Changes In Body Position Research Articles

Variability of Movement Disorders: The Influence of Sensation, Action, Cognition, and Emotions.

Patients with movement disorders experience fluctuations unrelated to disease progression or treatment. Extrinsic factors that contribute to the variable expression of movement disorders are environment related. They influence the expression of movement disorders through sensory-motor interactions and include somatosensory, visual, and auditory stimuli. Examples of somatosensory effects are stimulus sensitivity of myoclonus on touch and sensory amelioration in dystonia but also some less-appreciated effects on parkinsonian tremor and gait. Changes in visual input may affect practically all types of movement disorders, either by loss of its compensatory role or by disease-related alterations in the pathways subserving visuomotor integration. The interaction between auditory input and motor function is reflected in simple protective reflexes and in complex behaviors such as singing or dancing. Various expressions range from the effect of music on parkinsonian bradykinesia to tics. Changes in body position affect muscle tone and may result in marked fluctuations of rigidity or may affect dystonic manifestations. Factors intrinsic to the patient are related to their voluntary activity and cognitive, motivational, and emotional states. Depending on the situation or disease, they may improve or worsen movement disorders. We discuss various factors that can influence the phenotypic variability of movement disorders, highlighting the potential mechanisms underlying these manifestations. We also describe how motor fluctuations can be provoked during the clinical assessment to help reach the diagnosis and appreciated to understand complaints that seem discrepant with objective findings. We summarize advice and interventions based on the variability of movement disorders that may improve patients' functioning in everyday life. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Static and Dynamic Balance Learning in Primary School Students

Balance is the ability to react to any change in body position so that the body remains stable and in control. A right balance will enable a person to carry out activities and movements effectively and efficiently with minimal risk of falling. A balanced training program is given as many athletes get injured during peak periods and training for patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Down Syndrome. The author is interested in proving and implementing various forms of balance training applied to children who participate in various sports at primary school age to prevent them from avoiding injury. Therefore, all physical conditions must be met so that they are ready to receive training at the next stage. This study aims to determine the effect of learning static and dynamic balance in elementary school students. The method used is a pretest-posttest control group design experimental random sampling method. The sample is elementary school students in grades 5 and 6. The instruments used in the form of tests are the standing crane test and the Star Balance Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). The results showed that static and dynamic balance learning significantly influenced the improvement of balance in elementary school students. In conclusion, learning static and dynamic balance together provides increased balance in elementary school students

Design of Anti Overload Bag product with the Nigel Cross Approach

The use of a backpack that is not appropriate has a significant negative impact on users. These negative effects can cause back pain and changes in body posture. Many students who carry backpacks on their backs exceed 10% of the total body weight. Therefore, an innovative backpack product, Anti Overload Bag. This bag is equipped with sensors and alarms that will sound if the load that lifted does not match the load that it should be. In the process of making the product design, the Anti Overload Bag is first used a brainstorming technique to determine the characteristics of the product to be made, then draw conclusions from the brainstorming that has been collected. Then the sampling technique done by distributing open and closed questionnaires to determine the type of product. Then a market survey is conducted using a sampling technique, to determine the validity and reliability of the main products with products of competitors I, II, III. Sub problem steps to sub solutions are carried out to determine the Product Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The sub-solution step to the solution is determined to generate and evaluate alternatives by the sum of the paired matrices between attributes.

The Clinical Utility of Provocative Maneuvers at Esophageal High-resolution Manometry (HRM).

Esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) assesses esophageal motor function and is indicated both for evaluation of esophageal symptoms and before antireflux interventions. HRM studies are interpreted and esophageal motor diagnoses made according to the Chicago Classification, version 3.0 algorithm, which is based on ten 5 mL supine water swallows. However, this practice of single liquid swallows performed in the supine position does not reflect typical "real-life" swallowing, and may not reproduce the patient's presenting symptoms. Therefore, provocative maneuvers at HRM-beyond these 10 standard swallows-can afford additional insights into esophageal motor function with clinically significant implications, and represent areas of exciting investigation and innovation. Accordingly, the 2020 American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines on Esophageal Physiologic Testing conditionally recommend their inclusion in the HRM protocol. In this clinical review, we discuss the supporting data for and clinical utility of provocative maneuvers at HRM that include changes in body position or accessories (upright swallows, "bridge" position, straight leg raise, abdominal compression), bolus consistency (solid swallows, test meals, postprandial high-resolution impedance manometry), bolus frequency (multiple rapid swallows), the volume of bolus (rapid drink challenge/multiple water swallows), and the use of pharmacological agents.

Human Falling Detection Algorithm Based on Multisensor Data Fusion with SVM

Falling is a common phenomenon in the life of the elderly, and it is also one of the 10 main causes of serious health injuries and death of the elderly. In order to prevent falling of the elderly, a real-time fall prediction system is installed on the wearable intelligent device, which can timely trigger the alarm and reduce the accidental injury caused by falls. At present, most algorithms based on single-sensor data cannot accurately describe the fall state, while the fall detection algorithm based on multisensor data integration can improve the sensitivity and specificity of prediction. In this study, we design a fall detection system based on multisensor data fusion and analyze the four stages of falls using the data of 100 volunteers simulating falls and daily activities. In this paper, data fusion method is used to extract three characteristic parameters representing human body acceleration and posture change, and the effectiveness of the multisensor data fusion algorithm is verified. The sensitivity is 96.67%, and the specificity is 97%. It is found that the recognition rate is the highest when the training set contains the largest number of samples in the training set. Therefore, after training the model based on a large amount of effective data, its recognition ability can be improved, and the prevention of fall possibility will gradually increase. In order to compare the applicability of random forest and support vector machine (SVM) in the development of wearable intelligent devices, two fall posture recognition models were established, respectively, and the training time and recognition time of the models are compared. The results show that SVM is more suitable for the development of wearable intelligent devices.

Effect of Body Position on Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Intracranial Pressure (ICP), and Translaminar Pressure (TLP) Via Continuous Wireless Telemetry in Nonhuman Primates (NHPs).

PurposeRecent retrospective clinical studies and animal experiments have suggested that cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) is important in glaucoma, acting through the translaminar pressure (TLP = IOP − CSFP), which directly affects the optic nerve head. In this study, IOP and intracranial pressure (ICP; a surrogate of CSFP) were measured at various body positions to quantify the determinants of TLP.MethodsWe have developed an implantable wireless pressure telemetry system based on a small piezoelectric sensor with low temporal drift. Telemetry transducers were placed in the anterior chamber to measure IOP and in the brain parenchyma at eye height to measure ICP. IOP was calibrated against anterior cannulation manometry, and ICP/CSFP was calibrated against an intraparenchymal Codman ICP Express microsensor. We measured IOP, ICP, and TLP = IOP − ICP continuously at 200 Hz in three male nonhuman primates (NHPs) in three trials; pressures were then averaged for 30 seconds per body position. Relative change of IOP, ICP, and TLP from the supine (baseline) position to the seated, standing, and inverted positions were quantified.ResultsTLP changed significantly and instantaneously from the supine to seated (+14 mm Hg), supine to standing (+13 mm Hg) and supine to inverted (−12 mm Hg) positions (P < 0.05). There was no significant TLP change for supine to prone. ICP showed greater relative change than IOP.ConclusionsTLP change due to body position change is driven more by ICP/CSFP than IOP. IOP, ICP, and TLP variability, coupled with telemetry, should allow us to test the hypotheses that IOP, ICP, or TLP fluctuations contribute independently to glaucoma onset or progression.

Possibilities of Laser-Doppler Flowmetry in assessment of functional state of microcirculation

Aim . In the present study we evaluate the amplitude-frequency spectrum patterns of the relatively healthy individuals using the laser Doppler flowmetry with simultaneous registration of micro-flow in five points and application of orthostatic sample. Materials and methods . 144 healthy volunteers (69 women, 45 men) from 18 to 40 years old (the average age is 26±6) in a good physical condition were included in the exploration. The mobile flowmeters LAZMA-PF (Russia) was used to record blood flow. All patients were carried out by laser Doppler flowmetry with the use of orthostatic test. Measurements were recorded at the same time in five points (medial overhead areas, inner surface of forearms, overhead area). Results . We observed typical patterns of amplitude-frequency spectrum in the regions of arcs of aorta and upper hollow vein, as well as descending aorta and lower hollow vein. The changes are due to the body position alteration. By the monitoring blood flow in the upper extremity and the supercilium regions the spectral harmonic of the myogenic range (0.047–0.145Hz) dominated in the clinostatic position and the harmonic of the neurogenic range (0.02–0.046 Hz) was less noticed. In the signal spectrum obtained from the lower limbs the harmonic of the neurogenic range (0.02–0.046 Hz) dominated and the harmonic of the myogenic range (0.047–0.145Hz) was less noticed. In the orthostatic position in the region of upper extremities and supercilium, the harmonic amplitude of the neurogenic range increased regarding to the amplitude of the myogenic spectrum, and in the region of lower extremities, the harmonic amplitude of the myogenic range increased regarding to the amplitude of the neurogenic range. Conclusions . Using of the several sensors in the different body parts by the same time is improving the technique relevance. The healthy volunteers showed the typical patterns of slow wave part of ACS in the upper and lower parts of the body in clinostatic and orthostatic positions. The body position changing is reversing the patterns in the upper and lower body parts. Getting the postural test allows to assess the integrity of regulation mechanisms of microcirculation. The method used and the results need further investigation to determine the possibility to detect the functional and pathological changes, as well as compensatory possibilities of microcirculation in normal and in pathology.

Development of a Multidimensional, Multigroup Measure of Self-Care for Inpatient Rehabilitation

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a measure of clinician-observed and patient-performed self-care function for use during inpatient rehabilitation. DesignRetrospective analysis of self-care assessments collected by therapists using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) followed by multidimensional item response theory (MIRT). SettingFreestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the Midwestern United States. ParticipantsInpatients (N=7719) with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, neurologic disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions. InterventionsNot applicable Main Outcome MeasuresA total of 19 clinician-selected self-care measures including the FIM and patient-performed, clinician-rated measures of balance, upper extremity function, strength, changing body position, and swallowing. Clinicians completed assessments on admission and at least 1 interim assessment. ResultsCFA was completed for 3 patient groups defined by their highest level of balance (sitting, standing, walking). We reduced the number of items by 47.5% while maintaining acceptable internal consistency; unidimensionality within each item set required development of testlets. A recursive analysis defined a self-care measure with sensitivity (Cohen dmax−min =1.13; Cohen dlast−first.=0.91) greater than the FIM self-care items (dmax−min.=0.94; dlast−first .=0.83). The CFA models provided good to acceptable fit (root mean square error of approximations 0.03-0.06). Most patients with admission FIM self-care ratings of total assistance (88%, 297 of 338) made improvements on the MIRT self-care measure that were undetected by the FIM; the FIM detected no change for 26% of these patients (78 of 297). The remaining 74% (219 of 297) improved on the MIRT-based measure an average of 14 days earlier than was detected by the FIM. ConclusionsThis MIRT self-care measure possesses measurement properties that are superior to the FIM, particularly for patients near its floor or ceiling. Methods assure accommodation for multidimensionality and high levels of sensitivity. This self-care measure has the potential to improve monitoring of self-care and manage therapy effectively during inpatient rehabilitation.

Systematic changes of the static upper body posture with a symmetric occlusion condition

BackgroundTemporary occlusal changes and their influence on the upper body statics are still controversially discussed. Furthermore, concrete statements on whether age- or gender-specific differences in neurophysiological reactions exist are missing. Therefore, it is the aim of this study to evaluate the immediate effects of a symmetrical occlusion blocking on the upper body posture. These effects shall be investigated for both genders and for a larger age range.MethodsIn this study, 800 (407f/393 m) subjects volunteered aged from 21 to 60 years. Both genders were divided into four age groups according to decades. The three-dimensional upper body posture was measured by using the rasterstereography (ABW-Bodymapper). The habitual static posture was measured in two dental occlusion conditions (a) in rest position and (b) symmetrical blocking in the bicuspid region by cotton rolls.ResultsA significant reduction of the trunk length (0.72 mm; p < 0.001), an increase of the lumbar (0.30°; p < 0.001) and the thoracic bending angle (0.14°; p = 0.001), a reduction of the spinal forward decline (0.16°; p < 0.001) and a reduction of the scapular distance (0.36 mm; p = 0.001) was found. Gender-specific reactions can only be recorded in scapular distance, in that regard men reduce this distance while over all age groups women did not show a significant change.DiscussionSlight gender- and age-independent reactions due to a symmetric occlusion blockade are shown: A gender independent reaction of the spinal related variables in the sagittal plane (thoracic and lumbar flexion angle, trunk length, spinal forward decline). In addition, a gender specific change of the shoulder blade distance could be observed, where men reduced the distance while female did not show a change. However, since these reactions are of a minimum amount, it can be concluded that neurophysiological compensation mechanisms work equally well regardless of age and sex, and the upper body posture of healthy people changes only very slightly due to a temporarily symmetrical altered bite position.

The effect of physiotherapy including frequent changes of body position and stimulation to physical activity for infants hospitalised with acute airway infections. Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundEvery year, many infants are infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or other agents and need hospitalisation due to bronchiolitis. The disease causes much suffering and high costs. Thus, it is important that the treatment methods are both effective and cost-efficient. The use of different physiotherapy treatment methods is debated, and not all methods are evaluated scientifically. The clinical praxis in Sweden that includes frequent changes of body position and stimulation to physical activity has not previously been evaluated. The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate this praxis.MethodsThis study is a clinical two-centre individually randomised controlled trial (RCT) with three parallel groups. The participants will be randomly assigned to an individualised physiotherapy intervention, a non-individualised intervention, or a control group. All three groups will receive the standard care at the ward, and the two intervention groups will receive additional treatment, including different movements of the body. The primary outcome measure is a clinical index based on determinants for hospitalisation. Baseline assessments will be compared with the assessments after 24 h. The secondary outcome measures include vital signs, the parents’ observations, time spent at the hospital ward, and referrals to an intensive care unit. We also want see if there is any immediate effect of the first intervention, after 20 min.DiscussionThis study will add knowledge about the effect of two physiotherapy interventions that are commonly in use in Swedish hospitals for infants with bronchiolitis or other acute lower respiratory tract infections.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03575091. Registered July 2, 2018—retrospectively registered.

Effects of drop height, conveyor belt speed, and acceleration on the welfare of broiler chickens in early and later life

During automated processing in commercial hatcheries, day-old chicks are subjected to a range of possible mental and physical stressors. Three determinants of the processing line seem to have the potential to affect the birds in particular: drop height from one conveyor belt to another, conveyor belt speed, and acceleration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of these 3 factors on chicken health and welfare in early and later life. In a first trial, chickens were tested on an experimental processing line that was adjusted to different levels of drop heights, belt speeds, and accelerations separately (n = 14 animals per factor and increment). Besides the assessment of several indicators for disorientation during the treatment, postmortem radiographic images were created and analyzed with focus on traumatic injuries. The number of chickens changing their orientation after the drop was affected by drop height (P < 0.01), whereas body posture changes were affected both by drop height (P < 0.01) and belt speed (P < 0.01). Traumatic injuries were found only sporadically and were not related to a certain treatment. In a second trial, chickens that were exposed to a combination of the 3 processing factors were compared with an untreated control group (n = 63 per group) until 15 d of age. There were no differences between the 2 groups regarding BW, welfare scores, and fear-related responses in a novel object and in a tonic immobility test. The present results suggest that the treatments on the experimental conveyor belts affected the birds' health, welfare, and behavior to a limited extend. However, starting at a drop height of 280 mm and a conveyor belt speed of 27 m/min, significantly more chickens were not able to maintain their initial body position on the belt. This indicates that there may be scope for discomfort and welfare impairment if commercial systems are operated with considerably larger drop heights and at higher speeds.

МЕТОДИ ВИВЧЕННЯ РУХОВОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ У ТВАРИН

У огляді літератури наведені відомі методи вивчення рухової активності у тварин. Рухова активність тварин – це координоване скорочення скелетних м’язів, яке супроводжується зміною положення тіла в просторі. Рухова активність організму здійснюється за допомогою системи руху. ЦНС відповідає з координацію рухів тіла, а самі рухи виконуються м’язами за допомогою кісток скелета та їх з'єднань (суглобів, а також нерухомих та малорухомих з’єднань кісток). Усі кістки об’єднуються між собою різними видами сполучної тканини і утворюють скелет — пасивну частину системи руху, а прикріплені до кісток скелетні м'язи — її активну частину. Є досить багато методів і підходів визначення рухової активності тварин. Метою даної роботи було науково обґрунтувати та узагальнити існуючі методи визначення рухової активності сільськогосподарських та домашніх тварин і птиці.

NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION ON PRELOAD AND AFTERLOAD SENSITIVITY FOR USING VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE ON HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a surgically implanted mechanical pump being used for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). One of the significant clinical challenges in using LVADs is its remarkable changes in hemodynamic parameters during a change in body position from supine to standing. In standing position, vasodilatation of veins occurs in the legs, which decreases left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and, in turn, the preload to the LVAD. In this research, a numerical investigation is carried out to evaluate the effect of LVAD in cardiac hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output (CO) and stroke work (SW) under preload, normal, and afterload conditions. A Proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller associated with an LVAD pump model and cardiovascular system (CVS) model is developed to study the cardiac hemodynamic and its performance during HF condition by changing system parameters in one cardiac cycle. The performance of the proposed model is then evaluated using a pump cannulae model, real-time status detection of the aortic valve (av), and left ventricular stroke volume. The model parameters associated with HF, including contractility of the left and right ventricle ([Formula: see text] &amp; [Formula: see text]), systemic peripheral resistance ([Formula: see text]) and total blood volume ([Formula: see text]) were set 0.71[Formula: see text]mmHg.s.mL[Formula: see text], 0.53[Formula: see text]mmHg.s.mL[Formula: see text], 1.11[Formula: see text]mmHg.s.mL[Formula: see text] and 5800[Formula: see text]mL, respectively, to allow simulation of HF conditions. The findings of this study show that the CO is increasing linearly with end-diastolic left ventricular volume (LVEDV) and end-diastolic right ventricular volume (RVEDV). However, other vital parameters behavior has a nonlinear relation to CO. Results of this study prove that the LVAD model is more sensitive to preload than afterload condition under different hemodynamical conditions.

Structured-light surface scanning system to evaluate breast morphology in standing and supine positions

Breast shapes are affected by gravitational loads and deformities. Measurements obtained in the standing position may not correlate well with measurements in the supine position, which is more representative of patient position during breast surgery. A dual color 3D surface imaging system capable of scanning patients in both supine and standing positions was developed to evaluate the effect of changes in body posture on breast morphology. The system was evaluated with breast phantoms to assess accuracy, then tested on ten subjects in three body postures to assess its effectiveness as a clinical tool. The accuracy of the system was within 0.4 mm on average across the model. For the human study, there was no effect of body posture on breast volumes (p value > 0.05), but we observed an effect of completeness of breast scans on body posture (p value < 0.05). Post-hoc tests showed that the supine position and the standing position with hands at the waist differed significantly (p value < 0.05). This study shows that the system can quantitatively evaluate the effect of subject postures, and thereby has the potential to be used to investigate peri-operative changes in breast morphology.

Vojta therapy improves postural control in very early stroke rehabilitation: a randomised controlled pilot trial

BackgroundIt is still unclear, which physiotherapeutic approaches are most effective in stroke recovery. Vojta therapy is a type of physiotherapy that was originally developed for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Vojta therapy has been reported to improve automatic control of body posture. Because acute stroke patients are characterised by a disturbance in the ability to adapt to changes in body position, requiring automatic postural adjustment, we decided to investigate Vojta therapy in the early rehabilitation of stroke patients. Aim of the trial was to test the hypothesis that Vojta therapy - as a new physiotherapeutic approach in early stroke recovery - improves postural control and motor function in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) or intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).MethodsThis prospective, randomised controlled trial included patients with imaging-confirmed AIS or ICH, severe hemiparesis and randomly assigned them to Vojta therapy or standard physiotherapy within 72 h after stroke onset. Main exclusion criterion was restricted ability to communicate. Primary endpoint was the improvement of postural control measured by the Trunk Control Test (TCT) on day 9 after admission. Secondary endpoint among others was improvement of arm function (measured with Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients [MESUPES]).ResultsForty patients (20 per group) were randomised into the trial. Median age was 75 (66–80) years, 50% were women. The median improvement in TCT within 9 days was 25.5 points (=25.5%) (interquartile range [IQR] 12.5–42.5) in the Vojta group and 0 (IQR 0–13) in the control group (p = 0.001). Patients treated with Vojta therapy achieved a greater improvement in the MESUPES than patients in the control group (20% vs 10%, p = 0.006).ConclusionThis first randomised controlled trial of Vojta therapy in acute stroke patients demonstrates improvement of postural control through Vojta therapy compared to standard physiotherapy. Although this trial has some methodical weaknesses, Vojta therapy might be a promising approach in early stroke rehabilitation and should be studied in larger trials.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03035968. Registered 30 January 2017 – Retrospectively registered; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Perioperative non-invasive versus semi-invasive cardiac index monitoring in patients with bariatric surgery \u2013 a prospective observational study

BackgroundIn morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, the combination of obesity-related comorbidities, pneumoperitoneum and extreme posture changes constitutes a high risk of perioperative hemodynamic complications. Thus, an advanced hemodynamic monitoring including continuous cardiac index (CI) assessment is desirable. While invasive catheterization may bear technical difficulties, transesophageal echocardiography is contraindicated due to the surgical procedure. Evidence on the clinical reliability of alternative semi- or non-invasive cardiac monitoring devices is limited. The aim was to compare the non-invasive vascular unloading to a semi-invasive pulse contour analysis reference technique for continuous CI measurements in bariatric surgical patients.MethodsThis prospective observational study included adult patients scheduled for elective, laparoscopic bariatric surgery after obtained institutional ethics approval and written informed consent. CI measurements were performed using the vascular unloading technique (Nexfin®) and semi-invasive reference method (FloTrac™). At 10 defined measurement time points, the influence of clinically indicated body posture changes, passive leg raising, fluid bolus administration and pneumoperitoneum was evaluated pre- and intraoperatively. Correlation, Bland-Altman and concordance analyses were performed.ResultsSixty patients (mean BMI 49.2 kg/m2) were enrolled into the study and data from 54 patients could be entered in the final analysis. Baseline CI was 3.2 ± 0.9 and 3.3 ± 0.8 l/min/m2, respectively. Pooled absolute CI values showed a positive correlation (rs = 0.76, P < 0.001) and mean bias of of − 0.16 l/min/m2 (limits of agreement: − 1.48 to 1.15 l/min/m2) between the two methods. Pooled percentage error was 56.51%, missing the criteria of interchangeability (< 30%). Preoperatively, bias ranged from − 0.33 to 0.08 l/min/m2 with wide limits of agreement. Correlation of CI was best (rs = 0.82, P < 0.001) and percentage error lowest (46.34%) during anesthesia and after fluid bolus administration. Intraoperatively, bias ranged from − 0.34 to − 0.03 l/min/m2 with wide limits of agreement. CI measurements correlated best during pneumoperitoneum and after fluid bolus administration (rs = 0.77, P < 0.001; percentage error 35.95%). Trending ability for all 10 measurement points showed a concordance rate of 85.12%, not reaching the predefined Critchley criterion (> 92%).ConclusionNon-invasive as compared to semi-invasive CI measurements did not reach criteria of interchangeability for monitoring absolute and trending values of CI in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.Trial registrationThe study was registered retrospectively on June 12, 2017 with the registration number NCT03184272.

Spine curvature data measurement and its application on product development

Human Spinal Column important structure thatgives strength and support to the entire upper body. The entire vertebral column is divided into Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum, and Coccyx. The normal spine curvature consists of cervical curve, thoracic curve, lumber curve andsacral curve. The normal spine has an S-shaped curve when viewed from the sideways. Two alternating curves to create an S like structure areLordotic Curve (Lordosis) andKyphotic curve (Kyphosis).It has been suggested that deviations in one or both of these variables may increase a person’s risk of developing back pain. Human spine curvature datarequiredin various field including – to study how heavy school bags affects posture/curvature of school going kids,spine curvature changes due to aging,posture changes with pregnancy,upper body posture changes due to mobile phone use,body posture changes due to sitting posture / office ergonomics, etc.Besides, the human spine curvature data are required for product development such as a mattress, chair, automobile seat, pillow, rehabilitation pads, school bag, baby carrier, assistive product for pregnant women/elderly, etc. The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of spine curvature data measurement and its applications on product development.

High-frequency hearing in a hummingbird.

Some hummingbirds produce unique high-frequency vocalizations. It remains unknown whether these hummingbirds can hear these sounds, which are produced at frequencies beyond the range at which most birds can hear. Here, we show behavioral and neural evidence of high-frequency hearing in a hummingbird, the Ecuadorian Hillstar (Oreotrochilus chimborazo). In the field, hummingbirds responded to playback of high-frequency song with changes in body posture and approaching behavior. We assessed neural activation by inducing ZENK expression in the brain auditory areas in response to the high-frequency song. We found higher ZENK expression in the auditory regions of hummingbirds exposed to the high-frequency song compared to controls, while no difference was observed in the hippocampus between groups. The behavioral and neural responses show that this hummingbird can hear sounds at high frequencies. This is the first evidence of the use of high-frequency vocalizations and high-frequency hearing in conspecific communication in a bird.

Acute and chronic effect of stretching exercise on posture and flexibility of nurses and licensed practical nurses

Introduction: nurses and licensed practical nurses are among the most affected by postural deviations and their drawbacks, in the world. One of the ways to mitigate these ills is physical exercise, and it can be done at work environment, however, not as a form of workout gymnastics. Objective: To verify the effects of a muscle stretching exercise program (MSE) on posture and flexibility of nurses. Methods: Controlled clinical experiment with 28 nurses, aged 18-60 years, divided into experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=13). Anthropometric measures, flexibility and body posture of the trunk were performed. The intervention was of 08 weeks of MSE; each session lasted 40 min. The exercises had four sets of 30s of tension for 30s of the interval. An independent t-test compared the characteristics of the samples. The chi-square test treated the results regarding body posture, and the level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results: MSE promoted positive and chronic positive changes in the Experimental Group with attenuation of the concavities of the vertebral column in the cervical and thoracic regions. In the alignment of the cervical region and the curvature of the lumbar region, the effects were observed after the eight weeks of training, including sharp reduction of gibbosity in the scapula region after the exercise session. Conclusion: MSE promoted acute and chronic positive changes in body posture and flexibility in nurses.

Effect of Posture on Electrical Axis of Heart During Different Phases of Breathing in Normal Subjects

Introduction: Body postural changes are commonly used in the management of patients with acute cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Size, shape and position of heart are related to the body type, posture and respiration. Effect of change in body posture on electrical axis of heart has not been well documented. .The present study was conducted to study the effect of posture on electrical axis of heart during different phases of breathing in normal subjects. Aim: To study the effect of posture on electrical axis of heart during different phases of breathing. Materials and Method: With the help of INCO RMS Vesta 101 electrocardiograph, ECG was recorded in the following normal breathing, deep inspiration and deep expiration in supine, standing and sitting posture. Results: The mean cardiac axis after deep expiration in supine posture was +47.29 degrees, in the sitting posture it was +32.67 degrees and in standing posture it was +30.69 degrees. The decrease in cardiac axis upon assuming sitting posture was significantly different from the value obtained during supine posture (P&lt;0.05). The decrease in cardiac axis upon assuming standing posture was significantly different from the value obtained during supine posture (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: It was found inter-individual variability in electrical axis of heart which can be explained on the basis of orientation of heart in the chest. In the present study, the decrease in cardiac axis due to postural variation from supine to sitting and standing was more pronounced after deep expiration. There was decrease in electrical axis of heart (shift to left) when subject changed the posture from supine to sitting and standing.