Back Posture Research Articles

Dear DrDr Omid Massah Thank you very much for submitting your manuscript to Physical Treatments Journal. Your Manuscript with the code "A-10-263-1" and entitled " Is Opium Smoking A Cause of Sway Back Posture and Spinal Musculoskeletal Disorders? What is the Relation?", has been reviewed by PTJ international reviewers and their comments are included at the bottom of this letter

Cultural care in nursing is an essential component of holistic healthcare that recognizes the importance of cultural diversity in patient care. As societies become increasingly multicultural, the healthcare system must adapt to meet the diverse needs of its patient population [1]. Nurses, often at the frontline of patient care, play a critical role in providing culturally competent care that respects and responds to their patients' cultural backgrounds. This article explores cultural care's significance in nursing, its challenges, and strategies for effective implementation [2].

Vertical back movement of cows during locomotion: detecting lameness with a simple image processing technique.

This research paper proposes a simple image processing technique for automatic lameness detection in dairy cows under farm conditions. Seventy-five cows were selected from a dairy farm and visually assessed for a reference/real lameness score (RLS) as they left the milking parlor, while simultaneously being video-captured. The method employed a designated walking path and video recordings processed through image analysis to derive a new computerized automatic lameness score (ALDS) based on calculated factors from back arch posture. The proposed automatic lameness detection system was calibrated using 12 cows, and the remaining 63 were used to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of the ALDS. The agreement and correlation between ALDS and RLS were investigated. ALDS demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy with 100% sensitivity and specificity and was found to be 100% accurate with a perfect agreement (ρc = 1) and strong correlation (r = 1, P < 0.001) for lameness detection in binary scores (lame/non-lame). Moreover, the ALDS had a strong agreement (ρc = 0.885) and was highly correlated (r = 0.840; 0.796-1.000 95% confidence interval, P < 0.001) with RLS in ordinal scores (lameness severity; LS1 to LS5). Our findings suggest that the proposed method has the potential to compete with vision-based lameness detection methods in dairy cows in farm conditions.

Hydration management in rugby: a comparative study on the forward and back positions of the Indonesian national team

Hydration management in rugby: a comparative study on the forward and back positions of the Indonesian national team

Body composition and phase angle in rugby union athletes: A comparison between forward and back positions

IntroductionRugby union has been increasingly attracting a multitude of enthusiasts over the past years. Nevertheless, there is a need for a more profound understanding of body composition, particularly regarding body fluids, and phase angle by playing position in rugby union athletes. MethodsThis study aimed to compare body composition components and phase angle among rugby union athletes based on their playing positions (forwards vs. backs). The sample consisted of 26 male athletes from rugby union clubs in Florianópolis, Brazil. Body composition [fat mass, lean soft tissue mass (LSTM)], body fluids (total body water, intra and extracellular water, and their proportions) and phase angle were evaluated using dual emission X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Statistical analysis was carried out using the analysis of covariance to compare body composition, and phase angle between playing positions (forwards vs. backs). ResultsThe primary findings indicated that rugby union athletes playing as forwards demonstrated higher values for fat mass, FFBM, and body fluids (total body water, intracellular, and extracellular water) compared to those playing as backs (p < 0.01). No difference was observed between playing positions for the other variables. ConclusionsBody composition may vary depending on the playing position in rugby union athletes.

An Assessment of Back and Shoulder Postures in Single-Handed Exertions: Expanding Ergonomic Reaching Guidelines to Consider Lumbar Spine Axial Twist

Occupational applications Across a series of standing single-handed exertions performed at different lateral angles, distances, heights, and loads, lumbar axial twist exceeded an angular threshold of 9° in select exertions. Specifically, 9° of rightward axial twist was exceeded for all exertions performed laterally (90° from the body midline). Additionally, for those at the body midline, 9° of leftward axial twist was exceeded for upward exertions and exertions performed at far distances (tertiary reach envelope). Further, the data supports that for many exertions, lumbar flexion–extension and shoulder elevation would be unlikely to increase the potential for injury as angles remained within the in vivo lumbar neutral zone and were not considered overhead. Given the relationship between lateral hand exertions and lumbar axial twist, it is generally recommended that standing single-handed exertions not be performed beyond 60° from the midline. In addition to the current recommendations related to reach distance, future ergonomic reach envelope guidelines could benefit from incorporating recommendations on reach angle from the body midline.

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS OF MATURE WOMEN WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF POSTURE

Relevance of the research topic. The systematization and generalization of a wide layer of both theoretical developments and practical achievements in the field of physical culture and sports serve as a basis for stating that maturity is the longest period of ontogenesis, characterized by the tendency for a person to achieve the optimal level of development of his spiritual, intellectual and physical potential. Against this background, the age of maturity in women, according to numerous data from representatives of the scientific community, is a period of motor deficit. The consequences of the latter include, first of all, the gradual unfolding of involutional processes, negative changes in the hormonal background, the appearance of excess weight, a decrease in the elasticity of connective tissue, the appearance of the first signs of structural and functional disorders of the spine and joints. The purpose of the article is to determine the level of physical fitness of women aged 36-40 with different types of posture. Methods. Theoretical analysis of special scientific and methodical literature, pedagogical testing, methods of mathematical statistics. The results of the work. The assessment of physical fitness of women in the second half of mature age showed the following. Firstly, it was found that according to tests of strength, endurance and flexibility, women aged 36-38 were more physically fit, performing pull-ups in a lying position mainly at an average level, tilting the torso forward from a sitting position and lifting the torso in a sitting position at a sufficient level. In contrast, the physical fitness of women aged 39-40 years was much worse, in particular, most of them performed lying pull-ups at a low level, torso bending forward from a sitting position and lifting the torso in a sitting position at an average level. Secondly, the comparison of groups of women aged 36-38 and 39-40 years, taking into account the type of their posture, did not reveal any differences in pairs of different ages of each type. At the same time, it was found that women with normal posture performed much better than the other groups in exercises such as flexion and extension of the arms in a lying position, pull-ups in a lying position, and women aged 36-38 years were superior in the test of lifting the torso into a seated position. Accordingly, women with a round, flat back and scoliotic posture were less physically prepared to perform these exercises.

Lower Back &amp; Comfortability Analysis of Driving Posture to Mitigate Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Ergonomics Study using Digital Human Modelling in JACK Software

In this paper, the crucial aspect of driver comfort was explored by investigating the prevailing driving postures among individuals, aiming to discern their ergonomic implications and ascertain whether the commonly adopted postures are conducive to musculoskeletal health or pose potential risks. From the last decade vehicle like cars have become one of the common modes of personal transport. Car has high relevance in day-to-day activities like commuting, economic activities and sports etc. The continuous driving of vehicle can lead the driver prone to musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, spine injury and posture issues. This study is conducted to address the ergonomic aspects of posture of the driver to highlight the risk of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to optimize the driving posture. Lower Back Analysis (LBA) and Comfortability Analysis is performed in JACK Software to analyze the driving posture. A DHM (Digital Human Model) is created in JACK Simulation Software according to the collected anthropometric data of an average Pakistani man. A virtual Environment is created in JACK Simulation Software. The posture of the subject is analyzed by taking measurements of the subject’s angle of joints when they are sitting in a driving posture. For Ergonomic Analysis the Driving Posture is evaluated on JACK software to Mitigate Musculoskeletal Disorders. Results show that the subject is having low back compression force of 672 which is below the NIOSH Back Compression Action Limit of 3400N representing a nominal risk of low back injury.

Lumbo-Pelvic Rhythm Monitoring Using Wearable Technology with Sensory Biofeedback: A Systematic Review.

As an essential lower-back movement pattern, lumbo-pelvic rhythm (LPR) during forward trunk flexion and backward return has been investigated on a large scale. It has been suggested that abnormalities in lumbo-pelvic coordination are related to the risk of developing low back disorders. However, considerable differences in the approaches used to monitor LPR make it challenging to integrate findings from those investigations for future research. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the use of wearable technology for kinematic measurement with sensory biofeedback for LPR monitoring by assessing these technologies' specific capabilities and biofeedback capacities and exploring their practical viability based on sensor outcomes. The review was developed following the PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was analyzed using the PREDro and STROBE scales. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEEXPLORE databases were searched for relevant studies, initially returning a total of 528 articles. Finally, we included eight articles featuring wearable devices with audio or vibration biofeedback. Differences in protocols and limitations were also observed. This novel study presents a review of wearable tracking devices for LPR motion-mediated biofeedback for the purpose of correcting lower back posture. More research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of these devices, as well as their most appropriate corresponding methodologies.

Preliminary Validity and Acceptability of Motion Tape for Measuring Low Back Movement: Mixed Methods Study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant public health problem that can result in physical disability and financial burden for the individual and society. Physical therapy is effective for managing LBP and includes evaluation of posture and movement, interventions directed at modifying posture and movement, and prescription of exercises. However, physical therapists have limited tools for objective evaluation of low back posture and movement and monitoring of exercises, and this evaluation is limited to the time frame of a clinical encounter. There is a need for a valid tool that can be used to evaluate low back posture and movement and monitor exercises outside the clinic. To address this need, a fabric-based, wearable sensor, Motion Tape (MT), was developed and adapted for a low back use case. MT is a low-profile, disposable, self-adhesive, skin-strain sensor developed by spray coating piezoresistive graphene nanocomposites directly onto commercial kinesiology tape. The objectives of this study were to (1) validate MT for measuring low back posture and movement and (2) assess the acceptability of MT for users. A total of 10 participants without LBP were tested. A 3D optical motion capture system was used as a reference standard to measure low back kinematics. Retroreflective markers and a matrix of MTs were placed on the low back to measure kinematics (motion capture) and strain (MT) simultaneously during low back movements in the sagittal, frontal, and axial planes. Cross-correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the concurrent validity of MT strain in reference motion capture kinematics during each movement. The acceptability of MT was assessed using semistructured interviews conducted with each participant after laboratory testing. Interview data were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis to identify themes and subthemes of user acceptability. Visual inspection of concurrent MT strain and kinematics of the low back indicated that MT can distinguish between different movement directions. Cross-correlation coefficients between MT strain and motion capture kinematics ranged from -0.915 to 0.983, and the strength of the correlations varied across MT placements and low back movement directions. Regarding user acceptability, participants expressed enthusiasm toward MT and believed that it would be helpful for remote interventions for LBP but provided suggestions for improvement. MT was able to distinguish between different low back movements, and most MTs demonstrated moderate to high correlation with motion capture kinematics. This preliminary laboratory validation of MT provides a basis for future device improvements, which will also involve testing in a free-living environment. Overall, users found MT acceptable for use in physical therapy for managing LBP.

Physical Therapists' Acceptance of a Wearable, Fabric-Based Sensor System (Motion Tape) for Use in Clinical Practice: Qualitative Focus Group Study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a costly global health condition that affects individuals of all ages and genders. Physical therapy (PT) is a commonly used and effective intervention for the management of LBP and incorporates movement assessment and therapeutic exercise. A newly developed wearable, fabric-based sensor system, Motion Tape, uses novel sensing and data modeling to measure lumbar spine movements unobtrusively and thus offers potential benefits when used in conjunction with PT. However, physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape remains unexplored. The primary aim of this research study was to evaluate physical therapists' acceptance of Motion Tape to be used for the management of LBP. The secondary aim was to explore physical therapists' recommendations for future device development. Licensed physical therapists from the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Leadership Technology Special Interest Group participated in this study. Overall, 2 focus groups (FGs; N=8) were conducted, in which participants were presented with Motion Tape samples and examples of app data output on a poster. Informed by the Technology Acceptance Model, we conducted semistructured FGs and explored the wearability, usefulness, and ease of use of and suggestions for improvements in Motion Tape for PT management of LBP. FG data were transcribed and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis. Regarding wearability, participants perceived that Motion Tape would be able to adhere for several days, with some variability owing to external factors. Feedback was positive for the low-profile and universal fit, but discomfort owing to wires and potential friction with clothing was of concern. Other concerns included difficulty with self-application and potential skin sensitivity. Regarding usefulness, participants expressed that Motion Tape would enhance the efficiency and specificity of assessments and treatment. Regarding ease of use, participants stated that the app would be easy, but data management and challenges with interpretation were of concern. Physical therapists provided several recommendations for future design improvements including having a wireless system or removable wires, customizable sizes for the tape, and output including range of motion data and summary graphs and adding app features that consider patient input and context. Several themes related to Motion Tape's wearability, usefulness, and ease of use were identified. Overall, physical therapists expressed acceptance of Motion Tape's potential for assessing and monitoring low back posture and movement, both within and outside clinical settings. Participants expressed that Motion Tape would be a valuable tool for the personalized treatment of LBP but highlighted several future improvements needed for Motion Tape to be used in practice.

Optimization of training for professional rugby union players: investigating the impact of different small-sided games models on GPS-derived performance metrics.

Introduction: Professional rugby union players can improve their performance by engaging in small-sided games (SSGs), which simulate the movement patterns of the game. This study collected metrics related to running performance and mechanical workload and their relative values from both forward and back positions, aiming to explore the impact of different SSGs factors on athlete workload, as well as the workload difference between official games (OGs) and SSGs. Methods: The monitored GPS data were collected from SSGs with different player numbers and pitch sizes (five sessions), SSG rules (5weeks, four sessions per week), and OGs conducted throughout the year. Additionally, the study compared changes in players' sprinting performance before and after two SSG sessions. Results: Backs had greater workload than forwards. Less space and number of players SSG (4 vs. 4, 660m2) was conducive to facilitating training for players in acceleration and deceleration. Conversely, larger spaces were associated with improved running performance. However, the introduction of a floater had no significant impact on performance improvement. Additionally, the 7 vs. 4 model (seven players engaged with four opponents) resulted in the greatest workload during medium-hard accelerations (F = 52.76-88.23, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.19-0.28). Japan touch model allowed for more high-speed running training (F = 47.93-243.55, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 1.52). The workload performed by SSGs can almost cover that of OGs (F = 23.36-454.21, p < 0.05, ηp 2 = 0.03-0.57). In the context of ηp 2, values around 0.01, 0.06 and 0.14 indicate small, medium and large effects respectively. Discussion: However, given the significantly higher workload of SSGs and the slight decrease in sprinting performance, further research is required to examine the training patterns of SSGs. This study provided insight into the impact of player numbers, pitch size, and rules on rugby-specific SSGs. Coaches should optimize SSG setups for enhanced training outcomes, ensuring the long-term development of physical capacity, technical and tactical skills.

Vowel Pronunciation as an Ethnic Marker: Pacific Islander Teens in Salt Lake County, Utah

This paper analyzes word list recordings from 37 Pacific Islander (PI) and 40 European American (EA) teens from two Salt Lake County (SLCo) high schools to address three questions: (1) Do the teens in the study participate in the linguistic practices previously described for Utah and for the American West? (2) Do EAs and PIs pattern together, or is there a distinctive PI pattern in SLCo? (3) How does the ethnic composition of the school context affect ethnic-based vowel patterns? The analysis focuses on a subset of vowel features associated with the West: the Low-Back-Merger Shift (LBMS) and the fronting of non-low back vowels. Results show the Utah teens employing many LBMS features, with statistical differences based on gender, ethnic group, and school (with school acting as a proxy for ethnic diversity). Non-low back vowel positions are generally consistent with historical baselines. BOAT vowel positions are farther back for PI participants, and there is a small difference in BUT vowel position based on gender, ethnicity, and school. The results of this ethnographically grounded study demonstrate how small phonetic differences may help construct ethnic identity and why it is important to include more participants of color in dialectal research.

Concurrent Validity of the Ergotex Device for Measuring Low Back Posture.

Highlighting the crucial role of monitoring and quantifying lumbopelvic rhythm for spinal curvature, the Ergotex IMU, a portable, lightweight, cost-effective, and energy-efficient technology, has been specifically designed for the pelvic and lumbar area. This study investigates the concurrent validity of the Ergotex device in measuring sagittal pelvic tilt angle. We utilized an observational, repeated measures design with healthy adult males (mean age: 39.3 ± 7.6 y, body mass: 82.2 ± 13.0 kg, body height: 179 ± 8 cm), comparing Ergotex with a 3D optical tracking system. Participants performed pelvic tilt movements in anterior, neutral, and posterior conditions. Statistical analysis included paired samples t-tests, Bland-Altman plots, and regression analysis. The findings show minimal systematic error (0.08° overall) and high agreement between the Ergotex and optical tracking, with most data points falling within limits of agreement of Bland-Altman plots (around ±2°). Significant differences were observed only in the anterior condition (0.35°, p < 0.05), with trivial effect sizes (ES = 0.08), indicating that these differences may not be clinically meaningful. The high Pearson's correlation coefficients across conditions underscore a robust linear relationship between devices (r > 0.9 for all conditions). Regression analysis showed a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 1.1° with small effect (standardized SEE < 0.26 for all conditions), meaning that the expected average deviation from the true value is around 1°. These findings validate the Ergotex as an effective, portable, and cost-efficient tool for assessing sagittal pelvic tilt, with practical implications in clinical and sports settings where traditional methods might be impractical or costly.

Perceived comfort and tool usability during robot-assisted and traditional laparoscopic surgery: a survey study

It is known that over half of previously surveyed surgeons performing Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (RALS) and three-quarters of those performing Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery (TLS) experience intraoperative pain. This survey study aimed to expand upon the ongoing impact of that pain as well as perceived tool usability associated with TLS and RALS, for which considerably less documentation exists. A survey regarding the presence and impact, either immediate or ongoing, of intraoperative pain and Likert scale questions regarding tool usability was administered to TLS and RALS surgeons on the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) mailing list. Prevalence statistics as well as trends based on biological sex and glove size were obtained from the 323 responses. Most respondents were right-handed European males (83−88%) with a medium glove size (55.8%). Moderate or severe shoulder symptoms were experienced by one-third of TLS surgeons. Twenty-one percent of RALS surgeons experienced neck symptoms that impacted their concentration. Small-handed surgeons experienced wrist symptoms significantly more frequently than large-handed surgeons, regardless of modality. RALS was associated with a significantly more optimal back and wrist posture compared to TLS. TLS surgeons reported increased ease with applying and moderating force while operating. These results suggest that intraoperative pain may be severe enough in many cases to interfere with surgeon concentration, negatively impacting patient care. Continuing to understand the relationship between tool usability and comfort is crucial in guaranteeing the health and well-being of both surgeons and patients.

Identifying Clinical Phenotypes in People Who Are Hispanic/Latino With Chronic Low Back Pain: Use of Sensor-Based Measures of Posture and Movement, Pain, and Psychological Factors.

The aim of this study was to identify clinical phenotypes using sensor-based measures of posture and movement, pain behavior, and psychological factors in Hispanic/Latino people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Baseline measures from an ongoing clinical trial were analyzed for 81 Hispanic/Latino people with CLBP. Low back posture and movement were measured using commercial sensors during in-person testing and 8hours of ecological monitoring. Magnitude, frequency, and duration of lumbar movements, sitting and standing postures were measured. Movement-evoked pain was assessed during in-person movement testing. Psychological measures included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. Random forest analysis was conducted to generate 2 groups and identify important variables that distinguish groups. Group differences in demographics, pain, psychological, and posture and movement variables were examined using t-tests and chi-square analyses. Two subgroups of Hispanic/Latino people with CLBP were identified with minimal error (7.4% misclassification ["out-of-bag" error]). Ecological posture and movement measures best distinguished groups, although most movement-evoked pain and psychological measures did not. Group 1 had greater height and weight, lower movement frequency, more time in sitting, and less time in standing. Group 2 had a greater proportion of women than men, longer low back pain duration, higher movement frequency, more time in standing, and less time in sitting. Two distinct clinical phenotypes of Hispanic/Latino people with CLBP were identified. One group was distinguished by greater height and weight and more sedentary posture and movement behavior; the second group had more women, longer duration of low back pain, higher lumbar spine movement frequency, and longer duration of standing postures. Ecological measures of posture and movement are important for identifying 2 clinical phenotypes in Hispanic/Latino people with CLBP and may provide a basis for a more personalized plan of care. Wearable sensors were used to measure low back posture and movement in Hispanic/Latino people with chronic low back pain. These posture and movement measures helped to identify 2 different clinical subgroups that will give physical therapists more information to better personalize treatment for chronic low back pain in Hispanic/Latino patients.

Integrated Analysis of Machine Learning and Deep Learning in Silkworm Pupae (Bombyx mori) Species and Sex Identification

Hybrid pairing of the corresponding silkworm species is a pivotal link in sericulture, ensuring egg quality and directly influencing silk quantity and quality. Considering the potential of image recognition and the impact of varying pupal postures, this study used machine learning and deep learning for global modeling to identify pupae species and sex separately or simultaneously. The performance of traditional feature-based approaches, deep learning feature-based approaches, and their fusion approaches were compared. First, 3600 images of the back, abdomen, and side postures of 5 species of male and female pupae were captured. Next, six traditional descriptors, including the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG), and six deep learning descriptors, including ConvNeXt-S, were utilized to extract significant species and sex features. Finally, classification models were constructed using the multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine, and random forest. The results indicate that the {HOG + ConvNeXt-S + MLP} model excelled, achieving 99.09% accuracy for separate species and sex recognition and 98.40% for simultaneous recognition, with precision–recall and receiver operating characteristic curves ranging from 0.984 to 1.0 and 0.996 to 1.0, respectively. In conclusion, it can capture subtle distinctions between pupal species and sexes and shows promise for extensive application in sericulture.

Power loss of the chain drive in a race tandem bicycle

Tandem cycling is a paralympic discipline, in which two cyclists ride on one tandem bicycle. Their performance can be improved by minimizing power losses. This study aimed to quantify power loss due to the chain drive of a tandem bicycle and influence of power input, location of power input, and rear chain wheel size. Power loss was determined by the difference between power input applied on the cranks (front or back rider) and power output measured at the rear wheel. Power output values were set from 100 to 400 W, with 50 W increments, and using two gear ratios, 53-11 and 53-13. Power input was generated at the back crank (with only the primary chain—solo bicycle—and with primary and secondary chain attached) and at the front crank (with primary and secondary chain attached). The power loss for the solo bicycle was 2.1% (± 1.5%). A significantly larger power loss was found for the tandem in the back (3.7 ± 2.4%, p < 0.001) and front positions (3.0 ± 1.8%, p < 0.001), with marginal differences between positions at higher power output. Power loss for the tandem was lower with gear 53-13 (2.9% ± 1.7%) compared to 53-11 (4.0 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001, effect size is medium). Therefore, findings suggest that back and front riders experience similar power losses due to the chain drive, but more than on a solo bicycle. Tandem cyclists can reduce their power loss in the chain drive by selecting larger gear ratios. Coaches may consider these findings for selecting and coaching their tandem cyclists.

Initiation and accumulation of loading induced changes to native collagen content and microstructural damage in the cartilaginous endplate

BACKGROUND CONTEXTInjury to the cartilaginous endplate (CEP) is linked to clinically relevant low back disorders, including intervertebral disc degeneration and pain reporting. Despite this link to clinical disorders, the CEP injury pathways and the modulating effect of mechanical loading parameters on the pace of damage accumulation remains poorly understood. PURPOSEThis study examined the effect of cyclic loading on the initiation and accumulation of changes to native collagen content (type I, type II) and microstructural damage in the central region of cadaveric porcine CEPs. STUDY DESIGNIn vitro longitudinal study. METHODSOne hundred fourteen porcine cervical spinal units were included (N=6 per group). The study contained a control group (no cyclic loading) and 18 experimental groups that differed by loading duration (1,000, 3,000, 5,000 cycles), joint posture (flexed, neutral), and cyclic peak compression variation (10%, 20%, 40%). Multicolor immunofluorescence staining was used to quantify loading induced changes to type I (ie, subchondral bone) and type II (ie, endplate) native collagen content (fluorescence area, fluorescence intensity) and microstructural damage (pore area [transverse plane], void area along the CEP-bone border [sagittal plane]). RESULTSSignificant main effects of loading duration and posture were observed for fluorescence area and fluorescence intensity of type I and II collagen. In the transverse plane, type II fluorescence area significantly decreased following 1,000 cycles (-12%), but a significant change in fluorescence intensity was not observed until 3,000 cycles (-17%). Type II fluorescence area (-14%) and intensity (-10%) were both significantly less in flexed postures compared to neutral. Similar trends were observed for type I collagen in the sagittal plane sections. Generally, significant changes to fluorescence area were accompanied by the development of microstructural voids along the endplate-subchondral bone border. CONCLUSIONSThese findings demonstrate that microstructural damage beneath the endplate surface occurs before significant changes to the density of native type I and II collagen fibers. Although flexed postures were associated with greater and accelerated changes to native collagen content, the injury initiation mechanism appears similar to neutral. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCENeutral joint postures can delay the initiation and pace of microdamage accumulation in the CEP during low-to-moderate demand lifting tasks. Furthermore, the management of peak compression exposures appeared relevant only when a neutral posture was maintained. Therefore, clinical low back injury prevention and load management efforts should consider low back posture in parallel with applied joint forces.

Effect of pony morphology and hay feeding methods on back and neck postures.

The application of hay feeding devices, such as the use of hay nets or slow feeders, can help with the management of weight in ponies; however, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding their effect on equine posture. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of different feeding devices on the posture of ponies using morphometric analysis. Two different breed types, Shetland type (SH, n = 5) versus Welsh Cob type (WC, n = 4), were fed the same forage in four different ways: on the ground (G), using a fully filled haynet (HF), using a partially filled haynet (HL)and using a slow-feeder hay box (HB). Video recordings were obtained and then geometric morphometric analysis was applied. Breed morphology was confirmed by body morphometric measurements. Data were analysed statistically usingone-way ANOVA, canonical variate analysis (CVA), principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares (PLS) analysis andmultivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Moreover, a mixed model was performed to study differences in mandibular angle. SH and WC ponies were shown to have significantly different body morphometric measurements. The geometric morphometric analysis results showed that ponies arch their back and modify their neck shape differently according to the feeding method and their morphological group. For the neck, the SH and WC ponies adapted similarly to the use of small-holed hay nets, but their posture varied when feeding from the ground or hay box. The back postures consistently differed according to the breed type and feeding method. The mandibular angle for both breed types was reduced with all the feeding devices compared to feeding from the ground. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of slow-feeding devices on posture and mandibular angle, taking into consideration animals with different morphologies.

Ergonomics of Ophthalmic Surgery: Evaluating the Effect of a Posture Trainer on Trainee Intraoperative Back Posture.

Purpose Ophthalmic surgeons are at an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders resulting from ophthalmology-specific routines and equipment, which have become widely associated with poor posture. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect that a commercially available posture trainer, Upright Go, can have on the improvement of posture of ophthalmic surgeons. Methods Eight ophthalmologists-in-training were studied over a period of 4 weeks during their surgical rotations between September 2020 and June 2021. Participants underwent an "observation" period, followed by a 2-week "training" period, then a final "testing" period. The percentage of time users spent upright intraoperatively pre- and posttraining was evaluated. Pre- and poststudy surveys were also administered to help measure participant satisfaction and self-reported changes in posture. Results All eight participants demonstrated an increase in the percentage of time spent upright after the training period. Across all participants, the total average percentage spent upright in the observation period was 59.8%, while in the testing period was 87.1%, resulting in an average improvement of 27.3% of time spent in an upright position after the completion of the training period ( p < 0.0001). The range of improvement of time spent upright was 16.0 to 46.5%. Conclusion This cohort study utilized the Upright Go device to help determine the effect that its training could have on the improvement of posture in ophthalmic surgeons. The results indicated a significant increase in the average proportion of time spent with upright posture compared after the training period.