Knee Height Research Articles

Identification of Movement Strategies During the Sit-to-Walk Movement in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee commonly alter their movement to compensate for lower limb weakness and alleviate joint pain. Movement alterations may lead to weight-bearing asymmetries, and potentially to the progression of the disease. This study presents a novel numerical procedure for the identification of sit-to-walk strategies and differences in movement habits between control adults and persons with knee osteoarthritis. Ten control and 12 participants with osteoarthritis performed the sit-to-walk task in a motion capture laboratory. Participants sat on a stool with the height adjusted to 100% of their knee height, then stood and walked to pick up an object from a table in front of them. Different movement strategies were identified by means of hierarchical clustering. Trials were also classified as to whether the left and right extremities used a bilateral or an asymmetrical strategy. Participants with osteoarthritis used significantly more asymmetrical arm strategies (P = .03) while adopting the pushing through the chair strategy more often than the control subjects (P = .02). The results demonstrated that the 2 groups favor different sit-to-walk strategies. Asymmetrical arm behavior possibly indicates a compensation for the weakness of the affected leg. The proposed procedure may be useful to rapidly assess postoperative outcomes and developing rehabilitation strategies.

SUN-P200: Validity of Equations Using Knee Height to Predict Overall Height Among Older People in Benin

Rationale: Chumlea ’s formulas are a validated means of predicting overall height from knee height (KH) among people over 60 years old, but no formula is validated for use in African countries, including Benin. The purpose of this study was to compare height provided by predictive formulas using KH to measured height in an elderly population in Benin. Methods: People over 60 years of age in Benin underwent nutritional assessment with determination of weight, body mass index (BMI), height and KH. A Bland and Altman analysis was carried out by gender and age. The percentage of predictions accurate to ± 5cm compared to the measured height was calculated. The tested formulas were Chumlea ’ s formulas for non-Hispanic Black people (CBP) and two formulas for use among Caucasians (CC1, CC2). Results: Data from 396 subjects were analysed. The mean age was 66.6 ± 5.2 years and mean height of 165.4 ± 8.0 cm. The sex-ratio was of 4.3. The three formulas achieved 98.0% accuracy, but with 4.6% risk of error (±2 SD: − 6 to +9 cm), which appeared to make them unfitted for the whole population. The predictions of the three formulas in the total population are presented in Table 1. Nevertheless, if a level of prediction ± 5 cm is considered acceptable in clinical practice, the CBP formula achieved 83.1% accuracy. Moreover, there was no significant difference in BMI calculated with the measured and the predicted height, and the nutritional status based on BMI did not differ. Table 1: Predictions of the three formulas studied. n = 396 Acurate prediction (%) Overestimation (+5 cm) (%) Underestimation (−5 cm) (%) CBP 83.1 12.4 4.5 CC1 80.3 15.9 3.8 CC2 78.5 18.2 3.3 Conclusion: CBP formulas seem applicable in 83% of cases (±5 cm) to assess the height with KH of older people in Benin and do not overestimate the prevalence of malnutrition.

Goalkeeper’s position for defending short range shots

The purpose of the study was to analyze and quantify the ability of the goalkeeper while defending shots from left and right sides of penalty area or the goal area, which frequently occurs in an actual game situation. In other words, the study aimed at verifying the reaction ability of the goalkeeper to defend goals in two different defense positions across a 3 m width area without performing dives. Eleven male goalkeepers from a university soccer league participated in the study. The goalkeepers were assigned to react to a specific target point, i.e. high, middle, low, left and right in response to the LED signal positioned at the front. Three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to perform kinematical analysis through which variables such as the approach time of reaching specific target points and the movement used to cover the defensive area were observed. In results, no significant differences were observed in approach time of the hand to the target point in both defense positions, i.e. Type-A (defense posture of positioning the hand at knee height) and Type-B (defense posture of positioning the hand at waist height). But Type-B defense position average velocity was observed faster than Type-A for blocking shots of low-middle heights. Hence, the results obtained from the study showed a possibility that being prepared in Type-A defense position will be more accurate and stable. Moreover, goalkeepers were able to occupy wider defense range in Type-A defense position than Type-B within the time period of 0.7 ∼ 0.8 s after triggering of the LED signal. In conclusion, the results obtained from the study pointed out that Type-A defense position can be much more effective in soccer for blocking shots from the left and right sides of the penalty area. The defense posture of positioning the hand at low height is considered more effective when defending a ball shot from areas near the penalty area than the high hand position. It was also confirmed that the available defense area can be defended widely and effectively by moving the center of the body. Further studies need to be performed to consider the cognitive perspective by applying various methods.

BMI calculation in older people: The effect of using direct and surrogate measures of height in a community-based setting

There is currently no consensus on which measure of height should be used in older people's body mass index (BMI) calculation. Most estimates of nutritional status include a measurement of body weight and height which should be reliable and accurate, however at present several different methods are used interchangeably. BMI, a key marker in malnutrition assessment, does not reflect age-related changes in height or changes in body composition such as loss of muscle mass or presence of oedema. The aim of this pilot study was to assess how the use of direct and surrogate measures of height impacts on BMI calculation in people aged ≥75 years. A cross-sectional study of 64 free-living older people (75-96 yrs) quantified height by two direct measurements, current height (HC), and self-report (HR) and surrogate equations using knee height (HK) and ulna length (HU). BMI calculated from current height measurement (BMIC) was compared with BMI calculated using self-reported height (BMIR) and height estimated from surrogate equations for knee height (BMIK) and ulna length (BMIU). Median difference of BMIC-BMIR was 2.31kg/m2. BMIK gave the closest correlation to BMIC. The percentage of study participants identified at increased risk of under-nutrition (BMI<20kg/m2) varied depending on which measure of height was used to calculate BMI; from 5% (BMIC), 7.8% (BMIK), 12.5% (BMIU), to 14% (BMIR) respectively. The results of this pilot study in a relatively healthy sample of older people suggest that interchangeable use of current and reported height in people ≥75 years can introduce substantial significant systematic error. This discrepancy could impact nutritional assessment of older people in poor health and lead to misclassification during nutritional screening if other visual and clinical clues are not taken into account. This could result in long-term clinical and cost implications if individuals who need nutrition support are not correctly identified. A consensus is required on which method should be used to quantify height in older people to improve accuracy of nutritional assessment and clinical care.

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer rate and timing on sorghum productivity in Ethiopian highland Vertisols

ABSTRACTSorghum is cultivated on Vertisols in the Ethiopian Highlands. An experiment was conducted in the Gumara-Maksegnit watershed in 2013 and 2014 to assess the effect of rate and timing of nitrogen fertilizer application on the possibility to shorten the maturity period and to improve the productivity of sorghum. The experiment was laid out as Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Treatments were nitrogen doses between 0 and 87 kg N ha−1 as urea applied at planting, at knee-height stage or in split doses at both stages. Results showed that application of 23, 41, 64 and 87 kg ha−1 N gave a yield increase of 40, 53, 62 and 69% over the control (0 kg N ha−1), respectively. In addition, split application of 41 kg ha−1, 64 kg ha−1 and 87 kg ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer, half at planting and half at knee height stage, gave 19%, 15% and 18% increase in sorghum grain yield over a single dose application, respectively. Applying 87 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilizer with split application half at planting and half at knee height stage, along with 46 kg ha−1 of P2O5, gave the highest grain yield and income.

Velopharyngeal Structural and Functional Assessment of Speech in Young Children Using Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a novel method for examining the velopharyngeal mechanism using static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the sentence-level production in young children with normal anatomy. This study examined whether velopharyngeal events occurring in the midsagittal plane are correlated to muscle events occurring along the plane of velopharyngeal closure. Adenoid involvement in velopharyngeal function was also explored. A high-resolution, T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo three-dimensional anatomical scan was used to acquire static velopharyngeal data and a fast-gradient echo fast low angle shot multishot spiral technique (15.8 frames per second) was used to acquire dynamic data on 11 children between 4 and 9 years old. Changes in velar knee height from rest to the bilabial /p/ production was strongly correlated with changes in the velar configuration (r = 0.680, P = .021) and levator muscle contraction (r = 0.703, P = .016). Velar configuration was highly correlated to levator muscle changes (r = 0.685, P = .020). Mean alpha angle during bilabial /p/ production was 176°, which demonstrated that subjects achieve velopharyngeal closure at or just below the palatal plane. Subjects with a larger adenoid pad used significantly less (r = -0.660, P = .027) levator muscle contraction compared with individuals with smaller adenoids. This study demonstrates a potentially useful technique in dynamic MRI that does not rely on cyclic repetitions or sustained phonation. This study lends support to the clinical potential of dynamic MRI methods for cleft palate management.

Validity of equations using knee height to predict overall height among older people in Benin.

Chumlea's formulas are a validated means of predicting overall height from knee height (KH) among people >60y of age, but, to our knowledge, no formula is validated for use in African countries, including Benin. The aim of this study was to compare height provided by predictive formulas using KH to measured height in an elderly population in Benin. Individuals >60y of age in Benin underwent nutritional assessment with determination of weight, body mass index (BMI), height, and KH. A Bland-Altman analysis was carried out by sex and age. The percentage of predictions accurate to ±5cm compared with the measured height was calculated. The tested formulas were Chumlea's formulas for non-Hispanic Black people (CBP) and two formulas for use among Caucasians. Data from 396 individuals (81.1% male) were analyzed. The three formulas achieved 98% accuracy, but with 4.6% risk for error (±2 SD: -6 to +9cm), which appeared to make them unfit for the whole population. Nevertheless, if a level of prediction ±5cm is considered acceptable in clinical practice, the CBP formula achieved 83.1% accuracy. Moreover, there was no significant difference in BMI calculated with the measured and the predicted height, and the nutritional status based on BMI did not differ. CBP formulas seem applicable in 83% of cases (±5cm) to assess the height with KH of older people in Benin and do not overestimate the prevalence of malnutrition.

Knee extensor strength and body weight in adolescent men and the risk of knee osteoarthritis by middle age

ObjectivesTo assess the extent to which knee extensor strength and weight in adolescence are associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) by middle age.MethodsWe studied a cohort of 40 121 men who...

Preece-Baines Model 1 to Estimate Height and Knee Height Growth in Boys and Girls From Merida, Mexico.

Height and body segments in children have differential pubertal growth characteristics. Lower leg length is a sensitive indicator of child's nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to estimate differential timing and tempo of height and knee height (KH) growth in 9- to 17-year-old boys (n = 475) and girls (n = 500) from Merida, Mexico. In this cross-sectional study, the Preece-Baines growth curves-model 1 (PB 1) was fitted to the anthropometric data for height and KH. Based on the PB 1 model, KH had earlier age at maximum increment than height in boys (height = 12.37 years, KH = 11.54 years) and girls (height = 11.01 years, KH = 10.93 years). Peak velocity of these 2 dimensions was different in both sexes (boys: height = 7.11 cm/yr, KH = 2.25 cm/yr; girls: height = 5.14 cm/yr, KH = 1.45 cm/yr). Differences ( P <.001) by sex were also observed for the estimated size at peak velocity and final size of height and KH. When compared to height, KH was shown to have earlier adolescent growth spurt and a smaller difference between final size and the size at maximum (peak) velocity indicating an earlier age for achieving adult size. Overall, the studied boys and girls had short estimated final size, an earlier age at maximum increment, and a lower peak velocity in height than urban Guatemalan peers, the only regional reference available.

Response of baby corn genotypes to soil and foliar nitrogen application schedule

ABSTRACTResponsive genotypes, timing and mode of nitrogen application are important for realizing potential yield of winter baby corn. Soil application of nitrogen is a common practice. Foliar application enhances absorption and utilization of nitrogen particularly after anthesis. We investigated combined approach in management of nitrogen for the first time including soil applications followed by foliar urea spray to enhance baby corn yield and profitability. To determine these, 2-year study conducted with three genotypes and six schedules of recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN). Growth characters, productivity traits, harvest period and yields recorded. Nitrogen content and uptake, protein content and harvest were determined. Genotype HM-4 produced 4.6% and 4.1% more cobs and corn weight over HQPM-1. Combined approach resulted higher yield attributes, yields, N uptake, protein harvest and monetary returns. RDN in 4 splits with more basal (B) dose increased cob and corn yield by 4.8% and 5.1% than 3 splits (50% B). Results suggest that HM-4 be grown using RDN 50% as B, 25% at knee height stage, 20% at tassel emergence followed by 5% foliar spray after first picking as urea solution (3%) for achieving higher yield and net returns. More studies needed under diverse conditions.

Objective investigation of discomfort due to draught in a tangential air distribution system: Influence of air diffuser’s offset ratio

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of air diffuser’s offset ratio on air velocity and turbulence intensity distribution. Air velocity, turbulence intensity and air temperature measurements were performed in a single office full-scale room in isothermal case. Then the draught rate numbers were calculated to evaluate the discomfort due to draught using Fanger’s model. Different statistical tests were applied to evaluate the measured data. Results showed that the average of air velocity magnitude, turbulence intensity and draught rate was independent of the inlet offset ratio at ankle height. At the knee height and head height of seated and standing person, there was a polynomial connection between the average values and the inlet offset ratio. International standards recommend an average turbulence intensity of 40% to calculate draught rate. The results showed that 70%–80% of measured turbulence intensities were less than the standard value in the investigated range of inlet offset ratio. The draught at ankle height was within category C, while at knee height and head height of seated and standing person, the averaged draught rate numbers meet the category A and B and recommendation of CR 1752. Our results could help designers to calculate the average value of air velocity and turbulence intensity for room air distribution and indoor air comfort design.

Assessment of anthropometric indicators in children with cerebral palsy according to the type of motor dysfunction and reference standard.

The study aimed to demonstrate that the assessment of the anthropomorphic measurements of children with cerebral palsy (CP) varies according to the type of motor dysfunction and references standard used for comparison. In a cross-sectional design, 108 children 2 to 16 years were classified according to the type of motor dysfunction by gender and age group. Weight, mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC), and alternative measures for height were performed. Height/age and weight/age indexes and BMI were evaluated with percentiles and/or Z-scores with reference to a number of previously published references of growth, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO). Fifty-three (49.1%) were females and 55 (50.9%) males. Spastic type was predominant (73.1%) and 26.9% were other types of dysfunction. Most of the children were located on level IV (14.6%) and level V (73.1%) of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Significant differences were found, suggesting that weight (p = 0.002), height (p = 0.001), and MUAC (p = 0.05) are higher in the spastic group than in other groups. The anthropometric indicators were significantly higher in the spastic group than in other groups. Upper-arm length (UAL) seemed less appropriate than knee height (KH) and lower-leg length (LLL) for measuring height. The WHO reference standard was not useful to evaluate the majority of anthropometric indexes in children with CP, other references as the growth charts of Day and Brooks have been more suitable.

Evaluation of the Indonesian National Standard for elementary school furniture based on children's anthropometry

In Indonesia, National Standardization Agency of Indonesia issued the Indonesian National Standard SNI 12-1015-1989 and SNI 12-1016-1989 to define the type of furniture dimensions that should be used by children in the elementary school level. This study aims to examine whether the current national standards for elementary school furniture dimensions issued by National Standardization Agency of Indonesia match the up-to-date Indonesian children's anthropometry. Two types of school furniture, small type (Type I, for grade 1–3) and large type (Type II, for grade 4–6), were evaluated in terms of seat height, seat depth, seat width and backrest height of a chair as well as the height and underneath height of a desk. 1146 students aged between 6 and 12 years old participated in the study. Seven anthropometric measurements were taken including stature, sitting shoulder height, sitting elbow height, popliteal height, buttock-popliteal length, knee height and hip breadth. Based on the standard school furniture dimensions and students' body dimensions, numbers of matches and mismatches between them were computed. Results indicated a substantial degree of mismatch between children's anthropometry and the standard dimensions of school furniture. The standard seat height was not appropriate for students among different grades with the mismatch percentage ranging from 63.4% to 96.7% for Type I and 72.7% to 99.0% for Type II. For desk height, the standard dimensions were not appropriate for students among different grades with the mismatch percentage ranging from 32.3% to 88.9% for Type I and 67.7% to 99.0% for Type II. Apparently, the current standards are out of date and need to be updated. Four different sizes of school furniture were hence proposed to accommodate the variation in students' anthropometry from Grade 1 to Grade 6. The proposed standard dimensions (PrS) of school furniture cover a slightly broader range of age and present a higher cumulative fit than the current standard dimensions (CrS). In addition, a better strategy for sizing can be also developed to fit chairs and desks to a larger number of students.

Association between Body Mass Index and All-Cause Mortality among Oldest Old Chinese.

To examine the association between BMI and all-cause mortality in the oldest old (≥80 years). The study used a prospective cohort study design. Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) between 1998/99 and 2011. 8026 participants aged 80 years and older were followed every two to three years. Body weight and knee height were measured. Height was calculated based on knee height using a validated equation. Deaths were ascertained from family members during follow-up. The mean BMI was 19.8 (SD 4.5) kg/m2. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obese was 37.5%, 10.2% and 4.4%, respectively. There were 5962 deaths during 29503 person-years of follow-up. Compared with normal weight, underweight was associated with a higher mortality risk (HRs: 1.20 (95%CI 1.13-1.27) but overweight (HR 0.89 (95%CI 0.81-0.99)) were associated with a lower risk. Obesity had a HR 0.91 (95%CI 0.78-1.05) for mortality. Among oldest old Chinese, underweight is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality but overweight is associated with a reduced risk. Interventions to reduce undernutrition should be given priority among the oldest old Chinese.

Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Chilean Elders According to an Adapted Version of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) Criteria.

Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of mass and skeletal muscle strength and has serious consequences on older people's health. The Chilean older population has a high life-expectancy, but the prevalence of functional dependence is also high. To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in Chilean older adults and its relationship with age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Cross-sectional study. Community. 1,006 non-disabled, community-dwelling subjects aged 60 years or older living in Santiago. Anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, physical performance tests, and dual-energy-x-ray-absorptiometry (DXA) scan were performed. Sarcopenia was defined using the algorithm of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). Muscle mass was measured with DXA scan; skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and hand dynamometry were defined with cut-off points obtained for the Chilean population. For a 3m walking speed we used the cut-off point of the EWGSOP definition. Nutritional status and obesity were defined according to World Health Organization standards. Association between sarcopenia and age, gender, BMI and lean/fat mass ratio was estimated by logistic regression models. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 19.1% (95%CI: 16.8%-21.8%), similar in men and women. There was an increasing trend of sarcopenia by age group and a decreasing trend with nutritional status. After logistic regression, sarcopenia was positively associated with age (OR=1.10; 95%CI:1.06-1.15) and falls (OR=1.83; 95%CI:1.07-3.15) and negatively associated with overweight (OR=0.31; 95%CI:0.16-0.59), obesity (OR=0.02; 95%CI:0.004-0.11), lean mass/fat mass ratio (OR=0.69; 95%CI:0.48-0.9997), knee height (OR=0.78; 95%CI:0.68-0.89) and calf circumference (OR=0.87; 95%CI:0.77-0.97). The total prevalence of sarcopenia was 19.1% increasing with age reaching 39.6% in people of 80 or more years of age. A negative association of sarcopenia with overweight, obesity and lean/fat mass ratio was observed. Although the high prevalence of obesity (35.9%), only 2% of obese people were sarcopenic.

Development of a standardized in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation set-up

Objective. This study evaluated whether chest compression in a standardized in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) set-up can be performed as effec-tively as when the rescuer is kneeling be-side the patient lying on the floor. Specifi-cally, the in-hospital test was standardized according to the rescuers’ average knee height.Methods. Experimental intervention (test 1) was a standardized, in-hospital CPR set-up: first, the bed height was fixed at 70 cm. Second, the height difference between the bed and a step stool was set to the aver-age knee height of the CPR team members (45 cm). Control intervention (test 2) was kneeling on floor. Thirty-eight medical doctors on the CPR team each performed 2 minutes of chest compressions in test 1 and 2 in random order (cross-over trial). A Little Anne was used as a simulated patient who had experienced cardiac arrest. Chest compression parameters, such as average depth and rate, were measured using an ac-celerometer device.Results. In all tests, the average depths were those recommended in the most recent CPR guidelines (50–60 mm); there were no significant differences between Tests 1 and 2 (53.1 ± 4.3 mm vs. 52.6 ± 4.8 mm, respec-tively; p = 0.398). The average rate in Test 2 (119.1 ± 12.4 numbers/min) was slightly faster than that in Test 1 (116.4 ± 10.2 num-bers/min; p = 0.028). No differences were observed in any other parameters. Conclusions. Chest compression quality in our standardized in-hospital CPR set-up was similar with that performed in a kneel-ing position on the floor.Trial Registration: Clinical Research Infor-mation Service: KCT0001599

Ergonomic Design of Medic Work Table (MWT) for Medical Technologist

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the guidelines for Medic Work Table (MWT) based on the anthropometric data of medical technologists. Background: Users’ anthropometric data such as sitting height, sitting elbow height, knee height, and so on are significant factors for designing comfortable and useful furniture. Thus, many guidelines for different types of desks and chairs based on the users’ anthropometric data have been suggested to many researchers. However, few researches have been conducted to provide design guidelines for MWT for blood collecting task. Medical technologists often use their upper extremities to perform blood collecting task with high repetitions. These repeated motions could be a critical factor in the prevalence rate of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Therefore, a study on ergonomic design of MWT would be essential in preventing the WMSDs and improving the quality of the working environment of medical technologists. Method: This study suggested design guidelines for ergonomic MWT by focusing on the heights of the upper side and underside, depths of the inside and outside, and width of MWT through anthropometric studies and literature reviews. Afterwards, a new MWT was made using the suggested design guidelines for this study. Five healthy medical technologists participated to evaluate the original MWT and new MWT. All participants took part in the range of motion (ROM) test, electromyography (EMG) muscle activity test, and usability test to validate the suggested guidelines in this study. EMG signals of related muscles (Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Deltoid Anterior, and Biceps Branchii) were recorded through the surface electromyography system from both the original MWT and the new MWT. The ROM test of the shoulder and elbow flexion was also assessed using motion sensors. Results: The newly designed MWT showed decreased ROMs of the shoulder and elbow up to 22% and 18% compared to the original MWT. The muscle activities in the new MWT also showed a decrease of 13% in Anterior Deltoid, 6% in Biceps Brachii, 5% in Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, and 8% in Extensor Carpi Ulnaris muscle groups, compared to the original MWT. In the usability test, the satisfaction score of the new MWT was also 56.1% higher than that of the original MWT. Conclusion: This study suggested guidelines for designing MWT and validating the guidelines through qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results of motion analysis, muscle activity, and usability tests demonstrated that the newly designed MWT may lead to less physical stress, less awkward posture, and better physical user interface. Application: The recommended guidelines of the MWT would be helpful information for designing an ergonomic MWT that reduces physical loads and improves the performance of many medical technologists.

Status of maize stalk rot complex in western belts of Nepal and its integrated management

Maize stalk rot complex is becoming a serious threat for maize growing areas of Nepal. A field monitoring for maize stalk rot complex was done during crop season (August, 2016) covering 10 farmers field each of Surkhet, Banke, Dang, Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts. Maize crop showed highly susceptible reaction to the disease at western belts of Dang and susceptible reaction was marked in Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts while the disease effect was mild at Banke and Surkhet district. Most of the plant diseases managed successfully through the application of bio-control agents, host resistance, chemicals and other different cultural control methods. The result of field experiment conducted at Dang showed that all the treatments had significant (P≤0.05) effect on percent disease index (PDI) and crop yield over farmers practice to control maize stalk rot. The higher percent disease control (52.36%) and yield increase (40.29%) were recorded from the plot sprayed with streptocyclin @ 2 g L-1 and insecticide (cypermethrin + chloropyrifos @ 2.5 ml L-1 of water during knee height and subsequent spray after 15 days interval as compared to farmers practice. Out of 30 genotypes, Rampur composit, Arun 2, Rampur 34, RamS03F08, TLBRS07F16 and Rampur 24 were found resistant against stalk rot complex with higher yield at Rampur Chitwan.

The effect of isolating the paretic limb on weight-bearing distribution and EMG activity during squats in hemiplegic and healthy individuals

Background: Neural reorganization for movement therapy after a stroke is thought to be an important mechanism that facilitates motor recovery. However, there is a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of exercise programs in improving the lower limbs.Objective: We investigated the immediate effect of isolating the paretic limb using different foot positions ((i) foot parallel; both feet parallel, (ii) foot asymmetry; paretic foot backward by 10 cm, and (iii) foot lifting; nonparetic foot lifting by normalization to 25% of knee height) on weight-bearing distribution and electromyography (EMG) of the thigh muscle during squats.Methods: In total, 20 patients with hemiplegia and 16 healthy subjects randomly performed three squat conditions in which the knee joint was flexed to 30°. Weight distribution was measured using the BioRescue system. Muscle activity was measured using a surface EMG system.Results: Patients with hemiplegia exhibited significantly decreased weight bearing on the paretic foot at 0° and 30° knee flexion compared with the nondominant foot of a healthy subject. The muscle activity of the quadriceps was significantly lower in patients with hemiplegia compared to healthy subjects. Weight bearing and EMG activity of the quadriceps femoris on the paretic or nondominant side significantly increased during a knee flexion of 30° with under the foot asymmetry and foot lifting positions compared with the parallel foot position.Conclusion: Isolating the paretic limb using the asymmetric foot positions and lifting of the foot during squats might help patients with hemiplegia to improve weight-bearing and achieve greater activation of the quadriceps muscle in the paretic limb.

Trunk Compensation During Bimanual Reaching at Different Heights by Healthy and Hemiparetic Adults

ABSTRACTThe authors explored how trunk compensation and hand symmetry in stroke survivors and healthy controls were affected by the distance and height of virtual targets during a bimanual reaching task. Participants were asked to reach to 4 different virtual targets set at: 90% of their arm length at shoulder, xiphoid process, and knee height, and 50% of their arm length at xiphoid process height. For the stroke group, for all targets, the hands’ movements were more asymmetrical than those of the healthy group, with more asymmetry observed in the direction of gravity, and trunk forward displacement values were larger and more variable. The knee targets had the largest trunk displacement values; index of curvature and trunk displacement were strongly correlated with participants’ impairment scores. A strong correlation was found between the hands’ asymmetry in the anterior or posterior direction for the shoulder targets, and the impairment scores. The results suggest that target height influences the degree of trunk compensation and hand symmetry during bimanual reaching by hemiparetic participants.