bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A controlled study on the outcome of inpatient and outpatient treatment of low back pain. Part I. Pain, disability, compliance, and reported treatment benefits three months after treatment
Authors: K Härkäpää , A Järvikoski , G Mellin , H. Hurri
Published: May 2023

Outcome of inpatient and outpatient treatment of low back pain was studied in 459 patients (aged 35-54 years, 63% men); 156 inpatients, 150 outpatients and 153 controls. Changes in low back pain and in disability caused by it, and adherence and accomplishment of back exercises were used as short-term outcome criteria. The overall results showed a significant decrease in pain and disability and better compliance in the two treated groups when compared to the controls. There was also a significant difference in treatment gains between the inpatients and outpatients; i.e. the decrease in pain was greater and the frequency of back exercises higher in the inpatients. The inpatients also estimated their treatment benefits more positively than the outpatients.
Autotraction Versus Manual Traction in Patients With Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Discs
Authors: Ljunggren AE , Weber H , Larsen S
Published: May 2023

Forty-nine patients with lumbago-sciatica and prolapsed lumbar intervertebral discs, comparable concerning anamnestical and clinical data were randomized for autotraction and manual traction given by the same therapist for a period of one week while strict bed rest was prescribed. A blind overall assessment performed immediately after the traction period, after two weeks follow-up training and three months after hospitalization showed that the two traction modalities are equally efficient. As treatment for hospitalized patients with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapses the relatively simple manual traction variety should be preferred, if any. Traction is suggested to be used as a prognostical aid. Pain intensity was significantly reduced in all body parts. About one fourth of patients avoided operation. After two years there was no recurrence of symptoms.
Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Spinal Spasticity
Authors: Vodovnik L , Bowman BR , Hufford P
Published: May 2023

Seven spinal cord injured (SCI) patients with clinical signs of knee-joint spasticity were tested with the Wartenberg pendulum test and an electrogoniometer. All patients were subjected to four channel rhythmical electrical stimulation of the knee muscles for three consecutive days. In five patients some improvement of spasticity was achieved. No increase of spasticity was observed in any patient. Combining results from two separate but similar studies it is contended that about one-half of randomly selected SCI patients with knee joint spasticity might benefit by electrical stimulation.
Emotional Reaction, Health Preoccupation and Sexual Activity Two Months After a Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wiklund I , Sanne H , Elmfeldt D , Vedin A , Wilhelmsson C
Published: May 2023

Emotional reaction, health preoccupation and sexual adjustment two months after a first myocardial infarction (MI) were studied in relation to social, psychological and somatic factors prior to, during and after the MI in 201 consecutive male patients. Psychological and social data were covered by means of questionnaires and a brief interview and somatic data by a standardized medical examination. New concepts were introduced after factor analysis. The degree of preoccupation varied very much and was considered as a reaction to the diagnosis of MI. Seventy-nine percent of the patients complained about fatigue and 65% felt anxious and depressed. Fatigue and nervousness were regarded by the patients as more disabling than cardiac symptoms. Emotional distress was related to a previous history of emotional complaints and to psychological factors and self-reported coronary symptoms but was unrelated to severity of the infarction, medically rated cardiac symptoms, demographic and social data. Sexual maladjustment, mainly due to fear, was frequent and associated with both emotional and somatic variables. Emotional disturbance after MI is considerable and further measures ought to be taken in order to prevent future disability.
Trunk Strength, Back Muscle Endurance and Low-Back Trouble
Authors: Nicolaisen T , Jørgensen K
Published: May 2023

The strength and endurance of the trunk muscles was studied in relation to the extent of earlier low-back trouble (LBT) in a homogeneous, and occupationally active group. Twenty-four female and 53 male postmen with an occupational seniority of more than 2 years took part in the investigation. The cumulative lifetime prevalence, the one-year and the point prevalence of LBT were 67%, 62%, and 4% in females and 55%, 52%, and 0% in males. The rates are higher than in a representative Danish population 40 years old. Anthropometrical measurements and isometric strength (MVC) in trunk flexors and extensors were recorded. The flexibility of the spine, hip and knee joints, the fingertip-floor distance, and the restricted extension of the knee were evaluated. The isometric endurance in the trunk extensors was measured by two methods: 1) prone with the unsupported trunk in a horizontal position and the legs and hips fixated to a couch; and 2) standing, at 60% MVC. The participants were divided into three groups according to the extent of previous LBT, Group I: LBT to a degree that made work impossible, Group II: LBT experienced but not to such a degree that work was hindered, and Group III: LBT never experienced. The main findings were that the isometric endurance time of the trunk extensors was shorter in group I than in II and III, while the trunk muscle strength, anthropometrical measures and joint flexibility were independent of the persons' earlier low-back episodes. Differences in the distribution of ST and FT muscle fibres are suggested as an explanation of the endurance difference.
An Innovative Therapeutic Program for Aphasia Patients and Their Relatives
Authors: Borenstein P , Linell S , Währborg P
Published: May 2023

Eleven aphasia patients and seven family members participated in a five-day residential course led by a speech pathologist, a psychologist and a neurologist. The aim of the course was to give the aphasics and their relatives information on the etiology, treatment possibilities and prognosis of aphasia; work on personal and interpersonal problems through psychological counseling; improve language function through comprehensive and intensive stimulation; examine the psychological, linguistic and neurological effects of the intensive course. The course participants met again one year after the course and were found to have changed positively both psychologically and interpersonally but, as expected, only to a minor degree linguistically and neurologically. Through this intensive course it was possible to assess the problems of the families more easily than in the hospital. The patients and their relatives reported that they had learnt how to identify and to deal with their psychological problems in a more constructive way. They also felt that they had support from the other families and were able to share their experiences. We found that this type of intervention had many positive effects on the ability of the participants to cope with the chronic disability.
Consumption Versus Need of Institutional Care After Femoral Neck Fracture
Authors: A Alberts K , H Nilsson M
Published: May 2023

For 137 patients who sustained a femoral neck fracture domiciliary circumstances, ADL functional level and walking ability were recorded during a period of six months in 1983. At the time of injury 71% were living at home or in a so-called service apartment with medical and domestic facilities, and 28% in chronic care institutions (1% were transferred from other acute care units). Of the surviving patients 43% could return directly home or to a service apartment on discharge, 21% were transferred to an orthopedic rehabilitation facility, convalescent home, or other acute care unit, and 36% to chronic care institutions. At the 1-year as well as the 2-year follow-up 39% of the surviving patients were living in chronic care institutions. Analysis of the various parameters for patients having recourse to chronic care facilities at follow-up, showed that almost half of this group might be cared for at home. However, this will only be possible on condition that an extensive and effective home medical care system is developed as a complement to domestic assistance provided by public agencies. It is unrealistic to expect the incidence of patients needing chronic care facilities following femoral neck fracture to subside below a minimum of 20%.
Orthostatic Tolerance Training of Stroke Patients in General Medical Wards. An Experimental Study
Authors: H Asberg K
Published: May 2023

In order to initiate early activation and counteract the negative effects of bed rest, 71 patients acutely admitted to hospital with a confirmed stroke were randomized to either training or control wards. Sixty-three persons participated in a first orthostatic tolerance test on days 5-7 after admission, which was replicated on days 10-12. A third test was performed three months later. Regular stand-ups were initiated on days 1-2 after admission to hospital and were continued for 1-2 weeks. The trained group had a lower increase in heart rate during tilting and a lower proportion of severely disabled patients on days 5-7 compared with the control group. This difference was statistically significant but cannot be proved to be a result from the regular stand-ups. Still, this minimum type of early activation can be recommended for acute stroke patients, mainly those with a cerebral infarction, who are able to cooperate with the nursing staff.
Wheelchair Propulsion Technique at Different Speeds
Authors: E Veeger H , H van der Woude L , H Rozendal R
Published: May 2023

To study wheelchair propulsion technique at different speeds, five well-trained subjects propelled a wheelchair on a treadmill. Measurements were made at four belt speeds of 0.56-1.39 m/s and against slopes of 2 and 3 degrees. Cardiorespiratory data were collected. Three consecutive strokes were filmed. Using markers on subject, wheelchair and treadmill frame a kinematic analysis was performed. Considerable inter-individual differences in propulsion style were found, but also general changes relative to speed occurred in the group as a whole. Cycle time decreased with speed, predominantly as the result of a shorter push time while push angle remained constant and the movement ranges of trunk and arms shifted with speed. It is concluded that despite different propulsion styles, general and continuous adaptations to speed changes occurred, mainly by flexion of the trunk and arms.
The effect of steering on the physiological energy cost of wheelchair propulsion
Authors: Reid M , Lawrie AT , Hunter J , Warren PM
Published: May 2023

Previous studies of the energy cost of wheelchair propulsion have used ergometers or tracks requiring little steering. We have measured minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide output (VCO2) and heart rate (HR) during exercise in a two arm, hand-rim propulsion wheelchair on a treadmill, and on three tracks of increasing tortuosity in eight able-bodied subjects. During propulsion at 0.6 m/sec, VE, VO2, and VCO2 were significantly greater on the track with the maximal steering component than on that with the minimal steering component, or on the treadmill with no steering component. Heart rate was significantly higher on the maximal compared to minimal steering component track. Exercise at speeds varying from 0.2 to 1.0 m/sec showed that VO2 and VCO2 were significantly higher on the medium steering component track than on the treadmill at speeds of 0.6 m/sec and above. We conclude that the effort of steering contributes significantly to the energy cost of wheelchair propulsion particularly at higher speeds.
Detrusor pressure in cystometry compared to physiological filling in patients with a reflex urinary bladder after spinal cord injury
Authors: Thyberg M , Spångberg A , Lassvik C
Published: May 2023

The maximum detrusor pressure and the duration of detrusor contractions in 10-50 ml/min fill cystometry were compared to the corresponding measurements during 12 hours of physiological filling, in 18 patients with a reflex urinary bladder after spinal cord injury. In four consecutive cystometries with 10 min intervals the intraindividual variation of the maximum detrusor pressure and the duration of detrusor contractions were similar to the variation during physiological filling. The mean pressure values in cystometries of each patient correlated well with the mean values in registration during physiological filling. In cystometry, there was no significant difference between mean values in 50 ml/min filling compared to 10 ml/min filling nor between mean values in first and second cystometries compared to third and fourth cystometries. Thus, mean values from a series of 10 ml/min or 50 ml/min fill cystometries appear to be as useful as registrations during physiological filling to describe the mean maximum detrusor pressure and the mean duration of contractions in a patient with a spinal reflex bladder.
The hip joint: forces needed for distraction and appearance of the vacuum phenomenon
Authors: Arvidsson I
Published: May 2023

Joint traction and other mobilization techniques are commonly used in physical therapy for patients with osteoarthrosis. The aim of this study has been to: (a) measure the separation of the joint surfaces in the normal hip joint during application of different forces; (b) investigate whether or not the degree of separation was influenced by the position of the joint; (c) compare hip joint laxity in men and women; (d) find the traction force needed to cause the appearance of vacuum phenomena. To achieve a separation in the hip joint, a traction force of at least 400 N must be applied. The distraction was greater in the loose packed position than in the close packed position at equal force and in both males and females. Vacuum phenomena appeared at between 400 and 600 N of traction, varying with joint position.
Experimentally induced ischemic pain and so-called diaphase fix current
Authors: Hämäläinen O , Kemppainen P
Published: May 2023

It has been claimed that the diadynamic currents have either analgesic or other beneficial effects during the treatment of various painful musculoskeletal disorders. However, no experimental or controlled clinical results have been presented to support these claims. In this study, the possible analgesic effect of the DF (diaphase fix)-current on experimental pain was evaluated. An ischemia was experimentally induced in the left arm of five healthy male volunteers by a modified submaximal effort tourniquet test. Each subject had two consecutive ten minute periods of ischemia, one with and another without the DF-current. The subjective pain responses to the ischemia were measured by the visual analogue scale. The DF-current did not cause any marked decrease in the mean pain responses in this experiment. This experiment did not support the idea of using the diadynamic currents in alleviating musculoskeletal pain.
Effect of forced running on rat skeletal muscle with acrylamide neuropathy
Authors: Okajima Y , Maloney FP
Published: May 2023

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of prolonged forced running on rat lower limb muscles with acrylamide neuropathy. Twenty-four 4-week-old rats were divided into three groups of eight rats. Acrylamide was given to two groups of sixteen rats to induce mild paralysis. Eight rats with acrylamide injections were forced to run 3,200 m/day on a treadmill for five weeks. Running activities slowed the rate of body weight gain and aggravated paralysis. Although the wet weight of tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles was reduced by running, that of soleus (SOL) muscles was unchanged. The ratio of their weight to their body weight (BW) remained constant regardless of exercise. Protein content (PC) of muscles was not altered by exercise, either. We postulated that exercise-induced worsening of paralysis in acrylamide neuropathy rats was not caused by muscle pathology. Deterioration of neuropathic condition due to exercise was suggested.
Long-lasting unilateral muscle wasting and weakness following injury and immobilisation
Authors: Rutherford OM , Jones DA , Round JM
Published: May 2023

Quadriceps strength and size was measured in a small group of subjects (n = 7) 1 to 5 years after full mobilisation following some form of unilateral lower limb trauma. The mean maximum voluntary isometric force (MVC) was significantly lower for the injured (I) compared to the uninjured (UI) leg (369 N +/- 139 vs. 535 N +/- 131, p less than 0.01). Electrical stimulation superimposed on the voluntary contractions demonstrated that all subjects were able to maximally activate the quadriceps of both legs. Mean quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) was significantly lower in the I (64 cm2 +/- 12.8) compared to the UI leg (80 +/- 12.8, p less than 0.01). One subject with marked unilateral weakness and wasting took part in a 3-month strength training study for the injured leg. After training the I/UI ratio had been restored to nearly 100% (94% MVC; 88% CSA). These results would suggest that longer and more intensive physiotherapy is required in the immediate post-injury period to restore muscle strength and size to severely atrophied muscle.
Walking efficiency before and after long-term muscle stretch in patients with spastic paraparesis
Authors: Mattsson E , Broström LA , Borg J , Karlsson J
Published: May 2023

Eight patients with stationary, spastic paraparesis were treated with long-term stretch of the hip adductor muscles to improve walking ability. Gait pattern, walking speed and perceived exertion of walking were assessed. Walking efficiency was assessed before and after treatment by measuring oxygen consumption and blood lactate level. After treatment walking pattern was improved. Perceived exertion decreased but walking speed was unchanged. Oxygen cost directly after treatment was lower in six patients, unchanged in one and higher in one. In the patient with unchanged oxygen cost the blood lactate level decreased, probably due to decreased recruitment of fast, type II muscle fibres. Blood lactate was unchanged in the other patients. When assessing walking ability, measurement of energy cost was found to be a valuable supplement to clinical judgement, but in spastic patients both oxygen cost and blood lactate must be considered.
Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. Prognostic factors for social readjustment
Authors: W Oder , Bianco P Dal , H Kollegger , K Zeiler , H Binder , L. Deecke
Published: May 2023

Sixty-seven patients surviving spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) have been followed up for 2-12 years (mean: 7 years) in order to determine prognostic factors concerning the long-term disability in familial and social functioning. A correlation was found between the severity of the neurological deficit at the time of admission and the degree of familial and social disability at the end of the observation period. In addition, the Barthel-Index on discharge was shown to be of prognostic value for readjustment for social--but not for familial--functioning. Other clinical variables in the acute stage, however, including source of bleeding, sex, age, interval between SAH and admission, level of consciousness, cognitive functions, as well as initial Hunt and Hess grading and Glasgow Coma Scale scoring, did not influence the long-term social prognosis. Furthermore, residual neurological signs, cognitive dysfunctions, and the Glasgow Outcome score on discharge were not related to the extent of social handicap in the long-term outcome. At the end of the observation period, significant correlations were found between the presence of persisting neurological and cognitive deficits but also disability in ADL functions and occupational capacity and the decline in familial and social functioning.
Testing daily functions post-stroke with standardized practical equipment
Authors: Lindmark B , Hamrin E , Törnquist K
Published: May 2023

Two hundred and seven stroke patients were tested with Standardized Practical Equipment (SPE) three months after a stroke. One year after the stroke 183 survivors from this stroke population were tested with the equipment. The SPE test consists of 12 common daily activities, which the patient was asked to perform. The construct validity of SPE was estimated by factor analysis from the results of one-year follow-up. Three factors explained 82% of the variance of the 12 variables of SPE. Factor 1 mainly concerned cognitive factors and co-ordination, Factor 2 construction and hand function and Factor 3 variables that were dependent on mobility and balance. No significant difference was noted between the performance with SPE three months and one year after the stroke among the one-year survivors. There were some differences between men and women; for example the men were more successful in tasks with technical components. The women had more difficulty with some of the tasks involving mobility, such as climbing stairs without support. The Standardized Practical Equipment gave good additive information about the ability of a stroke patient to manage at home and could be used in any set-up
Reproducibility of isokinetic muscle strength measurements in normal and arthritic individuals
Authors: B Giles , P Henke , J Edmonds , D. McNeil
Published: May 2023

The serial reproducibility of an individual's isokinetic torque was assessed in order to establish a reliable baseline value for future comparison. Thirty-two controls and twenty arthritic patients were tested for their peak isokinetic torque on knee flexion and extension and hip flexion at three velocities on five occasions, at fortnightly intervals. The first test was found to provide a reliable baseline for controls and subjects who could generate a peak torque of 54 Newton meters (Nm) or more. The second test was found to be more representative of the series for groups containing weaker subjects. Variation related to torque: for subjects who generate a peak torque of 54 Nm or more, a range of +/- 20% accommodates the variability of 95% of tests. We conclude that a +/- 20% range applied to either the first or second test, depending on the nature of the group to be studied, serves as a representative baseline value.
Neck and shoulder disorders in medical secretaries. Part I. Pain prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Kamwendo K , Linton SJ , Moritz U
Published: May 2023

420 medical secretaries took part in a cross-sectional study at examining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders as well as the relationship between neck and shoulder pain and possible risk factors. Sixty-three percent had experienced neck pain sometime during the previous year and while 15% had suffered almost constant pain 32% had experienced neck pain only occasionally. Shoulder pain during the previous year had been experienced by 62%, 17% had suffered almost constant pain while 29% experienced pain only occasionally. Fifty-one percent had experienced low back pain. Age and length of employment were significantly related to neck and shoulder pain. Furthermore, working with office machines 5 hours or more per day was associated with a significantly increased risk for neck pain (OR 1.7), shoulder pain (OR 1.9) and headache (OR 1.8). Finally, a poorly experienced psychosocial work environment was significantly related to headache, neck, shoulder and low back pain. The results of this study suggest that work with office machines as well as the psychosocial work environment are important factors in neck and shoulder pain
Comparison of muscle strength and bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional population study
Authors: Kyllönen ES , Väänänen HK , Heikkinen JE , Kurttila-Matero E , Martikkala V , Vanharanta JH
Published: May 2023

In this cross-sectional population study with 78 healthy 0.5-5 years postmenopausal, 49-55 year old females a significant simple linear correlation between lumbar spine LII-LIV bone mineral density and adjacent back extensor and flexor isometric muscle strength was found. With the stepwise multiple linear regression analyses the most significant predictors for lumbar spine LII-LIV and femoral neck bone mineral density were weight (partial R2) (R2 = 0.197, p = 0.0001; R2 = 0.157, p = 0.0009) and age (R2 = 0.056, p = 0.0205; R2 = 0.036, p = 0.0708). Height and isometric muscle strength and endurance of muscles were not significant predictors. Weight and age were the most significant predictors also for isometric muscle strength. The mobility of spine, body fat content and anaerobic threshold had no correlation on bone mineral density.
Traumatic brain injury in northern Sweden. Incidence and prevalence of long-standing impairments and disabilities
Authors: Johansson E , Rönnkvist M , Fugl-Meyer AR
Published: May 2023

Based on a retrospective survey of hospital admissions and autopsies the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for the age range 16-60 was found to be 24.9/10,000 in the Ume? district of Northern Sweden. In male youngsters aged 16-19 the incidence was remarkably high in comparison with reports from other parts of the western hemisphere. Self-reports on the prevalence of impairments and disabilities 1 1/2-3 years after the injury were obtained by a mailed questionnaire. Among the subjects with brain concussion 1/3 reported impairments and 1/10 disabilities, most commonly leisure-disability. By factor analysis impairments and disabilities could be logically grouped into three factors. Two of these factors clearly circumscribed combinations of impairments and disabilities, one of them being dominated by instrumental ADL, the other by basic self-care ADL. The third factor incorporated the classic post-concussion triad and memory. Taken together the findings indicate that many subjects with an early diagnosis of brain concussion, hospitalized for only one day, experienced losses in pre-injury functions and abilities. It is therefore suggested that not only radiologically and/or operatively confirmed TBIs but also subjects with brain concussion should be followed after discharge in order to minimize losses in social well-being.
The influence of functional electrical stimulation on the properties of vastus lateralis fibres following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Martin TP , Gundersen LA , Blevins FT , Coutts RD
Published: May 2023

The influence of functional electrical muscle stimulation (FES) on selected properties of vastus lateralis muscle fibres was studied in patients recovering from total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Prior to surgery, on the average, muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis could be characterized as having a predominance of Type I fibres which were significantly larger in cross-sectional area than the Type II fibres in the same sample. Following surgery, muscle biopsies from a group of patients (n = 7) which received continuous passive motion and no FES, exhibited a marked increase in the proportion of Type II fibres along with a general atrophy of both the Type I and Type II fibres. Patients receiving passive motion and FES (n = 9) also showed an increase in the relative percentage of Type II fibres. Post-operatively, however, there was no significant reduction in fibre area in the stimulated muscles. These data suggest that FES was effective in attenuating the muscle atrophy associated with total knee arthroplasty but had no influence on those metabolic properties which were related to muscle fibre type classification criteria.
The physical and psychosocial effect of moderate osteoarthrosis of the knee
Authors: Mattsson E , Broström LA
Published: May 2023

To illustrate both physical and psychosocial effects of moderate gonarthrosis, clinical examination of patients has been supplemented with a questionnaire SIP (Sickness Impact Profile), to describe the functional health status. Sixty patients, 35 women and 25 men, mean age 63 years, with moderate medial osteoarthrosis of the knee and no symptoms from other joints, were included in the study. The mean BOA score and the self-selected walking speed were decreased in these patients compared to normal individuals. All patients graded pain during walking. The SIP revealed both physical and psychosocial changes in these patients with moderate gonarthrosis. Patients considered that their knee osteoarthrosis had great influence physically on ambulation, during recreation and pasttimes, during sleep and rest, and psychosocially on emotional behaviour. Significant correlations (p less than 0.01) were found between pain during walking and the psychosocial questions in the SIP, between the BOA score and questions in the SIP concerning the physical performance, and between self-selected walking speed and the physical questions. It is concluded that the SIP appears to be a measure with sufficient sensitivity to detect physical and psychosocial changes in patients with moderate osteoarthrosis of the knee. In clinical practice determination of self-selected walking speed and pain during walking will appropriately reflect general function
Physiological concomitants of an autonomous day programme" in geriatric day care"
Authors: Lökk J , Theorell T , Arnetz B , Eneroth P
Published: May 2023

Sixty-five geriatric patients with a mean age of 74 years (range 61-90) who were referred to the day care unit of a geriatric hospital were randomly allocated to an experimental and a control group in groups of 5-8 patients, respectively. Controls were cared for according to usual routines. Patients in the experimental groups were subject to a new organizational routine. These patient groups constituted a forum for discussion and definition of individual treatment goals. Patients in the experimental and control conditions were observed before as well as 6, 12 and 24 weeks after the start of the treatment, which lasted for twelve weeks. Patients in the intervention programme had significantly lower plasma prolactin levels following the initiation of the programme than patients in the control group. According to literature, an absence of a plasma prolactin elevation during a crisis period may indicate active coping. Such a conclusion was supported by other observations in the study which indicated a progressively more internalized locus of control in the experimental group
Age related changes in surface myoelectric signals
Authors: Merletti R , Lo Conte LR , Cisari C , Actis MV
Published: May 2023

The initial values and the time course of muscle fiber conduction velocity and of surface myoelectric signal spectral variables were studied during voluntary or electrically elicited contractions of the tibialis anterior muscle of 15 healthy elderly human subjects. Age ranged from 65 to 84 years. Isometric voluntary contractions were performed at 20% MVC (Maximal Voluntary Contraction) and 80% MVC for 20 s. Tetanic electrical stimulation was then applied to the main muscle motor point for 20 s with surface electrodes. Two stimulation rates (20 Hz and 40 Hz) and two stimulation amplitudes were used to induce different degrees of fatigue. One stimulation amplitude was supramaximal, the second was adjusted to induce a response (M-wave) about 30% of the maximal. Results were compared with those reported in previous work on healthy adults (age range 18 to 43 years). The main findings of this work are: (a) when voluntary contraction level is increased from 20% MVC to 80% MVC conduction velocity and spectral variables increase; this increase is significantly smaller in elderly subjects, (b) during sustained contractions at 80% MVC the decrease of conduction velocity and spectral variables is significantly smaller in elderly subjects, (c) during contractions induced by supramaximal stimulation at 40 Hz the decrease of conduction velocity and spectral variables is not significantly different in the two age groups. It is concluded that points a and b reflect the age related decrease of number and size of fast twitch fibers indicated by histological data. Point c is discussed and possible explanations are suggested.
Body weight-bearing while rising and sitting down in patients with stroke
Authors: Engardt M , Olsson E
Published: May 2023

Distribution of body weight on the two legs while rising and sitting down was examined in 42 subacute stroke patients and 16 healthy adults during both spontaneous movement and following instruction directed at even weight distribution. Vertical floor reaction forces were measured by two force plates. There was a difference between patients and controls in the tested motor tasks--the patients favoured their nonparetic leg. However, body weight distribution was less asymmetric when patients tried to rise and sit down evenly compared to spontaneous rising/sitting down (p less than 0.001). Patients' own estimation of distribution of body weight documented on a visual analogue scale, correlated with actual body weight distribution while rising (rs = 0.36) but not while sitting down. To motivate stroke patients to pay attention to their ability to distribute body weight evenly while rising and sitting down and to create and use adequate self-reports seems a necessary commitment in a rehabilitation programme in order to avoid the learned nonuse syndrome.
Pulsed ultrasound treatment of the painful shoulder a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Nykänen M
Published: May 2023

To study the effect of pulsed ultrasound in shoulder pains, 35 patients were treated with pulsed ultrasound and 37 patients with placebo ultrasound in a double-blind design. The therapy was given during inpatient rehabilitation, 10-12 treatments over 3-4 weeks. Treatment time was 10 minutes, frequency 1.0mHz, on-off ratio 1:4 and intensity 1.0w/cm2. Follow-ups were done after 4-12 months. No differences (p < 0.05) in outcomes were found between the groups after the treatment period or at follow-ups. These results discourage the adding of pulsed ultrasound therapy with the variables used to the conservative treatment of the painful shoulder.
A comparison of symptoms between Swedish and American post-polio individuals and assessment of lower limb strength--a four-year cohort study.
Authors: Agre JC , Grimby G , Rodriquez AA , Einarsson G , Swiggum ER , Franke TM
Published: May 2023

A cohort study with initial and 4-year follow-up evaluations was performed in 78 post-polio volunteers aged 34-65 years at the time of enrolment in the study, which was made to compare post-polio individuals living in Sweden and the United States, to determine whether lower limb musculature becomes weaker over time, and to determine whether individuals with complaints of post-polio syndrome, new weakness, fatigue, walking or stair climbing difficulty were weaker or lost more strength over a 4-year interval than those individuals without such complaints. Dynametrically-measured knee extensor and flexor strength and questionnaire data were obtained initially and 4 years later. The two cohorts were fairly similar, though they differed in weight gain. The Americans gained significantly (p < 0.05) more weight than the Swedish subjects. Both groups lost significant (p < 0.05) knee extensor strength (approximately 8%), but the loss was not significantly (p < 0.05) different between the groups. Knee flexor strength did not change significantly (p < 0.05) over time. Subjects acknowledging new strength loss were not significantly (p < 0.05) weaker than those denying strength loss; however, they lost significantly (p < 0.05) more isometric knee extensor strength than the other individuals. Subjects acknowledging new fatigue, walking or stair climbing difficulty were significantly (p < 0.05) weaker in both muscle groups than those without such complaints. Subjects acknowledging post-polio syndrome were significantly (p < 0.05) weaker than those denying this symptom, but the amount of loss of strength over time was not significantly (p < 0.05) different. We conclude that the two cohorts were quite similar. Knee extensor strength decreased during the study interval. Individuals acknowledging post-polio syndrome had weaker knee extensor musculature. Subjects with new fatigue, walking difficulty, or stair climbing difficulty were weaker in both the knee extensors and the knee flexors than the other subjects. Subjects reporting new muscle weakness also had a greater decline in isometric knee extensor strength during the study interval than those without such complaint.
Restoration of gait by combined treadmill training and multichannel electrical stimulation in non-ambulatory hemiparetic patients.
Authors: Hesse S , Malezic M , Schaffrin A , Mauritz KH
Published: May 2023

Functional electrical stimulation and treadmill training with partial body weight support through suspension by a parachute harness were combined for gait restoration in 11 chronic non-ambulatory hemiparetic patients. Individually adjusted multichannel stimulation of the trunk and of upper and lower limb muscles, as well as a motor driven treadmill, induced functional gait within 3 to 6 weeks. The improvement of gait ability was assessed by the Functional Ambulation Category test. Other motor functions were rated by the Rivermead Motor Score. The leg muscle strength, stride length, cadence, gait velocity and gait pattern were recorded. In seven of the patients, we did a single case research A-B-A study that showed that this combined approach had advantages, in regard to gait restoration and walking velocity (p
Gait abnormality is not the only motor disturbance in normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Blomsterwall E , Bilting M , Stephensen H , Wikkelsö C
Published: May 2023

Thirteen different motor and balance functions were examined in 76 patients age 65 +/- 13 (mean +/- SD) years with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) before and 3 months after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation. Preoperatively, the tests were performed before and after lumbar tap of 50 cc cerebrospinal fluid. The patients showed significant improvement in all thirteen functions at the 3-month examination. The improvement was approximately 25% in all the motor functions, except for balance, in which the improvement was even more striking. Different etiological subgroups of NPH patients, including the idiopathic form, exhibited the same degree of improvement. The improvement after the lumbar tap was significant in all functions except one-legged stance, and amounted to approximately 30% of the improvement seen after the shunt operation. Our results clearly show that the impairment in motor functions in NHP patients is general, involving many motor activities performed in daily life, and is not restricted solely to the gait.
Micro- and macrocirculatory, and biohumoral changes after a month of physical exercise in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: Pancera P , Prior M , Zannoni M , Lucchese L , De Marchi S , Arosio E
Published: May 2023

We studied 15 subjects with intermittent claudication, classed as stage II according to Leriche-Fontaine. The patients were subjected to laser Doppler flowmetry, strain gauge plethysmography, Doppler velocimetry, and blood sampling, in basal conditions and after one month of physical training. Symptom-free walking distance at the end of the training period showed a significant increase, while there was no major change in maximal walking distance or the Windsor index. Laser Doppler flowmetry showed no significant change in cutaneous blood flow at rest, after the month of physical training. On the other hand, strain gauge plethysmography showed a significant decrease in rest flow at the end of the training period, while peak flow of postischemic hyperemia did not change appreciably. Biohumoral evaluations showed a significant decrease of white blood cell count, triglycerides and uric acid. Platelet count, prothrombin time, aPTT and plasminogen were unchanged. On the other hand, we recorded a small, but significant, rise of fibrinogen. Our study confirmed the importance of scheduled physical activity in the patient with intermittent claudication, showing that clinical improvement is not accompanied by an increase in the circulatory reserve. The unchanged levels of plasminogen suggest that the fibrinolytic activity does not vary significantly after a course of physical exercise.
Energy cost during ambulation in transfemoral amputees: a knee joint with a mechanical swing phase control vs a knee joint with a pneumatic swing phase control.
Authors: Boonstra AM , Schrama J , Fidler V , Eisma WH
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was (i) to evaluate the preference of transfemoral amputees for a 4-bar linked knee joint with either a mechanical swing phase control or a pneumatic swing phase control, and (ii) to compare the energy expenditure in transfemoral amputees using a prosthesis with a mechanical swing phase control with that of the same amputees using a prosthesis with a pneumatic swing phase control. The study included 28 unilateral transfemoral amputees amputated for reasons other than chronic vascular disease. All patients had a prosthesis with a knee joint with mechanical swing phase control (the Otto Bock 3R20) before entering the study. The amputees changed their knee joint to one with pneumatic swing phase control (the Tehlin knee joint) at random either after the first or second assessment. The amputees were asked for their preference at the second and third assessments. The energy expenditure while walking at speeds of 2 and 3 km/h was measured at each assessment. After having tried both knee joints, 19 patients preferred the Tehlin knee, 6 patients preferred the Otto Bock 3R20, and 3 patients had no preference. The energy expenditure measurement showed that walking with the Tehlin knee required more energy than walking with Otto Bock 3R20. Because of the limited number of patients included in the study and the fact that a double-blind design was impossible to achieve, conclusions should be drawn with caution.
Work-related chronic neck impairment. Neck motion analysis in female traverse crane operators
Authors: Alund M , Larsson SE , Lewin T
Published: May 2023

Twenty-one female steel industry traverse crane operators with long-term sick-leave (3 (1-8) years) due to chronic neck disability underwent careful analysis of case history, physical status and electrogoniometric three-dimensional recordings of active neck motion. Results were compared with those from working female crane operators having identical work posture and tasks and, further, with a group of working female clerks. The sick-listed crane operators had previous frequent contacts with the primary health care because of complaints from the neck and back. In comparison with the reference groups, the sick-listed crane operators showed tenderness of the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles and a short neck stature in combination with impaired active neck motion range with reduced motion speed. The motion pattern was however unchanged. The findings are consistent with the clinical picture of chronic neck myalgia that persisted despite long-term absence from the previous exposure to high static work load upon the neck-shoulders.
Similar revision rate after cemented and cementless femoral revisions for periprosthetic femoral fractures in total hip arthroplasty: analysis of 1,879 revision hip arthroplasties in the Dutch Arthroplasty Register
Authors: Van Dooren Bart , Peters Rinne M , Jutte Paul C , Stevens Martin , Schreurs B Willem , Zijlstra Wierd P
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose:  Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a serious complication, as it often is followed by functional deficits and morbidity. There is no consensus regarding the optimal stem fixation method and whether additional cup replacement is beneficial. The aim of our study was to perform a direct comparison of reasons and risk of re-revision between cemented and uncemented revision THAs following PPF using registry data.Patients and methods: 1,879 patients registered in the Dutch Arthroplasty Registry (LROI) who underwent a first-time revision for PPF between 2007 and 2021 (cemented stem: n = 555; uncemented stem: n = 1,324) were included. Competing risk survival analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed.Results: 5- and 10-year crude cumulative incidence of re-revision following revision for PPF was similar between cemented (resp. 13%, 95% CI 10–16 and 18%, CI 13–24) and uncemented (resp. 11%, CI 10–13 and 13%, CI 11–16) revisions. Multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, showed a similar risk of revision for uncemented and cemented revision stems. Finally, we found no difference in risk of re-revision between a total revision (HR 1.2, 0.6–2.1) compared with a stem revision.Conclusion: We found no difference in the risk of re-revision between cemented and uncemented revision stems after revision for PPF.
Website-Based E-Market (E-Patali) Application For Gorontalo City Central Market
Authors: Ahmad Sulistiawati Rahayu
Published: May 2023

The rapid growth of technology has an impact on the world of marketing, marketing trends are switching from offline to online. The level of consumption of Gorontalo people continues to increase, but the market will only look crowded on any given day or ahead of the religious big day. The current condition, the quiet interest of prospective buyers due to the easy access of technology in online shopping should be used as an opportunity to increase sales of market traders. In addition to selling conventional merchandise can also sell online. The purpose of this research is to produce a website-based e-market application that allows traders in the central market to sell online and increase revenue and reduce operational costs.

An e-commerce app called E-market. This e-market itself is not the first time because already e-markets that work with BRI that can be accessed https://e-pasar.bri.co.id/ but after being searched deeper into the website the Central market is not included in the digital market. The results of this study were later implemented in Gorontalo Central Market traders to increase their sales through online transactions, by not leaving the old sales system (Offline).
Determinants of further development and management of modern global maritime containerization (Redefinition after Covid-19 and War in Ukraine)
Authors:   Faculty of IT and New Technologies, WSB Gdańsk University, Poland, Miler Ryszard K. , Wach-Kloskowska Małgorzata ,   Faculty of IT and New Technologies, WSB Gdańsk University, Poland, Akoel Akram ,   Briese Shipping, Germany
Published: May 2023

Maritime containerized shipping has recently suffered from various problems and challenges caused by stochastic shocks such as the Covid -19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine. The pandemic and recent war have clearly indicated shortfalls and weaknesses of maritime containerization and have triggered various attempts at identifying the potential for its further development determined by the new reality (after global shocks and with the consideration of new ones). The paper presents a holistic analysis of factors that globally affect the potential for further development of containerized maritime transport. The entire research design comes as an attempt made at identifying and updating the determinants and predictions of prospects for development of containerization in the current geopolitical situation and global trade conditions in the post-pandemic era, also taking the aspects of the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine and the post-war recovery into consideration. The results of the research are presented as a matrix of the eight main determinants Det 1-8 (each supported by two key factors F1, F2) that have been originally identified. Each factor is described by an originally developed calculation methodology (as an Index). The indexes are calculated for the period of 2018-2020 and subsequently discussed. Moreover, there is a potential for further utilization of the presented matrix as a universal tool that will define the future aspects of management in the field of the expected architecture of global supply chains and maritime transport of containerized cargo after the absorption of global shocks.