Holes in wrist patches improve wearing comfort

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to investigate whether small holes in an impermeable patch at the wrist improve perceived comfort during exercise. Design/methodology/approach Nine male participants participated in this study. During the experiment, participants cycled 60 W in a hot room (35°C, 30 percent relative humidity) while an impermeable 20 cm2 patch was located on the ventral side of one wrist and at the same time a patch of identical shape with 5 mm diameter holes (17.7 percent uncovered) on the other wrist. The participants could not see the patches. Participants were forced to choose which patch they perceived as more comfortable. Chest and arm skin temperature, thermal comfort, thermal sensation and wetness perception were assessed. Findings Participants preferred 5 mm holes over no holes (p=0.017). Chest skin temperature (p=0.018) but not arm skin temperature correlates with this preference. Thermal comfort, thermal sensation and wetness perception did not differ significantly between patches. It is concluded that patches with 5 mm holes are preferred over impermeable patches during work in the heat in particular when the torso skin is warm. Originality/value The wrist is a preferred location for smart wearables. Generally, wrist bands are made of air-impermeable materials leading to sensation of wetness and discomfort. This study has shown that manufacturers should consider to make small holes in their wrist bands to optimize wearing comfort.

Comparative study of acupressure wristband versus palonosetron for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common complication after general anesthesia and surgery. This randomized double-blind study was designed to compare the effects of acupressure wrist bands and palonosetron for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia.Methods: Sixty ASA I and II patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries under general anaesthesia were divided into two groups. In Group A patients, acupressure wrist bands were applied on p6 point on both hands half an hour before induction. Group P patients received inj. palonosetron 0.075 m.g. i.v. just before induction. Anaesthesia technique was standardized. Post-operatively patients were monitored for nausea, retching or vomiting upto 24 hours. If patients vomited more than once, they were given inj. Metoclopramide 10mg as rescue antiemetic. Efficacy of drugs was compared using Chi square test. ‘p’ value of <0.05 is considered significant.Results: The incidence of PONV and requirement of rescue antiemetic were lower in palonosetron group than acupressure wrist band group.Conclusions: Palonosetron is more effective than acupressure wrist band for prophylaxis of post- operative nausea and vomiting in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia, but acupressure wrist band can also be used as an alternative non-pharmacological method.

Can Sea Bands® be Used to Mitigate Simulator Sickness?

A North American tier-one automotive supplier (TOAS) conducted a study in 2002 using a vehicle driving simulator to study simulator sickness. The goal of the study was to explore a mitigation technique to lessen the severity of simulator sickness symptoms for older participants using the FDA-approved Sea Bands® acupressure wrist bands. The study revealed that the acupressure wrist bands may be an effective method for managing simulator sickness among older participants.