Head forward flexion, lateral bending and viewing distance in smartphone users: A comparison between sitting and standing postures

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 837-846
Author(s):  
Zahra Vahedi ◽  
Adel Mazloumi ◽  
Ali Sharifnezhad ◽  
Zeinab Kazemi ◽  
Ehsan Garosi

BACKGROUND: Smartphones (SPs) are widely used by people of all age groups and genders. Users spend many hours per day on the SPs for different purposes, which imposes significant stress on their musculoskeletal system. OBJECTIVES: This study explored head forward flexion, lateral bending angle, and viewing distance while working with a SP in sitting/standing postures and one-handed/two-handed grips. The users’ performance as well as pain development were also investigated. METHODS: Participants answered a questionnaire on pain experience before and after SP usage. Neck kinematics of 20 SP users were monitored by a motion analysis system while doing three tasks (typing, video watching, and reading) in sitting and standing postures. Performance was evaluated by number of typed words, amount of errors in typing, and total read words. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant increase in pain complaints in neck and upper limbs after test completion. Working with SPs in sitting and standing postures were, respectively, associated with greater head forward flexion for watching and viewing distance for two-handed typing tasks. Higher left lateral bending values were measured for one-handed watching and reading tasks in standing posture. The performance measures were superior for two-handed grips in all conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, using SPs in sitting posture creates greater head forward flexion and lower lateral bending angles in all tasks and grip types. The findings of this study can be used to provide recommendations for SP users.

Author(s):  
A. E. Chernikova ◽  
Yu. P. Potekhina

Introduction. An osteopathic examination determines the rate, the amplitude and the strength of the main rhythms (cardiac, respiratory and cranial). However, there are relatively few studies in the available literature dedicated to the influence of osteopathic correction (OC) on the characteristics of these rhythms.Goal of research — to study the influence of OC on the rate characteristics of various rhythms of the human body.Materials and methods. 88 adult osteopathic patients aged from 18 to 81 years were examined, among them 30 men and 58 women. All patients received general osteopathic examination. The rate of the cranial rhythm (RCR), respiratory rate (RR) heart rate (HR), the mobility of the nervous processes (MNP) and the connective tissue mobility (CTM) were assessed before and after the OC session.Results. Since age varied greatly in the examined group, a correlation analysis of age-related changes of the assessed rhythms was carried out. Only the CTM correlated with age (r=–0,28; p<0,05) in a statistically significant way. The rank dispersion analysis of Kruskal–Wallis also showed statistically significant difference in this indicator in different age groups (p=0,043). With the increase of years, the CTM decreases gradually. After the OC, the CTM, increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001). The RCR varied from 5 to 12 cycles/min in the examined group, which corresponded to the norm. After the OC, the RCR has increased in a statistically significant way (p<0,0001), the MNP has also increased (p<0,0001). The initial heart rate in the subjects varied from 56 to 94 beats/min, and in 15 % it exceeded the norm. After the OC the heart rate corresponded to the norm in all patients. The heart rate and the respiratory rate significantly decreased after the OC (р<0,0001).Conclusion. The described biorhythm changes after the OC session may be indicative of the improvement of the nervous regulation, of the normalization of the autonomic balance, of the improvement of the biomechanical properties of body tissues and of the increase of their mobility. The assessed parameters can be measured quickly without any additional equipment and can be used in order to study the results of the OC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 200-206

ntroduction: Detection and examination of proper number of lymph nodes in patients after rectal resection is important for next treatment and management of patients with rectal carcinoma. There are no clear guideliness for minimal count of lymph nodes, variant recommendations agree on the number of 12 (10−14) nodes. There are situations, when is not easy to reach this count, mainly in older age groups and in patients after neoadjuvant, especially radiation therapy. As a modality for improvement of lymph nodes harvesting seems to be establishing of defined protocols originally designed for mesorectal excision quality evaluation. Methods: The investigation group was formed by patients examined in 2 three-years intervals before and after implementation of the protocol. Elevation in count of harvested lymph nodes was rated generaly and in relation to age groups and gender. Results: The average count of lymph nodes increased from 10 to 15 nodes, in subset of patients whose received neoadjuvant therapy from 7 to al- most 14 nodes. The recommended number of lymph nodes was obtained in all investigated age groups. By the increased number of lymph nodes, rises also possibility of positive nodes found, that can lead to upstaging of the disease, in subset of patients whose received neoadjuvant therapy it is more than 4%. Conclusion: Our conclusions show, that forming of multidisciplinary cooperative groups (chiefly surgeon-pathologist), implementation of defined protocol of surgery, specimen manipulation and investigation by detached specialists lead to benefit consequences for further management and treatment of the patients with colorectal cancer.


FACE ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 273250162199244
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Boudiab ◽  
Thomas D. Zaikos ◽  
Christopher Issa ◽  
Kongkrit Chaiyasate ◽  
Stephen M. Lu

Electric scooters are an increasingly common and convenient mode of transportation worldwide and have effectively revolutionized the shared micromobility industry. As electric scooter sharing companies have increased in popularity there has been a concomitant increase in the frequency of all electric scooter-related injuries. The purpose of this study is to describe the most up-to-date trends in craniofacial fractures and lacerations related to electric scooter use among all age groups. We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for craniofacial fractures and lacerations related to e-scooters between 2010 and 2019. We then compared injury trends over time and between time periods before and after 2017 when electric scooter share apps revolutionized micromobility. We compared incidence of injury overall and by day of the week, patient demographics, and case severity based on clinical disposition. We identified an increase in the frequency of craniofacial lacerations and fractures in the 3 years following the introduction of electric scooter share services in 2017 (2017 and 2019), compared to the 3 years before this time (2014-2016). Young adults (18-39 years) were the age group with the greatest interval increase in craniofacial injuries. There was also an increase in number of craniofacial injuries occurring on Mondays and a decrease number occurring on Fridays in the later time period. Finally, patients who presented with electric scooter-related craniofacial injuries in this later time period showed a higher frequency of overnight observation and hospital admission for their injuries. The number of craniofacial injuries secondary to electric scooter use has increased dramatically since the introduction of share services. Craniofacial fractures and lacerations are a common reason for craniofacial or maxillofacial surgery consultation and understanding these patterns of injury will help prepare surgeons for patient care, preventative education, and public advocacy.


2021 ◽  
pp. 232020682110065
Author(s):  
Deniz Erdil ◽  
Nilsun Bagis ◽  
Hakan Eren ◽  
Melike Camgoz ◽  
Kaan Orhan

Aim: Bruxism is defined as the involuntary recurrent masticatory muscle activity characterized by gnashing, grinding, clenching of teeth, and/or pushing the mandible. Factors creating its etiology are peripheral (morphological) or central (physiopathological and physiological), and exogenous. Recently, among physiological factors, depression and bruxism were considered to be related. A definitive treatment method does not exist for bruxism; however, botulinum toxin-A (BT-A) application is an up-to-date and effective way of treatment. The present study is aimed to evaluate the levels of depression in bruxism patients treated with BT-A application. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 individuals (23 females and 2 males) who were diagnosed as bruxism patients were included in the study. 25 U of BT-A for each masseter muscle was injected into the patients. Patients were prospectively observed for a possible change in depression levels by using Beck’s Depression Inventory. The inventory was implemented before and six months after the BT-A application. Depression levels before and six months after the injection were compared. A paired t-test was used to compare “before” and “after” treatment values. One-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests were used to evaluate the change in Beck’s Depression Inventory scores according to age groups. Results: The mean total score was 7.80 ± 8.10 before the treatment and 7.16 ± 6.52 six months after the treatment. The decrease in the mean score was not statistically significant ( P > .05). Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the decrease in the mean Beck’s Depression Inventory scores, a statistically significant decrease in the depression levels of patients was not observed.


Author(s):  
Nafih Cherappurath ◽  
Masilamani Elayaraja ◽  
Dilshith A. Kabeer ◽  
Amila Anjum ◽  
Paris Vogazianos ◽  
...  

AbstractTennis is one of the most popular and widely played sports enjoyed by players of different age groups and genders as a profession as well as a mode of recreation. A novel method, PETTLEP imagery combines both conventional and non-conventional style of training of an athlete and improves one’s performance. This study aimed to analyze the tennis service performance of junior tennis players based on PETTLEP imagery training. Forty-four junior male tennis players (Mage=13.22 years, SD=0.42) were selected for the study. The investigator handed over the MIQ-R questionnaire to all the participants in which they scored 16 and above points as per previous research. The participants were equally divided (n=11) into three experimental groups (E1, E2, and E3) and a control group. The service performance outcomes of all the players were compared before and after a training session. The three experimental groups were assigned with service-specific training, service-specific training combined with PETTLEP imagery training, and PETTLEP imagery training alone, respectively, for three days per week for 12 weeks. They were tested on their service accuracy based on the International tennis number (ITN) manual on-court assessment test. The data were assessed for normality and analyzed using non-parametric methods to reveal main effects (each training method alone) as well as to calculate the combined effect of PETTLEP and service-specific training. Certain significant improvements in tennis service were observed with service-specific training alone. Though it marginally outperformed the PETTLEP imagery method, the most improved services were observed with both PETTLEP and service-specific training utilized together. This implies an additive effect when both methods are used together.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 590
Author(s):  
Raeghan L. Mueller ◽  
Jarrod M. Ellingson ◽  
L. Cinnamon Bidwell ◽  
Angela D. Bryan ◽  
Kent E. Hutchison

In recent years of expanding legalization, older adults have reported the largest increase in cannabis use of any age group. While its use has been studied extensively in young adults, little is known about the effects of THC in older adults and whether the risks of cannabis might be different, particularly concerning intoxication and cognition. The current study investigated whether age is associated with the deleterious effects of THC on cognitive performance and other behavioral measures before and after ad libitum self-administration of three different types of cannabis flower (THC dominant, THC + CBD, and CBD dominant). Age groups consisted of young adults (ages 21–25) and older adults (ages 55–70). Controlling for pre-use scores on all measures, the THC dominant chemovar produced a greater deleterious effect in younger adults compared with older adults in tests of learning and processing speed, whereas there were no differences between old and young in the effects of the other chemovars. In addition, the young group reported greater cannabis craving than the older group after using the THC chemovar. Consistent with some reports in the preclinical literature, the findings suggest that older adults may be less sensitive to the effects of THC on cognitive and affective measures.


Author(s):  
Howraa Nash ◽  
Gourav Kumar Nayak ◽  
Jashwant Thota ◽  
Mohammed Alsowaidi ◽  
Hashem Alsowaidi ◽  
...  

A user’s posture at a computer workstation, especially wrist posture, is determined by the keyboard angle. Most commercially available computer keyboards have a built-in positive slope that requires the user to extend their wrist approximately 20° when typing. The purpose of this study is to find the negative keyboard angles that minimize wrist extension for both sitting and standing workstations. In this study, we compared upper limb working postures, including those of the wrist, elbow and shoulder, at 5 different keyboard angles between −16° and +6° in sitting and standing postures. Based on our results, we can conclude that the optimal range of keyboard slope is from −4° to −12° in sitting posture and −8° to −12° in the standing posture in terms of minimum wrist extension, typing performance, and user preference. We also propose a universal keyboard support design as an attachment to currently available keyboards.


Kinesiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
İlker Özcan ◽  
Çağatay Şahan

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of small-sided game training (SSGT) versus conventional aerobic interval training (CAIT) on soccer-specific endurance performance, lactate threshold levels (mmol·L-1), short-passing ability and defensive and offensive skills of a soccer match. Before and after a 6-week training intervention period, eighteen amateur soccer players (age 21.8±4.8 years) were tested. The tests included the anaerobic threshold (AnT) test, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), and the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). A manual notational match analysis system was utilized to evaluate the defensive and offensive skills of players during the matches. Both the SSGT and CAIT were performed two days a week and consisted of five sets of 6-minute periods of work at the individualized exercise intensity corresponding to the individual anaerobic threshold, with 3-minute of recovery periods&nbsp;between sets. Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to examine the between- and within-group differences, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed that the SSGT group players exhibited significantly better in terms of the LSPT scores (p&lt;.01) and the number of defensive and offensive skills (p&lt;.05). However, no other significant differences in the other variables were observed (p&gt;.05). The results of the study suggested that SSGT improved short-passing ability, various soccer skills and physiological parameters, while CAIT only improved physiological parameters. SSGT improves soccer-specific endurance and technical ability of players at the same time, meaning it is a time efficient way of training.


2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 1039-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aretha Pereira de Oliveira ◽  
Dalmo Valério Machado de Lima

This is a participant study, quasi-experimental, of a before and after type. A quantitative approach of biophysiological measures was used, represented by the saturation of oxygen measured by pulse oximeter (SpO2), and recorded on three occasions: before, during and after the bedbath in critically ill patients hospitalized at the ICU of a University Hospital in Brazil. Objective: to compare the SpO2 in various stages of the bath, with and without control of water temperature. Data collection was performed between December 2007 and April 2008 on a convenience sample consisting of 30 patients aged over 18 who had classification in TISS-28 from level II. Results show that water temperature control means a lower variation of SpO2 (p<0.05). No marked differences in variation of saturation between men and women or between age groups were established. In conclusion, heated and constant water temperature during the bedbath is able to minimize the fall of SpO2 that occurs while handling patients during procedures.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quyen G To ◽  
Mitch J Duncan ◽  
Anetta Van Itallie ◽  
Corneel Vandelanotte

BACKGROUND Physical activity is an important health behavior, due to its association with many physical and mental health conditions. During distressing events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a concern that physical activity levels may be negatively impacted. However, recent studies have shown inconsistent results. Additionally, there is a lack of studies in Australia on this topic. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate changes in physical activity reported through the 10,000 Steps program and changes in engagement with the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020, from registered members of the 10,000 Steps program, which included 3,548,825 days with step data, were used. The number of daily steps were logged manually by the members or synced automatically from their activity trackers connected to the program. Measures on program usage were the number of new registered members per day, the number of newly registered organizations per day, the number of steps logged per day, and the number of step entries per day. Key dates used for comparison were as follows: the first case with symptoms in Wuhan, China; the first case reported in Australia; the implementation of a 14-day ban for noncitizens arriving in Australia from China; the start of the lockdown in Australia; and the relaxing of restrictions by the Australian Government. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to test for significant differences in number of steps between subgroups, between engagement measures in 2019 versus 2020, and before and after an event. RESULTS A decrease in steps was observed after the first case in Australia was reported (1.5%; <i>P</i>=.02) and after the start of the lockdown (3.4%; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). At the time that the relaxing of restrictions started, the steps had already recovered from the lockdown. Additionally, the trends were consistent across genders and age groups. New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria had the greatest step reductions, with decreases of 7.0% (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), 6.2% (<i>P</i>=.02), and 4.7% (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), respectively. During the lockdown, the use of the program increased steeply. On the peak day, there were more than 9000 step entries per day, with nearly 100 million steps logged per day; in addition, more than 450 new users and more than 15 new organizations registered per day, although the numbers decreased quickly when restrictions were relaxed. On average per day, there were about 55 new registered users (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), 2 new organizations (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), 25.6 million steps (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), and 2672 log entries (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) more in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic has had negative effects on steps among Australians across age groups and genders. However, the effect was relatively small, with steps recovering quickly after the lockdown. There was a large increase in program usage during the pandemic, which might help minimize the health impact of the lockdown and confirms the important role of physical activity programs during times of distress and lockdowns.


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