bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Balance Scale: reliability assessment with elderly residents and patients with an acute stroke
Authors: Berg K , Wood-Dauphinee S , Williams JI.
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of the Balance Scale. Subjects were chosen from a larger group of 113 elderly residents and 70 stroke patients participating in a psychometric study. Elderly residents were examined at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 9 months, and the stroke patients were evaluated at 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks post onset. The Cronbach's alphas at each evaluation were greater than 0.83 and 0.97 for the elderly residents and stroke patients respectively, showing strong internal consistency. To assess inter-rater reliability, therapists treating 35 stroke patients were asked to administer the Balance Scale within 24 hours of the independent evaluator. Similarly, caregivers at the Residence were asked to test the elderly residents within one week of the independent evaluator. To assess intra-rater reliability, 18 residents and 6 stroke patients were assessed one week apart by the same rater. The agreement between raters was excellent (ICC = 0.98) as was the consistency within the same rater at two points in time (ICC = 0.97). The results support the use of the Balance Scale in these groups.
Metabolic response and muscle glycogen depletion pattern during prolonged electrically induced dynamic exercise in man
Authors: Kim CK , Bangsbo J , Strange S , Karpakka J , Saltin B.
Published: August 2024

Muscle glycogen depletion pattern and metabolic responses during voluntary (VOL) and functional electrical stimulated (FES) dynamic knee-extensor exercise with one leg were evaluated. Seven healthy men exercised for 60 minutes at 30 W with an pulmonary oxygen uptake of 0.8 and 1.01 min-1, and respiratory exchange ratios of 0.90 and 0.95 in VOL and FES, respectively. Heart rate reached a level around 90 beats min-1 (VOL) and up to 110 beats min-1 (FES). Muscle glycogen decreased in FES with 260 and 290 mmol kg-1 d.w. in vastus lateralis and m. rectus femoris, respectively, compared with 45 and 160 mmol kg-1 d.w. in VOL (p < 0.05). In FES the percentage of empty and almost empty fibres determined by periodic acid-Schiff staining in vastus lateralis and rectus femoris was 50 and 77% of type I, 63 and 90% of type IIa, and 59 and 84% of type IIb fibres, respectively, whereas in VOL it was 24 and 26% of type I, 7 and 19% of type IIa, and 2 and 3% of type IIb fibres. Muscle lactate reached 30 mmol kg-1 d.w. in FES and was 9 mmol kg-1 d.w. lower in VOL. The changes in blood lactate and NH3 during the exercise were slightly higher in FES than in VOL, whereas the alterations in glucose, FFA, and K+ were small in both exercise modes. The pressure in the two muscle portions at different locations (proximal-distal) and depths was always higher (approximately 50%) in FES than in VOL, reaching levels around 55 mmHg.
Comparisons of mechanical and electromyographical muscular utilization ratios
Authors: Hébert LJ , Gravel D , Arsenault B.
Published: August 2024

The physical loading of a muscle during functional activities can be estimated by the muscular utilization ratio. This ratio is defined as the percentage of muscular involvement relative to the maximal capacity. Either mechanical or electromyographical approaches can be used to obtain the muscle utilization ratio. However, the non-linear relationship between electromyographical activity and muscle force, as well as the non-equivalence between agonist muscles, may create differences between the mechanical muscle utilization ratio calculated from joint moments and the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio calculated from electromyographical data. The aim of this study was to compare, during a squat test, the mechanical muscle utilization ratio and the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio estimated by three different methods; direct linear approximation, second order polynomial regression and linear interpolation. The knee extensor moment and electromyographical data of rectus femoris and vastus medialis of 11 subjects were recorded during both knee extension and squat. Both tests were performed with the knee maintained at 90 degrees of flexion. The results showed that: a) the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio, calculated from the average of vastus medialis and rectus femoris, significantly underestimates the mechanical muscle utilization ratio (ANOVA, p < 0.01), b) the differences between the mechanical muscle utilization ratio and the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio are larger for the direct linear approximation method than for the second order polynomial regression (ANOVA, p < 0.01) or the linear interpolation method (ANOVA, p < 0.01), and c) independent of the method utilized, there is no difference between the electromyographical muscle utilization ratio predicted by the vastus medialis as compared with the rectus femoris (ANOVA, p > 0.01).
Acoustic cues and postural control
Authors: Petersen H , Magnusson M , Johansson R , Akesson M , Fransson PA.
Published: August 2024

The effect of auditory input on postural control was evaluated in separate experiments performed in three groups of healthy volunteers. Auditory input took the form either of feedback signals generated by a force platform in response to the subject's postural control movements, or of field orientation (frame of reference) input provided by repeated clicks emitted by loudspeakers in a normally reverberative environment. The effect of these acoustic cues was measured in terms of body sway recorded on a force platform during stance perturbations induced by vibratory stimuli applied to the calf muscles either at low (120mW) or high (850 mW) intensity, the subject standing with eyes closed or open, as instructed. In the presence of feedback auditory input, body sway in response to low intensity vibratory stimulation was significantly reduced, but not that in response to high intensity stimulation. This may be due to the fact that the head and body movements induced by high intensity vibratory stimulation are so rapid and powerful that they override the information available or to the subject using other strategies for postural control in which auditory feedback, at least in the form used here, does not contribute useful information. The availability of field orientation input did not reduce body sway in response to vibratory stimulation at low intensity. This was probably due to the cognitive lag which precluded use being made of the input before the fast proprioceptive responses to vibratory stimulation had already occurred.
The reliability of three active motor tests used in painful shoulder disorders. Presentation of a method of general applicability for the analysis of reliability in the presence of pain
Authors: Westerberg CE , Solem-Bertoft E , Lundh I.
Published: August 2024

This article deals with reliability aspects of standardized, active motor tests ("functional tests") when applied to patients with painful shoulder disorders. Motor performance was rated independently by the same two examiners in a standardized way in three different manoeuvres: the Hand in Neck, Hand in Back, and Pour out of a Pot tests. Pain experienced during these tests was rated by the patients on a verbal scale. A method of general applicability is presented for the analysis of reliability of standardized, active motor tests when applied to painful shoulder joint disorders. The importance of differential motivation is stressed, as is the importance of using reliability measures that are adapted to the specific purpose of a particular clinical investigation.
Milking is a high-risk job for young females
Authors: Stål M , Moritz U , Gustafsson B , Johnsson B.
Published: August 2024

The prevalence of and the impact of selected factors on self-reported musculoskeletal complaints in Swedish female milkers with special reference to symptoms in the upper extremities were investigated using data from mail-in surveys. An agricultural study group was formed of three subgroups: 161 active milkers, 108 non-milkers and 62 ex-milkers, women who had been milkers earlier but were no longer doing that kind of work. In the course of the analysis these subgroups were compared with each other and also, separately or in combinations, with a non-agricultural population consisting of 166 nursing assistants. Problems in the upper extremities were significantly more common in the agricultural group than in the non-agricultural group. Milkers ran a higher risk of developing symptoms in the wrists and hands than non-milking women. Symptoms such as numbness, coldness in the wrists and white fingers were more common in all agricultural subgroups than in the non-agricultural group. Numbness and white fingers were related to vibration exposure in the ex-milker and the non-milker groups but not in the milker group. Psychosocial factors such as occupational well-being were not related to the occurrence of symptoms. Milking in a modernized barn gave fewer problems in elbows than milking in a traditional barn. Milkers who had received ergonomic instruction on how to work in order to reduce muscle stress had fewer problems in the elbow region than those who had received no such information.
Relationships between spinal mobility, physical performance tests, pain intensity and disability assessments in chronic low back pain patients
Authors: Grönblad M , Hurri H , Kouri JP.
Published: August 2024

Correlations between the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), the Pain Disability Index (PDI), PDI subscales PDI factor 1 (PDI 1), PDI factor 2 (PDI 2) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain intensity on the one hand and spine range of motion measures and static and dynamic functional performance tests on the other, were studied in 52 chronic low back pain patients. Comparable groups of male and female patients were studied. A moderately significant (p < 0.01) inverse correlation was observed between the ODQ and rotation to the left even after correction for age, but not when men and women were studied separately. A significant (r = -0.480, p < 0.001) inverse correlation was observed between the repeated squatting test and pain intensity and in men both pain intensity and disability correlated (r = -0.607, p < 0.001) with this particular test. Only for the women were there moderately significant (p < 0.01) inverse correlations between disability assessments and all the physical performance tests with the exception of the static back muscle test. In the women only the isometric lifting test showed a moderately significant inverse correlation (r = -0.504, p < 0.01) with pain intensity. Such apparent gender differences in the overlap between physical performance tests and self-report disability assessments and pain intensity may be clinically relevant. The results will, however, require confirmation on larger groups of chronic low back pain patients.
Force output and energy metabolism during neuromuscular electrical stimulation: a 31P-NMR study
Authors: Matheson GO , Dunlop RJ , McKenzie DC , Smith CF , Allen PS.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute physiologic effects of two electrical stimulation protocols commonly used for muscle rehabilitation. Surface electrodes were used to provide 12 stimulations of the calf musculature. In protocol A the duty cycle was fixed at 1:1 (10-second stimulation: 10-second rest); for protocol B it was 1:5 (10-second stimulation: 50-second rest). We continuously recorded isometric plantarflexor force in six healthy male subjects during stimulation using a load cell connected to a foot pedal ergometer. Metabolic changes in the stimulated gastrocnemius muscle were monitored in the supine position using 31P-NMR spectroscopy (Phillips 1.5 tesla NMR machine). Relative changes in phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), and intracellular pH (pHi) were obtained during stimulation and recovery, using a 1.5 cm RF surface antenna. Over the 12 stimulations, protocol A produced a significantly (p < 0.001), greater force decline (protocol A: 30.4 +/- 1.3%, protocol B: 13 +/- 0.8%); a significantly (p < 0.005), greater increase in Pi/PCr (protocol A: 210%, protocol B: 50%); and a significantly (p
Isokinetic and psychophysical lifting strength, static back muscle endurance, and magnetic resonance imaging of the paraspinal muscles as predictors of low back pain in men
Authors: Gibbons LE , Videman T , Battié MC.
Published: August 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cross-sectional areas and the T2-weighted and proton density-weighted signal intensities of the paraspinal muscles in a group of 128 men, aged 35-63, who had varied histories of occupational and leisure-time physical activities. These measures, and the isokinetic lifting, psychophysical lifting, and static back muscle endurance tests were examined as predictors of low back pain over 12 months of follow-up, in the 43 men who reported no low back pain in the year preceding testing. None of the imaging measures or the muscle function tests was useful as a predictor of future low back pain. Associations with the frequency of low back pain before testing were investigated in the larger group. Smaller total cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscles and greater signal intensities had weak but significant correlations with more frequent low back pain in the previous year, possibly due to muscle atrophy.
Risk of long-term disability among patients with back pain
Authors: Ingemarsson AH , Nordholm L , Sivik T.
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to find predictors of length of time on sick-leave and the change in sick-leave as a result of intervention. Many studies of back pain show that medical and psychosocial factors covary with length of sick-leave. The results are based on the questionnaire responses of 240 patients. A stepwise multiple regression showed that the significant predictors of number of sick-days the year after intervention were the number of sick-days before the intervention and also hypochondria. Significant predictors of sick-leave change were sleep disturbance and number of sick-days before intervention. A discriminant function analysis comparing a group that had decreased its sick-leave with one that had increased its sick-leave showed 7 predictors of increased sick-leave: high risk of somatisation; many children and family members living at home; a change in tasks at work owing to pain; brothers and sisters with longstanding pain problems; frequent pain, and sleep disturbance. It is important for physiotherapists to enquire about patients' earlier sick-leave patterns in order to identify risk factors for long-term disability among patients with back pain. Some of these factors have been identified in this study.
Reduced muscle function in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Fisher NM , Pendergast DR.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine whether subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA) had reduced muscle strength at various muscle lengths, endurance, contraction velocity and functional capacity, compared with control subjects and whether the decrease was related to functional capacity. Forty-five men and 45 women with knee OA were compared with a control group (41 males, 63 females) of similar age for functional capacity, maximal isometric strength (in vivo length-tension relationship) and endurance (in vivo force-time relationship) of knee flexion and extension and maximal angular velocity (in vivo force-velocity relationship) of knee extension. The OA subjects had increased difficulty (2.03 +/- 0.53) and pain (1.65 +/- 0.29) for activities of daily living (ADLs) and significantly lower strength for extension (72%) and flexion (56%), endurance for the quadriceps (203%) and hamstrings (214%) and velocity (128%). The reductions were greater at longer muscle lengths. These data demonstrate that patients with knee OA have reduced muscle function and functional capacity compared to controls.
Stretch-shortening contraction in Parkinson patients: evidence of normal muscle contraction execution with low efficiency
Authors: Pedersen SW , Oberg B.
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to compare different muscle contraction types in Parkinson patients and controls. Ten patients with mild to moderate Parkinsonism (7 men, 3 women, mean age 62.3) and 11 controls (7 men, 4 women, mean age 66.0) were investigated. Measurements in eccentric, concentric contraction and stretch-shortening contraction were made using modified Cybex 11 equipment. The torque areas in ankle dorsiflexors at 30 degrees/second, 120 degrees/second and 180 degrees/second were measured. The power (Nm/second) was calculated in a defined range of motion. The power at different angular velocities and contraction types was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group. In both groups the power in eccentric and stretch-shortening contraction was significantly larger than in concentric contraction. The relative improvement in power in stretch-shortening contraction in patients was equal to the improvement made by the controls. Patients generated significantly more EMG than controls in concentric and eccentric contractions. The EMG in the stretch-shortening cycle was the same in both groups at higher velocities. The patients performed voluntary isolated muscle contraction in the same way as controls, but with a lower efficiency in contraction. The eccentric torque and the supplement of torque generated from the combined eccentric and concentric (stretch-shortening) contraction might be important for achievement of adequate dynamic movements in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Reliability of the gross motor function measure in cerebral palsy
Authors: Nordmark E , Hägglund G , Jarnlo GB.
Published: August 2024

The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), an instrument comprising five dimensions devised by Russell and co-workers (7) to measure gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP) or brain damage, enables changes in performance status to be evaluated after therapy or when monitored over time. We analysed its inter-rater and intra-rater reliability on the three most difficult dimensions. A video-recording of three children with CP performing test tasks was assessed on two occasions at an interval of six months by each of the 15 physiotherapists using the GMFM manual but without previous experience or training in the use of the instrument. Mean percentage scores were similar at the first and second assessments. Both inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were good, inter-rater reliability being 0.77 and 0.88 at the first and second assessments, respectively, and intra-rater reliability 0.68 at the second assessment. The findings suggest the GMFM to be a useful and reliable instrument for assessing motor function and treatment outcome in CP.
FIM measurement properties and Rasch model details
Authors: Wright BD , Linacre JM , Smith RM , Heinemann AW , Granger CV.
Published: August 2024

To summarize, we take issue with the criticisms of Dickson & Köhler for two main reasons: 1. Rasch analysis provides a model from which to approach the analysis of the FIM, an ordinal scale, as an interval scale. The existence of examples of items or individuals which do not fit the model does not disprove the overall efficacy of the model; and 2. the principal components analysis of FIM motor items as presented by Dickson & Köhler tends to undermine rather than support their argument. Their own analyses produce a single major factor explaining between 58.5 and 67.1% of the variance, depending upon the sample, with secondary factors explaining much less variance. Finally, analysis of item response, or latent trait, is a powerful method for understanding the meaning of a measure. However, it presumes that item scores are accurate. Another concern is that Dickson & Köhler do not address the issue of reliability of scoring the FIM items on which they report, a critical point in comparing results. The Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMRSM) expends extensive effort in the training of clinicians of subscribing facilities to score items accurately. This is followed up with a credentialing process. Phase 1 involves the testing of individual clinicians who are submitting data to determine if they have achieved mastery over the use of the FIM instrument. Phase 2 involves examining the data for outlying values. When Dickson & Köhler investigate more carefully the application of the Rasch model to their FIM data, they will discover that the results presented in their paper support rather than contradict their application of the Rasch model! This paper is typical of supposed refutations of Rasch model applications. Dickson & Köhler will find that idiosyncrasies in their data and misunderstandings of the Rasch model are the only basis for a claim to have disproven the relevance of the model to FIM data. The Rasch model is a mathematical theorem (like Pythagoras') and so cannot be disproven by empirical data once it has been deduced on theoretical grounds. Sometimes empirical data are not suitable for construction of a measure. When this happens, the routine fit statistics indicate the unsuitable segments of the data. Most FIM data do conform closely enough to the Rasch model to support generalizable linear measures. Science can advance!
Torque-velocity relation and muscle fibre characteristics of foot dorsiflexors after long-term overuse of residual muscle fibres due to prior polio or L5 root lesion
Authors: Tollbäck A Knutsson E
Published: August 2024

Isokinetic foot dorsiflexion strength and muscle biopsy data from eight patients with overuse of tibialis anterior muscle (TA) fibres due to weakness after prior polio or L5 root lesion were compared to data from age and sex matched, healthy subjects. Concentric peak torque at an angular velocity of 30 degrees/s was 6-24 Nm in the patients and 15-34 Nm in the controls (p < 0.01). Muscle biopsies from TA showed a significantly higher proportion of type 1 fibres in the patients as compared to the controls (p < 0.005). The type 1 fibres in the patients had a significantly larger cross-sectional area than in the controls (p < 0.005). The type 1 fibre proportion and relative area were inversely correlated to the relative concentric torque produced at 180 degrees/s (p < 0.05) and 240 degrees/s (p < 0.05) compared to that produced at 30 degrees/s in the controls but not in the patients. However, the relative concentric torque produced at 180 degrees/s and 240 degrees/s compared to that produced at 30 degrees/s was not significantly different in the patients and the controls. This indicates that the contractile properties of the overused muscle fibres do not change in parallel with the histochemical fibre type.
Gait in relation to ageing and idiopathic parkinsonism
Authors: Bowes SG Charlett A
Published: August 2024

Distance/time measures of gait in 105 sufferers from idiopathic Parkinsonism, who were able to walk unaided, and 144 healthy controls were examined systematically. Those sufferers with overt fluctuations in control were assessed during their "therapeutic window". Free walking speed was lower for a given cadence in the sufferers, but reached a plateau whilst cadence could still be increased. Age, cognitive function and the range of passive hip flexion were important determinants of gait in them. Even minor degrees of cognitive impairment were associated with reduced free walking speed in sufferers: it appears unwise that they were prescribed more sedatives than the controls. The potential benefit of physiotherapy in maintaining joint flexibility was noted. The deficits in speed of individual sufferers, and hence the estimated potential for prophylaxis and treatment, were unrelated to age at presentation. There was no evidence for a limited period of responsiveness to levodopa therapy in this cross-sectional study.
Body weight-bearing while rising and sitting down in patients with stroke
Authors: Engardt M Olsson E.
Published: August 2024

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.
Postural reorganization following lower limb amputation. Possible motor and sensory determinants of recovery
Authors: Geurts AC Mulder TW
Published: August 2024

Postural control was assessed in persons with a unilateral lower limb amputation before and after their rehabilitation. The centre-of-pressure fluctuations during quiet upright standing on a dual-plate force platform were registered with and without visual information in order to identify relevant determinants of balance restoration. In addition, static (weight distribution) as well as dynamic (control activity) asymmetry characteristics were examined. Besides a small improvement in balance control with full visual information (fore-aft sway, p less than 0.06; lateral sway, p less than 0.05), there was a major decrease in visual dependency (fore-aft and lateral sway, p less than 0.05) indicating a somatosensory re-integration process. Postural asymmetry in comparison with matched control subjects was most apparent and only significant in dynamic terms and remained constant across rehabilitation. It is concluded that after a lower limb amputation a central reorganization of postural control takes place, in which sensory determinants of motor recovery may play a critical role.
Changes in muscle morphology, strength and enzymes in a 4-5-year follow-up of subjects with poliomyelitis sequelae
Authors: Grimby G , Hedberg M , Henning GB.
Published: August 2024

Twenty subjects with polio sequelae were studied on two occasions 4-5 years apart by means of dynamometer measurements of knee-extension and flexion strength and muscle biopsy for histochemical and enzymatic analyses. The subjects were divided into those who reported (unstable, n = 12) and did not report (stable, n = 8) new or increased muscle weakness in the tested leg between the two examinations. Muscle strength decreased significantly in the unstable subjects, but only for knee-flexion in the stable subjects. However, the endurance test comprising 50 consecutive knee-extensions at 180 degrees/sec showed increased fatigability at the second examination only in the stable subjects. Most subjects had markedly increased muscle fiber areas, which in some subjects increased further, but in those already with very extreme hypertrophy the fiber size decreased. Capillarization and activity of citrate-synthase were decreased at the initial examination, but no significant further reduction was observed at the second examination. The results demonstrate individual patterns in the compensatory process for the presumed loss of motor units.
Flexibility of the spine: normative values of goniometric and tape measurements
Authors: Alaranta H , Hurri H , Heliövaara M , Soukka A , Harju R.
Published: August 2024

A sample of 508 male and female white-collar and blue-collar employees aged 35 to 54 years were examined clinically to determine the reliability of spinal flexibility measurements using inclinometers and a tape measure, and to determine the normal values of cervical sagittal movements, lateral flexion, lumbar flexion and extension, trunk rotation and sidebending. Spinal flexibility decreased with advancing age, particularly among the blue-collar workers. Male predominance was observed in lumbar flexion and rotation and female predominance in cervical flexion-extension-movement. Spinal flexibility was negatively related to the experience of disabling pain. The strongest connections were between cervical flexion-extension-movement and neck pain, and between trunk sidebending and low back pain during the preceding year. The interobserver reliabilities were found to be generally good for all these measurements, and trunk sidebending showed the highest reliability coefficients. The intraobserver reproducibility (checked at a one-year interval) was acceptable only for cervical flexion-extension movement, cervical sidebending and trunk sidebending.
Mesh-glove. 1. A method for whole-hand electrical stimulation in upper motor neuron dysfunction
Authors: Dimitrijević MM.
Published: August 2024

A newly devised method for electrical stimulation via a wired mesh-glove is described. The stimulation paradigm is novel in that a whole hand is the target of stimulation. Specific standardized stimulation modalities are reviewed. The protocol for mesh-glove stimulation for patients with and without volitional movements, but increased muscle tone is outlined. A sequenced program based on restoration of motor functions is described. The mesh-glove stimulation is well suited for home use. On the basis of our experience working with 40 patients after stroke, head and spinal cord injuries, we concluded that this procedure is beneficial and safe.
Early modifications of biochemical markers of bone metabolism in spinal cord injury patients. A preliminary study
Authors: Uebelhart D , Hartmann D , Vuagnat H , Castanier M , Hachen HJ , Chantraine A.
Published: August 2024

Spinal cord injury is associated with the development of a rapid and severe osteoporosis which might reflect uncoupling between bone formation and resorption. A prospective study was made in 6 spinal cord injury patients followed up to 2-3 months after onset with various markers of a) bone formation: osteocalcin and C-terminal peptide of type I procollagen, b) bone resorption: pyridinolines and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, c) connective tissue metabolism: amino-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PIIINP). Preliminary results show that early after onset, bone formation was depressed as compared to dramatically increased bone resorption. Low bone formation rate lasted two weeks before it began to raise, while bone resorption showed a continuous tendency to increase. The dramatic increase in PIIINP levels might represent some attempt of bone to repair. This paper describes the evolution of various biochemical markers of bone and connective tissue metabolism after onset of paralysis and critically reviews the use of those markers in patients with spinal cord injury.
Factors interacting with perceived work-related complaints in the musculoskeletal system among home care service personnel. An explorative multivariate study
Authors: Gerdle B , Brulin C , Elert J , Granlund B.
Published: August 2024

The interrelationships between reported complaints, certain sociodemographic data and ergonomic, physical and psychosocial aspects of the work-environment were investigated in a cross-sectional study of home care service personnel using a questionnaire. Ninety-seven out of 160 randomly selected women took part in pre-tests (presented here), post-tests and one year exercise program. Significant correlations existed between musculoskeletal complaints, other (somatic and psychosomatic) symptoms and anxiety/threat for differently, mainly work-related negative changes. The group of subjects could be divided into three subgroups. A "complaint group" was identified with a high prevalence of musculoskeletal and other somatic/psychosomatic symptoms. This group had the most negative ratings on the ergonomic and physical work-environment indices. A "young group" had the most negative perception of the psychosocial work-environment. The "healthy group" generally perceived the situation best. The present preliminary study could indicate that work-related interventions/rehabilitation programmes undertaken for the complaint group must be designed in another way and with other goals than those directed towards the other two identified groups.
The hand in neck manoeuvre as a tool to analyze pain-generating mechanisms in the subacromial impingement syndrome
Authors: Solem-Bertoft E , Nordin M , Rahme H , Westerberg CE.
Published: August 2024

A scoring system for a standardized composite movement of the shoulder--the Hand in Neck (HIN) manoeuvre--is presented. The EMG activity of the supraspinatus muscle was studied in 5 healthy subjects at different performance levels of this test. It is shown that the supraspinatus muscle is about four times more active during normal performance than at the subnormal levels, which among themselves do not differ. EMG activity was also studied during normal performance of another standardized manoeuvre--the Pour out of a Pot (POP) test. Based on a comparison of the EMG data with clinical data from patients with the subacromial impingement syndrome it is suggested that an abnormal HIN test indicates the presence of a traction responsive pain generator in the supraspinatus tendon. In the same patient group, the combination of a normal HIN test and an abnormal POP test indicates pain generated by compression of subacromial structures.
Correlation between neurological leg deficits and reaction time of upper limbs among low-back pain patients
Authors: Venna S , Hurri H , Alaranta H.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of the study was to examine how neurological deficits of the leg, i.e. sensory deficit, deficient reflexes and muscular weakness, correlate with reaction times of upper limbs in a group with chronic low-back pain. Thirty-two patients were studied. Three sets of measurements of simple reaction time and choice reaction time of upper limbs were conducted at one-week intervals. Neurological deficits of the leg were recorded by a physician and the subjects answered a questionnaire about the severity of their low-back symptoms (Oswestry's index). We also defined a neurological index which reflected the total sum of the three types of leg deficits experienced by each of the subjects. Sensory deficit of the leg and the neurological index correlated strongly with slower reaction times of upper limbs, while the other two neurological deficits did not reach a level of significance. Sensory deficits of the leg seem to be an indicator of much greater motor disability than has been thought so far. The motor disability not only appears distally from the lumbar radicular damage caused for example by an intervertebral herniation, it also seems to relate to psychomotor reaction more generally, even on upper limbs.
Knee disorders in carpet and floor layers and painters. Part I. Isometric knee extension and flexion torques
Authors: Kivimäki J , Riihimäki H , Alaranta H.
Published: August 2024

Knee morbidity, knee extension torque and knee flexion torque were examined among 168 actively working carpet and floor layers and 146 painters. The study included a questionnaire concerning knee disorders and knee symptoms, a clinical examination of the knees and measurement of isometric knee extension and flexion torque. Knee accidents were reported more frequently by carpet and floor layers than by painters. Tenderness of the knees was noted to an equal extent in the two groups. Knee extension torques gradually decreased by increasing age among carpet and floor layers, but not among painters. Body weight and thigh girth were not related to age among carpet and floor layers, but gradually increased with age among painters. Analysis of covariance showed that the torques were most consistently related to thigh girth and age. In addition, the right knee extension torque was related to occupation and tenderness of the patellofemoral joint; the left knee extension torque was related to the knee pain index. These results suggest that occupational kneeling and internal derangement of the knee affect thigh muscles among actively working house builders.
The increase in energy cost of walking with an immobilized knee or an unstable ankle
Authors: Mattsson E , Broström LA.
Published: August 2024

The effect of an immobilized knee joint or of an unstable ankle joint on the walking capacity has been assessed with 50 walking tests in ten healthy subjects. The knee joint was immobilized in extension with a standard splint and an unstable ankle joint was simulated by a modified shoe. A significant decrease in convenient walking speed was found. The energy cost of walking as assessed by oxygen cost at a convenient speed was significantly increased both with an immobilized knee (23%) and with an unstable ankle (10%), compared to normal condition of the subjects. Implications for the management of patients with similar joint disorders are discussed.
Low back pain--correspondence between questionnaire, interview and clinical examination
Authors: Holmström E Moritz U.
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to analyse the correspondence between answers to a questionnaire about trouble from the musculoskeletal system, answers in a personal interview and clinical findings indicating low back disorder. The questionnaire was answered by 1,773 construction workers. Out of those, 206 workers underwent interview and clinical examination. Among those who reported no lifetime LBT in the questionnaire 63% gave the same report in the personal interview and those were all assessed negative at a blind clinical examination. Of those reporting current LBT in the interview 80% (47/59) were clinically positive. The clinical criteria used in the examination seemed to indicate lumbar painful structures. Answers to a question about functional impairment were in conformity with clinical findings. As regards answers to a question about frequency of pain and a question, in the specific Nordic questionnaire for the low back, concerning inability to do normal work the correlation to clinical findings was less apparent. Reported inability to do normal work in the questionnaire corresponded only to 43% with reported sick-leave in the interview.
Effect of pulsed ultrasound versus placebo on muscle soreness perception and muscular performance
Authors: Hasson S , Mundorf R , Barnes W , Williams J , Fujii M.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic effect of pulsating ultrasound treatment and placebo on delayed onset of muscle soreness produced by an eccentric exercise bout. In addition, the effect of pulsed ultrasound on muscular performance following an eccentric exercise bout was studied. Eighteen untrained subjects were randomly assigned to: 1) ultrasound (A) [N = 6] over the areas of concentrated muscle soreness, i.e. proximal vastus lateralis and distal vastus medialis; 2) placebo ultrasound (B) [N = 6]; and 3) no therapeutic intervention (C) [N = 6]. Baseline data were recorded for maximum isometric knee extension contraction (MVC), maximum knee extension torque (MT), knee extension work (W), and soreness perception (SP). All values were subsequently reassessed 24 and 48 hours after intense muscular activity. Immediately following the 24 hour reassessment the A group received ultrasound treatment, the B group received placebo ultrasound, while the C group received no treatment. Percent deviation from baseline of SP, MVC, MT and W were significantly less for A than B and C (p less than 0.05) at 48 hours post muscle soreness bout. These data indicate that pulsed ultrasound accelerates restoration of normal muscle performance, and thus is effective in decreasing delayed onset of muscle soreness. The mechanism for decreasing soreness perception in the muscle is unknown, but may be related to decreasing intramuscular pressure and/or decreasing the inflammatory response.
Influence of Surface Pretreatment on the Bond Strength of a Resin Luting Cement to Saliva-contaminated Enamel and Dentin
Authors: Iwama H , Ishii R , Takamizawa T , Aoki R , Watanabe S , Hayashi K , Kamimoto A , Miyazaki M
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of surface pretreatment on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a resin luting cement to enamel and dentin with saliva contamination. The surface free energies (SFE) of the adherent surfaces were also determined.

Methods and Materials:

Bovine enamel and dentin were used in this study. For the saliva-contamination, human saliva was applied to the adherent surface for 60 seconds and then air-dried, and the specimens without saliva contamination served as controls. One group of contaminated surfaces was untreated (SC), and the others were pretreated with Katana Cleaner (KC), Multi Etchant (ME), or Ultra-Etch (UE). Fifteen specimens were prepared to measure the SBS for each test group.

The mixed resin luting cement paste was applied to the alumina-blasted surface of a stainless-steel rod and placed on the prepared tooth surface. The luting cement was light irradiated for 40 seconds. The bonded specimens were stored for 24 hours at 37°C and half of the bonded specimens underwent 10,000 thermal cycles. The SBS and SFE of the specimens after different pre-treatments were measured.

Results:

The two-way ANOVA revealed that the factors of pretreatment agent and storage condition had a significant effect on the SBS to enamel and dentin. The SFE values of the SC group were significantly lower than those of the other groups in both enamel and dentin. The SFE of pretreated surface was material dependent.

Conclusions:

A pretreatment agent containing functional monomers was shown to be effective in removing saliva contaminants and in creating an effective bonding surface for the resin luting cement.
Effectiveness of Three Bleaching Techniques for Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gaidarji B , Perez BG , Durand LB
Published: August 2024

Background:

Various techniques, products, and protocols are used for the bleaching of non-vital teeth. The walking bleach technique involves sealing the bleaching agent in the pulp chamber. In the inside/outside technique, a low-concentration bleaching agent is applied at home using a custom tray. In the in-office technique, a high-concentration bleaching agent is applied by a dental professional. Limited research has compared the effectiveness of these techniques.

Objective:

This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the walking bleach, the inside/outside, and the in-office bleaching techniques.

Methods and Materials:

Fifty-four discolored teeth were selected according to eligibility criteria, randomized, and assigned to three treatment groups (n=18): walking bleach (sodium perborate – SP), inside/outside bleaching (7.5% hydrogen peroxide –HP7.5), and in-office bleaching (35% hydrogen peroxide – HP35). A cervical seal was placed in all the teeth, and nonvital bleaching was performed according to each technique. The CIELab color coordinates were measured using a clinical spectrophotometer at baseline, weekly, and at the 1-week follow-up. ΔE00 and ΔWID were calculated between the baseline and each evaluation time point. The ANOVA, Fisher exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the quantitative variables, and the Fisher exact test, to determine the association among categorical variables. Bleaching effectiveness was interpreted by 50:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds.

Results:

As the treatment progressed, all techniques presented a significant increase in L* and WID (p<0.001), and a significant decrease in a* and b* (p<0.001). HP7.5 and HP35 presented greater increases in WID mean values, in comparison with SP (p=0.006). No significant differences were observed among the techniques for ΔE00 after treatment completion (p=0.383). There were no statistical differences in bleaching effectiveness among the techniques after treatment completion (p=0.098).

Conclusion:

All techniques presented excellent effectiveness after treatment completion. However, HP7.5 and HP35 techniques provided a more rapid whitening response.
The transformation of Chacabuco village: From the pre-columbian to the Metropolitan periphery of Santiago, Chile
Authors:   Escuela Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Naranjo Ramírez Gloria , Bécar Pérez Martin ,   Ingeniería en Geomensura y Cartografía Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Venegas Román Pablo ,   Universidad de Lleida, Díaz Morales María ,   Escuela Ciencias de la Tierra y Observatorio de Riesgos de Desastres, Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins
Published: August 2024

The process of transformation of the Province of Chacabuco throughout its history according to historical, cartographic and testimonial background, constitutes the central objective in this writing. The facts that describe the process of territorial occupation and the different forms it has taken over time identifying five settlement impulses that are related to the structures that were formed in the territory, with the objective of understanding in detail the occupation of the territory and explaining the causes that impulse it. Since the 17th century, the territory of Chacabuco had scattered human settlements and a countryside organized under the hacienda system for agricultural and livestock use, with a small population around the houses, which after the appearance of the Santiago- Valparaíso railroad generated an agglomeration of dwellings around the stations. From the seventeenth century until the first half of the twentieth century, the territory lacked housing and was mainly devoted to livestock, agriculture or remained unused. However, in the second half of the 20th century, the settlement had an explosive development, linked to urban expansion processes of the city of Santiago, the main metropolis of the country.