Good Posture Research Articles

Prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Rural Housewives in Central India

Introduction: Domestic work that includes cleaning, cooking, moping, tidying up, and procurement of basic amenities often extends to the entire day and requires significant physical, emotional, and intellectual labor. The economic burden of musculoskeletal pain is ranked as second to that of cardiovascular disease. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the rural housewives in Central India and to find out the association of prevalence with demographic variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 housewives who were selected through random sampling from the villages of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. Demographic proforma and the standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire were used to collect data regarding MSDs after obtaining all legal permissions. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 16 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: Around 61% (303) housewives were around 61% (303) were suffering with musculoskeletal discomforts and out of them 39.27% had pain at the hip region, 37.95% were suffering with lower backache and 19.47% had pain in both knees. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) of the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts with age, body mass index, marital status, no. of children, and monthly income. Conclusion: Housewives’ socio-economic and physical health status are contributing risk factors toward the prevalence of MSDs. The social, psychological, and work-related factors are not only affecting the housewife’s health and safety it also reducing the gross productivity. Thus, an education and practice of good posture, ergonomic measures, health schemes, and health awareness among rural housewives are very much required.

Screening for Upper Cross Syndrome in Asymptomatic Individuals

Upper cross syndrome (UCS) refers to tightness of muscles such as pectoralis major, upper trapezius and levator scapulae and weakness of deep neck flexors, scalene, rhomboids, serratus anterior, middle and lower trapezius. Poor posture is associated with imbalance created in musculoskeletal system and common condition to be reported as upper cross syndrome. It is commonly seen in people with forward head posture, desk job workers, dentist, beauticians etc. The resulting clinical presentation is complaint of pain in neck and shoulder, cervicogenic headache, hunched upper-back and rounded shoulder. Children are not as proactive today and the rate of the UCS is on the rise. This deviated posture and sedentary lifestyle continues, where it progresses more as the age progresses in adulthood. To screen, detect, early treat as well as prevent upper cross syndrome in young individuals. Asymptomatic individual with 20-40 years of age group was explained about the procedure before commencement of the study. Posture was screened using REEDCO Posture Assessment Scale was used for evaluation. Assessment of muscle tightness and weakness was evaluated using muscle length tests and manual muscle testing. From the current study we conclude that prevalence of UCS is significantly less in asymptomatic individuals as compared to symptomatic. Although it is very important to practice good posture in daily routine in order prevent early signs of UCS. The parameters of outcome measures were analyzed by descriptive statistics only. Based on previous data we conclude that it is essential to screen asymptomatic individual to looks for signs of UCS for early detection, prevention and treatment. Keywords: Upper Cross Syndrome, Manual Muscle Testing, Muscle Length Testing.

The impact of altering participant MRI scanning position on back muscle volume measurements.

Objectives:Muscle volume may reflect both strength and functional capability and hence is a parameter often measured to assess the effect of various interventions. The aim of the current study was to determine the sensitivity of muscle volume calculations on participant postural position and hence gauge possible errors that may arise in longitudinal studies, especially those where an intervention leads to large muscle changes and potentially the degree of spinal curvature.Methods:Twenty healthy participants (22–49 years, 10 male and 10 female), were recruited and MRI images acquired with them lying in four different positions; neutral spine (P1), decreased lordosis (P2), increased lordosis (P3) and neutral spine repeated (P4). Images were analysed in Simpleware ScanIP, and lumbar muscle volume and Cobb’s angle, as an indicator of spine curvature, determined.Results:After comparing volume determinations, no statistically significant differences were found for P1 - P2 and P1 - P4, whereas significant changes were determined for P2 - P3 and P1 - P3. P2 and P3 represent the two extremes of spinal curvature with a difference in Cobb’s angle of 17°. However, the mean difference between volume determinations was only 29 cm3. These results suggest the differences in muscle volume determinations are generally greater with increasing differences in curvature between measurements, but that overall the effects are small.Conclusions:Thus, generally, spinal muscle volume determinations are robust in terms of participant positioning.Advances in knowledge:Differences in muscle volume calculations appear to become larger the greater the difference in spinal curvature between positions. Thus, spinal curvature should not have a major impact on the results of spinal muscle volume determinations following interventions in longitudinal studies.

The effect of cervical spine rotation on electromyographic activity of the trapezius and serratus anterior during selected shoulder complex movements

Purpose: The purpose of the study was the assessment of the effect of cervical spine rotation on the activity of the upper (UT) and lower (LT) trapezius and serratus anterior (SA) muscles during selected shoulder movements. Methods: The investigation included 33 healthy individuals (mean age ± SD: 22 ± 1.73 years). Bioelectrical activity of the right (R) and left (L) UT, LT, SA muscles was assessed during the following movements: elevation, flexion, abduction in the scapular and right coronal planes of the dominant (right) arm accompanied by three cervical spine positions (neutral, right rotation, left rotation). Results: RLT EMG activity was higher during right shoulder abduction with right spine rotation vs. that registered during abduction without cervical spine rotation (p < 0.001). RUT EMG activity during right shoulder abduction was higher when abduction was associated with left cervical spine rotation (p < 0.01) and lower during right shoulder flexing with right cervical spine rotation, compared to shoulder movements with neutral spine position (p < 0.001). A higher RSA EMG activity was seen during shoulder flexing (p < 0.001) and abducting (p < 0.05) (both in the frontal and scapular plane) when the movement was performed with right cervical spine rotation, compared to RSA activity during shoulder movements without spinal rotation. Conclusions: The present results suggest that inclusion of appropriate cervical spine rotation during shoulder movements may result in improved activity of the trapezius and serratus anterior.

Prevalence of Flat Foot in College Going Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: A healthy foot is vital for good posture and ambulation. Flatfoot or pes planus is a medical condition defined by the absence or lowered medial longitudinal arch, with Osseo-ligamentous misalignment. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of flat foot in college-going students aged between 18 to 25 years by using navicular drop and medial longitudinal arch angle assessment methods. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 205 volunteers (116 male and 89 female) were assessed for flat foot using Brody’s navicular drop test and medial longitudinal arch angle measurement with an age range of 18-25 years. The navicular drop of ≥ 10mm and medial longitudinal arch angle of < 130° were considered flat feet. Results: The mean age of the total population (n=205) was 23.30 ± 1.63 years. The result of this study showed that when we used the ND test, there was a prevalence of flat foot in 20% of the total population (for males: 21.55%; for females: 17.97%) whereas when we used MLAA measurement, there was the prevalence of 5.36% in total population (for males: 5.17%; for females: 5.61%). Conclusion: The results of this study quantified the prevalence of flat foot in young college-going students. It can be concluded from the result of this study that the prevalence of flat foot in college-going students was 20% when using the navicular drop test whereas 5.61% when using medial longitudinal arch angle measurement.

Influence of Spine Curvature on the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Lumbar Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation is a non-invasive method for neuromodulation of sensorimotor function. Its main mechanism of action results from the activation of afferent fibers in the posterior roots—the same structures as targeted by epidural stimulation. Here, we investigated the influence of sagittal spine alignment on the capacity of the surface-electrode-based stimulation to activate these neural structures. We evaluated electromyographic responses evoked in the lower limbs of ten healthy individuals during extension, flexion, and neutral alignment of the thoracolumbar spine. To control for position-specific effects, stimulation in these spine alignment conditions was performed in four different body positions. In comparison to neutral and extended spine alignment, flexion of the spine resulted in a strong reduction of the response amplitudes. There was no such effect on tibial-nerve evoked H reflexes. Further, there was a reduction of post-activation depression of the responses to transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation evoked in spinal flexion. Thus, afferent fibers were reliably activated with neutral and extended spine alignment. Spinal flexion, however, reduced the capacity of the stimulation to activate afferent fibers and led to the co-activation of motor fibers in the anterior roots. This change of action was due to biophysical rather than neurophysiological influences. We recommend applying transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation in body positions that allow individuals to maintain a neutral or extended spine.

Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy in Lateral Position: A New Strategy for Correcting Severe Thoracolumbar Kyphosis Combined with Hip Flexion Contracture in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

ObjectiveTo describe spinal osteotomy in lateral position, which might be a new strategy for correcting thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity combined with severe hip flexion contracture, and to present two cases in which this method was successfully performed.MethodsSpinal osteotomies in lateral position were performed in two patients with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis combined with hip flexion contracture, which was not suitable for operation in the prone position. Case 1: a 33‐year‐old female AS patient still had severe hip flexion contracture due to poor rehabilitation after total hip replacement (THR). The range of movement of the hip was only about 15° in right and 10° in left. Pre‐operativethoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were 52.4°, 49.1°, 42.7°, and 315 mm, respectively. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) at L3 was performed in the lateral position. The eggshell procedure was used during osteotomy. Case 2: a 45‐year‐old male AS patient presented coexisting rigid thoracolumbar kyphosis and hip flexion contracture. The range of movement of the hip was only about 20° in right and 25° in left. Pre‐operativeTK, TLK, LL and SVA were 34.9°, 66.8°, 58.8° and 290.8 mm, respectively. PSO at L2 was performed in lateral position. The eggshell procedure was also used.ResultsSagittal malalignments of both patients were greatly improved. For case 1, the total operation time was 5.5 h. The blood loss was 1500 mL and the amount of allogeneic blood transfusion was 1580 mL during the operation. SVA was reduced to 127 mm and LL decreased from preoperative 42.7° to −28.4°. The correction angle through L3 was 34.7° and the correction angle through the osteotomy segment was 62.9°. For case 2, the duration of surgery was 6.5 h. The operative blood loss was 2000 mL and the total amount of blood transfusion was 2020 mL. SVA was reduced to 209.8 mm and LL decreased from preoperative 58.8° to 9.2°.The correction angle through L2 was 37.1° and the correction angle through the osteotomy segment was 55°. No intra‐operative or post‐operative complications were observed. Six months after PSO, case 1 had good posture for standing and sitting. The case 2 underwent bilateral THRs nine months after PSO.ConclusionPSO could be performed in the lateral position successfully. For AS patients who cannot be placed in the prone position due to coexisting severe thoracolumbar kyphosis and hip flexion contracture, performing spinal osteotomy in the lateral position as the first step is an alternative.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Real-time detection of aerobics posture based on strain sensor

The Internet of Things is a network that realizes the intelligent connection between things. It is another major industry after the computer industry and the Internet industry. It is also a collection of computer technology, communication technology, sensor technology, storage technology, and many other leading technologies in an integrated industry, the application industry is very wide. This article mainly introduces the real-time detection of aerobics posture based on strain sensors. This paper proposes a real-time detection method of motion posture based on strain sensors, using flexible rods to simulate the joints of aerobics athletes. Through the survey of the motion posture by the strain sensor, the relevant data and parameters are collected, and then the data are processed, and the data are finally transmitted to the terminal. Since the stress of a specific point on the surface of the flexible rod is proportional to the curve of that point, strain gauges can be used to detect curve changes at multiple points in real time and draw the change curve on the computer. The experimental structure of this paper shows that the use of BP neural network to process the measurement data improves the accuracy of real-time detection. The error distance between the sampling point and the actual value is less than 0.3 cm. In addition, through the real-time detection of the motion posture, it can be concluded that good Body posture is the basic requirement of aerobics, and it is of great significance to improve the effect of improving the quality of movement and artistic expression.

Posture Feedback System with Wearable Speaker.

Maintaining good posture when using a laptop or a smartphone can prevent computer vision syndrome and text neck syndrome. However, it is difficult to remain aware of posture during an activity. Thus, wearable systems with posture feedback can help maintain good posture during daily activities. In this paper, we propose a posture feedback system that uses a commercial wearable speaker, which has been used for music and video conferencing when working from home. To judge a user's posture as good or poor, we focus on estimating the distance between the user's eyes and the screen when using a laptop and the neck tilt when using a smartphone. To estimate the distance, we use an active sensing method with ultrasound sent from a wearable speaker to a microphone on a laptop or a smartphone. The sound pressure of ultrasound changes depending on the distance between the wearable speaker and the microphone. In addition, an active sensing method can be used to estimate neck tilt because the sound pressure changes depending on the angle between the wearable speaker and the microphone. When the system judges the user's posture as poor, it will provide auditory feedback by applying digital audio effects to audible sounds (i.e., audio being listened to). Audio signal processing is implemented as a web application so users can use our system easily and immediately. We conducted three experiments to verify the feasibility of our proposed method. The sound pressure changed depending on the distance and angle between a wearable speaker and a microphone, and the system could judge posture as good or poor at almost 100 % under the experimental conditions.

PREVALENCE OF COMMON MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS SEEN IN SPECIAL SCHOOL CHILDREN’S IN RURAL AREA

This paper outlines the importance of a healthy well-being of brain which is reflected by a good stance and posture. The most prevailing complain among special school children is found to be postural defects. Various special schools of rural areas were taken in consideration, that is total 70 special students were selected, from various special schools. The informed consent was obtained. They were provided with Numerical pain rating scale and Questionnaire. Using inferential statistics and descriptive method statistical analysis was done it proved to be highly significant.Our research showed that maximum number of children of special school had knee pain as compared to other joints, hamstrings pain being most common, with back pain more common than whole body pain. The study concluded that most of special school children have knee pain, hamstrings pain, back pain most commonly with respect to age and gender.

Modeling and Analysis of Micro Surface Topography from Ball-End Milling in a Trochoidal Milling Mode.

The trochoidal milling mode is widely used in high-speed machining, and due to good adaptability and flexible posture adjustment, ball-end milling cutters are conducive to complex surface machining with this mode. However, the processes of material removal and formation of machined micro surfaces are very difficult to describe as the profile of cutter teeth is complex and the trajectory direction changes continuously during the trochoidal milling process. A modeling method for the generation of micro surface topography of ball-end milling in the trochoidal milling mode is put forward. In this method, the locus equation of each cutter tooth is established based on the principle of homogeneous coordinate transformation, after which a Z-MAP algorithm is designed to simulate the micro surface topography. The Z-MAP algorithm can quickly obtain the part grid nodes potentially swept by the cutter tooth within a unit time step through the establishment of servo rectangular encirclement and instantaneous sweeping quadrilateral of the element of cutter teeth; the part grid nodes actually swept are further determined through an angle summation method, and the height coordinate is calculated with the method of linear interpolation according to Taylor’s formula of multivariate functions. Experiments showed that the micro surface topography resulting from ball-end milling in the trochoidal milling mode had high consistency with the simulation, which indicates that the proposed method can predict micro surface topography in practical manufacturing. In addition, a comparison of micro surface topography between trochoidal milling and ordinary straight-linear milling was conducted, and the results showed that the former was overall superior to the latter in resulting characteristics. Based on this conclusion, the influences of cutting parameters of ball-end trochoidal milling on surface characteristics, particularly amplitude and function, were analyzed according to the simulated micro surface topography data.

Top 10 tips for performing a high-quality upper endoscopy (with videos)

When performed appropriately and safely, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an invaluable tool for diagnosing and monitoring a range of upper gastrointestinal disorders and cancers. With more than 6 million EGDs being performed in the United States and reports of missed upper GI (UGI) lesions, both experienced and budding endoscopists should keep a number of essential considerations in mind when performing an EGD, and that starts with obtaining a thorough patient medical history and ensuring that informed consent has been obtained. The right approach, including good posture, appropriate intubation, and proper use of torque, as well as slow endoscope insertion and withdrawal, helps make for a smooth and effective procedure. A clean mucosa, achieved using water and de-foaming and mucolytic agents, ensures clear visibility. Meticulous inspection of the mucosa will allow the endoscopist to detect all lesions and abnormalities. Adherence to established and indication-specific biopsy protocols and use of validated classification criteria should help histopathologists confirm a diagnosis. Maintaining vigilance after an endoscopy and informing our patients of symptoms and signs of procedure-related adverse events is essential for the early recognition and management of these possible adverse events. Finally, an evidence-based schedule of follow-up endoscopy built on endoscopic and histologic findings and risk factors for disease progression will help avoid overutilization of endoscopies.

Peculiarities of formation of culture of movements of students of 5-9 grades in lessons of physical culture in the modern educational dimension

The article reveals the peculiarities of the formation of the culture of movements of students in grades 5-9 in physical education lessons in the modern educational dimension. The current state of physical health of adolescents is analyzed. It is established that in modern conditions of improvement of physical education of pupils of the basic school formation of the personality of schoolboys of different age groups, including teenagers comes to the fore. Ways to improve the formation of the culture of movements of students with postural disorders, taking into account their psychophysical condition. It is determined that the ability to organize independent physical education classes on the formation of physique, good posture, culture of movements, to select exercises of coordination, rhythmic, plastic orientation is important. After all, the perception of the beauty of physique and posture in accordance with cultural patterns and aesthetic canons, the formation of physical beauty from the standpoint of strengthening and maintaining health, understanding the culture of human movements, comprehension of vital motor skills in accordance with their feasibility and aesthetic appeal is one of the tasks of physical education.
 The curriculum for educational organizations of students in grades 5-9 provides for the formation of stable motives and needs for exercise, holistic development of physical and mental qualities, creative use of physical culture in the organization of a healthy lifestyle, the formation of competence in physical culture and sports, mastering practical skills of creative cooperation in collective forms of physical exercises. Thus, the issue of forming a culture of movement in primary school students is quite relevant and needs further improvement.

Immediate Effect of Serratus Posterior Inferior Muscle Direction Taping on Thoracolumbar Junction Rotation Angle During One Arm Lifting in the Quadruped Position

Background: The serratus posterior inferior (SPI) muscle originates from the spinous process of T11-L2 and inserts at the lower border of the 9–12th ribs. This muscle is involved in thoracolumbar rotation and stability. Several positions can be used to improve trunk stability; the quadruped position is a good position for easily maintaining a neutral spine. In particular, during one arm lifting, various muscles act to maintain a neutral trunk position, and the SPI is one of these muscles. If trunk stability is weakened, uncontrolled trunk rotation may occur at this time. Tape can be used to increase trunk stability. There have been no studies on the effect of taping applied to the SPI muscle on thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) stability. Objects: This study compared the TLJ rotation angle between three different conditions (without taping, transverse taping, and SPI muscle direction taping). Methods: Thirty subjects were recruited to the study (18 males and 12 females). The TLJ rotation angle was measured during one arm lifting in a quadruped position (ALQP). Two taping methods (transverse and SPI muscle direction taping) were applied, and the TLJ rotation angle was measured in the same movement. Results: SPI muscle direction taping significantly reduced TLJ rotation compared to that without taping (p < 0.001) and with transverse taping (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the TLJ rotation angle between transverse taping and SPI muscle direction taping (p < 0.017). Conclusion: SPI muscle direction taping reduces the TLJ rotation angle during ALQP. Therefore, SPI muscle direction taping is one method to improve TLJ stability and reduce uncontrolled TLJ rotation during ALQP.

Lower Back Injury Prevention and Sensitization of Hip Hinge with Neutral Spine Using Wearable Sensors during Lifting Exercises.

The popularization and industrialization of fitness over the past decade, with the rise of big box gyms and group classes, has reduced the quality of the basic formation and assessment of practitioners, which has increased the risk of injury. For most lifting exercises, a universal recommendation is maintaining a neutral spine position. Otherwise, there is a risk of muscle injury or, even worse, of a herniated disc. Maintaining the spine in a neutral position during lifting exercises is difficult, as it requires good core stability, a good hip hinge and, above all, observation of the posture in order to keep it correct. For this reason, in this work the authors propose the prevention of lumbar injuries with two inertial measurement units. The relative rotation between two sensors was measured for 39 voluntary subjects during the performance of two lifting exercises: the American kettlebell swing and the deadlift. The accuracy of the measurements was evaluated, especially in the presence of metals and for fast movements, by comparing the obtained results with those from an optical motion capture system. Finally, in order to develop a tool for improving sport performance and preventing injury, the authors analyzed the recorded motions, seeking to identify the most relevant parameters for good and safe lifting execution.

Surgeon Positioning During Awake Laryngeal Surgery: An Ergonomic Analysis.

While it is acknowledged that otolaryngologists performing microlaryngeal surgery can develop musculoskeletal symptoms due to suboptimal body positioning relative to the patient, flexible laryngoscopy and awake laryngeal surgeries (ALSs) can also pose ergonomic risk. This prospective study measured the effects of posture during ergonomically good and bad positions during laryngoscopy using ergonomic analysis, skin-surface electromyography (EMG), and self-reported pain ratings. Prospective cohort study. Eight participants trained in laryngoscopy assumed four ergonomically distinct standing positions (side/near, side/far, front/near, front/far) at three different heights (neutral-top of patient's head in line with examiner's shoulder, high-6 inches above neutral, and low-6inches below neutral) in relation to a simulated patient. Participants' postures were analyzed using the validated Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA, 1 [best] to 7 [worst]) tool for the 12 positions. Participants then simulated ALS for 10 minutes in a bad position (low-side-far) and a good position (neutral-front-near) with 12 EMG sensors positioned on the limbs and torso. The position with the worst RULA score was the side/near/high (7.0), and the best was the front/near/neutral (4.5). EMG measurements revealed significant differences between simulated surgery in the bad and good positions, with bad position eliciting an average of 206% greater EMG root-mean-squared magnitude across all sampled muscles compared to the good posture (paired t-test, df=7, P < .01), consistent with self-reported fatigue/pain when positioned poorly. Quantitative and qualitative measurements demonstrate the impact of surgeon posture during simulated laryngoscopy and suggest ergonomically beneficial posture that should facilitate ALSs. 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2752-2758, 2021.

Ergonomics in the anaesthetic workplace: Guideline from the Association of Anaesthetists.

SummaryErgonomics in relation to anaesthesia is the scientific study of the interaction between anaesthetists and their workspace environment in order to promote safety, performance and well‐being. The foundation for avoiding pain or discomfort at work is to adopt and maintain a good posture, whether sitting or standing. Anaesthetists should aim to keep their posture as natural and neutral as possible. The successful practice of anaesthesia relies on optimisation of ergonomics and lack of attention to detail in this area is associated with impaired performance. The anaesthetic team should wear comfortable clothing, including appropriately‐sized personal protective equipment where necessary. Temperature, humidity and light should be adequate at all times. The team should comply with infection prevention and control guidelines and monitoring as recommended by the Association of Anaesthetists. Any equipment or machinery that is mobile should be positioned where it is easy to view or reach without having to change the body or head position significantly when interacting with it. Patients who are supine should, whenever possible, be raised upwards to limit the need to lean towards them. Any item required during a procedure should be positioned on trays or trolleys that are close to the dominant hand. Pregnancy affects the requirements for standing, manually handling, applying force when operating equipment or moving machines and the period over which the individual might have to work without a break. Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disability in the workplace. Any member of staff with a physical impairment needs to be accommodated and this includes making provision for a wheelchair user who needs to enter the operating theatre and perform their work.

Association of upper crossed syndrome and posture among general population having neck pain in Islamabad

Introduction: Upper crossed syndrome is a common postural dysfunctional pattern that describes the dysfunctional tone of the musculature of the shoulder girdle/ cervicothoracic region of the body.&#x0D; Objective: To determine association of Upper Crossed Syndrome and Neck pain among general population in Islamabad.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted from December 2017 to February 2018 in Rawal General and Dental Hospital Islamabad, and National Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences Islamabad after approval of synopsis from Advanced Studies and Research Board. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from male and female participants having neck pain after obtaining informed consent. The questionnaires provided for a subjective assessment from the patient and an objective measure for the clinician. REEDCO scale was used to analyze the proper alignment of head, neck and shoulder, while wall push test was used to assess the abnormal protrusion of scapula. Data were analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS 20; continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD, and categorical variables as frequency and percentage. A p≤0.05 denoted significance.&#x0D; Results: The occurrence of upper crossed syndrome was 24.1%. Out of 340 respondents, 143 (42.06%) had poor posture whereas 197 respondent (57.94%) had good posture. There was strong association between posture and upper crossed syndrome (p˂0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Most patients with neck pain are exposed to the risk of adopting poor posture which can lead to Upper Crossed Syndrome in future; hence the importance of postural awareness among general population of Islamabad.

3D kinematic of the thoracolumbar spine in Mangalarga Marchador horses performing the marcha batida gait and being led by hand-A preliminary report.

This study aimed to provide a preliminary description of the sagittal and transverse plane kinematics of the thoracolumbar spine of Mangalarga Marchador (MM) horses performing the marcha batida gait, led in-hand. We evaluated the pattern of angular movement and the mean amplitude of six specific angles. An optoelectronic system was used for 3D kinematic analysis (19 cameras, 250 Hz). They were positioned around the horses and an acquisition volume of 16 × 4.8 × 3 meters was used. Eight retroreflective markers were fixed on the spine of the animals over thoracic vertebrae 8 (T8), 12 (T12), 15 (T15) and 18 (T18); over the lumbar vertebrae 3 (L3) and 5 (L5); over the 1st sacral vertebra (S1); and over the 1st coccygeal vertebra (CD1). Five trials, led from a halter, with three complete gait cycles were evaluated for each marcha batida horse. The 3D coordinates of the markers were filtered with a second-order, low-pass, Butterworth filter (10 Hz). Six angles: T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18, T12-T18-L5, T15-T18-L3, T18-L3-L5, and L3-S1-CD1 were obtained and projected in the sagittal (Flexion and Extension) and transverse (Lateral bending) planes. We calculated, for each angle to represent the spine movements, the mean and standard deviation of the range of motion (ROM, difference between the maximum and minimum values in a stride cycle). In order to describe the movement over an average stride cycle we calculated the mean curve of angle variation. The T8-T12-T15 angle presented the largest ROM in the transverse plane, while in the sagittal plane the T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18 and T12-T18-L5 angles presented the largest ROMs. The L3-S1-CD1 angle (lumbosacral region) presented the lowest ROM in both planes. A reduced flexion close to a neutral spine was found, predominantly during the diagonal support and in the cranial thoracic region. At the same time, the thoracolumbar region remains in an extension which is highlighted in the lumbosacral region. During the change of the support phase, the cranial thoracic region moved from a flexion to a slight extent, and the thoracolumbar region was flexed which is emphasized in the lumbosacral region. The lateral bending of the spine followed the direction of the diagonal supports. The small amplitude in the latero-lateral and dorsoventral movements of the thoracolumbar spine of MM horses during the marcha batida gait could contribute to the smooth and natural sensations experienced when riding in this gait. The lower mobility of these angles should be considered during the clinical examination of marcha batida-gaited horses.

Implementation of SMED techniques to improve machine capacity and work posture analysis using OWAS: A case study in steel company

The increasing number of high buildings resulted in rising demand for building materials, especially wire mesh. The research was conducted at a steel company to increase production capacity by reducing setup time on drawing machine and improving work posture on the welding machine. Setup time decreased 5.86 minutes and effective capacity increased 21% as a result of setup process re-arrangement using Single Minutes Exchange of Die (SMED) technique and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) is used to determine process time. Work posture analysis using Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) in the welding machine and development wire mesh’s table decrease number of operating procedures from 7 activities to 6 activities and change working postures from bad work postureto good work posture.