Mechanics of Work-related Back Pain: An Analytical Review

The prevalence of Low back pain (LBP) is exceedingly high, upwards of 80% in the general population. LBP is manifested as pain in the thoraco-lumbar area and often related to a muscle pull. This paper is a narrative review of the mechanics of work-related low back pain. In this paper, the researchers provide a different insight of the occupational low back pain as they introduce a theoretical background of the occupational low back pain and management of low back pain at workplace. In addition, the study highlight the research focus within the field of mechanical loading and biomechanical assessment methods of low back pain. The study found that low back pain is a reversible process in case causes are identified. However, it is a challenging issue to identify the causes unless well-designed models and assessment methods are applied for each case separately.

Pre-experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Warm Compress on Lumbar Region during First Stage of Labour among Primi Parturient Mothers in Labour Room of Selected Hospitals at Amravati

The goal of this study was to determine the intensity of pain experienced by primiparturient women during the first stage of labour. To see how beneficial a warm compress is on the lumbar area. To see if there's a link between labour discomfort and certain demographic factors. At the 0.05 level of significance, the post-test pain score will be lower than the pre-test pain score. The research method chosen was quantitative, and the study design was pre-experimental, pre-test, and post-test. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 60 primiparturient moms in the early stages of labour. The research was carried out at Amravati's Dayasagar Hospital. A pre-test was done using a numerical pain scale to determine pain levels among primiparturient moms who met the inclusion criteria. In the initial stage of labour, a warm compress on the lumbar area is applied for 15 minutes every half hour for four hours. The numerical pain scale is used to measure post-test pain levels. In the current study, 53.3 percent of primigravida moms in the control group reported moderate pain (scoring 4-6) and 46.6 percent had severe pain in post-test 1. (score 7-10). 36.6 percent had moderate pain (scoring 4-6) and 63.3 percent had severe pain (7-10) in post-test 2, while 13.3 percent had moderate pain (4-6) and 86.6 percent had severe pain in post-test 3. (score 7-10). In post-test 1, 70% of the experimental group experienced moderate pain (scoring 4-6) and 30% had severe pain (score 7-10). In post-test 2, 66.6 percent of participants reported moderate pain, while 33.3 percent reported severe pain. In post-test 3, 56.6 percent of participants reported moderate pain, while 43.3 percent reported severe pain. As a result, it may be stated that using a warm compress to relieve pain was successful.

Comparison of four different training programs in body composition and strength in women over 55 years

There is no doubt of the benefits brought by the practice of physical exercises in the promotion of health, but the use of combined capacities in a same session is still contradictory. The aim of the present study was to verify the influence of a 10- week program of concurrent training on body composition and strength in adult women comparing it to programs of strength and aerobic activities. Thirty women were selected with minimum age of 55 years, randomized in four groups: group A1 (aerobic activity following by strength training), group F1 (strength training followed by aerobic activity), group A (aerobic training), group F (strength training). The body fat showed differences among the groups, the group F was significantly lower than A and A1; when strength was analyzed the results demonstrated differences in the lumbar area in the group A1 and in the strength of inferior members in A, A1 and F from pre- to post-test. Based on the data, we conclude that excepting of body composition, there is no variance in the analyzed variables in this group of women according to the type of training performed.

Rapidly progressive gas-forming infection involving the spine as a life-threatening fatal condition : a case report

Background Gas forming infection of the spine is a consequence of vertebral osteomyelitis, necrotizing fasciitis, or a gas-forming epidural abscess, which is very rare and fatal conditions. This is the rare case of necrotizing fasciitis that rapidly progressed from the lumbar area to upper thoracic area. Case presentation A 58-year-old male complained of lower back pain with fever and chills. The patient had a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus without diabetic medication over the previous 3 months, and he had received several local injections around the lumbar area. Laboratory data revealed white blood cell count of 19,710 /mm3, erythrocyte sedimentation of 40 mm/h, and C-reactive protein of 30.7 mg/L. Radiological findings revealed a small amount of air bubbles in the paraspinal area and lumbar epidural spaces. The patient refused emergency surgery and was discharged from the hospital. The patient re-visited the emergency department two days after discharge complaining of more severe back pain with persistent fever, and his vital signs had deteriorated, with low blood pressure and tachycardia. K. pneumoniae was isolated in cultures from ultrasound-guided aspirates and peripheral blood. The follow-up radiographs revealed aggressive dissemination of innumerable air bubbles from the lumbar area to the T5 level. The patient underwent emergent decompressive laminectomy and debridement of infected paravertebral fascia and musculature. Despite intensive care for deteriorated vital signs and his back wound, the patient died on postoperative day 3 due to multi-organ failure. Conclusions Necrotizing fasciitis involving the spine is a very rare disease with life-threatening conditions, rapid progression, and a high mortality rate. Therefore, prompt surgical treatment with a high index of suspicion is imperative to prevent potentially fatal conditions in similar extremely rare cases.

Food hypersensitivity and feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS): A case report

A 2-year-11-month-old female spayed cat was at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital of Ghent University presenting with hyperactivity, scratching and licking all over her body and an abnormal urination behaviour. Nothing remarkable was found on the dermatology and neurological examination. Based on the owner’s history and video material, the presence of feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS) was hypothesised. A symptomatic treatment with gabapentin was established for a month without any significant improvement. An elimination diet with hydrolysed protein sources was started and, as a result, the dose of gabapentin was reduced after three days and completely stopped after one week. With the exception of two non-intentional exposures to non-hypoallergenic diets and the challenge with new protein sources by the owner, the cat has been free of symptoms, with the exception of a slight reaction in the lumbar area (significantly reduced in comparison before starting the diet), and without the use of medication. In conclusion, an elimination diet should be considered as part of the diagnostic plan for FHS and should not be delegated to the last step if the patient’s condition allows it.

Differential Rotational Movement of the Thoracolumbosacral Spine in High-Level Dressage Horses Ridden in a Straight Line, in Sitting Trot and Seated Canter Compared to In-Hand Trot

Assessing back dysfunction is a key part of the investigative process of “loss of athletic performance” in the horse and quantitative data may help veterinary decision making. Ranges of motion of differential translational and rotational movement between adjacent inertial measurement units attached to the skin over thoracic vertebrae 5, 13 and 18 (T5, T13, T18) lumbar vertebra 3 (L3) and tuber sacrale (TS) were measured in 10 dressage horses during trot in-hand and ridden in sitting trot/canter. Straight-line motion cycles were analysed using a general linear model (random factor: horse; fixed factor: exercise condition; Bonferroni post hoc correction: p < 0.05). At T5-T13 the differential heading was smaller in sitting trot (p ≤ 0.0001, 5.1° (0.2)) and canter (p ≤ 0.0001, 3.2° (0.2)) compared to trotting in-hand (7.4° (0.4)). Compared to trotting in-hand (3.4° (0.4)) at T18-L3 differential pitch was higher in sitting trot (p ≤ 0.0001, 7.5° (0.3)) and canter (p ≤ 0.0001, 6.3° (0.3)). At L3-TS, differential pitch was increased in canter (6.5° (0.5)) compared to trotting in-hand (p = 0.006, 4.9° (0.6)) and differential heading was higher in sitting trot (4° (0.2)) compared to canter (p = 0.02, 2.9° (0.3)). Compared to in-hand, reduced heading was measured in the cranial–thoracic area and increased in the caudal–thoracic and lumbar area. Pitch increased with ridden exercise from the caudal–thoracic to the sacral area.

Bone density, fractures and the associated factors in iranian children and adolescent with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Backround Osteogenesis imperfecta(OI) is a frequent bone fragility disorder in children. The purpose of this study was to assess the BMD and Vitamin D level in children with OI in southern Iran. Method This case-control study was conducted on 23 children, clinically diagnosed as osteogenesis imperfecta and 23 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Demographic and anthropometric data, biochemical parameters, puberty, sun exposure and physical activity were assessed. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data analysis was done by SPSS22. Results Forty-three point four percent of OI patients and fifty-six point five percent of control group had vitamin D deficiency (P = 0.376). Thirteen OI patients (56%) had low bone mass for chronological age in lumbar area (P < 0.001). Fracture episodes during treatment was significantly influenced by time of Pamidronate start, courses of Pamidronate injection, puberty and sun exposure (P values = 0.015, 0.030, 0.044 and 0.032, respectively). Fracture episodes during treatment had significantly increased in patients who had received Pamidronate more than 3 years compared with those received less than 3 years(P values = 0.047). Conclusions This study showed that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent amongst OI children in southern Iran. More than half of the OI children had low bone mass for chronological age in lumbar area, despite receiving bisphosphonate therapy. The present results revealed that early initiation of Pamidronate and number of Pamidronate courses are associated with lower fracture rate. However, treatment period more than 3 years can have adverse effect on fracture rates.

A method for postural critical factors checking: The case of library chairs

BACKGROUND: According to ergonomic researches regarding a good sitting posture, it is essential to ensure a natural back-curve in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. A brief observation among the Scientific Technology Library inside the University of Salerno showed that students used to complain about neck and lumbar pain, especially after a study day. OBJECTIVE: On the light of this background, a sitting posture comfort analysis had been performed on chairs inside the library to check the critical factors that influence the postural comfort and, consequently, the learning. METHODS: A prolonged sitting posture, that is common during the daily study activity, had been simulated with fifteen volunteer students performing 1-hour tests (divided into four 15-minutes tasks). Subjective perceptions had been gathered through questionnaires rating on a 5-point Comfort scale, both the expected comfort at the beginning of the experiment and the Localized Postural Comfort at the end of each task have been investigated. Then, postural angles had been gathered through photographic acquisition and Kinovea®. CaMAN software had been used to calculate the objective (dis)comfort indexes. Finally, subjective and objective data had been statistically processed and compared. RESULTS: Lumbar area scored the lowest perceived comfort while the perceived comfort was independent of participants and tasks, but dependent on time. CONCLUSIONS: After this comfort-driven analysis, critical factors of the chair-design were checked, and a proposal for a future re-design was hypothesized.

Comfort Driven Redesign: The Case of Library Chairs

University students spend most of their time in a sitting position. Prolonged sitting on ill-fitted furniture and the resulting lousy posture is making students having different musculoskeletal disorders and is strictly related to students learning outcomes. This study aims to improve postural comfort of chairs placed inside the Science & Technology Library at the University of Salerno. A previous study about these library chairs showed that the lumbar area was the most suffering part while perceived (dis)comfort was dependent on time. Based on this, an ergonomic redesign and, consequently, manufacturing of the chair has been done. A perceived-comfort comparison between the library chair and the redesigned one has been performed. A statistical sample of 28 healthy students performed a 20-min experiment two times, alternatively on the library chair and the redesigned one. The 20-min experiment was divided into two 10-min tasks (“Reading & Writing” and “Laptop use”) to simulate a study day. The participants’ postures were acquired non-invasively using cameras and processed by Kinovea; questionnaires were used to rate the perceived subjective (dis)comfort. A procedure for improving an existing product through a comfort-driven redesign is proposed. Results showed the redesigned library chair lead on increasing postural comfort (particularly in the lumbar area) thanks to the new design and modifications.

Topspin’s Influence on the Spine in Female Juniors III in Table Tennis

The consolidation of topsin, the most prolific technical & tactical element in the attack’s area, requires, besides the daily training and efficient biomechanics, an optimal health of the osteo-articular and muscular system, due to the fact that the performance of this element requires forceful speed developed throughout the muscle chain. The purpose of the present scientific research is to identify the problems occurred at spine level resulted following to topspin attack and the importance of this technical element in the female junior’s performance. The social enquiry-based survey was conducted on a number of 27 coaches and athletes, using a number of 15 questions. Objectives: optimization of topspin attack in 11-12 years old female juniors. Premises: the knowledge on statistics of spine specific areas generating pain at the time of the attack will allow us to create a postural correction program meant to optimize performance. Research methods: The registration method was based on an opinion poll, on a statistical and mathematical method, on computer graphics method. Conclusion: around 78% of the interviewed specialists consider that the lumbar area is the most affected and predisposed to pain in case of topspin, existing a strong correlation between it and the technical element considered to be the most important in the attack phase (topspin – 66.67%) in female juniors, p = 0.003 < α = 0.05, V = 0.620 and C = 0.659.