Discomfort Ratings Research Articles

Ergonomics assessment of the overhead maintenance of vehicle-mounted radar antenna using digital human modelling

The maintenance of vehicle-mounted radar antenna (VMRA) is a typical overhead work by manual handling, where exertions, awkward postures and approaching the ends of range of motion are often necessitated. When performing the maintenance tasks, workers are likely to be exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which may generate impingement, rotator cuff injury, tendonitis, and localized muscle fatigue. To reduce the occurrence probability of WMSDs and provide effective suggestions for workers in the maintenance of VMRA, digital human modelling (DHM) is employed to evaluate, interpret, and visualize the negative impacts resulting from improper working posture. Based on task simulation builder (TSB), several methods are employed and integrated for ergonomics assessment of the maintenance of VMRA, including metabolic energy expenditure (MEE) rate, comfortability of upper limb joints, working posture analysis with Ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS), and working risk analysis with rapid upper limb assessment (RULA). Ergonomics assessment results are as follows: (1) screwing out bolts results in the most total metabolic cost; (2) disassembly sequence 4 → ​3 → 2 ​→ ​1 contributes to the highest comfortability of upper limb joints; (3) the discomfort rating of working posture is high, and upper arm and neck face the greatest risk of exposure in the maintenance of VMRA.

The Effects of Face Mask Types, Athletic Levels, and Caffeine Intake on Employee Performance, Productivity, and Perception

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been a standard part of our daily lives. Many continue to wear face masks to this day, and some even double up on their face masks. This research is a continuation of a previous investigation of the effect of face mask types, athletic levels, and caffeine intake on retail employees' performance, productivity, and perception. Findings showed that face mask types significantly affected the feeling of unfit and odor. In addition, the kind of face mask had a significant effect on the body temperature ratings. Also, employees who considered themselves to be athletic gave lower ratings of overall discomfort than other employees. The interaction of different types of face masks with the wearing of eyeglasses has been demonstrated to have a significant effect on the stress levels of workers and the amount of time it takes for them to comprehend others.

The Effects of Variable Tension Forces on Exoskeletons’ Effectiveness

Exoskeletons are ergonomic devices that can support workers to improve performance and worker safety. This study created an apparatus that simulated a head-and-neck exoskeleton designed for surgeons to test the effects of varying tension forces on muscle activation (splenius capitis, splenius cervices, and erector spinae), body part discomfort, dexterity, cognition, and overall usability of the device. Eight participants were involved in twelve trials over two days and held static postures (looking down at 45° or 90°) for 20 minutes with 10-minute breaks between trials. Six trials utilized tension forces, which were recorded every two minutes and then averaged for each trial. A bivariate regression analysis ( on each metric vs. average tension forces demonstrated that increasing tension forces led to decreased muscle activity of the left splenius capitis, change in general body pain, change in neck discomfort, and the rate of discomfort developing, and improved usability scores.

Curation of FOAMS: a Free Open-Access Misophonia Stimuli Database

Misophonia is a disorder of decreased tolerance to certain “trigger” sounds (e.g., chewing, tapping, clicking). While misophonia research is scant in general, studies presenting sounds are especially rare and methodologically variable, likely due to the labor and time required to create stimuli. Thus, we introduce FOAMS: Free Open-Access Misophonia Stimuli, a sound bank publicly available on Zenodo, accompanied by pilot discomfort ratings for 32 of these sounds (4 exemplars of 8 classes). The FOAMS database aims to decrease the burden on researchers, facilitating reproducibility and the pursuit of nuanced research questions to better understand this perplexing disorder.

The modified Borg/6-min walk distance ratio: a method to assess exertional breathlessness and leg discomfort using the 6-min walk test.

The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is widely used to assess exercise capacity across chronic health conditions, but is currently not useful to assess symptoms, as the scores do not account for the 6-min walk distance (6MWD). We aimed to 1) develop normative reference equations for breathlessness and leg discomfort intensity expressed as modified Borg (mBorg)/6MWD ratios; and 2) validate the equations in people with COPD. Analysis of people aged ≥40 years who performed two 6MWTs (on a 20-m course) in the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Lung Disease (CanCOLD) study: a healthy cohort (n=291; mean±sd age 67.5±9.4 years; 54% male) with normal 6MWD and lung function, and a COPD cohort (n=156; age 66.2±9.0 years; 56% male; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity 56.6±8.2%; FEV1 74.4±18.6% pred). The mBorg score was calculated as the Borg 0-10 category ratio intensity rating of breathlessness or leg discomfort recorded at the end of the 6MWT +1 (range 1-11), to avoid zeros and yield ratios proportional to the symptom score and 6MWD-1. Using data from the healthy cohort, sex-specific normative reference equations for breathlessness and leg discomfort mBorg/6MWD ratios were developed using multivariable linear regression, accounting for age, and body mass or body mass index. In the COPD cohort, abnormal breathlessness and leg discomfort (mBorg/6MWD>upper limit of normal) showed strong concurrent validity with worse airflow limitation, Medical Research Council breathlessness and COPD Assessment Test scores. Normative references for the mBorg/6MWD ratio are presented to assess breathlessness and leg discomfort responses to the 6MWT in COPD.

Investigating the Impact of Visual Input on Voice Production in Virtual Reality

This study explored the independent effects of visual input on voice production using virtual reality. Specifically, its effects on acoustic voice parameters and vocal status ratings, with the hypothesis that larger (a virtual lecture hall and theater compared to an office) and more full virtual rooms (75% of the capacity compared to 45%) would result in changes to the voice parameters and vocal status ratings. Voice production from 30 vocally healthy participants was recorded in six virtual reality conditions. After each condition, the participants provided vocal status ratings. The voice recordings were processed to calculate mean and standard deviation of sound pressure level and fundamental frequency, mean pitch strength, time dose, and cepstral peak prominence smoothed. The effects of the virtual reality conditions on these voice acoustic parameters and the vocal status ratings were analyzed. The full virtual reality rooms resulted in significantly higher vocal fatigue and vocal discomfort ratings. The larger virtual reality rooms were significantly related to increases in mean and the standard deviation of sound pressure level, mean pitch strength, and cepstral peak prominence smoothed. This study demonstrated that visual size and visual fullness input during speech tasks have distinct effects on voice production and self-reported vocal status. Visual size is related to voice acoustic outcomes, while visual fullness is related to self-reported outcomes.

The comparison of success status and complications in peyronie disease patients: penile plication versus plaque incision and grating techniques

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of tunical lengthening and shortening techniques for the surgical management of Peyronie's disease (PD) in terms of penile length, patient satisfaction, and complications.
 Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on PD patients who underwent surgical procedures between January 2017 and May 2023 at a single institute. Patient demographics, comorbidities, penile curvature, penile length, and surgical techniques were evaluated. The surgical procedures included plaque incision and grafting, and tunical plication. Post-operative data, including penile length, residual curvature, patient satisfaction, adverse events, and erectile function, were collected at 1-12 months of surgery. 
 Results: A total of 36 patients (mean follow-up period: 432.25±121.14 days) underwent surgical procedures for PD. Penile length in the tunical lengthening group (13.04±1.62 cm) was significantly longer than in the tunical shortening group (10.85±1.24 cm, p=0.001). Tunical shortening procedures were associated with a higher rate of penile shortening (57.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.001) and suture-related discomfort (38.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.031) compared to tunical lengthening procedures. Patient satisfaction was higher in the tunical lengthening group (80% vs. 66.7%, p=0.378). There was no significant difference in painful erection during penetrations or incapability of intercourse between the groups. The average length of hospital stay was longer for tunical shortening surgery compared to tunical lengthening surgery (1.27±0.27 vs. 1.79±0.39, p=0.023).
 Conclusion: Tunical lengthening procedures demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of penile length and suture-related discomfort compared to tunical shortening procedures for the surgical management of PD. Patient satisfaction was also higher in the tunical lengthening group. Clinicians should consider various factors when selecting the appropriate surgical technique for PD, including penile length, the degree of penile curvature, and surgeon experience. Prospective randomized studies are needed to further validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes.

Association of anthropometric characteristics of law enforcement officers with perceived ratings of fit, comfort, and pain in the use of body armor

Knowledge gaps exist on association between law enforcement officer (LEO) anthropometric characteristics and perceived body armour fit, armour discomfort, and armour-caused pain. This study assessed the correlation and identified influential torso dimensions for armour sizing and design applications. Nine-hundreds and seventy-four LEOs across the U.S. participated in a national study on LEO armour use and body dimensions. Perceived ratings of armour fit, armour discomfort, and body pain were found moderately correlated with each other. In addition, armour fit ratings were associated with certain torso anthropometric characteristics, such as chest circumference, chest breadth, chest depth, waist circumference, waist breadth (sitting), waist front length (sitting), body weight, and body mass index. LEOs who reported armour poor fit, armour discomfort, and armour-caused pain had a larger mean of body dimensions than the “armor good fit” group. More women than men had poor fit, discomfort, and body pain in the use of body armour. Practitioner summary: The identified influential body measurements can be used as the “drivers” for multivariate analyses to develop an improved armour sizing system to further LEO protection. The study also suggests consideration of gender specific armour sizing systems to accommodate differences in torso configurations between male and female officers and to resolve the concern that more female officers had poor armour fit than male officers.

Preliminary study on the stabilization of varus proximal femoral osteotomies using pediatric LCP plates in adults undergoing combined correction of proximal femoral and acetabular dysplasia.

Proximal femoral osteotomy (PFO) with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) improves femoral head coverage in patients with proximal femoral and acetabular dysplasia. Historically, blade plates used in the PFO cause soft-tissue irritation and often lead to implant removal. Here we present a technique using a lower profile pediatric proximal femoral locking compression plate (LCP) for the PFO in a series of adults. The results from 13 hips in 11 patients ≥ 18years old (age 18-37) with > 10months of follow-up are presented. All patients had improved radiographic parameters, pain, and total Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scores postoperatively. Eleven hips (85%) had the LCP removed an average of 15.8 ± 8.6months postoperatively, often due to pain over the greater trochanter. The pediatric proximal femoral LCP is effective for PFO in combined PAO PFO procedures but has a high rate of lateral hip discomfort leading to implant removal.

Repetition Performance, Rating of Perceived Discomfort, and Blood Lactate Responses to Different Rest Interval Lengths in Single-Joint and Multijoint Lower-Body Exercise.

Rosa, A, Coleman, M, Haun, C, Grgic, J, and Schoenfeld, BJ. Repetition performance, rating of perceived discomfort, and blood lactate responses to different rest interval lengths in single-joint and multijoint lower-body exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1350-1357, 2023-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different rest interval lengths (RILs) on repetition performance, rating of discomfort, and blood lactate responses during lower-body single-joint and multijoint exercises. This study used a counterbalanced design where each subject performed the Smith machine back squat (BS) and leg extension (LE) using 3 different RIL configurations (1, 2, and 3 minutes) in a randomized fashion. Data collection occurred over the span of 3 separate days. Volunteers were randomly allocated to perform the independent variables (RILs and exercises) in 1 of 12 potential configurations. The initial session was allotted for familiarization with the rating of discomfort scale and 10 repetition maximum testing. The other 2 sessions involved training with the different configurations of RIL length using both the BS and LE. Randomization ensured that the BS was performed first in one of the training sessions and the LE was performed first in the other session. Results indicated that longer RILs had a small positive effect on repetition performance, with longer rest durations allowing for more repetitions compared with shorter durations. The largest difference in repetition performance between RILs was observed between 1 minute and 2-3 minutes rest; there were trivial differences in repetition performance between 2 and 3 minutes rest for both the BS and LE. Blood lactate levels were slightly higher with longer RILs. Overall, BS showed greater increases in blood lactate compared with LE, and these differences were magnified over time. Exercise selection and RIL both influenced rating of discomfort, with LE producing less discomfort than BS and longer RILs reducing perceived discomfort. Our findings suggest that RIL influences the repetition performance, blood lactate, and rating of discomfort responses between single-joint and multijoint exercises.

Impact of a passive upper-body exoskeleton on muscle activity, heart rate and discomfort during a carrying task.

The goal of this study was to compare erector spinae muscle fatigue, upper limb muscle activity, body areas discomfort, and heart rate during a 10-min carrying task with and without a passive upper-body exoskeleton (CarrySuitⓇ) while considering sex influences. Passive exoskeletons are commercially available to assist lifting or carrying task. However, evidence of their impact on muscle activity, fatigue, heart rate and discomfort are scarce and/or do not concur during carrying tasks. Thirty participants (16 females and 14 male) performed a 10-min, 15kg load-carrying task with and without the exoskeleton in two non-consecutive days. Heart rate, and erector spinae, deltoid, biceps and brachioradialis muscle activity were recorded during the carrying tasks. In addition, erector spinae electromyography during an isometric hold test and discomfort ratings were measured before and after the task. While without the exoskeleton upper limb muscle activity increased or remained constant during the carrying task and showing high peak activation for both males and females, a significant activity reduction was observed with the exoskeleton. Low back peak activation, heart rate and discomfort were lower with than without the exoskeleton. In males muscle activation was significantly asymmetric without the exoskeleton and more symmetric with the exoskeleton. The tested passive exoskeleton appears to alleviate the physical workload and impact of carrying heavy loads on the upper limbs and lower back for both males and females.

Extrinsic Laryngeal Muscle Tension in Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia with Shear Wave Elastography.

It has been assumed that patients with primary muscle tension dysphonia (pMTD) have more extrinsic laryngeal muscle (ELM) tension, but tools to study this phenomenon lack. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a potential method to address these shortcomings. The objectives of this study were to apply SWE to the ELMs, compare SWE measures to standard clinical metrics, and determine group differences in pMTD and typical voice users before and after vocal load. SWE measurements of the ELMs from ultrasound examinations of the anterior neck, supraglottic compression severities from laryngoscopic images, cepstral peak prominences (CPP) from voice recordings, and self-perceptual ratings of vocal effort and discomfort were obtained in voice users with (N = 30) and without (N = 35) pMTD, before and after a vocal load challenge. ELM tension significantly increased from rest-to-voiced conditions in both groups. However, the groups were similar in their ELM stiffness levels at SWE at baseline, during vocalization, and post-vocal load. Levels of vocal effort and discomfort and supraglottic compression were significantly higher and CPP was significantly lower in the pMTD group. Vocal load had a significant effect on vocal effort and discomfort but not on laryngeal or acoustic patterns. SWE can be used to quantify ELM tension with voicing. Although the pMTD group reported significantly higher levels of vocal effort and vocal tract discomfort and, on average, exhibited significantly more severe supraglottic compression and lower CPP values, there were no group differences in levels of ELM tension using SWE. 2 Laryngoscope, 133:3482-3491, 2023.

Effects of Optical See-Through Head-Mounted Display Use for Simulated Laparoscopic Surgery

This study investigated the influence of using optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMDs) as a replacement for conventional monitors for an extended duration, as required for laparoscopic surgery. We developed the experiment scenario including two displays (surgical field and patient vitals) in three different combinations of the HMD and conventional monitors. An experiment was conducted to compare the task performance, situation awareness, physical discomfort, and perceived workload in the three different display settings. From this study, it was shown that even though the OST-HMD resulted in higher physical discomfort and lower self-perceived performance rating, the surgical task performance, and situation awareness were not worse, and in some conditions even better than conventional monitors. The main obstacle to using OST-HMDs to replace conventional monitors in laparoscopic surgery would be the weight of the HMDs and the head discomfort caused by wearing them for a long time.

Efficacy of preoxygenation administration in volunteers, in extending the end-expiration breath-hold duration for application to abdominal radiotherapy

End expiration breath hold (EEBH) is the preferred motion management method for abdominal Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) treatments. However, multiple short EEBHs are required to complete a single treatment session. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of preoxygenation with hyperventilation in extending an EEBH duration.We randomised 10 healthy participants into two arms, each included breathing room air and oxygen at a rate of 10 L per minute (l/min) without hyperventilation for four minutes, and normally for four minutes and with hyperventilation for one minute at a rate of 20 breaths/minute for hyperventilation. The type of gas was blinded from the participants for each test. EEBH durations were then recorded, as well as systolic blood pressure, SpO2 and heart rate. A discomfort rating was also recorded after each breath hold.A significant increase in duration of almost 50% was observed between normal breathing of room air and breathing oxygen normally followed by hyperventilation. Vital signs remained consistent between the 4 tests. The tests were well tolerated with 75% of participants recording none or minimal discomfort.Preoxygenation with hyperventilation could be used to increase the EEBH duration for abdominal SABR patients which would assist in the accuracy of these treatments and possibly resulting in a reduction of overall treatment times.

Improving stress management, anxiety, and mental well-being in medical students through an online Mindfulness-Based Intervention: a randomized study

Pressures and responsibilities of medical school put a strain on medical student's personal wellbeing, leading among all to high rates of anxiety, emotional discomfort and stress. In this work we evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) in reducing this load. The intervention comprised 10 twice-a-week Integral Meditation classes, dietary advice, and brief yoga sessions. We performed a randomized trial on two cohort of medical students from Italian universities: 239 in cohort 1 (106 treated and 133 controls), and 123 in cohort 2 (68 treated and 55 control) for a total sample of 362 students. Nine questionnaires for evaluating the effectiveness of our intervention on stress (PSS), state anxiety (STAIX-1), well-being (WEMWBS), mind-wandering (MW-S), overall distress (PANAS), emotion regulation (DERS), resilience (RS-14), and attentional control (ACS-C and ACS-D) were collected both pre and post intervention. Linear mixed effect models were run on the whole sample showing that, after multiple testing correction, our intervention was effective in reducing perceived stress (β = − 2.57 [− 4.02; − 1.12], p = 0.004), improving mental well-being (β = 2.82 [1.02; 4.63], p = 0.008) and emotional regulation (β = − 8.24 [− 12.98; − 3.51], p = 0.004), resilience (β = 3.79 [1.32; 6.26], p = 0.008), reducing the tendency to wander with the mind (β = − 0.70 [− 0.99; − 0.39], p = 0.0001), ameliorating the ability to maintain attention (AC-S (β = − 0.23 [− 0.44; − 0.02], p = 0.04) and AC-D (β = − 0.19 [− 0.36; − 0.01], p = 0.04)), and the overall distress (β = 1.84 [0.45; 3.23], p = 0.02).

OROMANDIBULAR DYSTONIA: PREVALENCE, CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA, THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES OUT-COME FOR HUNDRED PATIENTS IN SANA’A CITY, YEMEN

Background and aims: Dystonia is a movement disease characterized by persistent, uncontrollable muscle contractions that often lead to abnormal postures. The tongue, jaw, and mouth are all affected by OMD, which is an uncommon focal dystonia. OMD is a rare public health problem that takes time to diagnose and treat because it is frequently identified as psychogenic. This study sought to ascertain the frequency, demographics, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of patients with mandibular dystonia (OMD) in Sana'a, Yemen. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted; the study included 100 Yemeni adults attending the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University Clinics and Departments of Oral, Maxillofacial and Neurosurgery at Kuwait University Hospital and some private centers for maxillofacial medicine and neurosurgery in the city of Sana’a during the year 2022. The selected patients were complaining of contraction or involuntary movement of the masticatory, lingual and/or lower facial muscles. Age, gender, age at onset of illness, duration of illness, personal habits, type of OMD, previous and current treatments, and their outcomes were recorded on a standard, pre-designed questionnaire. Results: The incidence rate of OMD is 19/100,000/year. Most of the patients (92%) are male while only 8% are female. The first episode onset is after stress (29%), 11% after illness, 6% after dental treatment, and 48% without causes. Jaw deviation dystonia was dominant at 65%, followed by jaw closing dystonia (42%), jaw protrusion dystonia (29%), and jaw opening dystonia (27%). After current treatment out-come, there was improvement on ability to eat ( from 12% to 24%, p=0.02), to speak (from 25% to 43%, p=0.007), the rate of no pain raised from 46% to 57%, the rate of no discomfort raised from 21% to 34% (p=0.04) and the score ≤ 5 of OMD raised from 47% to 72% (p=0.0003). Conclusion: The incidence of OMD in Sana’a city is remarkably high, predominantly male, and peaks at 30, 40, and 50 years of age. Jaw deviation dystonia was the dominant type followed by jaw closing dystonia. After the current treatment outcome, the ability to eat has improved, the rate of pain and discomfort has decreased. Peer Review History: Received: 25 February 2023; Revised: 17 March; Accepted: 28 April 2023, Available online: 15 May 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Dr. Ogbonna B. Onyebuchi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, summitpharm@yahoo.com

OC-062 15-YEAR FOLLOW-UP AFTER INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR: DYNAMICS OF RECURRENCE, RISK FACTORS, HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION AND PATIENT-REPORTED SATISFACTION

Abstract Aim Long-time results after Incisional hernia (IH) repair including recurrence rates with possible risk factors, long-term patient reported outcome (PROM) and health care utilization related. Methods Medical records and additional clinical/radiological examinations of IH repairs performed 2002–2013 . Time to recurrence, risk factors, and hazard ratios were calculated. A questionnaire was used for PROM. Results 299 IH repairs were performed. 260 (87%) with a sublay mesh, 15 (5%) with other mesh techniques and 24 (8%) with other techniques. The recurrence rates at 2, 5, 10, and 15 years were 7%, 9%, 11%, and 12%, respectively. Suture repair, obesity, small mesh size and wound infection were risk factors while a non-closed anterior aponeurosis was not. 9 out of 10 patients were satisfied, and 3 out of four were free of any discomfort. Risk factors identified for discomfort were women and patients younger than 65 years while mesh size was not. 7,1% hospital visits and 21,4% readmissions occurred and the reoperation rate was 7,2%. Conclusions The recurrence rate within 15 years was quite low and did not increase substantially with time. The larger the mesh, the lower the rate of recurrence. Closure of the anterior aponeurosis did not correlate to the rate of recurrence. Patient-satisfaction was high with low rates of long-term discomfort. Health care utilization mostly occurred within 2 months. Sublay mesh repairs were performed by applying a standardized regime. Based on current findings the regime now includes always aiming at placing a largest mesh possible.

UK ERCP sedation practices, patient comfort and endoscopist characteristics: National Endoscopy Database (NED) analysis on behalf of the JAG and BSG

ObjectivesThis analysis assessed current endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) practice within the UK, including use of sedation and patient comfort.MethodsERCPs conducted over 1 year (1 July 2021–30 June 2022) and uploaded...

Optimal Blood Flow Restriction Occlusion Pressure for Shoulder Muscle Recruitment With Upper Extremity Exercise

Background: As blood flow restriction (BFR) utilization continues to rise, it is crucial to define optimal parameters for use. Currently unknown are the effects of occlusion level during BFR on muscle activity in the proximal shoulder. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare electromyographic amplitude (EMGa) of shoulder musculature during exercise using limb occlusion percentages (LOPs). The authors hypothesized that EMGa would increase concurrently with occlusion. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: α Fifteen healthy adults were recruited and underwent 4 experimental sessions, performing 3 common rotator cuff exercises at low intensity (20% maximal strength) to failure in the following order: cable external rotation (ER), cable internal rotation (IR), and dumbbell scaption. Exercises were completed at a different occlusion pressure (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% LOP— order randomized) applied at the proximal arm. EMGa was recorded from shoulder musculature proximal to the occlusion site and averaged across 5-repetition intervals and overall for the first 30 repetitions. An analysis of variance repeated on occlusion pressure followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was used to compare EMGa, repetitions to fatigue, and ratings of discomfort (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-10) between occlusion pressures. The type 1 error was set at α = .05 for all analyses. Results: Significant effects of the occlusion level on shoulder muscle EMGa were observed for all exercises (P < .05) with diminishing returns above 50% LOP (overall). For ER, elevations in EMGa were observed at ≥50% LOP for the anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, infraspinatus, and trapezius compared with 0% LOP (P < .05). For IR, elevations in EMGa were observed at ≥25% LOP for the anterior deltoid and trapezius compared with 0% LOP (P < .05). For the teres minor, a significant elevation in EMGa occurred at 75% LOP compared with 0%, 25%, and 50% LOP (P < .05). A decrease in EMGa was observed at ≥50% LOP compared with 0% LOP for the posterior deltoid (P < .05). For scaption, an increase in EMGa was observed at ≥25% LOP for the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles, at 75% LOP for the posterior deltoid, and at ≥50% LOP for the trapezius compared with 0% LOP (P < .05). Decreases in repetitions to failure relative to 0% LOP were observed at 75% LOP for ER (0%: 47 ± 5; 75%: 40 ± 2; P = .034), IR (0%: 82 ± 10; 75%: 64 ± 5; P = .017), and scaption (0%: 85 ± 9; 75%: 64 ± 6; P < .001). A significant linear increase in discomfort was observed for all exercises with increasing occlusion pressures (VAS: 0-10, 0% → 75% LOP; ER: 2.2 ± 0.4 → 7.2 ± 0.3; IR: 1.3 ± 0.2 → 6.1 ± 0.6; scaption: 1.3 ± 0.4 → 6.1 ± 0.4; P < .01). Conclusion: There are several differences in muscle activation about the shoulder based on exercise and occlusion when utilizing BFR. Increasing the percentage of limb occlusion leads to heightened EMGa with diminished returns past 50% LOP when considering muscle activation, discomfort, and achievable exercise volume. Clinical Relevance: These findings may be used to refine upper extremity BFR guidelines.

Development of an automated mobile robotic sprayer to prevent workers' exposure of agro‐chemicals inside polyhouse

AbstractAutomated spraying practices are inevitable for modern polyhouse management to attain a broader objective of minimizing human exposure to agrochemicals. In the present study, an automated mobile robotic sprayer (AMRS) was developed to combat the increased human intervention and safeguard agricultural workers from potential health hazards. The system mainly comprises embedded sensors (ultrasonic, proximity, XBee) and controllers (Arduino, PLC). The controller drives the system on a piping track between the rows as well as on the head space achieving end‐to‐end automation for spraying operations. The system performance was evaluated on the tomato crop with respect to the physiological traits, yield and economics. Additionally, the study leveraged response surface methodology to optimize forward speed, spray distance, and working pressure of AMRS on the responses, droplet density, coverage, volume mean diameter (VMD) and application rate. Optimization of forward speed (0.79 km/h), spray distance (250 mm) and working pressure (0.40 MPa) resulted in 90.7 droplets/cm2 droplet density, 47.1% coverage, 170.2 μm VMD and 86.0 mL/m2 of application rate. Ergonomic aspects of AMRS were assessed by the parameters, human exposure, discomfort and postural assessment with respect to knapsack sprayer. The working heart rate of 103 beats/min, work pulse of 12 beats/min, oxygen consumption rate of 916 mL/min and energy expenditure rate of 18.7 kJ/min recorded during the ergonomic evaluation of the AMRS were 25%, 75%, 42%, and 41% lower compared to manual spraying, respectively. Moreover, three–six times higher work pulse, cardiac cost, body part discomfort score and overall discomfort rating were observed which indicated more drudgery involved in manual spraying. State‐of‐the‐art system developed for polyhouses would minimize the drudgery and health hazards, significantly. The system's resilience and effectiveness pave the way for its wider deployment where the use of agrochemicals are prevalent, particularly in small‐size polyhouses.