Assessment of Health Risks in Musicians of the Slovene Philharmonic Orchestra, Ljubljana, Slovenia

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-145
Author(s):  
Rajko Črnivec
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Classical Music ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Length Of Service ◽  
Physical Impairments ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Performance Ability

This study consisted of medical examination and comparison of results obtained in 70 musicians from the Slovene Philharmonic Orchestra, Ljubljana. The main goals of the study were to identify performance-related musculoskeletal disorders, to assess the health status and working capacity of the musicians, and to propose measures for improved protection of their health. The results were compared with results obtained in a control group of 28 marketing workers at Philip Morris Enterprise, Ljubljana. Musculoskeletal problems of the studied group of Slovene musicians were compared with problems of 109 musicians of the Berlin Opera Orchestra examined at the Institute of Occupational Health, Berlin, Germany. We identified performance-related diseases (inflammatory and degenerative skeletal disorders and minor occupational hearing impairments) that were most frequent. A significant proportion of performing musicians had overuse syndrome, caused by excessive use of the extremities and characterized by cumulative microtrauma exceeding human physiologic limits, and dermatologic problems, such as finger calluses and “fiddler’s neck.” The most frequent musculoskeletal problems were due to repetitive motion, unphysiologic postures (isometric strain on the affected muscles), and prolonged sitting position during performances. The highest level of musculoskeletal disorders was noted in the double bass and cello sections, followed by violin, viola, woodwind, and brass players. The severity of physical impairments and restricted ability to perform music were correlated with age, duration of classical music performance, and total length of service. In the group of Slovenian musicians, the incidence of health problems in general was twice as high as in the control group, whereas the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders was six times as high as that in the control group. Health status of the musicians in terms of moderate and severe physical impairments was worse than in the control group. Measures for improved health protection and better performance ability were proposed.

scholarly journals Impact of Maternal Daily Oral Low-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation on the Mother–Infant Pair: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial in China

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2370
Author(s):  
Ye Ding ◽  
Ping Hu ◽  
Yue Yang ◽  
Fangping Xu ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Breast Milk ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vitamin A Supplementation ◽  
Maternal Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin A Status ◽  
Lactating Mothers

Background: The nutritional status of vitamin A in lactating mothers and infants is still not optimistic. Due to the dietary habits and dietary restrictions of postpartum customs in China, vitamin A supplementation has been advocated as a potential strategy to improve vitamin A status of lactating mothers with inadequate dietary vitamin A intake. Existing clinical trials are limited to single or double high-dose maternal administrations. However, in China, vitamin A supplements are readily available in the form of daily oral low-dose supplements, and the effect of these is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of daily oral low-dose vitamin A supplementation on the retinol levels in the serum and breast milk of lactating mothers and the health status of infants in China. Methods: Lactating mothers who met the inclusion criteria and planned to continue exclusive breastfeeding were randomly assigned to receive either daily oral vitamin A and D drops (one soft capsule of 1800 IU vitamin A and 600 IU vitamin D2), or a matching placebo for 2 months. Before and after the intervention, dietary intake was investigated by instant photography, and the retinol concentration in maternal serum and breast milk was determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. During the trial, the health status of infants was diagnosed by a paediatrician or reported by lactating mothers. A total of 245 participants completed the study, with 117 in the supplementation group and 128 in the control group. Results: After the 2-month intervention, maternal serum retinol concentrations increased in the supplementation group with no change in the control group. Although breast milk retinol concentrations decreased significantly in both groups, the decrease in the supplementation group was significantly lower than that in the control group. However, maternal vitamin A supplementation was not associated with a lower risk of infant febrile illness, respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea, and eczema. Conclusions: Daily oral low-dose vitamin A supplementation is helpful in improving maternal vitamin A status, despite having no effect on infant health status through breast milk.

scholarly journals Snus and Alcohol: Mutually Rewarding Effects in the Brain? A Matched Controlled Population Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117822182110271
Author(s):  
Reidulf G Watten ◽  
Veslemøy P Watten
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Population Study ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Drinking Habits

Background: The use of moist smokeless tobacco (snus) is increasing in the U.S. and other Western countries, and especially among young people. Snus is associated with several health problems, but the relationship between use of snus and alcohol is scarcely explored. Neuro-cognitive and psychological research suggest an association due to possible mutually rewarding effects in the limbic brain. We investigated this issue in a matched controlled population study. Methods: Matched control group design where drinking habits and alcohol consumption in a group of users of snus (n = 1043, mean age = 35.20; n men = 749, n women = 294) were compared to a control group of non-users matched on age and gender (n = 1043, mean age = 35.65; n men = 749, n women = 294). In addition, we registered background variables such as level of education, income, self-perceived general, dental health, mental health, current depressive symptoms, and BMI. In estimation of alcohol consumption, the background variables were used as covariates in factorial analyses of variance (ANCOVA). Results: Users of snus had lower level of education, lower income, poorer general, dental, and mental health status than non-users, but there were no differences in BMI. Differences in mental health status were related to drinking habits. Users of snus had a higher frequency of drinking, higher frequency of intoxication, and showed more excess drinking. Controlled for background variables users of snus had a 25.2% higher estimated yearly consumption of alcohol in terms of standard units of alcohol on the weekdays, 26.4% higher on weekends and a 60.2% higher yearly excess consumption. Conclusion: Users of snus had an elevated alcohol consumption and another drinking style than non-users. The findings are discussed according to neuro-cognitive and psychopharmacological mechanisms, reward learning and conditioning. The results have implications for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of alcohol and nicotine dependence.

scholarly journals Mental health and sleep habits/problems in children aged 3–4 years: a population study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumie Horiuchi ◽  
Kentaro Kawabe ◽  
Yasunori Oka ◽  
Kiwamu Nakachi ◽  
Rie Hosokawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Wake Time ◽  
Health Group

Abstract Background Sleep is essential for mental health at all ages, but few studies have investigated the importance of sleep for mental health in early childhood. Therefore, this study examined the association between mental health and sleep habits/problems in children aged 3–4 years. Methods Children aged 3 to 4 years who were living in the community (n = 415; 211/204 boys/girls) were recruited for this study. Their mental health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and their sleep habits/problems were evaluated using the Child and Adolescent Sleep Checklist. Results Based on the total difficulties score of the SDQ, the children were divided into two groups: a poor mental health group (n = 76) and a control group (n = 339). In terms of sleep habits, which included total sleep time, bedtime, wake time, and nap conditions, there were no differences between the two groups. Regarding sleep-related problems, however, anxiety before going to sleep (p = 0.026), circadian rhythm abnormalities (p = 0.014), and sleepiness during classes outside of naptimes (p = 0.031) were significantly higher in the poor mental health group than in the control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that poor mental health status was significantly associated with sleepiness and snoring (p = 0.017 and p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions The mental health status of 3–4-year-old children was associated with sleep-related problems, namely sleepiness and snoring. Healthcare providers should pay attention to children’s irregular sleep-wake patterns; moreover, interventions for appropriate sleep hygiene will reduce the psychological burden on both children and their families.

Problems of Assessing the Health Status of Personnel Working in Conditions of New Technologies for Nuclear Fuel Production

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 9-12
Author(s):  
A. Lyaginskaya ◽  
N. Shandala ◽  
E. Metlyaev ◽  
V. Kuptsov ◽  
O. Parinov
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Nuclear Fuel ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Length Of Service ◽  
Production Factors ◽  
Uranium Plutonium ◽  
The Many ◽  
Plutonium Fuel

Purpose: To identify the problem of assessing the health status of personnel working under the conditions of new technologies for the production of nuclear fuel. Material and method: The object of the research was the general morbidity of workers in the production of mixed nitride uranium-plutonium fuel (MNUP-fuel). The material for the study was the data presented in the «Health Passports». The paper used the method of comparative analysis of the overall morbidity of workers in the production of MNUP-fuel and workers in enterprises dealing with nuclear fuel. Results and analysis: At present, in our country, within the framework of the «Breakthrough» project, new technologies are being developed for the fabrication and refurbishment of mixed uranium-plutonium (MNUP) fuel. In the absence of radiation and hygienic standards for the content of fuel products in working rooms, in order to assess the influence of production factors, along with the radiation dose, the incidence of personnel is studied as an integral indicator of health. A study of the incidence of 50 workers in the production of MNUP fuel revealed: Relatively high incidence of general morbidity – 1122 diseases per 100 people or an average of 93.5 diseases per 100 people per year, regardless of the length of service. The leading diseases in the overall morbidity structure are diseases of the respiratory system – 26.0 % (1st place), eyes – 13.4 % (2nd place), musculoskeletal system – 11.4 % (3rd place), circulatory system – 10,9 % (4th place), injuries and poisoning – 8.4 % (5th place), digestive organs and genitourinary system – 7.7 % and 7.0 %, respectively (6th place), which make up 84.7 % of the total morbidity. Obviously, the effective dose of 4.6 mSv/year cannot be the only reason for the high morbidity in workers in complex radiochemical production, but characterizes only the influence of one of the many nonspecific factors of production. The existing system for assessing the health of personnel working in radiochemical production, in addition to analyzing the risks of deterministic and stochastic effects, should include an assessment of the overall morbidity of personnel.

Effect of a Musicians’ Exercise Intervention on Performance-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cliffton Chan ◽  
Tim Driscoll ◽  
Bronwen J Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
And Performance

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a purpose-designed exercise program on performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and associated risk factors in a sample of professional orchestral musicians. METHODS: A 10-week exercise program was made available to full-time musicians employed by the eight premier symphony orchestras of Australia. Questionnaires were administered before, immediately after (T1), and 6 months after interventions (T2) containing questions relating to change in frequency and severity of PRMDs, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during rehearsal, private practice, and performance, as well as nine performance-related factors. Participants were also asked to rate whether these performance-related factors affected their overall playing capacity during different playing situations. A comparative control group of musicians had no intervention and completed a modified questionnaire at the same time points. RESULTS: Exercise participants (n=30) reported a reduction in frequency (p<0.05) and severity (p<0.05) of PRMDs at T1 but not at T2 compared to controls (n=23). The exercise group reported a significant improvement in RPE during private practice at T1 (p<0.01) and T2 (p<0.01), but not during rehearsal and performance. At T1, the intervention was rated to be moderately to highly effective for three performance-related factors: strengthening muscles that support playing, learning techniques that support playing, and posture. Further, participants reported an intervention effect on overall playing capacity during rehearsal at T1 and T2. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored exercise program for musicians was effective at managing PRMDs, especially in reducing the frequency and severity of PRMDs. Physical therapy exercises should be considered in modifying performance-related factors that have been reported to be predictors of PRMDs.

scholarly journals Familial, Social and Environmental Risk Factors in Autism: A Case-Control Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Jahan ◽  
SZR Rezina Parvin ◽  
D Bugum
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Environmental Risk ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Delay Group ◽  
Environmental Risk Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Autism Group ◽  
Control Study

This case-control study was done to identify the correlation between the familial, social and environmental risk factors and autism. This hospital and specialized centre based study done from January 2002 to November, 2004. Thirty two children from the autism group and 14 children from the control group were enrolled. Mean age were 3.75 yrs. and 2.83 yrs. respectively. Significant proportion of children were in the highest birth orders, 68.8% in autism and 78.6% in the control group. Full term children were 96.9% and 92.9% respectively. 53.1% children in the autism and 57.1% in the normal speech delay group were born by cesarean sections. Higher education of parents in autism group was statistically significant (p<0.05). Too much watching TV, inadequate opportunity to mix with peers and inadequate interactive relationship with the family members in the early childhood were significantly (p= 0.001) related to the development of autism.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (3): 113-117

Mental Health of Cancer Patients

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 914-914
Author(s):  
Kiran Bala Verma ◽  
Madhu Asthana
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Normal Adults

To examine the mental health status of cancer patients, each of 50 cancer patients and 50 healthy normal adults of an age range of 32 to 65 years was given the Hindi version of the Mithila Mental Health Status Inventory of Kumar and Thakur. Analyses indicated that cancer patients scored higher than the control group on four of the five subscales showing poorer mental health than their normal peers.

scholarly journals New Challenges Regarding the Intervention of Musculoskeletal Risk in Truck Service Garages

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Coral Oliver Hernández ◽  
Shimeng Li ◽  
María José Aguado Benedí ◽  
Inmaculada Mateo Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Entire Body ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Postural Load ◽  
Rapid Entire Body Assessment ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Postural Training

Background: The automotive industry is heavily affected by sick leaves caused by the handling of loads and using postures that produce musculoskeletal disorders. Research is needed to analyse their causes and find possible solutions to eliminate or mitigate these risks. Objective: Our objective was to analyse the level of musculoskeletal risk in the different work tasks performed by truck and bus mechanics. Our intention is also to analyse whether postural training and feedback can help reduce risk. Methods: The rapid entire body assessment (REBA) was used to assess the postures performed by 35 mechanics from eight branches throughout Spain. The participants were subsequently divided randomly into two groups (experimental group and control group). The experimental group (EG) was given training and feedback on their postures and the control group (CG) was not offered any type of intervention. A few months after the initial assessment, their postural load in the usual tasks was re-evaluated. Results: An overall average REBA Score: 10.49 ± 1.33. The main risk was found in the trunk and arms with sustained above-the-head postures. EG’s second results are significantly improved compared to the first (p = 0.026 *). Conclusions: These jobs have a high-risk level of musculoskeletal disorders. The course of action presented with postural training and feedback has shown satisfactory results. Nevertheless, given the size of the sample, further research will be needed to delve deeper into this possibility as a future line of intervention.

scholarly journals Associations Between Heart Rate Variability Measured With a Wrist-Worn Sensor and Older Adults’ Physical Function: Observational Study

10.2196/13757 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e13757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Anne Graham ◽  
Dilip V Jeste ◽  
Ellen E Lee ◽  
Tsung-Chin Wu ◽  
Xin Tu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Physical Health Status ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Composite Scores

Background Heart rate variability (HRV), or variation in beat-to-beat intervals of the heart, is a quantitative measure of autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system. Low HRV derived from electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings is reported to be related to physical frailty in older adults. Recent advances in wearable technology offer opportunities to more easily integrate monitoring of HRV into regular clinical geriatric health assessments. However, signals obtained from ECG versus wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) devices are different, and a critical first step preceding their widespread use is to determine whether HRV metrics derived from PPG devices also relate to older adults’ physical function. Objective This study aimed to investigate associations between HRV measured with a wrist-worn PPG device, the Empatica E4 sensor, and validated clinical measures of both objective and self-reported physical function in a cohort of older adults living independently within a continuing care senior housing community. Our primary hypothesis was that lower HRV would be associated with lower physical function. In addition, we expected that HRV would explain a significant proportion of variance in measures of physical health status. Methods We evaluated 77 participants from an ongoing study of older adults aged between 65 and 95 years. The assessments encompassed a thorough examination of domains typically included in a geriatric health evaluation. We collected HRV data with the Empatica E4 device and examined bivariate correlations between HRV quantified with the triangular index (HRV TI) and 3 widely used and validated measures of physical functioning—the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) physical composite scores. We further investigated the additional predictive power of HRV TI on physical health status, as characterized by SF-36 physical composite scores and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) scores, using generalized estimating equation regression analyses with backward elimination. Results We observed significant associations of HRV TI with SPPB (n=52; Spearman ρ=0.41; P=.003), TUG (n=51; ρ=−0.40; P=.004), SF-36 physical composite scores (n=49; ρ=0.37; P=.009), and CIRS-G scores (n=52, ρ=−0.43; P=.001). In addition, the HRV TI explained a significant proportion of variance in SF-36 physical composite scores (R2=0.28 vs 0.11 without HRV) and CIRS-G scores (R2=0.33 vs 0.17 without HRV). Conclusions The HRV TI measured with a relatively novel wrist-worn PPG device was related to both objective (SPPB and TUG) and self-reported (SF-36 physical composite) measures of physical function. In addition, the HRV TI explained additional variance in self-reported physical function and cumulative illness severity beyond traditionally measured aspects of physical health. Future steps include longitudinal tracking of changes in both HRV and physical function, which will add important insights regarding the predictive value of HRV as a biomarker of physical health in older adults.

scholarly journals Effects of Long-Term Hydrogen Intervention on Plasma Metabolites and Gut Microbiome of Rats in Health Status

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Xie ◽  
Xue Jiang ◽  
Yang Yi ◽  
Zi-Jia Liu ◽  
Chen Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Rrna Gene

Abstract The potential for preventive and therapeutic applications of H2 have now been confirmed in various disease. However, the effects of H2 on health status have not been fully elucidated. Our previous study reported changes in the body weight and 13 serum biochemical parameters during the six-month hydrogen intervention. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of long-term hydrogen consumption, the plasma metabolome and gut microbiota were investigated in this study. Compared with the control group, 14 and 10 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified in hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and hydrogen inhalation (HI) group, respectively. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that HRW intake mainly affected starch and sucrose metabolism, and DMs in HI group were mainly enriched in arginine biosynthesis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that HRW intake induced significant changes in the structure of gut microbiota, while no marked bacterial community differences was observed in HI group. HRW intake mainly induced significant increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Clostridium XI, and decrease in Bacteroides. HI mainly induced decreased abundances of Blautia and Paraprevotella. The results of this study provide basic data for further research on hydrogen medicine. Determination of the effects of hydrogen intervention on microbiota profiles could also shed light on identification of mechanism underlying the biological effects of molecular hydrogen.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document