Postural Changes Research Articles

Orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension are both associated with lower cognitive function: The S.AGES cohort.

Blood pressure (BP) postural changes, both orthostatic hypotension (OHYPO) and orthostatic hypertension (OHYPER) are common in older adults. Few studies have investigated their association with cognition, particularly for OHYPER, an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. We aimed to assess the association between OHYPO, OHYPER and cognition in non-institutionalized older subjects. The S.AGES (Sujets ÂGES, Aged Subjects) cohort followed every 6 months for 3 years non-institutionalized subjects aged ≥65 years without dementia at inclusion, in France. OHYPO and OHYPER were respectively defined as a fall or an increase of ≥20 mmHg in systolic BP and/or ≥10 mmHg in diastolic BP after standing from a sitting position. Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed models were used for the analyses. Among the 3170 subjects included (mean age 78 years, 56% women), 209 (6.5%) had OHYPO and 226 (7.1%) had OHYPER at baseline. After adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and disease, seated SBP/DBP and BP lowering treatment, mean MMSE was 0.52 point lower in participants with OHYPER compared to those with normal BP postural changes (β adjusted [95% CI] = -0.52 [-0.96; -0.09], p = 0.02) and 0.50 point lower in participants with OHYPO compared to those with normal BP postural changes (β adjusted [95% CI] = -0.50 [-0.95; -0.06], p = 0.03). Sensitivity analyses showed a dose-response relationship between OHYPO and cognition. Although the absolute differences in MMSE were small, both OHYPO and OHYPER were associated with lower cognition. Orthostatic BP measurements could help identify patients with risk of cognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to assess whether controlling orthostatic BP could be a promising interventional target in preserving cognition among older adults.

The Acute Effects of Schoolbag Loading on Posture and Gait Mechanics in 10- to 13-Year-Old Children: A Cohort from the North West Province.

Most schoolchildren carry schoolbags, of which a substantial proportion carry loads that exceed 15% of their body mass. Although the effects of loading have been investigated to varying degrees, the status of schoolbag loading and the acute affects thereof on gait and posture have not been thoroughly investigated within the South African context. A total of 60 participants in the 10-13-year age range volunteered for the present study. Significant differences were evident for relative load carriage (χ2(3) = 14.54, p < 0.001), forefoot and heel forces (Mdiff = 17.05-34.86 N, p < 0.001), force ratios (Mdiff = 0.02, p = 0.029), and gait speed (Mdiff = -0.18 km/hr, p = 0.016), but not for any postural angles (Mdiff = -3.37-6.08 deg, all p > 0.052). Those who exceeded 15% BM were ~9 times more likely to report pain than those below 15% BM. The children in the current study carried significantly heavier relative loads (p < 0.001) compared to similarly aged children from other countries. Loading leads to acute changes in posture and gait that are likely not meaningful. However, excessive loading (>15% BM) leads to significantly higher perceptions and reporting of pain in 10-13-year-old children.

Examining the Interaction Between Motor Development and Early Violin Learning

Playing the violin demands highly skilled motor performance, including advanced bimanual coordination and controlled, independent movement of fingers. Through existing literature, the current study aims to demonstrate how young children’s motor development relates to the motor demands of violin playing, specifically the demands on the left hand, the right hand, bimanual coordination, and posture. From literature on movement patterns in skilled violinists as well as literature pertaining to motor development between the ages of 4 and 7, connections were highlighted between developmental sequences in this age group and violin-specific skills. Generally observable motor issues relevant to violin playing were found to include intra- and inter-limb motor overflow, postural changes in growing children, and the proximodistal direction of gross and fine motor development. We suggest that further research on effective and age-appropriate movement teaching has the potential to inform violin pedagogues about finding more effective solutions for motor issues encountered in this age group.

Background subtraction challenges in motion detection using Gaussian mixture model: a survey

&lt;p&gt;Motion detection is becoming prominent for computer vision applications. The background subtraction method that uses the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is utilized frequently in camera or video settings. However, there is still more work that needs to be done to develop a reliable, accurate and high-performing technique due to various challenges. The degree of difficulty for this challenge is primarily determined by how the object to be detected is defined. It could be influenced by the changes in the object posture or deformations. In this context, we describe and bring together the most significant challenges faced by the background subtraction techniques based on GMM for dealing with a crucial background situation. Therefore, the findings of this study can be used to identify the most appropriate GMM version based on the crucial background situation.&lt;/p&gt;

The Relationship between Features of Foot Posture, Thickness of Intrinsic Foot Muscles and Dynamic Postural Stability

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the correlations between foot posture features, intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) thickness, and dynamic postural stability.METHODS: Forty-one male participants were divided into two groups according to quantified foot postures using the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) scores: the neutral foot group (FPI-6 score: 0 to +5) and the pronated foot group (FPI-6 score: &gt;+6). The IFMs thickness was measured using ultrasound images of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), and abductor hallucis muscles. To investigate the association between IFMs thickness and dynamic postural stability, the Biodex Balance System (BBS) was used in a single-leg stance position with both the eyes open and closed.RESULTS: In the BBS tests, the pronated foot group demonstrated significant results in the eyes-closed condition (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). In particular, the differences between the eyes open and closed conditions in postural stability indices were significantly greater in the pronated foot group than in the neutral foot group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). No significant differences in IFMs thickness between the two groups were observed; however, some subdomains of the FPI-6 demonstrated significant positive correlations with postural stability indices and significant negative correlations with IFMs thickness (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). The talonavicular joint was associated with FDB thickness (R=-0.311). Moreover, the forefoot was correlated with FHB thickness (R=-0.327).CONCLUSIONS: The aforementioned results suggest that dynamic postural stability and IFMs thickness are affected by the foot type. Although no significant differences in IFMs thickness were observed, dynamic postural stability and IFMs thickness reduced as the foot displayed features of pronation. This indicates that postural control ability and IFMs are vulnerable to changes in foot posture.

Changes in the Pelvic Posture and Low Back Pressure Pain Threshold in Response to Smartphone Use in the Sitting Position: A Cross-sectional Study

Changes in the Pelvic Posture and Low Back Pressure Pain Threshold in Response to Smartphone Use in the Sitting Position: A Cross-sectional Study

Differences in the effects of orthodontic treatment on airway-craniocervical functional environment in adult and adolescent patients with skeletal class II high-angle: a retrospective pilot study

IntroductionThis retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the change in upper airway and craniocervical posture after orthodontic treatment between adolescent and adult patients with Class II high-angle malocclusion.MethodsA total of 12 adolescent (mean ± standard deviation age = 13.0 ± 2.0 years) and 12 adult patients with Class II high-angle malocclusion (mean ± standard deviation age = 23.7 ± 6.4 years) were selected in this study. The lateral cephalograms and cone beam computed tomography images of adolescent and adult patients were taken before and after treatment, which can be employed to evaluate the variables of craniofacial morphology, upper airway, and craniocervical posture through paired t tests, respectively. An independent sample t test was performed to observe the differences between two groups after orthodontic intervention. For adults and adolescents, the correlation between craniofacial morphology, upper airway, and craniocervical posture was determined through Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsIn all subjects, the improvements in vertical and sagittal facial morphology after treatment were observed. Anterior and inferior movements of the hyoid bone, an increase of upper airway dimension, posterior tipping of the head and a reduction of cervical inclination in the lower and middle segments post-treatment were identified in adolescence (P < 0.05). Adults displayed anterior movements of the hyoid bone, whereas no significant difference was observed in upper airway dimension and craniocervical posture (P < 0.05). Notable differences were identified in the change of hyoid position and airway volume between two groups (P > 0.05). Mandibular plane inclination, growth pattern, occlusal plane inclination, and chin position were all significantly correlated with craniocervical posture in adolescent patients. Besides, the mandibular growth pattern and chin position in adult patients were significantly correlated with craniocervical posture (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOrthodontic treatment is capable of enhancing the facial profile of patients with skeletal class II high-angle while improving their upper airway morphology and craniocervical posture, where adolescents and adults differ substantially in that the former exhibit a more favorable alteration in the airway-craniocervical functional environment.

Orthostatic Hypotension in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients and Its Association With Alpha-1 Antagonist Use: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is frequently observed in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients undergoing alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist (A1AA) therapy. While previous studies have acknowledged the prevalence of OH in BPH patients on A1AAs, limited data exist on ranking the safety of different A1AAs. This comprehensive review explores the underlying mechanisms of OH, examines numerous factors influencing its development, and provides insights into effective treatment strategies such as hydration, gradual postural changes, leg exercises, compression stockings, and tilt-table training for BPH management. The review highlights the significance of individualized care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and further research to optimize A1AA treatment, improve patient outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

The Effect of a Biofeedback-Based Integrated Program on Improving Orthostatic Hypotension in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is prevalent among community-dwelling older adults and is associated with multiple negative health outcomes. Older adults are susceptible to developing OH because aging alters autonomic nervous system function. Biofeedback is a noninvasive, nonpharmacological intervention that can modulate autonomic nervous system dysfunction in older adults. Our aim in this study was to examine the effect of a biofeedback-based integrated program on community-dwelling older adults with OH. We conducted a controlled pilot study. Community-dwelling older adults 65 years or older who had nonneurogenic OH were eligible. Data from 51 participants, comprising 27 in the intervention group and 24 in the control group, were analyzed. Weekly biofeedback-based integrated program consisting of biofeedback training along with group education about behavioral modification, physical activities, and telephone counseling was provided for 12 weeks. Orthostatic hypotension was evaluated by measuring the drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after postural changes. Autonomic nervous system function was measured using heart rate variability. Among the indicators of heart rate variability, total power (P = .037) and low frequency (P = .017) increased significantly, suggesting that autonomic function improved. Severity of orthostatic symptoms (P < .001) and drops in systolic (P = .003) and diastolic (P = .012) blood pressure after postural changes decreased significantly in the intervention group. Biofeedback-based integrated program was effective in improving autonomic nervous system function and alleviated OH. Therefore, biofeedback-based integrated program should be tested in a larger randomized controlled study with long-term follow-up.

P28 Traumatic anserine folliculosis: a cause of facial follicular papules

Abstract Traumatic anserine folliculosis (TAF) is an infrequently reported condition, presenting with grouped follicular papules, usually on the face of young people, induced by repeated frictional trauma or pressure. A suggestive history may allow clinical differentiation of TAF from other folliculocentric keratotic disorders. We present three children diagnosed with TAF in our department: (i) A 12-year-old boy with asymmetry of the mental protuberance, presented with a 1-year history of scaly, lichenified erythema with monomorphic nonpigmented papules over the more prominent side; histology showed mild hyperkeratosis and some rudimentary hair follicles with keratin-filled follicular openings. (ii) A 7-year-old boy with a 1-year history of a hyperpigmented patch on the chin with multiple skin-coloured papules and a sandpaper feel; dermoscopy showed follicular papules with keratin plug; he had a habit of reading with his chin resting on his knee; the skin changes improved with topical retinoid and postural changes. (iii) A boy with follicular papules on one cheek since the age of 8 years, with history of persistent leaning his hand on his cheek while reading; the papules resolved with a change in posture, but similar changes arose at a new pressure area on his chin. The clinical features of grouped monomorphic skin-coloured follicular papules on an erythematous or hyperpigmented background, and a suggestive history, may allow the diagnosis of TAF. Described histological findings are hyperkeratosis, rudimentary follicles and dilated follicular openings filled with keratotic material. Management includes identifying and correcting postural habits; topical keratolytic agents and retinoids may also be beneficial.

Comparative Study between Dexmedetomidine Infusion Combination with Ketamine versus Fentanyl for Analgesia for Positioning of Spinal Anesthesia in Elderly Patients with Proximal Femoral Fracture

Abstract Background One of the main objectives of anesthesia is to alleviate the patient’s pain and agony, by ensuring the performance of surgical procedures without any discomfort. Spinal anesthesia is preferred in anesthesia of fracture femur surgeries. But the problem is positioning of the patient for spinal anesthesia as the patient is in agony and pain. In our study we chose dexmedetomidine for this goal. We preferred to add an adjuvant to limit side effects of dexmedetomidine and to control pain beside sedation. 70 patients with proximal femoral fracture were blinded and randomized divided into two groups dexmedetomidine ketamine (k) and dexmedetomidine fentanyl (f) each group has 45 patients. There is significant better analgesic effect and sedation of k group than f group. But no significant difference on hemodynamics and postoperative complications. Objective The objective of this study is to compare the analgesic effect of combination of ketamine and dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl and dexmedetomidine infusion for the pain caused by postural changes for spinal anesthesia in patients with proximal femoral fracture. Patients and Methods We aimed by our study to compare the analgesic effect of combination of (ketamine and dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl and dexmedetomidine infusion for the pain caused by postural changes for spinal anesthesia in patients with proximal femoral fracture and we applied our study on 70 patients will be divided into two equal groups: Group k: will receive 1mg/kg of intravenous ketamine with loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg over 10 minutes and Group F : will recieve 1 μg/kg of intravenous fentanyl with loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg over 10 minutes, with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. then dexmedetomidine infusion only will continued at 0.6 μg/kg/h for following 20 minutes, and titrated at rate of 0.2 to 0.6 μg/kg/h until the end of surgery. Results The results of this study revealed that the pain score in lateral position was significally lower in k group than f group (0-1 vs 2-3); p &amp;lt; 0.001. and pain score during hip flexion was significally lower in k group than f group (0-1 vs 2-3 ) respectively p &amp;lt; 0.001. sedation level was much higher in k group than f group (3-4 vs 2-3) p value 0.023. But both groups shows equivalent effect on hemodynamics after dexmedetomidine administration. hypotension, Bradycardia and desaturation was common i in both groups. Regarding post operative complications no significant difference between both groups while incidence of delirium in k group (17.1%) is higher in comparison to f (11.4%) group but not significally difference. Conclusion the combination of dexmedetomidine ketamine is a good choice for analgesia of the pain during spinal anesthesia in elderly with fracture femur but need further assessment for dosage and regimen of administration and for better evaluation of the hemodynamic effects

Evaluation of Bowel Function of Women with Colorectal Endometriosis: a Cross-Sectional Study.

The objective was to evaluate bowel function in women with colorectal endometriosis according to treatment type. Cross-sectional study, carried out with 141 women with endometriosis, followed by the University of Campinas from May 2020 to April 2021. Women were divided into 3 groups according to the kind of treatment: 16 women with conservative surgery, 35 women with radical surgery treatment, and 90 women with clinical treatment. The clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of these women were evaluated. To access bowel outcome, we used the following questionnaires: the Bristol Stool Scale, the Bowel Function in the Community, the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), and the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20). The mean treatment time was 32.24 ± 29.37months. The women of the three groups had similar gastrointestinal quality of life index scores (p = 0.27) and pelvic floor distress inventory scores (p = 0.23). Women in the radical surgery group had a higher frequency of evacuatory effort and change in posture to evacuate (p = 0.01 and 0.009, respectively) than did those in the other groups. Women with constipation had worse quality of life and more pain than those without constipation. In conclusion, women with endometriosis treated with radical surgery (segmental resection) had a higher frequency of constipation. In addition, women with endometriosis and constipation had a worse quality of life and higher pain scores compared to those without constipation.

Do cervical stabilization exercises change the effects of conventional exercises in patients with Parkinson’s disease?

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this study was to examine whether cervical stabilization exercises (CSEs) change the effects of conventional exercises (CEs) in patients with PD. Methods Twenty-five patients with PD were randomized into two groups. While the experimental group (EG) received CSEs in addition to CEs, the control group (CG) received only CEs. Both programs lasted 8 weeks. Eighteen participants were able to complete the study. The outcomes were the changes in posture, cervical joint position sense (JPS), balance assessment, 10-m walking tests (10MWT), and the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test. Results At the end of the study, significant improvement was observed in both groups in terms of trunk rotation angle and pelvic asymmetry, the time parameter of TUG, and the 10MWT (p < 0.05). In the EG, greater improvement was detected in the Berg Balance Scale, static posturography, postural alignment, JPS, and the cadence parameter of TUG (p < 0.05). Discussion CEs and CSEs could improve walking speed and posture in patients with PD, but if CSEs are added to CEs, greater improvements could be achieved in JPS and postural control. (Clinical Trials ID: NCT03854747)

Radar-Beat: Contactless beat-by-beat heart rate monitoring for life scenes

Background and objective:Heartbeat is a crucial vital sign, and radio-frequency technology can measure the micro-vibration of the body surface from a distance and extract the heartbeat signal, which can solve the compliance problem caused by wearable sensors. However, most existing works verify short-term controlled experiments and seldom consider the challenges posed by random body movements and posture changes during long-term monitoring in daily life scenarios. In this article, we propose a systematic solution called Radar-Beat, which enables accurate heartbeat monitoring using an mmWave FMCW radar device. Our goal is to promote the integration of contactless heartbeat monitoring into life scenarios. Methods:We proposes a sensitive body motion detection algorithm and an optimal Range-bin selection algorithm, which can automatically identify body motion and update the best heartbeat signal channel. Then, we construct a personalized heartbeat template for each signal segment and propose a global optimization model to improve the accuracy of heartbeat length estimation. Results:We use the synchronized ECG signal as the ground truth, results show strong agreement between Radar-Beat and synchrony ECG devices for heart rate and inter-beat interval (IBI) measurements in healthy subjects. In the heartbeat monitoring experiment for a total of 72 h and 56 min involving 11 participants, under a time coverage of 91.2%, the median error of IBI estimation was 12 ms. Conclusion:Radar-Beat has strong robustness to different individuals in different postures and positions. It can be deployed in a hospital bed or home to enable continuous heartbeat monitoring in an unobtrusive way.

The impact of abdominal compression devices on colonoscopy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective Colonoscopy is the gold standard method for colorectal cancer screening. Looping occurs in 91% of cases undergoing colonoscopy and can cause patient discomfort, prolonged cecal intubation time (CIT), and colon perforation. This meta-analysis investigates the impact of abdominal compression devices (ACD) on colonoscopy outcomes. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), retrieved by systematically searching: PubMed, EMBASE, WOS, SCOPUS, and Cochrane through February 2nd, 2023. Continuous and dichotomous outcomes were pooled using mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) along with confidence interval (CI) using Revman. Our review protocol was prospectively published on PROSPERO with ID: CRD42023397344. Results We included eight RCTs with a total of 1,889 patients. ACD was effective to decrease CIT (MD: −2.15 with a 95% CI [−3.49, −0.80], p = .002), postural change (RR: 0.57 with 95% CI [0.49, 0.66], p = .00001), and VAS pain score (MD: −1.49 with 95% CI [−1.81, −1.17], p = .0001). However, there was no difference between ACD and control groups regarding manual compression (RR: 0.65 with 95% CI [0.42, 1.00], p = .05), complete colonoscopy rate (CCR) (RR: 1.01 with 95% CI [0.99, 1.04], p = .31), and cecal intubation length (CIL) (MD: −2.25 with 95% CI [−7.64, 3.14], p = .41). Conclusion ACD during colonoscopy may enhance patient comfort by reducing CIT, pain, and postural changes. Nevertheless, additional RCTs are necessary to validate these results and determine the most suitable approach to utilize ACD for colonoscopy.

Three-peak evolution characteristics of supporting stress on a super-long working face in a thick coal seam

Increasing working face length is the development trend of intelligent and efficient longwall fully mechanized mining. By combining field measurement and theoretical calculation, change characteristics of the frequency, peak value, and range of weighting in a long working face in a 1000 m-deep shaft of Kouzidong Coal Mine (Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China) were studied. Based on the mechanical model of the hydraulic support group of the elastic independent support, force characteristics and posture change characteristics of the support in the 121304 working face of the mine were studied and analyzed. The supporting stress characteristics of the deep super-long working face were revealed, and the theoretical calculation was in good agreement with the actual measurement. Based on the aforementioned model, support parameters and control technology of the 140502 working face were studied. The results show that as the length of the working face increases, the supporting stress gradually transforms from a single peak to multiple peaks and expands to both ends of the working face. The weighting in different areas of the working face is characterized by an obvious time sequence and great difference in intensity. When the working face length is 300 m, the multi-peak characteristic of super-long working faces appears. The M-shaped three-peak characteristic can be used as the criterion for super-long working faces. A reasonable working face length should be determined by comprehensively considering occurrence conditions of coal seams, working face parameter, and equipment ability. According to the different attributes of hydraulic supports in space and function and combining with zonal characteristics of the long working face, the criterion for the super-long working face and the principle of zonal cooperative control of hydraulic support groups were revealed. In addition, a cooperative control method of equipment groups in the working face based on the state error and cost functions was put forward, and the three-level cooperative control strategy and implementation method were formulated. It can effectively guide the equipment group in the super-long fully mechanized working face in deep thick coal seams to achieve optimal coordinated control.

Orthostatic hypotension and its association with cerebral small vessel disease in a memory clinic population.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH), an impaired blood pressure (BP) response to postural change, has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia, possibly through cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We hypothesized that longer duration of BP drop and a larger BP drop is associated with increased risk of CSVD. This cross-sectional study included 3971 memory clinic patients (mean age 68 years, 45% female, 42% subjective cognitive complaints, 17% mild cognitive impairment, 41% dementia) from the Amsterdam Ageing Cohort and Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. Early OH (EOH) was defined as a drop in BP of ±20 mmHg systolic and/or 10 mmHg diastolic only at 1 min after standing, and delayed/prolonged OH (DPOH) at 1 and/or 3 min after standing. Presence of CSVD [white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, microbleeds] was assessed with MRI ( n = 3584) or CT brain (n = 389). The prevalence of early OH was 9% and of delayed/prolonged OH 18%. Age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that delayed/prolonged OH, but not early OH, was significantly associated with a higher burden of WMH (OR, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.00-1.46) and lacunes (OR, 95%CI 1.34, 1.06-1.69), but not microbleeds (OR, 95%CI 1.22, 0.89-1.67). When adjusting for supine SBP, these associations attenuated (ORs, 95%CI for WMH 1.04, 0.85-1.27; for lacunes 1.21, 0.91-1.62; for microbleeds 0.95, 0.68-1.31). A larger drop in SBP was associated with increased risk of WMH and microbleeds, however, when adjusted for supine SBP, this effect diminished. Among memory clinic patients, DPOH is more common than EOH. While longer duration and larger magnitude of BP drop coincided with a higher burden of CSVD, these associations were largely explained by high supine BP.

Effect of Breathing Exercises on Spo2 Levels and Pulse Rate in Covid-19 Patients

The impact of COVID-19 grew worse by its quick onset, the overwhelming number of patients in need of urgent care, and the lack of awareness of its signs beforehand. It mostly affected the respiratory system, making respiratory rehabilitation extremely important. This study was carried out to see the effectiveness of breathing exercises along with the postural changes in COVID-19 patients under acute hospital care. A total of 40 subjects with age group between 18 years to 60 years, diagnosed with COVID-19 were included according to the selection criteria and were divided into 2 equal groups of 20 subjects each. The subjects in Group A received positioning protocol while those in Group B received breathing exercises along with positioning protocol. After 7 days of intervention, the mean SpO2(88.6% vs 89.9%, P&lt;0.001) and pulse rate (82 vs 91 beats/minute, P&lt;0.001) for Group A and Group B respectively. This study concluded that breathing exercises along with postural changes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is an effective rehabilitation program for improving SPO2 levels and pulse rate. KEYWORDS: Breathing exercises, COVID-19, Postural changes, Respiratory rehabilitation.

Surgical repair of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome caused by patent foramen ovale, ascending aortic dilation, and pectus excavatum: a case report

BackgroundPlatypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a relatively uncommon clinical syndrome characterized by dyspnea and deoxygenation accompanying postural changes, such as sitting or standing from a recumbent position.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 76-year-old woman who was hospitalized with dyspnea in the sitting position, which was relieved in the right lateral decubitus position. The patient was diagnosed with POS caused by a patent foramen ovale (PFO), dilation and elongation of the ascending aorta, and pectus excavatum. We performed PFO closure and replacement of the ascending aorta via median sternotomy. The patient’s postoperative percutaneous oxygen saturation dramatically increased in the sitting position.ConclusionsElongated and dilated ascending aorta and pectus excavatum with PFO may be risk factors for POS. In older patients, surgical intervention is an important treatment option for POS caused by cardiac and aortic comorbidities.

Volume ratio and distribution rate in patients with orthostatic vertigo/dizziness using MR imaging: a comparison with vertiginous diseases

Background Orthostatic dizziness/vertigo (ODV) is characterized by lightheadedness owing to postural changes. Aims/Objectives To measure the endolymphatic space (ELS)/total fluid space (TFS) volume ratio and the distribution rate of endolymphatic fluid (ELF) of patients with ODV and compare them with those of control subjects (CS). Materials and Methods This study included 22 patients (44 ears) with ODV and 52 controls (104 ears, CS). The ELS/TFS volume ratio (%) and distribution rate (%) of the inner ear components were measured using 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. Results In the ODV group, the mean ELS/TFS volume ratios of the cochlea, vestibule, and semi-circular canals (SCCs) were 12.1%, 18.6%, and 18.1%, respectively; the mean ELS distribution rates for the cochlea, vestibule, and SCCs were 27.3%, 26.2%, and 46.6%, respectively. The ELS distribution rate of the vestibule was significantly lower (p < .01) and the ELS distribution rate of the SCCs was significantly higher in the ODV than in the CS group (p < .01). Conclusions and Significance The ELS distribution rate in the vestibule + SCCs among patients with ODV did not differ from that in the CS; ELF in the vestibule moved to the SCCs, and a large amount of ELF was distributed only in the SCCs.