The Validity of Wireless Earbud-Type Wearable Sensors for Head Angle Estimation and the Relationships of Head with Trunk, Pelvis, Hip, and Knee during Workouts

The present study was performed to investigate the validity of a wireless earbud-type inertial measurement unit (Ear-IMU) sensor used to estimate head angle during four workouts. In addition, relationships between head angle obtained from the Ear-IMU sensor and the angles of other joints determined with a 3D motion analysis system were investigated. The study population consisted of 20 active volunteers. The Ear-IMU sensor measured the head angle, while a 3D motion analysis system simultaneously measured the angles of the head, trunk, pelvis, hips, and knees during workouts. Comparison with the head angle measured using the 3D motion analysis system indicated that the validity of the Ear-IMU sensor was very strong or moderate in the sagittal and frontal planes. In addition, the trunk angle in the frontal plane showed a fair correlation with the head angle determined with the Ear-IMU sensor during a single-leg squat, reverse lunge, and standing hip abduction; the correlation was poor in the sagittal plane. Our results indicated that the Ear-IMU sensor can be used to directly estimate head motion and indirectly estimate trunk motion.

Sex Moderates the Relationship between Perceptual-Motor Function and Single-Leg Squatting Mechanics

To examine the isolated and combined effects of sex and perceptual-motor function on single-leg squatting mechanics in males and females. We employed a cross-sectional design in a research laboratory. Fifty-eight females (22.2 ± 3.5 yrs, 1.60 ± .07 m, 64.1 ± 13.0 kg) and 35 males (23.5 ± 5.0 yrs, 1.80 ± .06m, 84.7 ± 15.3 kg) free from time-loss injury in the six months prior, vertigo, and vestibular conditions participated in this study. Independent variables were sex, perceptual-motor metrics (reaction time, efficiency index, conflict discrepancy), and interaction effects. Dependent variables were peak frontal plane angles of knee projection, ipsilateral trunk flexion, and contralateral pelvic drop during single-leg squatting. After accounting for the sex-specific variance and perceptual-motor function effects on frontal plane squatting kinematics, female sex amplified the associations of: higher reaction time, lower efficiency index, and higher conflict discrepancy with greater right ipsilateral peak trunk lean (R2 = .13; p = .05); higher reaction time, lower efficiency index, and higher conflict discrepancy with decreased right contralateral pelvic drop (R2 = .22; p < .001); higher reaction time and lower conflict discrepancy with greater right frontal plane knee projection angle (R2 = .12; p = .03); and higher reaction time with greater left frontal plane knee projection angle (R2 = .22; p < .001). Female sex amplified the relationship between perceptual-motor function and two-dimensional frontal plane squatting kinematics. Future work should determine the extent to which perceptual-motor improvements translate to safer movement strategies.

Evaluation of Brace Treatment Using the Soft Brace Spinaposture: A Four-Years Follow-Up

The braces of today are constructed to correct the frontal plane deformity of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (AIS). The Spinaposture brace© (Spinaposture Aps, Copenhagen, Denmark) is a soft-fabric brace for AIS and is designed to enhance rotational axial stability by inducing a sagittal plane kyphotic correction. This prospective observational study evaluated the brace in fifteen patients with AIS. The initial average CA was 16.8° (SD: 2.8). They were followed prospectively every 3 to 6 months during their brace usage until skeletal maturity of 25 months and at long-term follow-up of 44 months. In- and out-of-brace radiographs were performed in six subjects at inclusion. This resulted in an immediate in-brace correction of 25.3 percent in CA (14.3°→10.8°) and induced a kyphotic effect of 14.9 percent (40.8°→47.9°). The average in-brace improvement at first follow-up was 4.5° in CA, and the CA at skeletal maturity was 11° (SD: 7.4°) and long-term 12.0° (SD: 6.8°). In conclusion, the Spinaposture brace© had an immediate in-brace deformity correction and a thoracic kyphotic effect. At skeletal maturity, the deformities improved more than expected when compared to that of the natural history/observation and similar to that of other soft braces. No long-term deformity progression was seen. To substantiate these findings, stronger designed studies with additional subjects are needed.

Evaluation of the Radial Procurvatum Using the Center of Rotation of Angulation Methodology in Chondrodystrophic Dogs

The radial joint orientation angles were calculated using the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) methodology within the frontal and sagittal planes in chondrodystrophic dog breeds, including Welsh Corgi, Dachshund, Pekinese, Poodle, Beagle and Maltese, and it was compared whether there is a statistically significant difference between the breeds. Radial joint orientation angles were obtained in eighty-eight dogs, including 23 Welsh Corgis, 16 Dachshunds, 14 Pekinese, 13 Maltese, 12 Poodles and 10 Beagles. Using the CORA methodology, the cranial proximal radial angle (CrPRA) and caudal distal radial angle (CdDRA) in the sagittal plane and medial proximal radial angle (MPRA) and lateral distal radial angle (LDRA) in the frontal plane were measured for the six breeds studied. The mean values of joint angles for each breed were compared statistically were observed. The CrPRA, CdDRA, and LDRA mean values of Dachshund and Welsh Corgi breeds were significantly smaller than other breeds, and in MPRA, Pekingese showed significantly smaller values than other breeds. This study confirms that the mean values of radial joint orientation angles can be significantly different among chondrodystrophic breeds. To accurately evaluate the degree of angular deformity of the radius, it may be helpful to refer to the average value for each breed with chondrodystrophy.

Interrater Reliability of a Novel Goniometric Technique to Measure Scapular Protraction and Retraction

Importance: Scapular protraction and retraction are often essential for occupational performance; however, clinical assessment of these movements is uniquely challenging. Objective: To analyze the interrater reliability of a novel goniometric method to measure scapular protraction and retraction. Design: An observational, descriptive design was implemented to evaluate interrater reliability between two experienced occupational therapists who were also certified hand therapists. Setting: Academic institution. Participants: Convenience sample of graduate students (N = 80). Outcomes and Measures: The hypothesis, developed before study implementation, was that the technique would demonstrate clinically acceptable interrater reliability, defined as a standard error of measurement (SEM) &lt;8°. Goniometric measurements of the scapula at rest, in maximal protraction, and in maximal retraction were independently obtained from each participant by each evaluator. The goniometer was aligned on the scapula using the superior angle as the axis of motion to measure the movement of the acromion relative to the frontal plane. The SEM was calculated in each position using the intraclass correlation coefficient values and the average of the standard deviations from the two raters. Results: The SEM values between the two evaluators for the resting, protracted, and retracted positions were 3.46°, 2.93°, and 2.74°, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: The SEM between the two evaluators for each scapular position was &lt;4°, suggesting that the technique may be clinically reliable. However, additional research regarding the reliability and validity of the technique is recommended. What This Article Adds: The findings of this study support the use of goniometry to measure scapular protraction and retraction in relation to occupational performance. The technique provides a way to quantify baseline scapular mobility and track progress.

Features of morphometric parameters of vessels in the human portal venous system identified by multislice computed tomography

The aim of this study was to identify the morphometric features of the human portal venous system by means of multislice computed tomography (MSCT).Materials and methods. A contrast X-ray study of the portal vein was carried out in 53 men who were treated in the surgical departments of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Hospital No. 1. The average age of the patients was 54.9 ± 1.7 years (36–71 years). Measurements were performed on 3D models of the vascular bed in the portal venous system (GE Advantage Workstation and Siemens singo.via workstations). Branching patterns, length, diameter, angle of the portal vein formation relative to the midline of the human body, and angles of formation of the vessels forming the portal vein in the frontal plane were evaluated.Results. Variations in the morphometric parameters of the intrahepatic vessels of the portal vein are obvious, although the branching patterns are not diverse and are reduced to one type – the magistral pattern (according to V.N. Shevkunenko). The veins that form the portal vein are represented by three systems, each of which has a stem and tributaries that differ in branching patterns and other morphological characteristics.Conclusion. The findings of the study made it possible to supplement the scientific materials regarding branching patterns and morphological characteristics of the portal vein and its tributaries as well as to use the morphometric characteristics of the superior and inferior mesenteric and splenic veins to resolve the issues of surgical intervention on the abdominal organs.

Evaluation of Hip Frontal Plane Flexibility and Strength in Male Sprinter Runners With Unilateral Patellofemoral Arthropathy: A Case-Control Study

Background and Objectives: Patellofemoral Arthropathy (PFA) is the most common knee disorder in runners and various factors can lead to the development of its symptoms. It has been proposed that frontal plane motions of the hip and knee can raise the dynamic quadriceps angle during functional tasks. The aim of this study was to evaluate frontal plane acting hip muscle flexibility and strength differences in male sprinter runners with unilateral PFA. Methods: A total of 38 male runners complaining of peripatellar pain or showing positive unilateral patellar grind test, assigned to the normal and sound legs, and 20 matched control groups were compared in this case-control study. Participants’ hip abductor and adductor muscles strength and their flexibility were evaluated through a hand-held dynamometer and 2D motion analysis tracker software. To measure the strength, participants were positioned side-lying position, performing abduction and adduction, while a dynamometer was placed on the lateral and medial femoral epicondyle. Active and passive abduction and adduction range of motion were recorded via a camera in the supine position and the film was analyzed by the software. Results: Abductor muscle strength and abduction-to-adduction ratio on the involved side were significantly lower than the uninvolved side (P=0.029, P=0.008, d=-0.388, d=-0.459), while greater adduction and lower abduction to adduction ratio were found in the control group (P<0.001, F=3.599). Also, lesser passive abduction and active adduction range of motion were found in the control group on both sides (P<0.001, F=2.792, F=8.979). Conclusion: Strength changes of the involved side compared with uninvolved side and less flexible side, but more probably inhibited and stronger adductors in the control group may suggest impaired muscular interaction based on frontal plane muscles torque/length curve function in unilateral PFA. Changes in the strength of the involved side compared to the healthy side and the adductor muscles with more flexibility and strength but more inhibited by the abductor’s muscles in the control group could indicate.

Efficacy of Prophylactic Knee Bracing in Sports

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are common knee injuries, which can result from contact and noncontact during sports, recreation, or work-related activities. Prophylactic knee braces (PKBs) have been designed to protect the knee and decrease risk of recurrence of these injuries. Despite their success, PKBs have not been proven to be consistently effective and cost of the device must be evaluated to optimize its use in sports, particularly American football. Biomechanical studies have suggested that increased hip and knee flexion angles may reduce frontal plane loading with bracing which can protect the knee joint. This is essential with knee loading and rotational moments because they are associated with jumping, landing, and pivoting movements. The clinical efficacy of wearing PKBs can have an impact on athletic performance with respect to speed, power, motion, and agility, and these limitations are evident in athletes who are unaccustomed to wearing a PKB. Despite these concerns, use of PKBs increases in patients who have sustained an MCL injury or recovering from an ACL reconstruction surgery. As the evidence continues to evolve in sports medicine, there is limited definitive data to determine their beneficial or detrimental effects on overall injury risk of athletes, therefore leading those recommendations and decisions for their usage in the hands of the athletic trainers and team physicians' experience to determine the specific brace design, brand, fit, and situations for use.