Impact of Lifting of Two Types of Barrels on Postural Control, Trunk Muscle Recruitment, and Kinematic Measures in Manual Workers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 2 types of beer barrels on postural control, trunk activation, and kinematic measures in adult workers. Twelve (12) males randomly performed 4 tasks on a force platform for 20 s: (1) hold an empty recyclable barrel, (2) hold a full recyclable barrel (30 L), (3) hold an empty steel barrel, and (4) hold a full steel barrel (30 L). Trunk muscular activation, force platform and kinematic measures at the trunk, hip, and knee joints were computed. The full steel barrel produced greater postural oscillation than other conditions. Higher trunk activity was also reported during the full steel barrel task. Significant kinematic changes only in the trunk were observed between the empty steel barrel and the full recyclable barrel tasks. In conclusion, the full steel barrel produced a negative impact on postural control, increasing trunk activity and changing trunk flexion angle in adult workers.

The Paediatric Metered Dosage Inhaler (pMDI) Sleeve Attachment

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes fixed airflow obstruction, swelling and inflammation of the lung airways. This results in shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing [1]. 3.9 million People in South Africa are estimated to suffer from the disease and 1.5% of this total die as a result, annually [2]. The disease is the 3rd most common cause of child hospitalisation in South Africa. In developing countries, the most common and affordable treatment option for asthma would be the standard metered dosage inhaler (MDI) [3, 4]. MDI’s provide a range of medications (including airway dilators and anti-inflammatories) contained within the aerosol canisters. A large number of paediatric and geriatric patients suffering from asthma are unable to produce the necessary force required to activate the standard MDI. The study investigated fingertip pinch (action carried out when activating an MDI) strengths to determine the activation force deficit for paediatric patients [5]. In addition, patients using a standard MDI are unable to track the number of dosages remaining in the aerosol canisters [5]. The study presents a solution to the above mentioned patient limitations. A sleeve attachment was developed to reduce the required activation force of a standard MDI and track patient medication adherence. Additional features included height adjustability for varied MDI sizes (55mm to 90mm in length) and paediatric patient aesthetic appeal.

Superelasticity and force plateau of nickel-titanium springs: an in vitro study

abstract Objective: This paper analyzed whether nickel-titanium closed coil springs (NTCCS) have a different superelastic (SE) behavior according to activation and whether their force plateau corresponds to that informed by the manufacturer. Methods: A total of 160 springs were divided into 16 subgroups according to their features and activated proportionally to the length of the extensible part (NiTi) of the spring (Y). The force values measured were analyzed to determine SE rates and force plateaus, which were mathematically calculated. These plateaus were compared to those informed by the manufacturer. Analysis of variance was accomplished followed by Tukey post-hoc test to detect and analyze differences between groups. Results: All subgroups were SE at the activation of 400% of Y length, except for: subgroups 4B and 3A, which were SE at 300%; subgroups 4E and 4G, which were SE at 500%; and subgroup 3C, which was SE at 600%. Subgroup 3B did not show a SE behavior. Force plateaus depended on activation and, in some subgroups and some activations, were similar to the force informed. Conclusions: Most of the springs showed SE behavior at 400% of activation. Force plateaus are difficult to compare due to lack of information provided by manufacturers.