Extremity Strength Research Articles

The Relationship Between Upper Extremity, Trunk and Hip Muscle Strength and the Modified Upper Quarter Y-balance Test

The Relationship Between Upper Extremity, Trunk and Hip Muscle Strength and the Modified Upper Quarter Y-balance Test

Cosmic Ray Detector Using Geiger Tubes and Coincident Pulses

Cosmic Rays (CRs) are extreme strength particles resigning from outside the Earth and transported through space. These atoms can considerably impact human fitness, aviation and photo electric suppliers. A high energy radiation from space indicator is a tool that detects and measures the force of limitless beams. In this project, one can build a high energy radiation from space indicator utilizing two Geiger Muller tubes, Lead sheets, a stiff frame, a Microcontroller and a Protractor to regulate the frame at certain angle. At different altitudes, at different temperatures, at different humidities, we can identify and record CRs. A portable Muon Detector project that incorporates two Geiger Tubes enclosed within a lead sheet for detecting CRs. The system utilizes a coincidence circuit login to enhance the detection accuracy and reduce false positive rates. Additionally, the device is equipped with sensors to collect data on Temperature, Humidity, Latitude, Longitude and Atmospheric Pressure. The combination of these features provides a comprehensive and versatile solution for studying Muons and their interactions with the surrounding environment.

Lower hardness than strength: The auxetic composite microstructure of limpet tooth.

The limpet tooth is widely recognized as nature's strongest material, with reported strength values up to 6.5 GPa. Recently, microscale auxeticity has been discovered in the leading part of the tooth, providing a possible explanation for this extreme strength. Utilizing micromechanical experiments, we find hardness values in nanoindentation that are lower than the respective strength observed in micropillar compression tests. Using micromechanical modeling, we show that this unique behavior is a result of local tensile strains during indentation, originating from the microscale auxeticity. As the limpet tooth lacks ductility, these tensile strains lead to microdamage in the auxetic regions of the microstructure. Consequently, indentation with a sharp indenter always probes a damaged version of the material, explaining the lower hardness and modulus values gained from nanoindentation. Micropillar tests were found to be mostly insensitive to such microdamage due to the lower applied strain and are therefore the suggested method for characterizing auxetic nanocomposites. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work explores the micromechanical properties of limpet teeth, nature's strongest biomaterial, using micropillar compression testing and nanoindentation. The limpet tooth microstructure consists of ceramic nanorods embedded in a matrix of amorphous SiO2 and arranged in a pattern that leads to local auxetic behavior. We report lower values for nanoindentation hardness than for compressive strength, a unique behavior usually not achievable in conventional materials. Utilizing micromechanical finite element simulations, we identify the reason for this behavior to be microdamage formation resultant of the auxetic behavior, sharp indenter tip and lack of ductility of the limpet tooth microstructure. This formation of microdamage is not expected in micropillar compression tests due to lower locally imposed strain.

Feature selection, construction and test of model for estimating lower extremity strength of older adults using foot motion measured by an in-shoe motion sensor.

Lower extremity strength (LES) is essential to support activities in daily living. To extend healthy life expectancy of elderly people, early detection of LES weakness is important. In this study, we challenge to develop a method for LES assessment in daily living via an in-shoe motion sensor (IMS). To construct the estimation model, we collected data from 62 subjects. We used the outcome of the five-times-sit-to-stand test to represent the performance of LES as the target variable. Predictors were constructed from the subjects' foot motions measured by the IMS during straight path walking. We used the leave-one-subject-out least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm to select features and construct respective models for the males and females. As a result, the models achieved fair and a good intra-class correlation coefficient agreement between the true and estimation values, with mean absolute errors of 2.14 and 1.21 s (variation of 23.6 and 16.0%), respectively. To validate the models, we separately collected data from 45 subjects. The models successfully predicted 100% and 90% of the male and female subjects' data, respectively, which suggests the robustness of the constructed estimation models. The results suggested that LES can be identified more effectively in daily living by wearing an IMS, and the use of an IMS has the potential for future frailty and fall risk assessment applications.

Test research on flexural strength of soil-cement reinforced with carbon fibers

In order to verify the feasibility of using chopped carbon fibers to reinforce soil-cement, the orthogonal test and verification test of flexural strength had been carried out and the correctness and effectiveness of the test results had been clarified. The test results indicated that the addition of carbon fibers could make the flexural strength of soil-cement improved effectively and change the brittle failure of soil-cement into plastic failure. The flexural strength of carbon fiber soil-cement (CFSC) could reach 0.509 MPa, that was 31.5 % higher than that (0.387 MPa) of the plain soil-cement in the standard condition. All the first extreme flexural strength (e.g. the flexural strength), yield strength, second extreme flexural strength and residual strength increased first and then decreased with the increase of either fiber content or fiber length. Thus, excessive fiber content and fiber length were not better and the optimum values were existent with 0.6 % and 15 mm respectively under the test conditions agreed in this study. The change magnitude of the yield strength, second extreme flexural strength and residual strength was much greater than that of the first extreme flexural strength. So the strengthening effect of the carbon fibers on soil-cement was better for its toughness and ductility than for its flexural strength. The order of soil type corresponding with the flexural strength of CFSC from high to low was clay, silty clay, mucky silty clay, silt and fine sand. The flexural strength of CFSC increased linearly with the increase of cement content and the economical cement content was obtained as 15 %. The flexural strength of CFSC increased quickly between the 3 d and 14 d, slowly between the 14 d and 28 d and very slowly after 28 d, but still was increasing. The interaction mechanism between carbon fibers and soil-cement had been analyzed from a macro and a micro perspective respectively. The modified multivariate nonlinear regression model was proposed. The results and conclusions above could provide reference and basis for the application and popularization of CFSC in actual engineering.

Validation of a bluetooth-enabled load cell for objective and accessible assessment of lower extremity strength

ABSTRACT High magnitude loading from performing resistance-based exercise has been found to improve tendon strength and reduce symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy (AT) but is difficult to quantify without specialist equipment. Here, we assess the validity and reliability of a novel AT rehabilitation tool (the “PhysViz” system) compared to a “gold-standard” dynamometer for assessing plantarflexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). 41 participants aged 18–60 completed the study. A within-subject test–retest study design was used to examine and compare the validity and reliability of the two systems during plantarflexion MVICs. Test – retest reliability of the two methods were determined by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals. Method agreement was assessed with Bland – Altman Limits of Agreement (LoA) analysis. The PhysViz demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability; ICC, SEM and MDC were numerically comparable to the dynamometer (ICC 0.93 vs. 0.92; SEM 2.01 vs. 2.95 kg and MDC 5.58 vs. 8.18 kg, respectively), indicating that the novel system is valid and reliable for measuring plantarflexor MVICs. Future studies should address its utility in monitoring AT rehabilitative loading remotely over time.

A clinical practice review of therapeutic movement-based anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction return to sports bridge program: the biological, biomechanical and behavioral rationale.

This clinical practice review describes the biological, biomechanical and behavioral rationale behind a return to sport bridge program used predominantly with non-elite, youth and adolescent high school and college athletes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Post-physiotherapy, this program has produced outcomes that meet or exceed previous reports. With consideration for athletic identity and the Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands (SAID) principle, the early program focus was on restoring non-impaired bilateral lower extremity joint mobility and bi-articular musculotendinous extensibility. Building on this foundation, movement training education, fundamental bilateral lower extremity strength and power, and motor learning was emphasized with use of external focus cues and ecological dynamics-social cognition considerations. Plyometric and agility tasks were integrated to enhance fast twitch muscle fiber recruitment, anaerobic metabolic energy system function, and fatigue resistance. The ultimate goal was to achieve the lower extremity neuromuscular control and activation responsiveness needed for bilateral dynamic knee joint stability. The rationale and conceptual basis of selected movement tasks and general philosophy of care concepts are described and discussed in detail. Based on the previously reported efficacy of this movement-based therapeutic exercise program we recommend that supplemental programs such as this become standard practice following release from post-surgical physiotherapy and before return to sports decision-making.

The relationship between bone parameters, body composition, and lower extremity strength in road cyclists.

This study aimed to compare the relationships between bone and body composition parameters, and isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force of knee extensor (KE) muscles in road cyclists and untrained controls. Twelve male road cyclists and 12 controls aged 20-34 years participated. The isometric MVC force of the KE muscles was assessed by a custom-made dynamometer. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition were assessed using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. No differences were found in body mass, lean body mass, leg lean mass, MVC, whole body, and leg BMD and BMC between cyclists and controls. Controls had a significantly greater (P<0.001) body mass index (BMI), whole body (P<0.01), and leg fat (P<0.001) mass than athletes. In road cyclists, BMC correlated positively with body mass (r=0.73; P<0.01) and BMI (r=0.65; P<0.05), body (r=0.85; P<0.001) and leg lean mass (r=0.81; P<0.001); BMD correlated positively with lean body mass (r=0.60; P<0.05), leg lean mass (r=0.65 and r=0.60; P<0.05). MVC of KE muscles correlated positively with bone parameters (P<0.01) and lean mass (P<0.05) only in controls. Regular cycling training was associated with lower BMI, and body and leg fat mass. There were no significant differences in bone parameters, body and leg lean mass, and isometric MVC force of KE muscle variables between road cyclists and controls. In road cyclists, bone parameters are associated with body mass, and body and leg lean mass, but not with the isometric strength of KE muscles.

Investigation of the relationship between isokinetic lower extremity strength and the vertical jump parameter in elite women football players

Background and Study Aim. It can be said that recently, with the popularity of women's football and playing at a professional level, physical and physiological needs have increased. In this context, this study was conducted to examine the relationship between isokinetic lower extremity strength and vertical jump parameters in elite female football players. Material and Methods. The model of the research was the relational survey model, one of the survey models. The research group consisted of 26 volunteer professional female football players competing at the Turkish women's super league level. The maximum strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles of female soccer players was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer device (Cybex NORM®, Humac, CA, USA) that allows the recording of instant isokinetic torque. The vertical jump test data of the female football players were determined with the Fusion Sport-Smart Jump brand jump mat. While SPSS 25.0 package program was used for statistical analysis evaluation, correlation analysis was applied to compare the relationship between isokinetic lower extremity strength and vertical jump parameter. Results. When the participants' vertical jump, right knee flexion and extension degrees were examined, a moderate positive correlation was found between the vertical jump parameter and the 240s Flexion Right %Body Weight values, and no relationship was found between the other parameters and the vertical jump. A moderate positive correlation was detected between the vertical jump parameter and 240s Flexion Left %Body Weight. Another moderate positive correlation was found between the vertical jump parameter and 240s Extension Left %Body Weight values. At the same time, no relation was found between other parameters and vertical jumps. Conclusions. As a result, when the study results were evaluated, a positive relationship was determined between vertical jump and right knee flexion parameters and similarly left knee flexion-extension parameters. Based on this situation, it was concluded that the contraction levels of the lower extremity strength, which plays an important role in determining the performance in the football branch, contribute positively to the jump performance.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Exercise Beneficial for Locomotion in Community-Dwelling Elderly People with Sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, in addition to aging and reduced physical activity, is a progressive skeletal muscle disorder that causes the loss of muscle mass and strength. The most prominent functional change is mobility, which contributes to a decrease in the quality of life. Therefore, we aimed to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses by synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated exercises that affected locomotion in patients with sarcopenia. The RCTs were retrieved in April 2023 from three international electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed). RCTs published after 2013 were compared with a control group that did not include exercise. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on the identified studies using RevMan 5.4 and risk of bias assessment provided by Cochrane. RCTs involving 594 patients with sarcopenia were included in this study. The analysis model was synthesized as a random effects model, and the standard mean difference (SMD) was used as the effect measure. Exercise interventions were found to not change muscle mass in individuals with sarcopenia (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: -0.15 to 0.22). However, they had positive effects on lower extremity muscle strength (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.66) and walking speed (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.72). For community-dwelling elderly people with sarcopenia, exercise intervention did not lead to an increase in reduced muscle mass, but it brought positive improvements in lower extremity strength and gait speed to improve locomotion.

Temperature dependent triplet-exciton relay from thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) to self-sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) of asymmetrical diphenylsulfone-based blue emitter

The utilization of triplet excitons is greatly concerned in organic luminophores. For thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters, the reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) which activates the triplet excitons at low temperature remains challenging without thermal stimulation. Herein, a temperature-dependent promotion relay of the triplet excitons from TADF to self-sensitized triplet − triplet annihilation up-conversion (TTA-UC) was demonstrated in an asymmetrical TADF luminophore based on 9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (DMAC) donor and diphenylfonyl (DPS) acceptor. Single-crystal structure analysis combined with theoretical calculations revealed that the alternate strong-and-weak contact of the molecules reduced the singlet–triplet splitting energy (ΔEST), amplified the singlet–triplet coupling (SOC) strength and exciton coupling (EC), leading to highly efficient RISC process over a wide range of temperatures. Moreover, benefiting from the extreme small ΔEST value and large SOC strength, highly efficient blue OLEDs were achieved with the highest CEmax, PEmax and EQEmax of 32.0 cd A-1, 33.5 lm W−1 and 14.7%, and low efficiency roll-off. This work provides a design guidance for high utilization of the triplet excitons through RISC to improve the luminescence efficiency and reduce the device efficiency roll-off.

High-intensity interval training and thromboembolic events during chemotherapy for testicular cancer: a retrospective analysis from the Body & Cancer cohort

Background: Men with testicular cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy have an increased risk of thromboembolic events, with incidence rates between 8–24%. A recent trial evaluating the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) prematurely closed as three out of nine participants (33%) in the intervention group developed a thromboembolic event. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was: 1) (primary) to evaluate the incidence of thromboembolic events in men receiving chemotherapy for testicular cancer who had participated in HIIT during a 6-week exercise program (Body & Cancer) 2) to describe the feasibility of this program. Material and methods: Forty men who had participated in at least one HIIT session from February 2007 to February 2020 were included. Electronic medical records were searched for incident thromboembolic events (arterial and venous) during Body & Cancer and up to one-year post-chemotherapy. Attendance, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2-peak), and upper and lower extremity muscular strength (1 repetition maximum (RM)) were obtained from the Body & Cancer database. Results: One participant developed a thromboembolic event during Body & Cancer. No participants developed a thromboembolic event in the follow-up period. In all, data represent 160 HIIT sessions with a median attendance of eight sessions [range 1–19]. Statistically significant increases in upper and lower extremity strength were observed (8.6 (4.2 to 13.0) and 26.0 (14.9 to 37.0) kg, respectively). No significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness was found (0.14 (−0.03 to 0.31) l/min). Conclusion: While conclusions on the safety of HIIT cannot be drawn, data from the present study do not support previous findings cautioning avoidance of HIIT due to a possible added risk of thromboembolic events in men receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for testicular cancer. Considering the potential for positive effects on cardiovascular outcomes associated with HIIT, future studies with robust design should be performed in this population to confirm these observations.

Critical Care Cycling to Improve Lower Extremity Strength (CYCLE): protocol for an international, multicentre randomised clinical trial of early in-bed cycling for mechanically ventilated patients

IntroductionIn-bed leg cycling with critically ill patients is a promising intervention aimed at minimising immobility, thus improving physical function following intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. We previously completed a pilot...

Exercise Pathophysiology and Testing in Individuals With a Fontan Circulation.

The Fontan circulation, a surgical palliation for single-ventricle congenital heart disease, profoundly impacts the cardiopulmonary response to exercise. Reliant on passive pulmonary blood flow, the Fontan circulation has limited capacity to augment cardiac output as necessary to supply working muscles during exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) objectively assesses cardiorespiratory fitness and provides insight into the etiology of exercise intolerance. Furthermore, CPET variables, such as peak oxygen consumption and submaximal variables, have prognostic value and may be used as meaningful endpoints in research studies. CPET is also useful in clinical research applications to assess the effect of pharmacologic or other interventions. Medical therapies to improve exercise tolerance in individuals with a Fontan circulation, such as pulmonary vasodilators, may modestly improve peak oxygen consumption. Exercise training focused on aerobic fitness and lower extremity strength may have a more consistent and larger impact on these measures of aerobic fitness. CPET is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool for those with a Fontan circulation. Newer ancillary assessments, such as noninvasive peripheral venous pressure monitoring and cardiac output measurements, hold promise to provide a more nuanced insight into the underlying pathophysiology.

Safety and Feasibility of Cervical and Thoracic Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Hand Motor Function in Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

ObjectiveIn adults with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), transcutaneous spinal stimulation (scTS) has improved upper extremity strength and control. This novel noninvasive neurotherapeutic approach combined with training may modulate the inherent developmental plasticity of children with SCI, providing even greater improvements than training or stimulation alone. Because children with SCI represent a vulnerable population, we first must establish the safety and feasibility of any potential novel therapeutic approach. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine the safety, feasibility, and proof of principle of cervical and thoracic scTS for short-term effect on upper extremity strength in children with SCI. Materials and MethodsIn this nonrandomized, within-subject repeated measure design, seven participants with chronic cervical SCI performed upper extremity motor tasks without and with cervical (C3–C4 and C6–C7) and thoracic (T10–T11) site scTS. Safety and feasibility of using cervical and thoracic sites scTS were determined by the frequency count of anticipated and unanticipated risks (eg, pain, numbness). Proof-of-principle concept was tested via change in force production during hand motor tasks. ResultsAll seven participants tolerated cervical and thoracic scTS across the three days, with a wide range of stimulation intensities (cervical sites = 20–70 mA and thoracic site = 25–190 mA). Skin redness at the stimulation sites was observed in four of 21 assessments (19%) and dissipated in a few hours. No episode of autonomic dysreflexia was observed or reported. Hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure and heart rate) remained within stable limits (p > 0.05) throughout the assessment time points at baseline, with scTS, and after the experiment. Hand-grip and wrist-extension strength increased (p < 0.05) with scTS. ConclusionsWe indicated that short-term application of scTS via two cervical and one thoracic site is safe and feasible in children with SCI and resulted in immediate improvements in hand-grip and wrist-extension strength in the presence of scTS. Clinical Trial RegistrationThe Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT04032990.

Preseason lower extremity range of motion, flexibility, and strength in relation to in-season injuries in NCAA division I gymnasts

ABSTRACT Objectives To determine if preseason lower extremity ROM, flexibility, and strength differ in collegiate gymnasts (NCAA Division 1) who do or do not sustain an injury during the competitive season. Methods Over four seasons, a total of 15 female gymnasts (age = 20.5 ± 1.0 years) underwent preseason screening (30 gymnast-season). We tested joint ROM (hip: flexion, internal and external rotation; ankle: weightbearing dorsiflexion), muscle flexibility (passive straight leg raise, Thomas,’ Ober’s, Ely’s tests) and strength (hip extensors, abductors, and flexors isometric strength via a handheld dynamometer; knee: quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic strength at 60°/sec). The team athletic trainer tracked overuse lower extremity injuries (restricted gymnasts from full participation, occurred as from participation in organized practice or competition, and required medical attention) during each season. For athletes that tested multiple seasons, each encounter was considered independent, and each preseason assessment was linked to overuse injuries sustained during the same competitive season. Gymnasts were dichotomized into injured and non-injured groups. An independent t-test was used to measure differences in preseason outcomes between injured and non-injured groups. Results During four years, we recorded 23 overuse lower extremity injuries. Gymnasts that sustained an in-season overuse injury demonstrated significantly lower hip flexion ROM (mean difference: −10.6°; 95% confidence interval: −16.5, −4.6; p < 0.01) and lower hip abduction strength (mean difference: −4.7% of body weight; 95% confidence interval: −9.2, −0.3; p = 0.04). Conclusion Gymnasts who sustain an in-season overuse lower extremity injury have significant preseason deficit of hip flexion ROM and weakness in the hip abductors. These findings indicate potential impairments in the kinematic & kinetic chains responsible for skill performance and energy absorption during landing.

Is Cam Pincer Deformity a Predisposing Factor for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

This study aimed to investigate whether cam and pincer deformities (CPDs) are a risk factor for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) in women. In addition, it sought to compare the hip joint range of motion and the hip muscle strength of extremities with and without CPDs and PFPS. A total of 82 hips of 41 women with PFPS were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 32.07 ± 7.13years. The presence of CPDs was detected on digital anterior pelvis radiographs. Pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale, and function using the Kujala scoring system. Maximum isometric muscle strength around the hips was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Hip joint range of movement angles were measured in all three planes using a universal goniometer. CPDs were found to predict PFPS in women (p = 0.011, p = 0.048). The rate of CPDs was significantly higher in extremities with PFPS compared to those without PFPS (p = 0.007). The Kujala scores of extremities with cam deformity were significantly lower than those of extremities without pincer deformity (p = 0.043). The internal/external muscle strength ratio was greater, and the abduction/adduction muscle strength ratio was lower in extremities with cam and PFPS than in those without (p = 0.040, p = 0.049). The external rotation and abduction range of movement angles were significantly smaller in extremities with pincer and PFPS compared to those without (p = 0.043, p = 0.035). CPDs may be a structural predisposing factor in the development of PFPS in women. CPDs assessment when evaluating predisposing factors for PFPS may present an opportunity for the management of PFPS.

Regional Differences in Self-Reported Health, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness of Urban Senior Citizens in Austria.

The aim of this study is to compare data on the health status, self-reported exercise and non-exercise physical activity as well as fitness parameters, such as grip strength, of people in retirement in two cities that are both considered urban centres according to the statistical office of the European Union (EUROSTAT), but differ by geographic location. Self-reported physical activity questionnaires and objective assessments of physical fitness indicators collected by sports scientists were used and examined for differences. A total of 210 people (66.3 years ± 2.3) in Salzburg (n = 90) and Vienna (n = 120) was analysed. While no differences were found in self-reported health, there were differences in self-reported exposure to self-reported exercise and non-exercise physical activity, with the Viennese population being more inactive than their more western comparison group. In addition, the objective indicators for muscle strength, balance and flexibility of the lower extremities differed significantly in favour of the more western Austrian population. We recommend assessing the situation of older people in Austria regarding their physical activity and fitness on a regional basis, even if they live in cities of the same category. Future projects should therefore aim to consider specific regional needs during development and incorporate both subjective and objective indicators when monitoring the success of such programs.

Novel Lignin Hydrogel Sensors with Antiswelling, Antifreezing, and Anticreep Properties

Hydrogel shows great potential as a flexible wearable electronic device. However, the practical application of hydrogel is still significantly limited due to the poor functional stability caused by swelling behavior, non-frost resistance caused by high water content, and obvious creep behavior under repeated external force. In this work, macromolecular lignin with a three-dimensional network structure, and active functional groups are introduced into the hydrogel through the esterification grafting reaction of methacryloyl chloride. The introduction of lignin effectively improves the antiswelling, antifreezing, and creep resistance of the hydrogel sensor, while maintaining the mechanical properties (elongation at break > 350%, tensile strength > 1.5 MPa) and electrical conductivity (10 S/m). Under extreme environments, the toughness, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the hydrogel remain at more than 96%. Furthermore, the antifreezing, creep resistance, and conductivity of hydrogel sensors are not significantly affected after immersion in water for a long time (72 h). This work proposes a simple strategy to improve the antiswelling, antifreezing, and anticreep properties of hydrogels, which has guiding significance for the preparation of high-performance flexible wearable electronic materials.

Mobilization Intervention for Post-operative Appendectomy Recovery Process in Appendicitis Patients

Objective: This case study aims to describe the effect of early mobilization on the post-appendectomy recovery process in appendicitis patients. Method: The research design used was a case study with a nursing care approach covering assessments, formulating diagnoses, interventions, implementation, and evaluation, which were carried out for 4 days from Mar 30 to Apr 3, 2023, in the Orchid Room of the Banjar City BLUD. The enforcement of nursing diagnoses refers to the IDHS, SIKI, and SLKI, and nursing evaluations are documented using the SOAPIER method. This case study uses a descriptive method with one respondent involved, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, documentation, and physical examination.Result: Nursing diagnosis of decreased physical mobility (D.0054) associated with postoperative physical weakness. 4 days of mobilization interventions were carried out with a duration of 30 minutes per day. After intervention, nursing problems related to patient mobility disabilities were resolved by increasing muscle strength, which was initially muscle strength in the upper extremities, namely 4 and 3 in the lower extremities, to 5 in the muscle strength of the upper extremities and 4 in the lower extremities, as well as an increase in the patient's independent activity patterns.Conclusion: The provision of mobilization interventions is useful in improving the recovery process after appendectomy, and the benefits of therapy will be maximized if it is carried out regularly and gradually.