Functional Performance Tests Research Articles

Effects of Direction-Specific Training Interventions on Physical Performance and Inter-Limb Asymmetries.

This study analyzed the effects of two different training programs on functional performance and inter-limb asymmetries in basketball players. Twenty-four elite youth basketball players were randomly assigned to a training program including variable unilateral horizontal movements (VUH, n = 12) or unilateral lateral movements (VUL, n = 12). Eccentric-overload training (EOT) was performed twice a week for a six-week period. Functional performance assessment included a countermovement jump test, unilateral multidirectional jumping tests (i.e., lateral, horizontal, and vertical), a rebound jump test, a limb symmetry index, a 25 m linear sprint test, and several change of direction (COD) tests. Within-group analysis showed substantial improvements in almost all functional tests in both groups (ES = 0.35–0.89). Furthermore, almost all jumping asymmetries were improved in both groups (ES = 0.38–0.69) except for vertical jumping asymmetry in VUL (ES = −0.04). Between-group analyses showed a substantial and possibly better performance in vertical jumping asymmetry and 5 m in VUH compared to that of VUL, respectively. In contrast, lateral jumping with left (ES = 1.22) and right leg (ES = 0.49) were substantially greater in VUL than in VUH. Specific force-vector training programs induced substantial improvements in both functional performance tests and inter-limb asymmetries, although greater improvements of lateral and horizontal variables may depend on the specific force vector targeted.

Short-distance equivalent test of acquisition, pointing, and tracking process for space laser communication.

The function and performance of acquisition, pointing, and tracking (APT) for the space laser communication terminals must be characterized on the ground before the launching. However, short working distance causes the terminals to not be viewed as a point, leading to the challenge for the whole-process equivalent test. A novel equivalent test method is proposed, to the best of our knowledge, by using a narrow laser beam and the imaging relationship between two terminals. The communication terminal is transformed to a virtual point by establishing an imaging relationship between the antenna of the transmitter and the tracking detector of the receiver. Thus, the deviation angle between the optical axis of the receiver and the centroid line of two terminals can be measured accurately. Furthermore, the acquisition process of searching the small-size antenna in the receiver with an extensive coverage beam in the transmitter is replaced by searching a large receiver surface with a narrow beam. This point-searching-surface method is equivalent to the surface-searching-point method in actual space communication. With this method, two terminals spaced 5 m apart were employed to construct the short-distance verification platform, and the APT function verification and performance test were completed.

RANCANG BANGUN DAN UJI KINERJA DESTILATOR ELEKTRIK SEBAGAI ALAT DESTILASI PADA PROSES PEMBUATAN BIOETHANOL

Reserves of fuel oil, especially those from fossil fuels, are dwindling, while the people's need for fuel oil is increasing. Dependence on fossil fuels needs to be addressed immediately. So it is necessary to develop renewable energy sources as alternative energy to replace fuel oil. One of them is by utilizing bioethanol as an alternative. The process of making bioethanol involves a distillation process. In this study, the design and performance test of an electric distillation apparatus was carried out by utilizing molasses as a raw material for making bioethanol. The aim is to determine the quality of the alcohol content in bioethanol which is processed using an electric distillation apparatus. Electrical distillator testing includes functional tests and performance tests. Functional testing is done by testing the components used in the tool so that it can be seen whether the tool is functioning properly. Meanwhile, the performance test of the electric distillator is an automatic performance test of a tool to produce bioethanol. The performance test procedure of the electric distillator was carried out using a bimetallic thermostat of 76ºC and 85ºC, to measure the distillation time and determine the alcohol content in bioethanol. From the results of the study, it was found that for an electric distillator that uses a bimetallic thermostat of 76˚C, the processing time of 70.43 hours produces bioethanol with an alcohol content of 61.7% and an electric distillator that uses a bimetallic thermostat of 85˚C with a processing time of 0.56 hours to produce bioethanol. with an alcohol content of 35%.

Does a Lower Limb Balance Test after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have a Significant Correlation with Postoperative Clinical Score, Stability, and Functional Performance Test?

Lower limb balance ability is reduced after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, the recovery of balance based on functional test scores after ACLR is not known because the correlation between balance and clinical scores remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the correlation between lower limb balance assessed by functional test and clinical knee test scores after ACLR. We evaluated lower limb balance using the anterior-posterior stability index (APSI) of the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Patients underwent clinical tests to evaluate the knee, including the Tegner activity score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, and KT-2000 arthrometer measurement, hamstring per quadriceps muscle strength ratio at 60°/sec (HQ ratio), and functional performance tests (single-leg hop and single-leg vertical jump tests) 1 year after ACLR. We used a paired t-test to compare continuous preoperative and postoperative variables and Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between BBS-APSI and clinical scores. Forty-eight patients (35 men and 13 women; mean age, 28.9 ± 8.3 years) were included. The follow-up period and BBS-APSI were 12.4 ± 2.0 months and 0.9 ± 0.4, respectively. Tegner activity score, IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, and KT-2000 arthrometer measurement improved significantly postoperatively (p < 0.001). BBS-APSI was correlated with the Tegner activity score (r = -0.335, p = 0.020), IKDC subjective score (r = -0.301, p = 0.037), Lysholm score (r = -0.323, p = 0.025), single-leg hop test results (r = -0.300, p = 0.038), and single-leg vertical jump test results (r = -0.336, p = 0.019). There was no correlation between KT-2000 arthrometer measurement and HQ ratio. BBS-APSI was correlated with functional performance test scores after ACLR, rendering the BBS-APSI as a useful assessment tool to evaluate postoperative functional recovery. Continuously improving balance after ACLR could be useful for functional recovery after surgery.

The relationship between movement self-screening scores and pain intensity during daily training.

Background : Various musculoskeletal screening and functional performance tests are used to evaluate physical condition. However, validated analysis tools that can identify gaps in pain knowledge during athletes' daily training are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain intensity in athletes during their daily training and the KOJI AWARENESS™ test in order to determine whether body dysfunction is related to pain among athletes. Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted in a fitness center at the authors' affiliated institution. Thirty-five athletes (17 women and 18 men) aged 20-40 years were selected for study participation. KOJI AWARENESS™ self-evaluated test scores and pain intensity during daily training, as assessed on the numerical rating scale (NRS), were recorded. Results : The KOJI AWARENESS™ score showed a strong negative correlation with the NRS score for pain intensity during daily training (r = -0.640, P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between KOJI AWARENESS™ and NRS scores, even when body mass index, sex, and age were entered as control variables. Conclusions : KOJI AWARENESS™ was highly accurate in detecting pain in athletes during their training. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 204-216, August, 2022.

Correlation of Y Balance with Clinical Scores and Functional Tests after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Young and Middle-Aged Patients.

Criteria for return to sports (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been extensively studied. But there is no consensus among investigators regarding which factors are most important in determining a safe RTS. Sixty-one patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were included. Subjective knee scoring systems (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score and Lysholm score), functional performance tests (carioca test and single-leg hop for distance [SLHD] test), and isokinetic knee strength test were used for assessment and analyzed for association with the limb symmetry index (LSI) of the Y-balance test for lower quarter (YBT-LQ). The LSI of the YBT-LQ was significantly correlated with Lysholm score, IKDC score, Carioca, LSI for the SLHD, and extensor strength deficit at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. At 12 months, Lysholm score, IKDC score, LSI for the SLHD, and extensor strength deficit were significantly correlated with the LSI of the YBT-LQ. The YBT-LQ test could be used conveniently as an additional tool to assess the patient's functional performance results after ACL reconstruction in outpatient clinics.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SARCOPENIA AND HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS

Malnutrition is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis, associated with greater disease progression, complication rate, and mortality. Sarcopenia is one of the main indicators of malnutrition, characterized by a general decrease in muscle mass and functional deterioration. CT determination of muscle mass is not easily accessible in routine clinical practice, so practical measurement tools are essential. It has been proposed to classify sarcopenia as severe when decreased muscle strength, muscle mass, and low physical performance coexist. The impact of severe sarcopenia on the risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy is currently unknown. Primary outcome: Determine if there is a significant correlation between the degree of sarcopenia and hepatic encephalopathy. Secondary outcomes: to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis, the association between sarcopenia and liver decompensation events, to determine the correlation between individual tests (battery of functional physical performance tests [SPPB], grip strength, and skeletal muscle mass) with hepatic encephalopathy. Prospective, cross-sectional, observational, descriptive, and analytical study in patients with liver cirrhosis evaluated by outpatient consultation, with diagnosis confirmed by transitional elastography (Fibroscan® 502 ECHOSENS® equipment). The presence of sarcopenia was determined by measurement of grip strength with a hand-held hydraulic dynamometer (JAMAR® B001D7QDJG) and determination of muscle mass by tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance (OMRON® HBF 500). A positive case was considered when coexisting force ≤27 kg / ≤16 kg and skeletal muscle mass ≤20 kg / ≤15kg in men and women respectively, classifying it as severe sarcopenia with a score of ≤8 pts in SPPB. The presence of hepatic encephalopathy was determined by clinical evaluation and critical flicker rate (cut-off <39 Hz). Logistic regression analysis and Chi-square test were performed. 96 patients were included, of which 35 (36.4%) had sarcopenia and 21 (60%) were classified as severe sarcopenia. The demographic characteristics and severity of cirrhosis were comparable in patients with and without sarcopenia. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significant correlation was demonstrated between the presence of sarcopenia and manifest hepatic encephalopathy p = 0.014, HR 9.05, 95% CI (1.54-52). No significant correlation was shown with ascites (p = 0.08) or recent variceal bleeding (p = 0.53). A significant correlation was demonstrated between previous events of encephalopathy (p = 0.021) and ascites (p = 0.032) with the presence of sarcopenia. Regarding individual tests, a SPPB score ≤8 was independently associated with overt encephalopathy (0.009, HR 19.7, 95% CI (2.1-182). Handgrip strength, chair stand, and muscle mass were not statistically significant. This pilot study suggests that the presence of sarcopenia is significantly correlated with the risk of developing overt hepatic encephalopathy, and the presence of previous ascites could increase the risk of developing sarcopenia. Evaluation of physical performance by SPPB could be independently correlated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest

Research on Information Security and Privacy Technology Based on Blockchain

Blockchain provides IoT security and privacy in all industries including manufacturing, finance, healthcare, supply chain, e-governance, education, banking, and trading through decentralization, persistency, anonymity, and auditability characteristics. This paper presents the blockchain technology assimilating with other data security technologies to design a blockchain based data sharing system. Based on the design the network architecture of data sharing system, we test and analyze various processes in data sharing. To test the function and security of the system, we have built a test environment with data sharing system consisting of three blockchain nodes, four data participant nodes (three data users, one data provider), and a data-sharing system composed of CA. We developed Base App as an application provided by the data user, including addition, deletion, check modification of data in the application code for data sharing. We simulated an experiment related scenario, and then we wrote a program to generate the vehicle information data and import it into MySQL for storage. The paper has found some valuable results of functional test, system test, safety test, and performance test of the data sharing system. This system realizes the possibility of a system that can connect multiple participants and their corresponding data.

Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 impact on the cardiorespiratory fitness in young and middle-aged populations.

The goal of the present study was to compare pulmonary function test (PFT) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performance in COVID-19 survivors with a control group (CG). This was a cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19, without severe signs and symptoms, were evaluated one month after the infection. Healthy volunteers matched for sex and age constituted the control group. All volunteers underwent the following assessments: i) clinical evaluation, ii) PTF; and iii) CPET on a cycle ergometer. Metabolic variables were measured by the CareFusion Oxycon Mobile device. In addition, heart rate responses, peak systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and perceived exertion were recorded. Twenty-nine patients with COVID-19 and 18 healthy control subjects were evaluated. Surviving patients of COVID-19 had a mean age of 40 years and had higher body mass index and persistent symptoms compared to the CG (P<0.05), but patients with COVID-19 had more comorbidities, number of medications, and greater impairment of lung function (P<0.05). Regarding CPET, patients surviving COVID-19 had reduced peak workload, oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide output (V̇CO2), circulatory power (CP), and end-tidal pressure for carbon dioxide (P ETCO2) (P<0.05). Additionally, survivors had depressed chronotropic and ventilatory responses, low peak oxygen saturation, and greater muscle fatigue (P<0.05) compared to CG. Despite not showing signs and symptoms of severe disease during infection, adult survivors had losses of lung function and cardiorespiratory capacity one month after recovery from COVID-19. In addition, cardiovascular, ventilatory, and lower limb fatigue responses were the main exercise limitations.

Relationship between quadriceps thickness and 60-second sit-to-stand test in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background:This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and functional performance on the 60s sit-to-stand test (60s-STS), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and handgrip strength in non-dialytic stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 CKD patients aged between 30-70 years. Participants were submitted to an assessment that included quadriceps muscle thickness evaluated by a portable ultrasound. Functional performance tests included the 60s-STS, distance walked in the 6MWT, and handgrip strength. Also, body composition evaluated using electrical bioimpedance analysis and physical activity level through the short version of International Physical Activity were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the quadriceps thickness and functional performance.Results:Quadriceps muscle thickness was correlated to 60s-STS (R2 = 43.6%; 95% CI = 0.022 - 0.665; β = 0.34; p = 0.037). Also, a moderate correlation between this muscle thickness and appendicular skeletal muscle (ALM) was found in CKD patients (r = 0.603, p <0.001). No relationship was found between quadriceps muscle thickness with the 6MWT and handgrip strength.Conclusion:Quadriceps muscle thickness is associated to 60s-STS, thus our results demonstrate the repercussions of the disease on the musculoskeletal system.

Efficacy of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the Evaluation of Physical Impairment in Chronic Low Back Pain. Results from a Cohort Study

Determining the effect of body composition on chronic low back pain seems to have the potential to improve our understanding of its mechanism and to develop novel preventive and therapeutic approaches.Aim: The purpose of the present study was to assess by electrical impedance the composition of lower extremities of individuals with chronic low back pain. One hundred and twenty-one adult participants with diagnosed chronic low back pain were recruited in this study. The study activities were divided into three phases: phase 1 - self-administered questionnaires, phase 2 - biomedical examination (including anthropometric measurements and physical function performance tests), and phase 3 - bioimpedance analysis. Our results showed that chronic low back pain differentiates the circumference of thigh and calf of the symptomatic leg. Besides, patients experience pain also in hip, thigh, and calf, which act as a barrier to patient's personal, professional, social, and recreational activities. Furthermore, patients appear with 'unstable' walking, reduced balance, and reduced general physical condition that affect all of the neuromuscular structures of the locomotor system. Interestingly, patients seem to be characterized by a tendency to deposit fat and to decrease muscle mass in the symptomatic limb regardless of the gender. In the present study, we determine the profile of a patient with chronic low back pain through a variety of measurements. Chronic low back pain causes several structural changes to the symptomatic leg of the patients leading to 'unstable' walking, reduced balance, and reduced general physical condition. It is clear that further studies using bioimpedance analysis are needed to address the concerns raised by investigating a multifactorial condition such as chronic low back pain.

Early Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Exerts Neuroprotective Effects and Improves Motor Functions in Hemiparkinsonian Rats.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a popular noninvasive technique for modulating motor cortical plasticity and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the therapeutic benefits and related mechanisms of rTMS in PD are still uncertain. Accordingly, preclinical animal research is helpful for enabling translational research to explore an effective therapeutic strategy and for better understanding the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the current study was designed to identify the therapeutic effects of rTMS on hemiparkinsonian rats. A hemiparkinsonian rat model, induced by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), was applied to evaluate the therapeutic potential of rTMS in motor functions and neuroprotective effect of dopaminergic neurons. Following early and long-term rTMS intervention with an intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) paradigm (starting 24 h post-6-OHDA lesion, 1 session/day, 7 days/week, for a total of 4 weeks) in awake hemiparkinsonian rats, the effects of rTMS on the performance in detailed functional behavioral tests, including video-based gait analysis, the bar test for akinesia, apomorphine-induced rotational analysis, and tests of the degeneration level of dopaminergic neurons, were identified. We found that four weeks of rTMS intervention significantly reduced the aggravation of PD-related symptoms post-6-OHDA lesion. Immunohistochemically, the results showed that tyrosine hydroxylase- (TH-) positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and fibers in the striatum were significantly preserved in the rTMS treatment group. These findings suggest that early and long-term rTMS with the iTBS paradigm exerts neuroprotective effects and mitigates motor impairments in a hemiparkinsonian rat model. These results further highlight the potential therapeutic effects of rTMS and confirm that long-term rTMS treatment might have clinical relevance and usefulness as an additional treatment approach in individuals with PD.

Effects of Kinesio Taping with Squat Exercise on the Muscle Activity, Muscle Strength, Muscle Tension, and Dynamic Stability of Softball Players in the Lower Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background and purpose: Knee injuries are common among female softball players, and the stability of the lower extremities and the strength of the knee are essential factors for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping with squat exercise (KTSE) on lower extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability of softball players. Methods: In this study, 40 softball players were randomly assigned to the KTSE group and sham taping with squat exercise (SKTSE) group. All subjects were tested three times a week for 6 weeks, i.e., for a total of 18 times. To evaluate the lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, and muscle tone of the lower extremities, as well as dynamic stability, we used Noraxon Mini DTS, a digital muscular meter from JTech Medical, MyotonPRO, and the side hop test (a clinical evaluation method), respectively. These items were measured before the experiment and 6 weeks after the start of the experiment. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability (p < 0.05). After the experiment, significant effects on lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability were observed in the KTSE group compared with in the SKTSE group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: KTSE did not have a negative effect on all items of the functional performance test. KTSE improved lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability.

The Role of the Results of Functional Tests and Psychological Factors on Prediction of Injuries in Adolescent Female Football Players.

Football is a popular sport among adolescent females. Given the rate of injuries in female footballers, identifying factors that can predict injuries are important. These injuries are often caused by complex reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate if the combination of demographic (age, number of training and match play hours/week), psychosocial (perceived stress, adaptive coping strategies) and physiological factors (functional performance) can predict a traumatic injury in adolescent female footballers. A cohort consisting of 419 female football players aged 13–16 years was established. Baseline questionnaires covered potential risk factors for sport injuries, and measurements included football-related functional performance tests. Data were collected prospectively with a weekly online questionnaire for 52 weeks covering, e.g., injuries, training, and match play hours/week. A total of 62% of the players reported at least one traumatic injury during the 52 weeks. The coping strategy “positive reframing” had the strongest association with the risk of traumatic injuries. The combination of more frequent use of the coping strategy, positive reframing, and high levels of physical performance capacity may prevent a traumatic injury in adolescent female footballers. Coaches are encouraged to adopt both physiological and psychological factors when preventing injuries in young female footballers.

Athletes’ Physical Performance in the System of the Sports Medicine Technologies Effectiveness Evaluation

Aim. To determine the effectiveness of the specific loading testing use in assessing the athletes’ physical performance. Material and methods. We present a post-hoc analysis of data from specific and nonspecific loading testing (bicycle ergometer, treadmill, rowing ergometer, and ski treadmill) of 23 oarsmen athletes (13 male (mean age 25.85±0.88 years) and 10 female (mean age 22.90±1.20 years); 125 track and field athletes (75 male athletes (mean age 24.74±0.91) and 50 female athletes (mean age 23.81±1.35)), 38 ski athletes (22 male athletes (mean age 21.3±2.4) and 16 female athletes (mean age 19.6±1.8)). Results and discussion. When assessing the physical performance of track and field athletes of various positions using a bicycle ergometer and a treadmill, the maximum oxygen consumption (MOC) parameter for throwers and jumpers was in the range of 29-55 ml/min/kg (it is more appropriate to use a statoergometer), for runners – 39-75 ml/min/kg (testing on a treadmill is preferable). The greatest efficiency and physiological validity was obtained by load testing using a rowing ergometer for rowing athletes and a ski roller treadmill for athletes of ski sports (the ratio of heart rate at the anaerobic metabolism threshold level to the heart rate “on failure” is ~ 97%). With bicycle ergometry, low values of MOC were obtained in athletes training for endurance, and, including on the treadmill, in athletes with the main strength load and implies the work of the muscles of the upper shoulder girdle and back. The functional and reserve capabilities of the athlete are not reflected in the data obtained that makes impossible to judge the level of his/her functional readiness. Conclusion. Sports medicine technologies reflecting the dynamic characteristics of athletes’ physical performance should be evaluated from the point of view of informativeness and efficiency of their application depending on the type of sport. Conclusion about the effectiveness of sports medicine technologies should be made considering the results of the functional and physical performance testing under the exertion, specific to a particular sport.

Subjective and objective assessments are associated for physical function but not cognitive function in community-dwelling stroke survivors

Purpose To investigate the relation between subjectively and objectively assessed cognitive and physical functioning among community-dwelling stroke survivors, and to examine the association of stroke severity with subjectively and objectively assessed cognitive and physical impairments. Materials and methods Secondary data analysis was conducted with 127 community-dwelling stroke survivors. For cognitive functioning, objective measures included the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery and the Executive Function Performance Test; subjective measures included the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Applied Cognition. Objective and subjective physical functioning was measured by the NIH Toolbox 2-Minute Walk Test and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function, respectively. Results A positive correlation was observed between subjective and objective physical functioning, whereas the correlation between subjective and objective cognitive functioning was nonsignificant. Stroke severity was associated with objective cognitive impairment and objective and subjective physical impairment, but not subjective cognitive impairment. Conclusions The lack of association between objective and subjective cognitive functioning challenges the conventional assumption that perceived functioning reflects actual performance. We recommend using both objective and subjective measures to accurately identify cognitive and physical impairment following stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Subjective cognitive functioning is not associated with objective cognitive functioning, suggesting that solely relying on stroke patients’ reports is inadequate and may inaccurately estimate patients’ actual deficits. Both objective and subjective measures should be used to accurately identify cognitive and physical impairment following stroke. Practitioners should be cognizant of stroke patients’ behavioral signs associated with underlying cognitive problems that warrant further evaluation.

Digital Stethoscope to Examine Patients According to Technical Guidelines of Covid-19

Health professionals have to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that could cover the entire body to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus while examining patients. The current stethoscope is not compatible with the need of health professionals. Therefore, this project aims to create a digital stethoscope that can fulfill the requirement of health professionals to examine patients according to health service guidance in Covid-19 era. Three main objectives in designing the stethoscope are to meet the needs of health professionals, easy and convenient to use. The designed stethoscope has an amplifier circuit with 100 gain and a bandpass filter with 20 Hz and 700 Hz for low and high cut-off frequencies. It is also able to calculate the heart rate and displays it on the stethoscope screen. The stethoscope has a record function that lets the users replay sound as much as they need for the analysis. This digital stethoscope has function tests, performance tests and user satisfaction tests. Seven health professionals who are well-experienced in handling Covid-19 patients auscultate and provide an assessment of the three objectives design. The test results showed that this stethoscope satisfies the health professional’s requirements to examine the patient, grade 4.69 of 5. Health professionals also give a perfect rating for the objective of being easy to use. This stethoscope is the right choice for examining patients according to health service guidance in the Covid-19 era.

Digital Stethoscope to Examine Patients According to Technical Guidelines of Covid-19

Health professionals have to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that could cover the entire body to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus while examining patients. The current stethoscope is not compatible with the need of health professionals. Therefore, this project aims to create a digital stethoscope that can fulfill the requirement of health professionals to examine patients according to health service guidance in Covid-19 era. Three main objectives in designing the stethoscope are to meet the needs of health professionals, easy and convenient to use. The designed stethoscope has an amplifier circuit with 100 gain and a bandpass filter with 20 Hz and 700 Hz for low and high cut-off frequencies. It is also able to calculate the heart rate and displays it on the stethoscope screen. The stethoscope has a record function that lets the users replay sound as much as they need for the analysis. This digital stethoscope has function tests, performance tests and user satisfaction tests. Seven health professionals who are well-experienced in handling Covid-19 patients auscultate and provide an assessment of the three objectives design. The test results showed that this stethoscope satisfies the health professional’s requirements to examine the patient, grade 4.69 of 5. Health professionals also give a perfect rating for the objective of being easy to use. This stethoscope is the right choice for examining patients according to health service guidance in the Covid-19 era.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Its Relationship With Executive Functions in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Patients.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with controls in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to examine the relationship between RNFL thickness and the level of performance in disease severity and executive function tests in ADHD cases. MethodsThe study included 38 volunteer patients diagnosed with ADHD and 30 healthy volunteers. Adult ADHD self-report scale was used for ADHD symptom severity. Executive functions were evaluated by Digit Span Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Stroop Test, and Trail Making Test. RNFL thickness of all participants was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT). ResultsIn the comparison of RNFL values, it was found that right mean, right temporal, right temporal inferior, left mean, left nasal, and left nasal inferior quadrant values were statistically thinner in ADHD cases compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between the mean RNFL thickness values of the right and left eyes of ADHD cases and the symptom severity and performance levels in executive function tests. ConclusionThis study is a guide in terms of being the first study investigating the relationship between RNFL thickness, symptom severity, and various neuropsychological tests in adults with ADHD.

STEPS to Enhance Physical Activity After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma

Finding effective ways to increase physical activity immediately following high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) is challenging. This pilot randomized clinical trial tested the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects of a free-living physical activity intervention (STEPS) compared with usual care (UC) on physical activity, fatigue, muscle strength, functional ability, sleep, and quality of life following treatment for MM with HCT. Using a 2-group pretest/posttest design (N = 32), this study compared the 6-week STEPS intervention to UC. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires, functional performance tests, and wrist actigraphy before HCT and 7 weeks following hospital discharge. The STEPS group achieved their physical activity goals on 53% of intervention days. The STEPS group experienced greater appetite loss, more diarrhea, and slept more than UC regardless of time point. Both groups reported improvements in mental fatigue, emotional functioning, pain, sleep disturbance, anger, anxiety, and depression but climbed stairs slower and had weaker hand grips after intervention. Both groups subjectively reported fewer sleep disturbances but objectively experienced more wakefulness after sleep onset and an increased number of awakenings postintervention. The STEPS intervention is acceptable and feasible for people with MM treated with HCT. Both groups reported some improved symptoms but experienced some declines in physical performance postintervention. Nurses strive to optimize health and promote well-being. Helping people increase their physical activity after treatment for MM with HCT may improve symptoms, but additional studies are needed.