain (30%), movement control was impaired in the ‘neck flexion test’ (OR [95%CI] =3.61 [1.06–12.34]) and the ‘forward lean test’ (OR [95%CI] =3.43[1.04–11.37]), together with reduced flexion ROM (OR [95%CI] =0.93 [0.87–0.99]). Test performance was in general similar between the three groups, but FP and HP could control the ‘forward lean test’ to a significantly higher degree than RC (p = 0.000). Further, FP showed significantly greater ROM in lateral flexion to the right compared to HP and RC (mean: 40.3°, 36.2° and 33.4°, respectively, p = 0.000), and they showed higher, although not significant, flexor strength than RC (p = 0.026). Conclusions The impaired function associated with cervico-thoracic pain highlights the need for a deeper understanding of such relationships when designing tools to systematically optimize the physical performance and prevent pain among AFP. Studies with a longitudinal design are warranted to examine any causative associations between pain and impairments.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Tegern ◽  
Ulrika Aasa ◽  
Helena Larsson

Abstract Background:Pain and impaired function in the cervical region is common in Air Force personnel (AFP), but evidence is limited regarding the thoracic region. This cross-sectional cohort study examined associations between cervico-thoracic pain and physical performance among Swedish AFP and explored possible differences and similarities in test performance between fighter pilots (FP), helicopter pilots (HP) and rear crew (RC).Methods:AFP (n=73) from one airbase performed eight tests of movement control of the spine, active cervical range of motion (ROM) in all six directions and isometric strength and endurance of the cervical flexors and extensors. The association between test performance and cervico-thoracic pain (based on the ´Musculoskeletal screening protocol´ questionnaire) were analysed in a multiple binary logistic regression model.Results:For AFP with cervico-thoracic pain (30%), movement control was impaired in neck flexion (OR=3.61) and forward lean (OR=3.43) tests, together with reduced flexion ROM (OR=0.93). Test performance was in general similar between the three groups, but FP and HP could control the forward lean test to a higher degree than RC (p=0.000), FP were more flexible in lateral flexion to the right compared to HP and RC (p=0.000) and they showed higher flexor strength than RC (p=0.015).Conclusions:The impaired function associated with cervico-thoracic pain highlights the need for a deeper understanding of such relationships when designing tools to systematically optimize the physical performance and prevent pain among AFP. Studies with a longitudinal design are warranted to examine any causative associations between pain and impairments.


2007 ◽  
Vol 92 (6) ◽  
pp. 2058-2065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilse S. Wicherts ◽  
Natasja M. van Schoor ◽  
A. Joan P. Boeke ◽  
Marjolein Visser ◽  
Dorly J. H. Deeg ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: Vitamin D deficiency is common among older people and can cause mineralization defects, bone loss, and muscle weakness. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentration with current physical performance and its decline over 3 yr among elderly. Design: The study consisted of a cross-sectional and longitudinal design (3-yr follow-up) within the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Setting: An age- and sex-stratified random sample of the Dutch older population was used. Other Participants: Subjects included 1234 men and women (aged 65 yr and older) for cross-sectional analysis and 979 (79%) persons for longitudinal analysis. Main Outcome Measure(s): Physical performance (sum score of the walking test, chair stands, and tandem stand) and decline in physical performance were measured. Results: Serum 25-OHD was associated with physical performance after adjustment for age, gender, chronic diseases, degree of urbanization, body mass index, and alcohol consumption. Compared with individuals with serum 25-OHD levels above 30 ng/ml, physical performance was poorer in participants with serum 25-OHD less than 10 ng/ml [regression coefficient (B) = −1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −2.28; −1.10], and with serum 25-OHD of 10–20 ng/ml (B = −0.46; 95% CI = −0.90; −0.03). After adjustment for confounding variables, participants with 25-OHD less than 10 ng/ml and 25-OHD between 10 and 20 ng/ml had significantly higher odds ratios (OR) for 3-yr decline in physical performance (OR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.00–4.87; and OR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.06–3.81), compared with participants with 25-OHD of at least 30 ng/ml. The results were consistent for each individual performance test. Conclusions: Serum 25-OHD concentrations below 20 ng/ml are associated with poorer physical performance and a greater decline in physical performance in older men and women. Because almost 50% of the population had serum 25-OHD below 20 ng/ml, public health strategies should be aimed at this group.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e038089
Author(s):  
Lei Chen ◽  
Yunlu Sheng ◽  
Hanmei Qi ◽  
Tingting Tang ◽  
Jing Yu ◽  
...  

ObjectiveWhether sarcopenia is detrimental to depression is still controversial, which may be due to the three components of the sarcopenia. Our objective was to define the correlation between depression and sarcopenia in older Chinese community dwellers.DesignThe study has a cross-sectional design.SettingThe study was conducted in Jiangsu, China.ParticipantsA total of 101 men and 149 women aged 60 years or older were recruited.Outcome measuresLean tissue mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs was measured by a handheld dynamometer and a chair stand test, respectively. Physical performance was assessed by gait speed and standing balance tests. Depressive mood was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (range 0–30).ResultsParticipants in the sarcopenia group had a higher mean depression score than the normal group (p=0.002). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that depression was negatively associated with muscle strength (handgrip strength: R=−0.170, p=0.028 for women, R=−0.196, p=0.048 for men; chair stand test performance: R=0.252, p=0.002 for women, R=0.311, p=0.001 for men) and physical performance (gait speed: R=−0.200, p=0.009, standing balance test performance: R=−0.224, p=0.006, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB): R=−0.218, p=0.007 for women; SPPB: R=−0.252, p=0.01 for men). Multiple linear regression models revealed that depressive mood was inversely associated with chair stand test (β=0.325, p<0.001), gait speed (β=−0.009, p=0.041) and standing balance test (β=−0.24, p=0.016) after adjusting for confounding factors, while no significant correlation was observed between depressive mood and muscle mass.ConclusionThe diagnostic components of sarcopenia—strength of the leg muscles (chair stand test) and physical performance (gait speed and standing balance test)—were associated with depressive mood.


2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 123-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Crouzevialle ◽  
Fabrizio Butera

Abstract. Performance-approach goals (i.e., the desire to outperform others) have been found to be positive predictors of test performance, but research has also revealed that they predict surface learning strategies. The present research investigates whether the high academic performance of students who strongly adopt performance-approach goals stems from test anticipation and preparation, which most educational settings render possible since examinations are often scheduled in advance. We set up a longitudinal design for an experiment conducted in high-school classrooms within the context of two science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, namely, physics and chemistry. First, we measured performance-approach goals. Then we asked students to take a test that had either been announced a week in advance (enabling strategic preparation) or not. The expected interaction between performance-approach goal endorsement and test anticipation was moderated by the students’ initial level: The interaction appeared only among low achievers for whom the pursuit of performance-approach goals predicted greater performance – but only when the test had been scheduled. Conversely, high achievers appeared to have adopted a regular and steady process of course content learning whatever their normative goal endorsement. This suggests that normative strivings differentially influence the study strategies of low and high achievers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Mao Nguyen Van ◽  
Thao Le Thi Thu

Background: In practice it was difficult or impossible to have a correct diagnosis for the lymphoid proliferation lesions based on only H.E standard histopathology. In addition to histopathology, the application of immunohistochemistry was indispensable for the definitive diagnosis of the malignant or benign tumours and the origin of the tumour cells as well. Objectives: 1. To describe the gross and microscopic features of the suspected lesions of lymphoma; 2. To asses the expression of some immunologic markers for the diagnosis and classification of the suspected lesions of lymphoma. Materials and Method: Cross-sectional research on 81 patients diagnosed by histopathology as lymphomas or suspected lesions of lymphoma, following with immunohistopathology staining of 6 main markers including LCA, CD3, CD20, Bcl2, CD30 and AE1/3. Results: The most site was lymph node 58.1% which appeared at cervical region 72.3%, then the stomach 14.9% and small intestine 12.4%. The other sites in the body were met with lower frequency. Histopathologically, the most type of the lesions was atypical hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue suspecting the lymphomas 49.4%, lymphomas 34.5%, the other diagnoses were lower including inflammation, poor differentiation carcinoam not excluding the lymphomas, lymphomas differentiating with poor differentiation carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry showed that, LCA, CD3, CD20, Bcl2, CD30 and AE1/3 were all positive depending on such type of tumours. The real lymphomas were 48/81 cases (59.3%), benign ones 35.8% and poor differentiated carcinomas 4.9%. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry with 6 markers could help to diagnose correctly as benign or malignant lesions, classify and determine the origin of the tumour cells as lymphocytes or epithelial cells diagnosed by histopathology as lymphomas or suspected lesions of lymphomas. Key words: histopathology, immunohistochemistry, lymphomas, poor differentiated carcinomas, hyperplasia, atypicality


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M Smith Slep ◽  
Richard E Heyman ◽  
Michael F Lorber ◽  
David J Linkh

Abstract Introduction We evaluated the effectiveness of New Orientation for Reducing Threats to Health from Secretive-problems That Affect Readiness (NORTH STAR), a community assessment, planning, and action framework to reduce the prevalence of suicidality, substance problems, intimate partner violence, and child abuse. Materials and Methods One-third of U.S. Air Force bases worldwide were randomly assigned to NORTH STAR (n = 12) or an assessment-and-feedback-only condition (n = 12). Two Air Force-wide, cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based surveys were conducted of randomly selected samples assessing risk/protective factors and outcomes. This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board at the investigators’ university and by the institutional review board at Fort Detrick. Results NORTH STAR, relative to control, bases experienced a 33% absolute risk reduction in hazardous drinking rates and cumulative risk, although, given the small number of bases, these effects were not statistically significant. Conclusions Given its relatively low cost, use of empirically supported light-touch interventions, and emphasis on sustainability with existing resources, NORTH STAR may be a useful system for prevention of a range of adult behavioral health problems that are difficult to impact.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e044228
Author(s):  
Henry Oliveros ◽  
Rafael Lobelo ◽  
Luis Fernando Giraldo-Cadavid ◽  
Alirio Bastidas ◽  
Constanza Ballesteros ◽  
...  

ObjectivesObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)/hypopnoea syndrome is associated with serious and major multiorgan morbidities, particularly in its most severe forms. However, no severe OSA screening instruments are available for high altitude residents that enable adequate identification and clinical prioritisation of such patients. We aimed at developing a severe OSA prediction tool based on the clinical characteristics and anthropometric measurements of a clinical referral cohort living at 2640 m.a.s.l.DesignCohort-nested cross-sectional study.SettingSleep laboratory for standard polysomnography (PSG) in Colombia.ParticipantsA predictive model was generated from 8718 participants referred to the PSG laboratory. Results were subsequently validated in a second cohort of 1898 participants.Primary outcomeTo identify clinical and anthropometric variables associated with severe OSA (>30 events/hour) and to include them in a binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe significant variables that were retained with the presence of severe OSA included Body mass index (BMI), Age, Sex, Arterial hypertension and Neck circumference (BASAN). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curvefor the BASAN index was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.70) in the derivation cohort and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.69) in the validation cohort, whereby a BASAN index ≥2 had a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 17% to detect severe OSA.ConclusionAn objectively based approach to screen for the presence of severe OSA, the BASAN index, exhibits favourable sensitivity characteristics that should enable its operational use as a screening tool in a Hispanic population with a clinical suspicion of OSA and living at high altitude.


Author(s):  
Heloyse Elaine Gimenes Nunes ◽  
Evelinn Amarilha Faria ◽  
Paula Felippe Martinez ◽  
Silvio Assis de Oliveira-Júnior

Abstract This review analyzed the studies that evaluated cardiovascular health indicators (blood pressure, waist circumference, heart rate, glucose index and lipid blood) in recreational soccer players during adolescence, and identify possible associated factors. The search was performed in the electronic databases (PubMED, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science). Inclusion criteria were: population composed of children and/or adolescents (10–19 years or average age up to 19 years); studies adolescents engaged in recreational soccer regularly and observational studies with cross-sectional or longitudinal design. The process of analysis of studies involved reading titles, abstracts and full texts. After these phases, seven articles were eligible. Regarding the design, all studies were cross-sectional. Of the total studies included, five presented moderate methodological quality values and two presented low methodological quality values, according to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute instrument. The most cardiovascular health indicators used in recreational soccer players during adolescence was waist circumference; three studies analyzed heart rate, two evaluated blood pressure, one analyzed insulin resistance and none of the included studies analyzed lipid profile. Factors associated were analyzed in four studies, being that sedentary time and body mass index (BMI) present association with at least one indicator of cardiovascular health.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document