Lifting Heavy Objects Research Articles

Development and Validation of a Visualized Posture Risk Assessment Questionnaire for Low Back Pain in Daily Activities: A Study in Taiwan.

A proper posture is essential for musculoskeletal health, and a poor posture can lead to low back pain. To address the limitations of traditional text-based questionnaires, this study developed and validated a visualized posture assessment questionnaire for evaluating daily postures related to low back pain. The questionnaire was administered in Taiwan and designed using Traditional Chinese language. The proposed questionnaire evaluates six categories of daily activities including lifting heavy objects, sitting, putting on shoes, face washing and tooth brushing, getting out of bed, and doing sit-ups, or similar actions. Each category comprises an ergonomic posture and a non-ergonomic posture with corresponding illustrations. The questionnaire was administered to 100 participants, and its internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's α, while test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). An expert panel reviewed the content validity, and the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) was calculated for each item and illustration. Testing revealed a Cronbach's α of 0.808, indicating high internal consistency, and a test-retest reliability, as measured by ICCs, of 0.78, indicating high stability over time. The I-CVI scores were high across all items, with the illustrations unanimously rated by the experts as highly relevant, supporting the effectiveness of the questionnaire's visualized format for enhanced comprehension. The proposed questionnaire exhibits high reliability and validity, rendering it effective in evaluating posture-related risks of low back pain. This questionnaire also offers a more accessible and intuitive alternative to text-based questionnaires, with potential applications in clinical and research settings.

Low back pain among college students in a public Saudi university: A cross-sectional study.

Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent orthopedic condition worldwide. University students are more likely to have this issue due to their demanding and time-consuming course load. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LBP and the factors that lead to it among students at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). This cross-sectional study targeted undergraduate students using an online self-administered questionnaire. A descriptive analysis method was conducted. Of the 830 students who completed the survey, 71.4% were females. About two-thirds were aged between 18 and 22 years. Our study shows that 68.2% had complained of recent LBP. The most significant prevalent factor associated with LBP among IMAMU students, 94.2%, was prolonged sitting. Heavy object lifting is 93.2%, and unhealthy seating/body position is 90.2%, which comes in second and third place. Those who complained about the discomfort of their lecture hall seats were shown to be dramatically more likely (5.549 times more) to develop LBP than students who did not. Students with a positive history of depression were significantly more prone (2.565-fold) to LBP. A positive family history of LBP and smoking cigarettes were found to increase the chance of developing LBP. LBP among IMSIU students is high, mainly because of prolonged sitting, heavy object lifting, and unhealthy sitting and/or body position. There is a strong association between LBP and a positive family history of LBP, smoking, and uncomfortable seats. Prevenive measures, such as an intervention program for university students, are required.

The need for thoracic magnetic resonance imaging before vertebral augmentation surgery in patients with lumbar vertebral fractures

BackgroundOsteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) of the lumbar region may be accompanied by thoracic fractures. Treating only the lumbar fractures can lead to worsening of the thoracic fractures or unresolved...

Endoskeleton Soft Multi-Fingered Hand with Variable Stiffness.

The use of a soft multi-fingered hand in handling fragile objects has been widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, high flexibility often results in decreased load capacity, necessitating the need for variable stiffness. This article introduces a new soft multi-fingered hand featuring variable stiffness. The finger of the hand has three chambers and an endoskeleton mechanism. Two chambers facilitate bending and swinging motions, whereas the third adjusts stiffness. An endoskeleton mechanism is embedded in the third chamber, and the friction between its moving parts increases as negative air pressure rises, causing the finger's stiffness to increase. This mechanism can alter its stiffness in any configuration, which is particularly useful in manipulating irregular-shaped fragile objects post-grasping. The effectiveness of the proposed soft multi-fingered hand is validated through five experiments: stiffness adjustment, finger stiffening under a specific orientation, bulb screwing, heavy object lifting, and bean curd grasping. The results demonstrate that the proposed soft multi-fingered hand exhibits robust grasping capabilities for various fragile objects.

New evidence for the sensorimotor mismatch theory of weight perception and the size-weight illusion

The size-weight illusion is a phenomenon where a smaller object is perceived heavier than an equally weighted larger object. The sensorimotor mismatch theory proposed that this illusion occurs because of a mismatch between efferent motor commands and afferent sensory feedback received when lifting large and small objects (i.e., the application of too little and too much lifting force, respectively). This explanation has been undermined by studies demonstrating a separation between the perceived weight of objects and the lifting forces that are applied on them. However, this research suffers from inconsistencies in the choice of lifting force measures reported. Therefore, we examined the contribution of sensorimotor mismatch in the perception of weight in the size-weight illusion and in non-size-weight illusion stimuli and evaluated the use of a lifting force aggregate measure comprising the four most common lifting force measures used in previous research. In doing so, the sensorimotor mismatch theory was mostly supported. In a size-weight illusion experiment, the lifting forces correlated with weight perception and, contrary to some earlier research, did not adapt over time. In a non-size-weight illusion experiment, switches between lifting light and heavy objects resulted in perceiving the weight of these objects differently compared to no switch trials, which mirrored differences in the manner participants applied forces on the objects. Additionally, we reveal that our force aggregate measure can allow for a more sensitive and objective examination of the effects of lifting forces on objects.

Qualitative interviews of patients with COPD and muscle weakness enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating a new anabolic treatment: patient perspectives of disease experience, trial participation and outcome assessments

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and muscle weakness can cause impaired physical function, significantly impacting patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Loss of muscle strength is usually assessed through clinical and performance outcome (PerfO) assessments, which consists of tasks performed in a standardized manner, providing evidence of a patient’s functional ability. However, evidence documenting the patient experience of COPD and muscle weakness is limited.MethodsThis two-stage qualitative study used semi-structured interviews in patients aged 45–80 years with COPD (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1s [FEV1]/forced vital capacity ratio < 0.70, and FEV1% predicted of 30–80%) and muscle weakness. In Stage 1, 30-minute concept elicitation interviews were conducted with participants recruited across three US sites to explore impacts on physical functioning and activities of daily living. In Stage 2, interviews were performed with participants exiting a Phase IIa trial investigating the efficacy of a selective androgen receptor modulator (GSK2881078) on leg strength, whereby PerfOs were used to evaluate strength and physical functioning endpoints. These participants completed either 60-minute in-depth (n = 32) or 15-minute confirmatory (n = 35) interviews exploring trial experience, completion of outcome measures, disease experience and treatment satisfaction.ResultsIn Stage 1 (n = 20), most participants described their muscles as weak (83.3%). Difficulties with walking (100%) and lifting heavy objects (90%) were reported. In Stage 2, 60-minute interviews, all participants (n = 32) reported a positive trial experience. Most participants reported that the home exercise program was easy to fit into daily life (77.8%), the PROactive daily diary was easy to complete (100%) and wearable sensors were easy to use (65.6%). However, technical issues were reported (71%), and few participants (19.4%) found physical assessments easy to complete. Improvements in muscle strength and functional limitations were reported by most participants. The shorter 15-minute confirmatory interviews (n = 35) supported the in-depth interview results.ConclusionThe qualitative interviews generated in-depth evidence of key concepts relevant to patients with COPD and muscle weakness and support the assessments of patient strength and physical function as outcome measures in this population in future studies.Trial numberGSK Stage 1: 206869; Stage 2: 200182, NCT03359473; Registered December 2, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03359473.

The efficiency of mirror therapy in peripheral nerve injuries.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mirror therapy on pain, sensory, and functional development in addition to conventional rehabilitation and occupational practices in patients with a peripheral nerve injury in the hand. Twenty-six patients with peripheral nerve injury in the hand were included in this randomized controlled study between November 2017 and May 2018. The patients were randomly assigned to the mirror group (n=14) and the control (n=12) group. Both groups received conventional therapy in our clinic for 45 min a day during weekdays for six consecutive weeks. The mirror group received an additional 10-15 min of visual mirror therapy. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Duruöz Hand Index, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Jebsen hand function test, and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test were used for the assessment of pain, hand function, and sensation of the patients at baseline and after treatment. The handgrip strength of the patients was measured with a dynamometer. A total of 20 patients (17 males, 3 females; mean age 31.9±16.5, range 16 to 65 years) completed the study, with 10 in each group. Statistically significant improvement was detected in hand skill functions, such as page-turning (p=0.004), backgammon packing (p=0.023), and heavy object lifting (p=0.029) in the mirror group. A statistically significant decrease was found in total scores of VAS after treatment in both groups (p<0.05). The results imply that mirror therapy integrated with conventional rehabilitation may aid additional benefits on hand functions in peripheral nerve injury. These results demonstrate that mirror therapy can be used in addition to the rehabilitation program of patients with peripheral nerve injury.

A review article on Katrigraha vis-à-vis Mechanical low back pain and its management through Ayurveda

In the present society, all age group people experience back pain, which is brought on by an unhealthy food and way of life. In Ayurveda, this ailment is compared to Katigraha, one of the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. It is a condition where pain and stiffness are brought on by Shuddha Vata or Sama Vata, which are concentrated in Kati Pradesha. Modern science says that actions like lifting heavy objects, bending, having poor posture, being sedentary, etc. cause Mechanical low back pain. It is usually limited to the lumbosacral region, buttock, or thigh and doesn't go past the knees. Modern medical treatments for low back pain have their own disadvantages and weren't effective over the long term. The Ayurvedic Chikitsa Sutra of Katigraha includes a description of Snehana, Swedana, Shamana, and Conventional Rasayana in addition to a healthy food and way of life. The breadth of Ayurvedic treatment for Katigraha shall be the main topic of the current paper.

The Medium-Term Outcomes of Patients With Suspected Scaphoid Fractures: A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background The medium-termoutcomesof patients (six to 14 months post-injury) with non-specific wrist injuries managed as suspected scaphoid fractures are not clear from the current literature. These patients' wrists are immobilized in casts or splints, and some receive physiotherapy. They receive serial imaging and follow-up appointments as needed. Aims This study aims to describe the medium-term outcomes of patients with non-specific wrist injuries managed as suspected scaphoid fractures. Methods This is a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Patients with suspected scaphoid fractures were identified from a consecutive database and were included.Patients diagnosed with a definitive scaphoid fracture at any point in time were excluded. Patients with any pre-existing wrist pathology were also excluded. In total 113 patients were posted the Patient-Rated-Wrist-Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire at six to 14 months post-injury with a self-addressed return envelope. Demographic and PRWE data were collated and described. Results Twenty-two patients (19% of totalpatients) returned a completed questionnaire. The median PRWE score was 32 out of 100 indicating mild pain and disability. 45.5% of patients were in this category. A minority of patients (9%)continued to suffer severe or very severe pain and disability. Patients with PRWE scores <40, representing pain and disability that is mild or less, reported very low difficulty completing work and recreational activities. Patients tended not to have pain at rest and experienced the most difficulty lifting heavy objects. Conclusion Most patients with non-specific wrist injuries managed as suspected scaphoid fractures experience some pain and disability in the medium term. For most this is minimal or mild, however some patients experience significant pain and disability. This study adds to existing evidence that this is the case. The reasons why these patients suffer are unclear. This study highlights the need to refine clinical practice to improve the outcomes of these patients.

Associations of anxiety and fatigue with hazardous occupational conditions of Korean nurses in early pregnancy: A cross-sectional study.

To identify occupational conditions associated with anxiety and fatigue among Korean nurses in early pregnancy. Pregnant nurses, like non-pregnant hospital nurses, are exposed to dangerous and stressful work environments, which can affect fatigue and anxiety. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1490 nurses who participated in the early pregnancy module in the Korea Nurses' Health Study between 2014 and 2020. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were employed to identify the factors associated with anxiety and fatigue among nurses in early pregnancy. One-fifth of participants were working night shifts, and more than two-thirds were working overtime. When using antineoplastic drugs and disinfectants, the rate of use of protective equipment varied depending on the size of the hospital. Working overtime and lifting heavy objects were associated with increased anxiety and fatigue among nurses. Overtime work was associated with both anxiety and fatigue among pregnant nurses. Pregnant hospital nurses were exposed to both night shift and overtime work. Therefore, hospital managers should improve hazardous working environments to protect the health of nurses in early pregnancy and their fetuses.

Association between work-related musculoskeletal disorders’ risk factors and different body parts affected among housekeepers in selected hotels in Mombasa County

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSDs) affects primarily muscles, tendons, joints, intervertebral discs, peripheral nerves, and the vascular system. WRMSDs are a worldwide issue and are experienced in both developed countries and industrially developing countries (IDCs). The prevalence of WRMSDs and their risk factors are not well known among hotel housekeepers in Kenya. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the annual prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among housekeepers in selected hotels in Mombasa County. The study also sought to assess the common body parts affected by pain as well as the WRMD risk factors associated with these body parts among housekeepers at selected hotels in Mombasa County. The study employed a cross-sectional approach. The sample size of 276 study participants’ housekeepers was obtained by considering housekeepers’ availability at the time of study at 18 purposefully selected hotels. Data collection was done through standardized questionnaires. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data analysis. Quantitative data was coded and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23) for analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were utilized to analyze the quantitative data collected from the structured questionnaires. To establish the link between variables, descriptive statistical analysis, including frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistical analysis, including the Chi-square test and linear regression, were utilized, with findings displayed in frequency tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. On the other hand, the qualitative analysis utilized thematic analysis, with findings presented in narrations. WRMDs were found to be prevalent in 91.7% of hotel housekeepers in Mombasa County. The most widely reported WRMD by housekeepers was lower back pain. The study cohort also reported leg, neck, and shoulder joint and muscle pains as a result of carrying, lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects weighing more than 20 kilograms. Hotels ought to identify the common WRMDs among housekeepers and determine specific risk factors associated with these pains. The study's key recommendations are for hotels to evaluate their labor practices to mitigate understaffing, invest in the mechanization of equipment to ensure that staff have reasonable working hours per day with adequate breaks in between chores, and take reasonable leave. Implementing health and safety standards is crucial, with an emphasis on good posture and techniques while performing tasks. The study recommends strengthening labor regulations by raising awareness and sensitizing labor unions and health committees on musculoskeletal disorders and preventing undue work-related injuries among hotel housekeepers.

The Association Between Sarcopenia and Stress Urinary Incontinence Among Older Adults in India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Older adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often suffer from both sarcopenia and stress urinary incontinence (SUI), two conditions that can significantly impact their health. However, the relationship between these conditions has not been thoroughly explored. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from older adults aged 50 years or older from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). Participants with complete data on sarcopenia and SUI were included, excluding female participants who were still menstruating. Sarcopenia was defined as decreased grip strength and slow movement. SUI was assessed based on questionnaire responses about whether the participant had ever passed urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. We analyzed the data using multiple logistic regression analysis, interaction tests, and stratified analysis. Results: Our results showed that sarcopenia was positively correlated with SUI in male participants after adjusting for adequate confounding factors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.20, 1.56], p < 0.001). This correlation remained stable after adjusting for additional confounding factors (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.11, 1.45], p < 0.001). In female participants, a stable correlation between sarcopenia and SUI was also observed after adjusting for appropriate confounding factors (OR = 1.11, 95% CI [1.01, 1.23], p = 0.037). According to the results of interaction tests and stratified analysis, the positive correlation between sarcopenia and SUI is notably stronger among men who abstain from alcohol and women who haven't undergone hysterectomy. Conclusions: Sarcopenia and SUI were positively correlated in older Indian adults, regardless of gender. Drinking and a history of hysterectomy may be important influencing factors for both male and female older adults. Further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to confirm this association.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Healthcare Workers in Asia

Intorduction: Low Back Pain is a musculoskeletal disorder and not a disease. Among healthcare workers (HCw), this is the disorder they experience most often, and knowledge about the prevalence of of low back pain (LBP) and its risk factors among healthcare workers is important to determine appropriate training for them The purpose of this study was to identify the magnitude of low back pain (LBP) problems in HCw as well as to determine which risk factors are determinants. Method: This study used a systematic review via meta-analysis guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Through a search of 13 articles from several countries in Asia, which analyzed 5753 respondents (1080 or 18.8% were males and 4673 or 81.2% were females), the average prevalence of LBP was 58.1%. This value was calculated without estimating the time span of its occurrence. If this range was calculated, of the 11 articles that calculated the lifetime incidence of LBP, the average was 60%. The risk factors were manual patient removal, heavy object lifting, sex, age, stress, type of work, workplace environment, and work duration. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence, and there are still many risk factors for LBP that require special attention. Healthcare workers are advised to pay attention to ergonomics and working behavior, while hospital leaders are advised to conduct training on the risk factors of LBP.

Electro‐Driven, Predefined Carbon Nanotube‐Based Phase Change Composite as a Lifting‐Jack

AbstractShape change materials or actuators that are capable of shrinking, bending or rotation under external stimuli (especially, by electricity), have attracted tremendous research interest in past years. Controlled shape change with large output capacity under low excitation voltage remains a challenging task in this field. Here, an electro‐driven carbon nanotube sponge/paraffin wax bulk composite (CS@PW) that can perform various shape change functions such as, in particular, jacking and lifting heavy objects (up to 668.3 times of composite weight) under lower voltages (4–8 V) with fast response and high reversibility is presented. This unique and superior jacking performance is attributed to the predefined original CS shape, the deformability and resilience derived from 3D porous CS@PW, and efficient Joule heat transfer from conductive CS to the coaxially wrapped PW layer; the latter, by reversible phase change solidification/melting, can fix or release carbon nanotube network to enable controlled fixation/motion. Additional advantages include hydrophobicity, anti‐leakage, wide operating temperature, and diverse reversible shape change modes based on CS@PW and commercial polyethylene tapes, are also demonstrated. The designed electro‐driven nanocomposites, combining resilient carbon nanotube networks with low‐cost organic phase‐change material, have wide applications in areas such as robust artificial muscles, intelligent morphing, and energy management.

Pathogenesis and Intervention Study of Idiopathic Scoliosis in Elementary and Middle School Students

Scoliosis, also known as lateral curvature of the spine or spinal lateral deviation, is a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by the bending of one or multiple segments of the spine to the side accompanied by vertebral rotation. It appears in the shape of an "S" or "C" and can cause pain during standing, walking, or lifting heavy objects, leading to a reduction in physical activity. Scoliosis is the most common spinal disorder among children and adolescents. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) refers to scoliosis that occurs during the teenage years and its etiology remains unclear. AIS is a spinal condition characterized by a three-dimensional deformity in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, with a Cobb angle of 10 degrees or more. The global prevalence of AIS ranges from 0.47% to 5.2% (Erwin et al., 2020; Konieczny et al., 2013). According to a study by Qiu Guixing et al., the prevalence of scoliosis in China is estimated to be approximately 0.6% to 2.0%, with 90% of cases being AIS. Jia Juanjuan et al., conducted a scoliosis screening of 8,026 students in Jiaxing City in 2019, with initial screening identifying 218 positive cases. Among them, 132 cases were confirmed through X-ray examination, estimating a scoliosis prevalence rate of 5.46% among primary and secondary school students in Jiaxing City. Chen Xiaosheng, Ru Shouhang et al., conducted a scoliosis survey among students from the fourth grade of primary school to the second grade of high school in various districts of Shenzhen City from January to December 2020, with the results showing a scoliosis prevalence rate of 5.01% among primary and secondary school students in Shenzhen City. The prevalence rate was higher in females than males and increased with age. If scoliosis in adolescents is not promptly and effectively treated during their growth process, the spinal deformity can rapidly progress and lead to various complications. For example, scoliosis can cause changes in the shape of the ribs, resulting in unequal thoracic cavity volume and breathing difficulties. Prolonged restricted breathing can lead to complications such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. Additionally, scoliosis can affect the functioning of abdominal organs, leading to pulmonary dysfunction and hypoxia, and in severe cases, it can cause cardiorespiratory failure. Furthermore, scoliosis not only affects the physical health of patients but also their mental well-being. The physical appearance changes caused by scoliosis deformity can potentially lead to psychological disorders.

A prospective evaluation of neck and shoulder function following treatments of early-stage human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx cancer.

To compare post-treatment neck and shoulder function between human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC) treatments. Prospective, repeated-measures study. Tertiary care center. Treatment-naïve patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition stage T0-3/N0-2 HPV+OPSCC. Patients completed the Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) pre-treatment and 3-months and 1-year post-treatment. The NDII assesses 10 neck and shoulder functions scored 0-5 (total score 0-100), with higher scores suggesting better function. A total of 106 patients underwent: surgery alone (SA, n = 46, 43%), surgery with adjuvant radiation ± chemotherapy (S + a[C]XRT, n = 18, 17%), or definitive radiation ± chemotherapy (d[C]XRT, n = 42, 40%). cTN classification and pre-treatment NDII scores did not differ between groups. SA patients reported worsened 3-month post-treatment versus pre-treatment self-care (4.6 vs. 5.0), lifting light (4.6 vs. 5.0) and heavy (4.2 vs. 4.8) objects, overhead reach (4.5 vs. 4.9), activity (4.5 vs. 4.9), socialization (4.7 vs. 4.9), recreation (4.6 vs. 4.9), and overall score (86.8 vs. 95.3) (all p < 0.05). One-year post-treatment scores (n = 34) were no different than pre-treatment in all domains. S + a[C]XRT patients reported worsened 3-month versus pre-treatment stiffness (4.0 vs. 4.8), lifting heavy objects (3.8 vs. 4.9), overhead reach (4.2 vs. 4.9), socialization (4.6 vs. 5.0), recreation (4.4 vs. 4.9) and overall score (82.4 vs. 96.0) (all p < 0.05). One-year post-treatment scores (n = 13) were no different than pre-treatment in all domains. d[C]XRT patients reported worsened 3-month versus pre-treatment difficulty lifting heavy objects (4.3 vs. 4.7) and recreation (4.3 vs. 4.7). One-year posttreatment scores (n = 21) were no different than pre-treatment in all domains. HPV + OPSCC patients may experience mild shoulder/neck dysfunction 3 months after treatment that usually resolves by 1 year, independent of treatment modality.

Design and Analysis of a Novel Shoulder Exoskeleton Based on a Parallel Mechanism

Power-assisted upper-limb exoskeletons are primarily used to improve the handling efficiency and load capacity. However, kinematic mismatch between the kinematics and biological joints is a major problem in most existing exoskeletons, because it reduces the boosting effect and causes pain and long-term joint damage in humans. In this study, a shoulder augmentation exoskeleton was designed based on a parallel mechanism that solves the shoulder dislocation problem using the upper arm as a passive limb. Consequently, the human–machine synergy and wearability of the exoskeleton system were improved without increasing the volume and weight of the system. A parallel mechanism was used as the structural body of the shoulder joint exoskeleton, and its workspace, dexterity, and stiffness were analyzed. Additionally, an ergonomic model was developed using the principle of virtual work, and a case analysis was performed considering the lifting of heavy objects. The results show that the upper arm reduces the driving force requirement in coordinated motion, enhances the load capacity of the system, and achieves excellent assistance.

Skin-Inspired Tough Elastomer with Moisture-Triggered Switchable Mechanical Properties.

Biological tissue usually exhibits good water adaptive mechanical properties, which can maintain high strength and toughness in both wet and dry states. However, synthetic tissue like hydrogel usually becomes hard and brittleness in its dry state. Here this challenge is met by exploring iron-catechol complex (TA-Fe3+ ) as a great platform combining extremely different polymers (elastomer and hydrogel) to construct new tissue-like soft composite materials with two different continuous phases, which have not yet been reported. In its dry state, the xerogel phase becomes a reinforced segment to increase the strength of PB without losing its toughness. In its wet state, this soft material becomes high performance hydrogel, where hydrogel phase absorbs high water and elastomer phase can sustain high loading. Such heterogeneous phase structures provide a good idea for designing the soft materials, exhibiting a trade-off between its high strength and toughness in both wet and dry states. Furthermore, its shape memory behaviors in both its wet and dry state, which shows a great potential application for complex adaptive shape transformation and engineering application like lifting of heavy objects under remote control due to high photo-thermal transition of TA-Fe3+ is explored.

THE ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF THE WHOLE-BODY CRYOTHERAPY ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF PATIENTS WITH LUMBAR SPINE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Aim: To assess the effect of the whole-body cryotherapy on everyday functioning and the severity of pain of patients diagnosed with lumbar spine osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent a course of a series of 10 treatments of the whole-body cryotherapy in cryogenic chamber. The Visual Analogue Scale and the Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Scale were used to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. The mobility of the spine was examined using the Thomayer test and the Schober one. Results: A significant statistical improvement was demonstrated in the reduction of pain (p&lt;0.0001) and daily functioning (p&lt;0.0001). The biggest change was observed in the case of personal care, sleeping and traveling activities. There was no significant change in walking (p=0, 6323), sitting (p=0, 0827) and lifting heavy objects (p=0.0761). Conclusions: The use of the whole-body cryotherapy significantly improves daily functional efficiency and reduces pain of patients with lumbar spine osteoarthritis. In addition, the range of mobility is improved

Abstract B129: Workplace accommodations during and after prostate cancer treatment

Abstract This study was designed to examine the modifications and accommodations African-American and White prostate cancer survivors experience at their workplaces during and following radiation therapy or a prostatectomy. Approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although the average age at time of prostate cancer diagnosis is 66, the substantial number of younger men diagnosed results in large number of men facing treatment during their working years. African-American men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer; understanding their experiences is therefore particularly vital. Forty-five prostate cancer survivors who had undergone radiation therapy or a prostatectomy within the past 6-36 months, had worked within one month prior to treatment initiation, and had expected to be working six months in six months participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews about their experiences at work prior to, during, and after treatment. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and systematically analyzed. Twenty of the participants were African-American men and 25 were White men, and their mean age was 61. Most men were able to receive accommodations to address their needs in addition to time off for treatment and recovery if needed. These accommodations included temporarily changing their jobs duties so that they could focus on tasks that eliminated or reduced the most physically demanding aspects of their jobs such lifting heavy objects, performing tasks that could be conducted while seated, and reducing work-related travel. Working from home, reducing their work hours, and taking breaks during the work day also benefited some survivors. Although rare, a man who experienced difficulty meeting the physical demands of his job lacked accommodations and was afraid to request any due to his concern that he would lose his job. Men who lacked access to conveniently placed bathrooms used creative strategies. The move to have employees working at home and eliminating or reducing work-related travel due to the COVID-19 enabled some workers to forgo some accommodations they would have otherwise required. Variation in experience by race will be addressed. The needs of and workplace accommodations provided to prostate cancer survivors undergoing and recovering from prostate cancer treatment vary widely. Increased attention to their needs and strategies to address them could enable prostate cancer survivors to be better prepared for work-related challenges. Citation Format: Joanne C. Sandberg, Otis L. Owens. Workplace accommodations during and after prostate cancer treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B129.