Postural Assessment Method Research Articles

Noninstrumented Clinical Assessment of Static Postural Stability in Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several clinical tests are available to assess static postural stability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI); however, it is unclear which test should be used. To determine which noninstrumented clinical tests should be used to detect static postural stability deficits in individuals with CAI. We searched 4 databases from their inception to February 2023, and included studies comparing static postural stability in individuals with CAI and healthy controls using noninstrumented assessments. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics, participant information, static postural stability assessment methods, and results. We calculated the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval using a random effects meta-analysis and assessed the certainty of the evidence. Fourteen cross-sectional studies (293 participants with CAI and 284 healthy controls) were included. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the CAI and healthy groups in the double-leg stance condition of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) (SMD, -0.03; low-certainty evidence). Significant group differences were found in the BESS single-leg stance (SLS) on firm and foam surfaces (SLS firm: SMD, 0.47, very low-certainty evidence; SLS foam: SMD, 0.80, very low-certainty evidence), the tandem stance (TS) on firm and foam surfaces (TS firm: SMD, 0.39, low-certainty evidence; TS foam: SMD, 0.76, low-certainty evidence), and the total BESS in the foam conditions (SMD, 1.12, very low certainty evidence). Significant differences were also found between the CAI and healthy groups in the foot-lift (SMD, 1.24; very low certainty evidence) and time-in-balance tests (SMD, -0.94; very low certainty evidence). Due to the large magnitude of the differences, the SLS foam, TS foam, and the total BESS in the foam conditions, as well as the foot-lift test or time-in-balance test, may be the most appropriate to clinically identify static postural stability impairment in individuals with CAI.

An Integrated Frequency Regulation Method Based on System Frequency Security Posture

As the share of renewable energy in a grid increases, the grid’s frequency support capability weakens, and the spatial distribution of grid frequency becomes more pronounced. As a result, control strategies based on system frequency consistency and traditional frequency regulation dominated by synchronous machines are becoming increasingly inadequate for meeting the frequency regulation requirements of new-type power systems. To enhance the system’s frequency support capability, it is imperative to fully utilize the frequency regulation resources within the power system. To address this issue, this paper first introduces a system frequency security posture assessment method that accounts for the spatial distribution characteristics of the grid. Subsequently, a parameter optimization method for diverse frequency regulation resources is proposed in conjunction with the proposed comprehensive evaluation method for frequency regulation. Next, using a renewable energy feeder regional grid as an example, an integrated frequency regulation method based on the system frequency security posture is presented. Finally, the frequency regulation performance and economic costs of different frequency regulation methods are analyzed under various operating scenarios and disturbances using a model based on actual data from the renewable energy feeder regional grid. The simulation and index calculation results demonstrate that the method proposed in this paper effectively enhances the system’s frequency support capability, reduces the frequency disparity between different nodes within the grid, and maintains high economic performance.

Flight situational assessment based on complex network and MFIM-TOPSIS

In order to objectively and accurately assess the airborne flight posture in the trajectory-based operation (TBO) mode, a flight posture assessment method based on complex network and MFIM-TOPSIS is proposed. Firstly, the precise protection zone of different aircraft types is established by analyzing the risk of lateral collision between aircraft, and the flight conflict network is constructed by using the three-dimensional velocity barrier method, which is close to the TBO air operation environment, based on which six network topology indexes, such as total node degree, average point strength and network density, are selected to build the flight attitude assessment index system. To weaken the influence of the assessment subjectivity, an interaction matrix that can reflect subjective factors-objective factors is proposed. The maximum information coefficient is used to improve the coding of interaction matrix. Finally the flight attitude level status is assessed by using the superiority-disadvantage solution distance method. The simulation analysis and the example analysis of Takasaki Airport show that the evaluation model can accurately assess the air traffic situation and provide auxiliary information for controllers' decision making and command.

Automated Kinect-based posture evaluation method for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of construction workers

ABSTRACT Construction workers often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders due to awkward postures and weight-carrying in hot environments. Previous studies have focused on posture, neglecting weight-carrying or the environment. This study develops an automated real-time version of the RULA-based posture assessment method, identifying a worker’s posture and load weight using an RGB-D Microsoft Kinect sensing camera. The method includes ambient workplace temperature and is tested on a small-scale bricklaying and reinforcement task. Laboratory tests show the method improves assessment efficiency significantly. This is the first of its kind to fully automate the assessment of construction worker WMSD propensity, providing a continuous warning system to replace manual supervision.

Research on Network Security Situation Assessment Model in Decentralized Computing Environment

Abstract In this paper, decentralized computing is used as an entry point to review the latest research results on network security issues through two methods, namely task assignment and hierarchical analysis, and construct a network security posture assessment model based on decentralized computing. A control framework is constructed by utilizing the functional complementarity of continuous authentication and security threat assessment in order to facilitate real-time observation of the security situation of the network and timely elimination of malicious nodes. A quantitative network security threat posture assessment model is constructed through hierarchical analysis to observe the extent of the breach of confidentiality and integrity of network information based on the security threat posture index. The effectiveness of the network security posture assessment model and method proposed in this paper was verified by empirical analysis in a simulated environment. The results show that after the simulated attack lasts for 12 minutes, the network security risk index measured by the assessment model in the test cascade case becomes larger with the intensification of the network attack, and the risk index value is up to 5.5. In summary, the network security posture assessment model based on decentralized computing designed in this paper can quickly reflect the changes in the security status of the underlying network and provide administrators with the current security status of the network in a macroscopic way.

Methods of Postural Assessment used in Hyperkyphotic Elders: A Narrative Review

Background and objective: Aging is a natural process and associated changes in posture, mainly at the spine lead to complications in functional independence and quality of life. The aim of this review is to identify existing measuring tools used to measure hyperkyphotic posture in the elderly population. Methods: Electronic databases were searched from January 2001 to December 2021, with different combinations of keywords, “thoracic kyphosis” or “hyperkyphosis” or “kyphotic posture” or hyperkyphotic posture” or “flexed posture” or “spinal curve” and “assessment”, “measurement” or “instrument” or “equipment” and “elderly” or “older adults” or “elders”. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Four thousand one hundred sixty-six studies were obtained from electronic databases. After the removal of 3227 duplicate studies, twenty-six relevant studies were selected from 939 unique studies. Radiographic measurement, Flexicurve ruler, Debrunner kyphometer, Gravity-dependent inclinometer, occiput to wall distance (OTW), tragus to wall distance (TWD), and spinal mouse were used for hyperkyphotic measurement. The radiographic method and Flexicurve showed very high reliability. The block method and flexicurve are widely used methods for assessing hyperkyphotic posture in older adults. Conclusion: Postural assessment methods showed variability in defining criteria for hyperkyphosis in the elderly population. Flexicurve and block methods can be used as non-invasive methods for the early detection of hyperkyphosis. In the future, more measurement tools should be developed for the measurement of kyphosis, that are cost-effective, with excellent reliability and validity.

Validity and reproducibility of methods and variables telerehabilitation instruments for static postural assessment: a scoping review

The objective of this scoping review was to identify, examine and describe the instruments used to assess static body posture through telerehabilitation, whose measurement properties are described. Due to the pandemic, it has become common to carry out postural assessments remotely, as a different approach to face-to-face assessments has become necessary. The review was performed according to the steps recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR method for scoping review. The Pubmed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched during March and April 2022. Studies could be published in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and there was no deadline for the chosen studies. Only three studies were found that performed static postural assessments remotely and described their measurement properties. The main limitations reported were technical issues, use of a simulated environment and the tendency of people evaluated to be ashamed to undress. The results of this review suggest that there is limited evidence to help physical therapists perform static posture assessments remotely. More research is needed to determine the validity and reproducibility of postural assessment methods by telerehabilitation.

Nail job and women’s health: Assessment of ergonomics and occupational hazards

BACKGROUND: The nail job is a new occupation in which the number of people who choose this job is rising. Therefore, the harmful hazards affecting the health of the practitioners should be taken into account. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ergonomics and occupational health hazards among nail technicians in Iranian society. METHODS: The self-administered questionnaire, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Novel Ergonomic Postural Assessment (NERPA) method were used to gather data from 80 female nail technicians who participated in this study. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (67.6%) complained of coughing and eye irritation (70%) which was the most frequently reported irritation. The final score of the NERPA was at a high-risk level and the neck pain (63.8%) was the highest in comparison with other parts of the body. There was a significant relationship between activity type with disorder in the neck, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle. Lighting intensity was not significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Concerning the low work experience, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and, respiratory complaints is high. Hence, the attention of policy-makers to the safety and hygiene issues of women in this occupation is necessary by setting guidelines and considering inspections of occupational health and safety professionals.

Postural stability assessment method and its validation based on plantar three-partition distributed force measurement

Based on the biomechanical properties of the foot, A novel distributed force measurement method was proposed, and then verified the effectiveness of using obtained distributed force for postural stability assessment. Twenty-seven young adults (youth group) and 39 older adults (elderly group) were randomly selected for stability measurements. The effectiveness of the force adjustment volume per unit time (PFAV) as a postural stability assessment variable was verified by correlation analysis with the average velocity of the center of pressure trajectory (CoPAV) and discrimination of the set stability difference conditions. The results showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between PFAV and CoPAV (P < 0.001, P < 0.01). The reliability of PFAV was higher than that of CoPAV (ICC coefficients of CoPAV and PFAV were 0.32–0.75 and 0.68–0.93, respectively). It was verified that PFAV is an effective and reliable postural stability assessment variable based on plantar distribution force measurement.

Comparative Study of Posture Deviation on C.B.S.E Higher Secondary School Boys and Government Higher Secondary School Boys

The purpose of the study was to analyze the postural deviation among the CBSE Higher Secondary School Boys and Government Higher Secondary School Boys. For the purpose of the study, a total of 200 higher secondary school boys randomly were selected from the CBSE Higher Secondary Schools and Government Higher Secondary School in Sivagangai District, Tamilnadu, India. The age of the selected subjects were ranged from 15 to 17 years. The subject belonged to different areas of Sivagangai districts. Before rating the postural deformities the investigator had briefly explained about test items to the subjects, the purpose of the study and their role, the subjects were motivated to give relevant personal data and co-operate to take the necessary postural deformities rating test. The test for the study was New York Posture Rating Test Prior to the administration of tests the investigator assembled the subjects and briefed them about the purpose of the tests and the testing procedure. New York State Physical Fitness Test manual includes a posture assessment method. This test contains a series of profile illustrating 13 posture areas. For each area 3 profiles are provided for good, fair and poor posture. These are scored 5, 3 and 1 respectively. The data collected from the groups on the selected variables were statically examined to find out whether there was any significant difference between CBSE Higher Secondary School Boys and Government Higher Secondary School Boys, ‘t’ ratio was employed. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05 level of confidence. On the basis of result and within the limitation of present study the following conclusion were derived from this study. It is concluded that there is significant difference on postural deformities between the two groups the result revealed that the Government school students was better than the C.B.S.E School Students

Ergonomic assessment of office worker postures using 3D automated joint angle assessment

Sedentary activity and static postures are associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and worker discomfort. Ergonomic evaluation for office workers is commonly performed by experts using tools such as the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), but there is limited evidence suggesting sustained compliance with expert’s recommendations. Assessing postural shifts across a day and identifying poor postures would benefit from automation by means of real-time, continuous feedback. Automated postural assessment methods exist; however, they are usually based on ideal conditions that may restrict users’ postures, clothing, and hair styles, or may require unobstructed views of the participants. Using a Microsoft Kinect camera and open-source computer vision algorithms, we propose an automated ergonomic assessment algorithm to monitor office worker postures, the 3D Automated Joint Angle Assessment, 3D-AJA. The validity of the 3D-AJA was tested by comparing algorithm-calculated joint angles to the angles obtained from manual goniometry and the Kinect Software Development Kit (SDK) for 20 participants in an office space. The results of the assessment show that the 3D-AJA has mean absolute errors ranging from 5.6° ± 5.1° to 8.5° ± 8.1° for shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and elbow flexion relative to joint angle measurements from goniometry. Additionally, the 3D-AJA showed relatively good performance on the classification of RULA score A using a Random Forest model (micro averages F1-score = 0.759, G-mean = 0.811), even at high levels of occlusion on the subjects’ lower limbs. The results of the study provide a basis for the development of a full-body ergonomic assessment for office workers, which can support personalized behavior change and help office workers to adjust their postures, thus reducing their risks of WMSDs.

Video image-based posture assessment: an approach for dynamic working posture assessment

Traditional observational posture evaluation methods stress on sampling approach for continuous evaluation of dynamic postures in any activity. Hence, the quality of results from such evaluations is under debate. This article proposes a Video Image-based Posture Assessment (VIPA) method as a highly capable one for assessing an activity requiring dynamic postures of workers. This article explains the various steps of VIPA and its application for (i) the extraction and classification of postures into different categories based on the instructed posture classes from 10 videos of soil loosening activity having 48,715 postures and (ii) the use of OWAS to evaluate the postures. VIPA relies on traditional posture evaluation methods. The results indicate that VIPA could identify precarious postures 30% of the activity duration; these results were found to be accurate and reliable because there is no sampling method involved. The capability of VIPA method is proven through the activity studied.

Ergonomic postural assessment using a new open-source human pose estimation technology (OpenPose)

Observational ergonomic postural assessment methods have been commonly used to evaluate the risks of musculoskeletal disorders. Researchers have proposed semi-automatic methods using Kinect, known for limitations with body occlusions and non-frontal tracking. Meanwhile, new human pose estimation methods have been actively developed, and a popular open-source technology is OpenPose. This study aims to propose the OpenPose-based system for computing joint angles and RULA/REBA scores and validate against the reference motion capture system, and compare its performance to the Kinect-based system. Recordings of 10 participants performing 12 experimental tasks under different conditions: with/without body occlusions and tracked from frontal/non-frontal views were analyzed. OpenPose showed good performance under all task conditions, whereas Kinect performed significantly worse than OpenPose especially at cases with body occlusions or non-frontal tracking. The findings suggested that OpenPose could be a promising technology to measure joint angles and conduct semi-automatic ergonomic postural assessments in the real workspace where the conditions are often non-ideal.

Musculoskeletal health problems and relationship of risk factors among manual clay brick sector workers

Adverse working conditions with prolonged awkward postures and traditionally designed hand tools result in musculoskeletal health problems among brick kiln workers. The occurrence of musculoskeletal problems depends on various physiological and work-related factors. The present cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalent musculoskeletal health issues among 150 manual clay brick sector workers and the relationship of risk factors with these issues. Random sampling survey using modified Nordic questionnaire and postural assessment methods, rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were used for data collection. The association between prevalence of MSDs and risk factors was determined by binary logistic regression. Most prevalent musculoskeletal issues were found in shoulder (56.15%), wrist (50.77%) and lower back (50%) regions. Musculoskeletal issues were found to be associated with personal and work-related factors. The average REBA and RULA scores for all tasks indicated high postural risk. The outcomes of the study pointed out the need for ergonomic interventions to reduce the issues among kiln sector workers.

Musculoskeletal health problems and relationship of risk factors among manual clay brick sector workers

Adverse working conditions with prolonged awkward postures and traditionally designed hand tools result in musculoskeletal health problems among brick kiln workers. The occurrence of musculoskeletal problems depends on various physiological and work-related factors. The present cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalent musculoskeletal health issues among 150 manual clay brick sector workers and the relationship of risk factors with these issues. Random sampling survey using modified Nordic questionnaire and postural assessment methods, rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) were used for data collection. The association between prevalence of MSDs and risk factors was determined by binary logistic regression. Most prevalent musculoskeletal issues were found in shoulder (56.15%), wrist (50.77%) and lower back (50%) regions. Musculoskeletal issues were found to be associated with personal and work-related factors. The average REBA and RULA scores for all tasks indicated high postural risk. The outcomes of the study pointed out the need for ergonomic interventions to reduce the issues among kiln sector workers.

Postural body: a systematic review about assessment methods

Introduction: There are different methods for assessing body posture used in physiotherapeutic research, however, there is still no consensus on what would be the most widely used. Objective: Review the methods for body postural assessment used in research today. Method: A literature review was performed on Brazilian papers published from 2010 to 2014. This papers were found Virtual Health Library database, with Health Sciences Descriptors: posture and assessment. Results: Ten assessment methods were found, as follows: Postural Assessment Software (PAS), digital photography, photogrammetry, photography, Kendall et.al. method, Kendall et.al. method with photography, New York Postural Assessment method (NYPAM), biophotogrammetry, evaluation form, and posturograma. Among others, the most used method is PAS (15 papers), followed by Kendall et.al. method with photography (six papers). Conclusion: Various methods for body postural assessment are employed, among PAS show us that is the most used.

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF ARM SWING EXERCISE THERAPY ON SHOULDER RANGE OF MOTION AND FORWARD HEAD POS-TURE: A PILOT STUDY IN YOUNG ADULTS

People who work in offices for a long time tend to have poor posture and a decreased range of motion throughout the body. This could lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain if not corrected. Shuai Shou Gong, a version of Arm Swing Exercise (ASE), has been developed and practiced by some Chinese people for over one thousand years to maintain physical well-being. Its beneficial effects on posture and range of motion had not yet been verified. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily examine the immediate effects of ASE on shoulder range of motion (ROM) and occiput-wall distance (OWD) in young adults. The before-after study design was used in fifteen healthy office workers (6 males, 9 females), aged 20-40 years, who participated in the study. The shoulder ROM and OWD of the participants were measured before and immediately after a 10-minute session of supervised ASE. A paired-sample t-test was used to estimate the mean changes in the outcome. Results in this study revealed that shoulder ROM was increased in all directions (P < 0.05) while the OWD was decreased (P < 0.05) after the 10-minute session. However, a postural assessment method using a mobile application (PostureScreen) could not demonstrate a significant improvement. In conclusion, ASE have provided immediate improvements on shoulder ROM and forward head posture as indicated by a decreased OWD. Further research using a randomized controlled trial is needed.

Concurrent Validity of Digital Image-based Postural Assessment as a Method for Measuring Thoracic Kyphosis: A Cross-Sectional Study of Healthy Adults

ObjectiveTo analyze the concurrent validity of the Digital Image-based Postural Assessment (DIPA) method for identifying the magnitude and classification of thoracic kyphosis in adults. MethodologyOn the same day and in the same place, thoracic kyphosis was assessed in 68 adults using 2 methods: the DIPA software protocol and radiography. The DIPA software provided angular values of thoracic kyphosis based on trigonometric relations, while with the radiograph, the curvature was calculated using the Cobb method. The following tests were applied in the statistical analysis: Pearson's correlation, Bland-Altman's graphic representation, root mean square error, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve; α = 0.05. The reference angular values for the standard thoracic posture used in DIPA were determined with the ROC curve based on the Cobb angles. ResultsThe correlation between the angles obtained for thoracic kyphosis using the DIPA and Cobb methods was found to be high (r = 0.813, P < .001), and the accuracy was ±4°. According to Bland-Altman's representation, the magnitudes provided by the DIPA software were in agreement with those of the Cobb method. In reference values for determining the standard posture of the thoracic spine, the ROC curve indicated good accuracy in diagnosing a decrease in thoracic kyphosis (with a value of 33.9°) and excellent accuracy in diagnosing thoracic hyperkyphosis (with a value 39.9°) when using DIPA. ConclusionThe DIPA postural assessment method is valid in the sagittal plane for identifying the magnitude of thoracic kyphosis in adults. Furthermore, it is accurate in diagnosing alterations in thoracic kyphosis.

The association between the level of physical activity with spinal posture and physical fitness parameters in early adolescence

Background/Aim. A low level of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle affects the body posture in adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the core relation between the level of physical activity and spinal posture as well as physical fitness parameters in 11?14 years old teenagers. Methods. The cross-sectional study included 532 children, aged from 11 to 14 years. The study was carried out at three Lithuanian schools in 2011?2013. The Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire (YPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Spinal posture was assessed according to the Hoeger visual posture assessment method. Physical capacity was evaluated using a 6-min walking test (6 MWT) and by calculating maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Other physical fitness such as the general balance, flexibility, explosive leg power and abdominal muscle endurance were evaluated by applying the European Fitness Test (Eurofit). According to time spent doing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activities (MVPA), the sample was divided into 2 groups ? a low activity level group and moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity level group. We compared the spinal posture evaluation results and physical fitness parameters between groups as well as correlations between the duration of MVPA, spinal posture evaluation results and physical fitness parameters. Results. The study showed that 22.2% of teenagers had a low physical activity level and 16% of teenagers had an incorrect posture. The teenagers of low physical activity group were less physically fit and had the poorer posture than teenagers in the MVPA group. During the 6MWT, the teenagers in the low physical activity group walked on average 63.2 m less (p = 0.002), and their VO2max was 0.8 mL/kg/min lower (p = 0.006) than that of teenagers in the MVPA group. The teenagers in the low physical activity group also did not perform as well in the explosive leg power and abdominal muscle endurance tests compared to teenagers in the MVPA group. Correlations between the duration of MVPA and spinal posture evaluation results as well as some physical fitness parameters were very weak. Conclusion. The teenagers of low physical activity were less physically capable and had poorer posture than the teenagers in the MVPA group.

The Proposed Improvement of Work Posture as An Attempt in Lowering The Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorder

CV Valasindo is furniture industry that produces a wide range of wood product.The production process in CV. Valasindo is devided in two areas, preparation of materials area and production area. This research is focused on work posture of the production area’s workers. The production area itself consists of work stations such as assembly, construction and finishing. The production area was chosen because on the production process in this area is still done manually by the operator. Additionally, on the production area is also still present a series of no ergonomic work posture, both on the work station construction, assembly and finishing. The purpose of this research is to identify a work posture on the production area and doing an improvement to lowers the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Based on the results of the assessment work posture against 18 work stations at the production area, the seat assembly work station it is known that has the highest risk of musculoskeletal injuries with a score of REBA 9, OWAS 3 as well as score NBM 75. Based on work by posture assessment method of QEC, REBA, OWAS and reinforced with method NBM then the improvement will be focused on work station assembly seat. In this study, the improvements done by designing a working facility in the form of tables and chairs work. Based on the results of the design work facilities have been simulated and the result is the risk of musculoskeletal injuries that used to be high risk decrease to be low