Postural Support Research Articles

Optimising Posture: An Experimental Study of Posture Support for Comfort among University Students

Optimising Posture: An Experimental Study of Posture Support for Comfort among University Students

The effects of postural support padding modifications to child restraints for children with disability on crash protection

Objective Many children with physical disabilities need additional postural support when sitting and supplementary padding is used on standards approved child restraints to achieve this when traveling in a motor vehicle. However, the effect of this padding on crash protection for a child is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of additional padding for postural support on crash protection for child occupants in forward facing child restraints. Methods Forty frontal sled tests at 49 km/h were conducted to compare Q1 anthropometric test device (ATD) responses in a forward-facing restraint, with and without additional padding in locations to increase recline of the restraint, and/or support the head, trunk and pelvis. Three padding materials were tested: cloth toweling, soft foam, and expanded polystyrene (EPS). The influence of padding on head excursion, peak 3 ms head acceleration, HIC15, peak 3 ms chest acceleration and chest deflection were analyzed. Results The influence of padding varied depending on the location of use. Padding used under the restraint to increase the recline angle increased head injury metrics. Toweling in multiple locations which included behind the head increased head excursion and chest injury metrics. There was minimal effect on injury risk measures with additional padding to support the sides of the head or the pelvis position. Rigid EPS foam, as recommended in Australian standards and guidelines, had minimal effect on injury metrics when used inside the restraint, as did tightly rolled or folded toweling secured to the restraint at single locations around the body of the child. Conclusions This study does not support the use of postural support padding to increase recline of a forward-facing restraint or padding behind the head. Recommendations in published standards and guidelines to not use foam that is spongy, soft or easily compressed, with preference for secured firm foam or short-term use of tightly rolled or folded toweling under the child restraint cover is supported. This study also highlights the importance of considering the whole context of child occupant protection when using additional padding, particularly the change in the child’s seated position when adding padding in relation to the standard safety features of the restraint.

Modifications to Child Restraints for Children With Disabilities – Experiences of Australian Caregivers and Health Professionals

All children travelling in motor vehicles must be properly secured in a size-appropriate child restraint. However, for many children with a disability, standard child restraints are not suitable, and health professionals or caregivers modify restraints. There is however little data characterising these modifications. This study examined the modifications used to assist with the restraint of children aged 0-16 years with additional needs in motor vehicles. Two anonymous online surveys, one for caregivers and one for health professionals on child restraint use and modifications to seating for children with disabilities were undertaken. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Eighty-six responses were analysed (40 caregivers and 46 health professionals). The majority (95.7%) of health professionals and 22.5 percent of caregivers reported having used modifications. Additional padding for postural support was the most frequently used modification (47.7% health professionals, 10% caregivers). Specialised harnesses were the most frequently used accessory used by health professionals (47.8%), with cross chest straps most frequently used by the surveyed caregivers (10%). Challenges for children with disabilities using compliant child restraints continue to persist, despite the use of modifications. There is also a lack of evidence on the impact of the modifications on restraint performance, potentially placing children at risk.

Postural supporting cervical traction workstation to improve resting state brain activity in digital device users: EEG study.

This study aimed to determine the effect of postural support workstation on inducing effective brain activity during rest. Thirty-five healthy digital overusers were recruited as participants. We conducted two interventions of head weight support traction (ST) and conventional traction (CT) strength on all participants in random order. Participants' arousal levels and psychological comfort were assessed. In addition, changes in brain activity caused by traction were confirmed by measuring changes in resting state brain activity using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Under the ST condition, psychological comfort improved while alert levels were maintained. In addition the resting brain activity of EEG was characterized by strong focused attention and relaxed activity, as evidenced by increased alpha waves throughout the brain. By contrast, in the CT condition, no significant improvement in comfort was observed. Furthermore, high-frequency brain activity, such as beta 3 and gamma waves, was observed across the entire brain regions. In this study, the ST workstation was shown to effectively improve resting attention and psychological comfort in individuals who excessively use digital devices by inducing resting state alpha activity without stimulating high-frequency brain waves, while maintaining an upright posture with appropriate traction.

Current situation and publication trends of skeletal muscle related research: A bibliometric analysis

Skeletal muscle (SM) is a highly plastic and dynamic tissue of the body and is largely responsible for body maintenance. SM is primarily responsible for body balance, movement, postural support, thermogenesis, and blood glucose homeostasis. SM regeneration depends on the activation of muscle satellite (stem) cells (MSCs) under the regulation of several muscle regulatory factors that regulate myogenesis. Bibliometric analysis involves the quantitative and qualitative assessments of research and scientific progress that provides researchers access to recent publications, research directions, and thus generates ideas that can be implemented to guide future research. In this analysis, the Web of Science database was searched for articles using the search term “skeletal muscle AND myogenesis AND muscle satellite cell”, and 1777 articles (original research/review articles) published from the year 1997 to June 2023 were retrieved. After applying several other exclusion and inclusion criteria, 129 articles were considered for analysis. Types of research, keywords, journals, authors, years, institutions, funding agencies, and average annual citations were analyzed. Muscle regeneration, satellite cell, and myogenesis were often used keywords and exhibited increasing trends in research articles over the decades. Some journals were found to strongly support research publications with high impact factors and citation scores. This study aimed to examine research ideas and growth in the skeletal muscle related field for atrophy and aging improvement.

Effects of head alignment devices on working memory and postural support during computer work.

The most common risk factor of computer workers is poor head and neck posture. Therefore, upright seated posture has been recommended repeatedly. However, maintaining an upright seated posture is challenging during computer work and induces various complaints, such as fatigue and discomfort, which can interfere working performance. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an upright posture without complaints or intentional efforts during long-term computer work. Alignment devices are an appropriate maneuver to support postural control for maintaining head-neck orientation and reduce head weight. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of workstations combined with alignment device on head-neck alignment, muscle properties, comfort and working memory ability in computer workers. Computer workers (n = 37) participated in a total of three sessions (upright computer (CPT_U), upright support computer (CPT_US), traction computer (CPT_T) workstations). The craniovertebral angle, muscles tone and stiffness, visual analog discomfort scale score, 2-back working memory performance, and electroencephalogram signals were measured. All three workstations had a substantial effect on maintaining head-neck alignment (p< 0.001), but only CPT_US showed significant improvement on psychological comfort (p = 0.04) and working memory performance (p = 0.024), which is consistent with an increase in delta power. CPT_U showed the increased beta 2 activity, discomfort, and false rates compared to CPT_US. CPT_T showed increased alpha and beta 2 activity and decreased delta activity, which are not conductive to working memory performance. In conclusion, CPT_US can effectively induce efficient neural oscillations without causing any discomfort by increasing delta and decreasing beta 2 activity for working memory tasks.

Motor skills as the basis of sensorimotor development, an essential dimension according to André Bullinger

In neonatology and pediatric intensive care units, as in pediatric units, development support care practiced according to the approach of psychologist André Bullinger takes into account sensorimotor and psychological aspects. Considering the quality and quantity of movements, from the antenatal period, allows for individualized and early care. Sensitive periods of sensorimotor development, during which brain plasticity is optimal, are decisive for psychomotor and cognitive development. Observation and evaluation of movements, as well as postural support to enable active motor skills, constitute essential elements of the developmental support provided to vulnerable children of all ages.

ORTHOSTATIC SUPPORT IN PARAPLEGIC AND AMPUTEE PATIENTS: A CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Functional incapacity caused by physical alterations leads to significant limitations in daily activities and has a major impact on the return of people with disabilities to the social space and the workplace. This calls for an evaluation of the long-term influence of the use of a device specially developed for orthostatic posture on the physiological, biomechanical and functional parameters of amputees and spinal cord patients. The objective was evaluate the effect of postural support device use on function, pain, and biomechanical and cardiologic parameters in spinal cord injury and amputees patients compared to a control group. The orthostatic device was used by the participants for a period of ten consecutive days, for three cycles of 50 minutes each day, and a 15-day follow-up. Participants were positioned and stabilized using adjustable straps on the shoulders, trunk, and hips. The primary outcome was brief pain inventory. Fifteen participants were included the control group, 15 in the amputee group, and 15 in the spinal cord group. Our results demonstrate that the use of the device allows the orthostatic position of amputees and spinal cord patients evaluated for ten days, leading to improved functionality and pain in the spinal cord and amputee groups compared to the control group. In addition, no changes were observed for secondary outcomes, indicating that the use of the device did not cause harm interference to patients. The long-term use of the orthostatic device is beneficial for improving functionality, reduce pain in amputees and spinal cord injury patients. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the results of treatment.

Positioning of premature babies in intensive care and neonatal medicine units

Every child born prematurely has skills that professionals must support in order to promote their development. Motor and postural support constitute two important points in the strategies deployed in this regard. Other techniques, such as position changes and skin-to-skin practice, complete the care and monitoring of the baby.

Long-Term Outcome of Chest Wall and Diaphragm Repair with Biological Materials.

Chest wall and/or diaphragm reconstruction aims to preserve, restore, or improve respiratory function; conserve anatomical cavities; and upkeep postural and upper extremity support. This can be achieved by utilizing a wide range of different grafts made of synthetic, biological, autologous, or bioartificial materials. We aim to review our experience with decellularized bovine pericardium as graft in the past decade. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical chest wall and/or diaphragm repair with decellularized bovine pericardium between January 1, 2012 and January 13, 2022 at our institution. All records were screened for patient characteristics, intra-/postoperative complications, chest tube and analgesic therapy duration, length of hospital stay, presence or absence of redo procedures, as well as morbidity and 30-day mortality. We then looked for correlations between implanted graft size and postoperative complications and gathered further follow-up information at least 2 months after surgery. A total of 71 patients either underwent isolated chest wall (n = 51), diaphragm (n = 12), or pericardial (n = 4) resection and reconstruction or a combination thereof. No mortality was recorded within the first 30 days. Major morbidity occurred in 12 patients, comprising secondary respiratory failure requiring bronchoscopy and invasive ventilation in 8 patients and secondary infections and delayed wound healing requiring patch removal in 4 patients. There was no correlation between the extensiveness of the procedure and extubation timing (chi-squared test, p = 0.44) or onset of respiratory failure (p = 0.27). A previously demonstrated general viability of biological materials for various reconstructive procedures appears to be supported by our long-term results.

The application of lightweight AI algorithms in postoperative rehabilitation of breast cancer

The prevalence of breast cancer as a major global cancer has underscored the importance of postoperative recovery for breast cancer patients. Among the issues, postoperative patients are prone to spinal deformities, including scoliosis, which has drawn significant attention from healthcare professionals. The primary aim of this study is to design a postoperative recovery platform for breast cancer patients that can effectively detect posture changes, provide feedback and support to medical staff, assist doctors in formulating recovery plans, and prevent spinal deformities. The feasibility of the recovery platform is also validated through experiments. The development and validation of the experimental recovery platform. The recovery platform includes instrument design, patient data collection, model training and fine-tuning, and postoperative body posture evaluation by comparing preoperative and postoperative conditions. The evaluation results are provided to doctors to facilitate the formulation of personalized postoperative recovery plans. This paper comprehensively designs and implements the recovery platform and verifies its feasibility through simulation experiments. Statistical methods were employed for the validation of the rehabilitation platform in simulated experiments, with a significance level of p < 0.05. In comparison to static assessments like CT scans, this paper introduces a dynamic detection method that provides a more insightful analysis of body posture. The experiments also demonstrate the preventive capability of this method against post-operative spinal deformities, ultimately enhancing patients’ self-image, restoring their confidence, and enabling them to lead more fulfilling lives.

Distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao ambiente de trabalho no setor abate em um frigorífico

Introduction: Meat processing plants play a fundamental role in the processing and slaughtering of animals, and the working environment in these establishments has specific characteristics that can affect the health and well-being of workers. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze musculoskeletal disorders related to the working environment in the slaughtering sector of a specific slaughterhouse. The main ergonomic risk factors and their association with the occurrence of these disorders will be investigated. Methodology: This is a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive study, which analyzed ergonomic risks in the slaughter sector, using a structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of 49 employees in the slaughter sector of a meatpacking plant in Minas Gerais. As a research instrument, the "Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms" questionnaire was applied from May 22 to 26, 2023, based on an analysis of the employees' intense routine Results: The results of this study reveal a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among slaughterhouse workers. The most affected body regions include the cervical region, shoulders, arms, forearms, wrists, hands, fingers, dorsal region, lumbar region and hips/lower limbs. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this study highlight the worrying prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among slaughterhouse workers. The incidence of pain in the various body regions analyzed highlights the need to implement preventive and intervention measures, such as ergonomic strategies, ergonomic training and postural support, in order to reduce the impact of these disorders on workers' health and well-being.

Occupational Health Risks among Pathologists and Pathology Trainees: An Analysis of Prevalence and Factors

Objective: To assess the prevalence of work-related hazards faced by Pathologists and residents in the Pathology laboratory in Pakistan. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one month from January 2023 to February 2023. The research questionnaire was shared online amongst the Pathologists and Pathology residents. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 28. The qualitative data was described in terms of percentages or frequencies and analyzed using the Chi-square test. AP-value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 172 participants, the majority (74.5%) were females. 51.6% of the participants had 31 to 45 hours working, with 26.7% spending 2-4 hours daily on the microscope. Musculoskeletal disorders were seen in 93.2% of the study population followed by visual strain (90.6%) and anxiety and stress in 90.1%. 35.4% reported that the pain was severe enough to take off from work, which involved a greater percentage of females(38%) than males(26%). Males were found to exercise more as compared to females(p-value= 0.044). A significant finding in our study was that psychological disturbances were experienced more in females as compared to males (p-value=0.00,0.00 &amp; 0.00). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of workplace-based hazards faced by pathologists. Postural support, monitoring work hours, and taking small stretch breaks can play an important part in their professional well-being

Measure It: Proper Wheelchair Fit Is Key to Ensuring Function while Protecting Skin Integrity.

To review the biomechanics of posture, appropriate means to configure a wheelchair to permit proper postural support, and common problems arising from improper wheelchair fit. This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Synthesize the concepts influencing proper wheelchair fit.2. Identify the biomechanics of posture as they apply to wheelchair fit.3. Summarize the appropriate assessment guidelines for determining and preparing to adjust wheelchair fit.

Making a Wheel Difference: Inter-rater Reliability on Two Wheelchair Measures Between Rehabilitation Therapists &amp; Students

Abstract Date Presented 04/20/2023 This study compared the interrater reliability of two wheelchair assessments between therapists and students on an international service trip with the aim of improving wheelchair provision for children who need a moderate level of postural support. Having reliable data will encourage the appropriate provision of wheelchairs by local providers as well as improve the longevity and appropriateness of products being manufactured and provided in low- to middle-income countries. Primary Author and Speaker: Jessica Dawn Tsotsoros Additional Authors and Speakers: Lynn D. Jeffries, Reagan Collins, Katlyn McDonald, Juanita Hinckley Contributing Authors: Hailey Chamberlin, Luke McAuley, Cristi Carnahan

Steering-by-leaning: Feasibility of Utilising Dynamic Backrests to Control Steering in Manual Wheelchairs

Steering-by-leaning is a promising innovation for manual wheelchairs. It may enable improved energy efficiency, one-handed manoeuvrability, and increased trunk activity during wheelchair use in daily life. To explore the feasibility of this concept, the lateral trunk function of active wheelchair users was assessed before comparing 3 preliminary dynamic backrest designs in a virtual steering exercise. Repeated measures, cross-over study. A convenience sample of 15 individuals who had been full-time users of manual wheelchair for at least 1 year. Active core strength and lateral leaning range of motion were captured while sitting freely. Participants subsequently tested 3 dynamic wheelchair backrest designs on an individually adjusted laboratory wheelchair prototype by performing a virtual steering exercise. Deviations from a target movement path were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficients. Functional leaning range of motion ranged from below 10° to almost 70°, but increased significantly with use of the simplest backrest design based on a 2-dimensional hinge joint. No correlation was found between functional levels and performance parameters in the virtual steering exercise. Using an individually fitted and calibrated design, upper body-actuated wheelchair steering using a laterally tilting backrest is accessible to wheelchair users across a wide spectrum of physical abilities.

Infant Placement and Language Exposure in Daily Life.

Children's daily contexts shape their experiences. In this study we assessed whether variations in infant placement (e.g., held, bouncy seat) are associated with infants' exposure to adult speech. Using repeated survey sampling of mothers and continuous audio recordings, we tested whether use of independence-supporting placements was associated with adult speech exposure in a Southeastern U.S. sample of 60 4- to 6- month- old infants (38% male, predominately White, not Hispanic/Latinx, from higher SES households). Within-subject analyses indicated that independence-supporting placements were associated with exposure to fewer adult words in the moment. Between-subjects analyses indicated that infants more frequently reported to be in independence-supporting placements that also provided posture support (i.e., exersaucer) were exposed to fewer adult words and less consistent adult speech across the day. These findings indicate that infants' opportunities for exposure to adult speech "in the wild" may vary based on immediate physical context.

LOUPES IN ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE: A REVIEW

Introduction: The dental practice places an enormous emphasis on the operator's visual acuity and musculoskeletal system. While performing orthodontic procedures, the dental surgeon may incline their head and neck towards the patient's mouth to get closer and obtain a better view of the operating eld, thus increasing the dentist's risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Loupes should be considered a standard piece of equipment for today's clinicians. Magnication benets of loupes are visual acuity at a greater focal distance with decreased eye strain and increased treatment accuracy and effectiveness, which increases the quality of patient care. Ergonomically correct posture decreases neck, shoulder, and back strain and increases the longevity of your career. Start using loops as a student if possible. It is easier, to begin with, good posture than to break old habits. The current evidence endorses the advantages of magnication loupes in dentistry in diagnosis and treatment delivery. However, more studies should be conducted to research different procedure outcomes over the long run. Further, there is strong scientic evidence supporting the use of dental magnication loupe for postural and musculoskeletal support, but very few articles about orthodontics. Aims and Objectives: Material and Methods: This review article aims to emphasize the ergonomic benet of dental loupes in orthodontics. The paper included 60 articles selected on dental loupes with inclusion criteria and 41 articles were excluded based on exclusion criteria. Overall, seven electronic databases in seven databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, beginning, and hand searching until 2021, were conducted. Dental loupes can have a positi Conclusion: ve effect on the quality of the treatment where the debonding procedure can result in less enamel damage and the bracket bonding procedure will leave composite residues which is called ash, As we deal with different types of new bracket system, which has doors to lock the wire in the bracket, its difcult to work manage the composite owing into it through the naked eye and therefore we recommend the use of dental loupes in any orthodontic procedures

Infant Positioning Assessment Tool: Transcultural adaptation and validation for Portuguese Preterm Neonates

AimCross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Infant Positioning Assessment Tool for Portuguese Preterm Neonates. BackgroundTherapeutic positioning provides postural support, with immediate and long-lasting impacts on development. Some studies have suggested the importance of applying positioning-related instruments. MethodsA scoping review identified the Infant Positioning Assessment Tool, which was used in a methodological and cross-cultural study. Its psychometric validation was performed in a nonprobability preterm neonates sample (n = 90). Internal consistency and item sensitivity were assessed by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and asymmetry and kurtosis coefficients, respectively. The following empirical indices were used to assess convergent validity (CV): chi-square over degrees of freedom (df), a goodness-of-fit index (GFI), a normed-fit index (NFI), an incremental-fit index (IFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), an average extracted variance index, and composite reliability (CR). ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis of the factorial model showed an insufficient goodness-of-fit adjustment for the first model, with six items. One item was removed, and the resulting second model was adjusted to five items and showed more acceptable results (X2(9) = 52.70; p < 0.001; X2/df = 5.85; n = 90; GFI = 0.86; NFI = 0.64; IFI = 0,68; CFI = 0,67; RMSEA = 0.234); CR = 0.74 and CV = 0.50. ConclusionThe Portuguese version of the Infant Positioning Assessment Tool, with five items, proved to be a sensitive, valid, and reliable instrument for observing positioning of newborns, which is why its use in neonatal units is suggested.

An insight of FDA-approved drugs for the management of aging related disorder a in silico study

Skeletal muscle (SM) is a most complex and plastic tissues of the human body. Movement, postural support, breathing, and thermogenesis are important functions of SM. Muscle mass reduction is a common side effect of human aging. The growth factor myostatin (MSTN) appears to play a key role in aging-related muscle function decreases. Targeting MSTN might help people live longer by preventing SM alterations associated with aging. Therefore, in the present study, FDA-approved drugs (from 2015 to 2020, total 273 drugs) were screened against MSTN to find the best drugs against MSTN for the management of aging disease. In this regards, Screening, docking, and molecular dynamics simulation was used. Based on structure-based virtual screening and free energy of bind, we select the top five drugs as mentioned in this article. Two drugs were analyzed in-depth namely, Sonidegib and Revefenacin showing free energy of binding -10.95 and -12.03 kcal/mol respectively with MSTN. Further, these complex was forwarded for molecular dynamics simulation to check the structural stability during 100ns, which was found to be more stable. As a concluding remark, Sonidegib and Revefenacin can be considered for further designing of new drugs against MSTN for the treatment aging related disorders.