Digital Bathroom Scales Research Articles

The determination of sarcopenia in older adults using a practical measure.

Many older adults are at risk of sarcopenia, a gradual loss of muscle mass affecting muscle strength and physical function, which can lead to adverse health consequences deteriorating their independence. However, the detection could be delayed due to the requirement of many measures, including a complex imaging modality. Thus, an exploration for a practical community- or home-based measure would be helpful to identify at-risk older adults and begin the timely management. To explore the ability of the upper limb loading during a seated push-up test (ULL-SPUT) to determine the presence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Older adults (n= 110; 62 females, average age approximately 77 years) were cross-sectionally assessed for sarcopenia using standard measures (handgrip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and walking speed) and the ULL-SPUT. Data from standard measures indicated that 44 participants had sarcopenia. The ULL-SPUT index of < 16.9kg/m2 for females (sensitivity = 86%, specificity = 78%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.85) and < 19.7kg/m2 for males (sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 69%, AUC = 0.83) could optimally identify participants with sarcopenia. The ULL-SPUT index could be used to screen and monitor older adults with sarcopenia in various clinical, community, and home settings. This practical measure may be accomplished using a digital bathroom scale on a hard, even surface. Outcomes would identify an adult who should undergo further confirmation of sarcopenia through standard measures or the initiation of timely management to promote treatment effectiveness.

Ability to detect history of falls among individuals with spinal cord injury using upper limb loading during a seated push-up test.

A history of falls is an important risk factor for future falls, including for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who often experience falls and subsequent injuries. This may be even more pronounced during the current COVID-19 pandemic because of the extreme shortage of hospital admission and restricted access to important services. Therefore, the ability of detecting a history of falls that can be applied to wheelchair users and ambulatory individuals with SCI in various settings are essential. To investigate the discriminative ability of three clinical measures-the handgrip (HG) test, Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) III and Upper Limb Loading During a Seated Push-Up Test (ULL-SPUT)-in discriminating individuals with SCI with and without a history of falls over the past six months. A 6-month retrospective observational cohort study. Inpatient tertiary rehabilitation center. One hundred and fourteen wheelchair users and ambulatory individuals with SCI. The participants were interviewed and assessed for their demographics, SCI characteristics and fall data over the past six months, with data confirmation from related events, their caregivers and medical records. Subsequently, they were assessed using the HG test, SCIM III, and ULL-SPUT. In total, 29 participants (25%) fell during the past six months (with the number of falls ranging from 1-20, with minor consequences after the falls). Among the three clinical measures assessed in this study, the ULL-SPUT data of faller participants were significantly higher than those of non-fallers (P<0.05). The limited rehabilitation length and increased staying home and social isolation prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced the fall rates of the participants. The findings suggest a higher likelihood of falls among wheelchair users and ambulatory individuals with SCI who have good mobility as determined using ULL-SPUT data. Apart from being an important rehabilitation strategy, the present findings suggest an additional benefit of ULL-SPUT to identify individuals with SCI with a likelihood of future falls. The measurement can be done easily using digital bathroom scales placing over a flat and smooth surface. Therefore, it would enable the timely initiation of fall prevention strategies in various clinical, community, home and research settings; particularly in this COVID-19 pandemic of limited beds and hospital services for these individuals.

The use of simple muscle strength tests to reflect body compositions among individuals with spinal cord injury

A cross-sectional study. To investigate the correlation between simple muscle strength tests (including handgrip test and upper limb loading during a seated push-up test [ULL-SPUT]) and body compositions among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). A tertiary rehabilitation center. Twenty-four participants with SCI (average age of 40 years) were cross-sectionally assessed using handgrip test, ULL-SPUT, and body compositions (including skeletal muscle mass, bone mineral content, and fat mass) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. The handgrip data had low-to-moderate correlation to body compositions of the arms (rs = 0.474-0.515, p < 0.05), while the ULL-SPUT data were low-to-excellently correlated to all body compositions of the arms, legs, and trunk (rs, r = 0.467-0.921, p < 0.05). The findings extend clinical benefit of a SPUT apart from being a rehabilitation strategy to promote mobility of individuals with SCI. Simple measurement of the ULL-SPUT, which can be done using digital bathroom scales placed on a hard and even surface, appears to be strongly correlated with body compositions in a small sample of predominantly middle age, normal weight, men with paraplegia. More research is required to understand whether this test can be used clinically to assess body compositions in a more diverse SCI population, and whether it is responsive to changes in body compositions over time.

Digital bathroom scales with open source software provide valid dynamic ground reaction force data for assessment and biofeedback

BackgroundMeasuring dynamic vertical ground reaction force allows for assessment of important clinical and physical capacity factors such as weight bearing asymmetry, force distribution, and rate of force development. However, current technologies for accurately assessing ground reaction force are typically expensive. Research QuestionThe aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of obtaining static and dynamic ground reaction force data from low-cost modified digital bathroom scales. MethodsFour modified bathroom scales, two units each of two different brands, were examined. Repeated mechanical loading trials were performed with known loads ranging from 0.01 to 65 kg, with acquired data compared against the known loading to calculate accuracy, hysteresis, and non-linearity. Dynamic trials consisting of 5 times sit-to-stand and weight-shifting were performed by 32 adults. Absolute and relative agreement intraclass correlation coefficient, and Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations were performed to determine validity and reliability for the mechanical tests. Bland-Altmann plots were created for each comparison. Mean absolute error (MAE) and unbiased cross-correlation were performed on the dynamic data, comparing the calibrated data to the known values from a Bertec force platform. ResultsHysteresis and non-linearity were excellent (<0.2 % full-scale), and mechanical test results showed excellent reliability and validity. Cross-correlation results for the dynamic data were excellent, however MAE for the more rapid sit-to-stand task was higher than the slower weight-shifting test. This may have been due to the low default sampling rate for the lowest noise setting of the HX711 amplifier (10 Hz). SignificanceIn summary, our results suggest that digital bathroom scales can be easily and inexpensively modified to obtain accurate vertical ground reaction force data, with sensitivity to detect changes of as little as 0.01 kg.

Malnutrition and Associated Factors with Nutritional Status among Orphan Children: An Evidence-Based Study from Nepal

Background: Malnutrition is a common public health problem among children in low and middle-income developing countries. Orphan's children are vulnerable and neglected groups in society and are more prone to malnutrition. The study aims to identify the prevalence of underweight, stunting, thinness, and factors associated with nutritional status among orphan children. Methods: Quantitative method &amp; analytical cross-sectional research design were used to assess the nutritional status and its associated factors among orphan children in Pokhara Valley, Nepal. The sample size of 160 children was obtained by a simple random technique. The semi-structured questionnaire, digital bathroom scale, stadiometer was used as the data collection technique. Data management and analysis were done from Epi-info, SPSS 25 version, and WHO Anthro plus. Findings: The majority of children were malnourished (80.6%) with the prevalence of stunting (55.1%), thinness (13.8%), and overweight (6.9%). Prevalence of underweight, stunting, and thinness was high among the boys (85.5%, 26.3%, and 15.8%), but overweight was more prevalent among the girls (7.1%). Ethnicity, sex, age, stay duration in an orphanage, and education of caregivers was associated with the nutritional status of orphan children (p &lt;0.05). Non-privileged children and children below 11 years were more prone to malnutrition. Conclusion: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in orphan children and needs to be addressed. There is still limited study available on the nutritional status of orphan children in Nepal. Nutritional status should be monitored regularly for early identification and timely intervention of malnutrition to promote the nutrition health status of orphan children

An Efficient Implementation of Hybrid Carry Select Adder Using Parallel Prefix Addition and Binary to Excess 1 Conversion

One of the fastest adder architecture among the prevailing adder architectures. Adders are digital logic devices that add binary numbers together. They are commonly used as a component in an Arithmetic Logic Unit which itself is a component in Central Processing Unit. As a result any electronic device that has a Microcontroller or a CPU such as smart thermostats, digital alarm clock, digital wrist watches, and digital bathroom scales etc use adder circuit. In this work, we present an 8 bit hybrid Carry Select Adder architecture. It employs Parallel prefix addition using Kogge stone adder structure, Brent Kung adder structure, Han Carlson Adder structure and Ladner Fischer adder structures. It also employs Binary to Excess 1 code converter along with parallel prefix adders. Affirmation of the suggested design completed using Verilog code and simulated using Xilinx ISE 14.7 and the power, area and delay results were calculated using Cadence software. Comparisons with existing conventional adder architecture certify its better quality. The experimental analysis probes that the recommended hybrid carry select adder results threefold advantages in regards with speed, area and power.

HUBUNGAN ASUPAN KARBOHIDRAT DAN STATUS GIZI DENGAN TINGKAT KEBUGARAN JASMANI PADA ATLET BASKET REMAJA SISWA SEKOLAH MENENGAH PERTAMA

Good physical fi tness in athletes is essential in order to reach maximum performance during the game. Factors which affect the physical fi tness are nutrition intake, nutritional status dan age. The role of carbohydrates in sports is very important to spare muscle glycogen during exercise. This study purpose was to analyze the correlation between carbohydrate intake, nutritional status and physical fi tness in adolescent athletes of junior high school. This study used a cross-sectional study design. Total subjects in this study using a total population of about 37 people who are members of basketball team in junior high school 2 Ngamprah West Bandung District. Data of Carbohydrate intake was obtained through semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire method. Nutritional status was obtained by measuring body weight using digital bathroom scales and measuring height using microtoise tools. The average intake of carbohydrates was 375.4 grams which was 29.7% have a less carbohydrate intake and 70.3% have a adequate carbohydrate intake, average BMI for age z-score was -0.166 SD as much as 2.7% have a very thin nutritional status, 5.4% have a thin nutritional status, 70.3% have a normal nutritional status, 13.5% overweight and 8.1% obese. The average fi tness score was 14.9 (range 5-20) that means average they have a good physical fi tness which was as much as 13.5% have a lack physical fi tness and 86.5% have a good physical fi tness. Results revealed that there is correlation between carbohydrate intake and physical fi tness (p=0.025 and r= -0.367), nutritional status and physical fi tness (p =0.038 and r = 0.342). The conclusion of this study is carbohydrate intake and nutritional status related to the physical fi tness of adolescence basketballs athletes. Adolescent basketball athletes are advised to provide carbohydrate intake and maintain their nutritional status in the normal category in order to have good physical fi tness.

Hubungan Status Gizi dengan Kejadian Anemia Gizi Besi (AGB) pada Siswi SMA di Kecamatan Pakem

Background : Nutritional problems frequently experienced by adolescents is anemia. Anemia is a condition with blood hemoglobin levels were lower than normal as a result of the inability of tissues forming red blood cells in its production in order to maintain hemoglobin levels at normal levels. The prevalence of anemia in women age 15 and older, according to Riset Kesehatan Dasar in 2013 by 22.7%.&#x0D; Objective : The purpose of this study analyze the relationship between nutritional status and the incidence of iron deficiency anemia&#x0D; among high school students in Pakem.&#x0D; Method : This observational study using cross sectional approach, implemented in four high schools in the District of Pakem. The population in this study were students of class X and XI in four high school in Pakem. The independent variables were the nutritional status. The dependent variable is the iron anemia. Hemoglobin levels were measured by the method cyanmethemoglobin, weight was measured with a digital bathroom scales, height measured by microtoise. Data analysis used chi-square statistic.&#x0D; Conclusion : Based on the analysis proves that there is a relationship of nutritional status according to BMI / U with the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in high school in Pakem with p = 0.017.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: nutritional status , anemia , High School students

Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Adolescent Students in Public Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

Adolescents and childhood overweight and obesity have been observed as one of the serious public health challenges of the 21st century by World Health Organization. This study identified the determinants of overweight and obesity among adolescents in public schools in Kwara state, Nigeria. Multistage and stratified sampling techniques were used to randomly select 515 participants which comprised of 343 girls and 172 boys aged (10-19) years in 8 public secondary schools from 32 schools in 2 zonal inspectorate divisions. Data was collected using modified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Digital bathroom scale and stadiometer were used to measure weight and height of the participants. (SPSS, Version 20) and WHO Anthroplus were used to analyze the data Overall prevalence of overweight is (4.7%) and obesity (0.2%), while prevalence for male and female overweight (0.6%, 6.7%) and obesity (0%, 0.3%) respectively. Calculated mean BMI for age of the participants was (19.72± 2.62) kg/m2. Overweight and obesity were positive but weakly correlated to food consumption (FC) of participants (r= 0.012), however the relationship was significant (p&lt; 0.001). Furthermore, overweight and obesity were negatively correlated with no significance to the physical activity level of participants (r=-0.105). Participants need to consume more of low calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables and should also engage in more physical activity practices such as aerobics to lower overweight and obesity prevalence.

674 Pulmonary Function and Nutritional Status of Children Exposed to Small Scale Agate Industrial Units in Shakarpur, Gujarat - India

BackgroundIn Shakarpur of Khambhat, a coastal city of Gujarat, India, several small agate polishing units operate from individual houses. Prevalence of Silicosis and other co-morbid conditions is systematically documented recently....

Comparison of a one-time educational intervention to a teach-to-goal educational intervention for self-management of heart failure: design of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is common, costly and associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life, particularly for patients with low socioeconomic status. Self-management training has been shown to reduce HF related morbidity and hospitalization rates, but there is uncertainty about how best to deliver such training and what patients benefit. This study compares a single session self-management HF training program against a multiple session training intervention and examines whether their effects differ by literacy level.Methods/DesignIn this randomized controlled multi-site trial, English and Spanish-speaking patients are recruited from university-affiliated General Internal Medicine and Cardiology clinics at 4 sites across the United States. Eligible patients have HF with New York Heart Association class II-IV symptoms and are prescribed a loop diuretic. Baseline data, including literacy level, are collected at enrollment and follow-up surveys are conducted at 1, 6 and 12 monthsUpon enrollment, both the control and intervention groups receive the same 40 minute, literacy-sensitive, in-person, HF education session covering the 4 key self-management components of daily self assessment and having a plan, salt avoidance, exercise, and medication adherence. All participants also receive a literacy-sensitive workbook and a digital bathroom scale. After the baseline education was completed, patients are randomly allocated to return to usual care or to receive ongoing education and training. The intervention group receives an additional 20 minutes of education on weight and symptom-based diuretic self-adjustment, as well as periodic follow-up phone calls from the educator over the course of 1 year. These phone calls are designed to reinforce the education, assess participant knowledge of the education and address barriers to success.The primary outcome is the combined incidence of all cause hospitalization and death. Secondary outcomes include HF-related quality of life, HF-related hospitalizations, knowledge regarding HF, self-care behavior, and self-efficacy. The effects of each intervention will be stratified by patient literacy, in order to identify any differential effects.DiscussionEnrollment of the proposed 660 subjects will continue through the end of 2009. Outcome assessments are projected to be completed by early 2011.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00378950

Weightbearing during comfortable stance in patients with stroke: Accuracy and reliability of measurements

This study was designed to describe the accuracy and intrasession reliability of weightbearing measurements obtained with digital bathroom scales during comfortable bilateral upright stance in patients with stroke. The 20 subjects were all independently ambulatory with a unilateral assistive device. Their weightbearing during comfortable stance was measured over three trials. Analysis of variance revealed that the sum of the weightbearing measurements of the paretic and nonparetic sides did not differ significantly from total body weight. Thus, the measurements were considered accurate. Some variability in the weightbearing measurements was demonstrated with analysis of variance, which revealed significant differences between trials on both sides. Nevertheless, reliability as described by intraclass correlation coefficients was good (0.829 paretic side, 0.876 nonparetic side). Although such reliability is sufficient to justify clinical use, methods for increasing reliability should be examined.

Weight distribution when standing: The influence of a single point cane in patients with stroke

The purpose of this study of stroke patients was to assess, during comfortable stance, the effect of changing cane conditions on the weight-bearing ratio (WBR), the effect of changing cane length (elbow angle) on the force through the cane, and the relationship between the force through the cane and the WBR. All patients were hemiparetic (11 right, 9 left) and ambulatory with a unilateral assistive device. Subjects were measured under four different cane conditions (no cane, and cane with the elbow at 20, 30 and 40 degrees). Readings were taken using digital bathroom scales (one under the cane and each lower extremity). The WBR was calculated as the weight through the non-paretic lower extremity/weight through the paretic lower extremity. An analysis of variance was used to compare both the WBR and the force through the cane between the cane conditions. A Pearson correlation (r) was used to determine the relationship between the cane force and the WBR. The WBR did not differ between the four cane conditio...